The afep pigeon, also known as the African woodpigeon or grey woodpigeon, is a member of the family Columbidae, native to the African tropical rainforest from Sierra Leone east to Uganda.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Sierra Leone and Liberia east through Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo Basin to western Uganda and northwestern Angola. Prefers lowland primary and secondary rainforest, forest edges, and gallery forest. It will also visit fruiting trees in clearings and plantations near forest. Most activity is in the mid- to upper canopy, descending to lower levels mainly to drink or visit specific fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the African woodpigeon or grey woodpigeon, this large forest pigeon inhabits the African tropical rainforest from West to Central Africa. It spends much of its time high in the canopy, where it feeds mainly on fruit and helps disperse seeds. Usually shy and unobtrusive, it is most often detected by its deep, resonant cooing. Despite habitat loss in parts of its range, it is currently not considered globally threatened.
Temperament
wary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with fast, direct wingbeats; occasional loud wing claps in display
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests high in trees on a flimsy platform of sticks; clutch usually one egg. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Displays include bowing and cooing from prominent perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, resonant series of coos, often delivered in measured sequences that carry through the forest. Calls can include soft, booming notes and repeated phrases, most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Largely uniform slate-grey with a slightly paler head and nape and subtle greenish-purple iridescence on the neck. The wings and back are darker, giving a two-toned appearance in good light. Tail shows a contrasting pale grey terminal band.
Diet
Primarily consumes forest fruits and berries, especially figs and palm fruits, swallowing them whole and dispersing seeds. Will also take drupes and occasionally small seeds. Visits fruiting trees opportunistically and may move locally to track food availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the forest canopy and at tall fruiting trees along edges and clearings. Also enters plantations and secondary growth where fruit is abundant.
