Band-tailed Pigeon

Columba fsaciata

Description:

Band-tailed Pigeons are stout birds, slightly larger than a quail. They have a purplish-gray head and breast. The nape of neck is mottled greenish-yellow with a narrow white band separating it from the head. The broad tail has a gray band across the bottom. It measures 14 ½-15 ½ inches long.

Voice:

A low whoo-whoo or coo-coo.

Food:

An omnivore, the Band-tailed Pigeon will eat the nuts, seeds, berries, blossoms and insects found in its coastal woodland and forest habitat. When in season it is also known to eat domestic crops such as cherries, berries, oats, barley and wheat.

Nest:

The female builds a flat, loose nest on the ground, in low brush, or in the fork of lower tree branches. Nesting materials are provided by the male and consist mainly of twigs and pine needles. One, or in rare cases two, eggs are laid per season with both male and female responsible for incubation. Eggs range in color from white to light yellow or bluish, with small white spots at the larger end.

Habitat:

The Band-tailed Pigeon is found in oak or pine forests or coastal woodlands of western British Colombia and America. Unlike the common pigeon which can be found in cities around the world, the band-tailed pigeon will avoid populated areas and any human contact.

Range:

The Band-tailed Pigeon lives in the western Americas and Canada.

Comments:

Commonly seen in groups of up to 50 birds.

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