Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)

Identification & Behavior: ~36.2 cm (14.2 in). The Band-tailed Pigeon is gray above and reddish-brown head and underparts. Adult birds have a white half collar and yellow bill and feet.  Juveniles are a dull version of the adults and lack the white half collar. All ages show a pale terminal band on the tail. It resembles a Plumbeous Pigeon but is distinguished by the broad pale tail band, yellow bill and feet, and white half collar.

Status: The Band-tailed Pigeon can be uncommon to rare as it may undergo regional movements. It occurs in humid montane forest on the east and west slopes of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1000 – 3600 m. It also ranges further south on the west slope to Lima. It is known to occur in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Paloma de Nuca Blanca.

Sub-species: Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea), Bonaparte 1854.

Meaning of Name: Patagioenas: Gr. Patageö= noise, noisy and Oinas= dove. fasciata: L. fasciatus, fascia= with stripe, striped, with band.

See more of the Family Columbidae