Species · GBIF taxon 2495266
Band-tailed Pigeon
Patagioenas fasciataAlso known as White-collared Pigeon, Wild Pigeon
Band-tailed pigeons are large, forest-dwelling birds that travel in nomadic flocks to search for seasonal acorns, berries, and grains. They are known for their deep, owl-like cooing and their acrobatic feeding style, often hanging upside down from branches to reach ripe fruit. During the breeding season, they build flimsy stick nests high in coniferous trees, usually raising just a single chick.
Forest-dwellingNomadicFrugivorous
- diet
- Acorns, berries, seeds, and wild fruits
- family
- Columbidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, hunting, and Trichomoniasis outbreaks
- life Span
- 5 to 7 years in the wild
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Listen closely: Their low, two-syllable cooing sounds remarkably like a Great Horned Owl.
- Look up: Scan the very tops of tall conifers where they love to perch and sun themselves.
- Provide water: They are highly attracted to mineral springs and backyard birdbaths.