Juvenile Woodpigeon ( Columba palumbus )

Juvenile woodpigeons aren't exactly a rarity.  Pigeons can breed all the year round.  On the other hand I know many people who can't tell they are juvenile.  Once you know the signs they are dead easy.

First the beak.  THis beak is dark and has a softish look while the adults is a light yellowish and looks harder.  The ring round the eye isn't as clear or as light in colour.  The neck feathers lack the bright iridescence of an adult.  Most noticeable is the lack of a white patch on the neck.  Finally when in flight the youngsters lack the white wing patches so clear on the adult.  If you look closely at this individual you can still see a few wisps of down not yet molted away.