The African olive pigeon or Rameron pigeon is a pigeon which is a resident breeding bird in much of eastern and southern Africa from Ethiopia to the Cape. Populations also are found in western Angola, southwestern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. It is locally common, although sizeable gaps in its distribution occur due to its habitat requirements.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Ethiopia through the highlands of East Africa to South Africa, with outlying populations in western Angola and the mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. It favors Afromontane and evergreen forests, forest edges, deep ravines, and wooded gorges. The species also visits plantations and suburban gardens where large fruiting trees are present. It is patchily distributed, tracking suitable forest and fruit resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Rameron pigeon, this large forest pigeon is locally common where fruiting trees are abundant. It plays an important role in seed dispersal for native trees such as wild olives and podocarps. Birds often commute between forest patches and gardens, making them conspicuous when trees are in fruit.
Temperament
wary but conspicuous around fruiting trees
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct flight between forest patches
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in small groups, but can form larger feeding flocks at abundant fruit sources. Nests are simple twig platforms placed high in trees within forest or tall woodland. Clutch is typically one, occasionally two. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant cooing phrases delivered from canopy perches, often carrying far through forest valleys. Calls are rhythmic and repetitive, with booming quality especially at dawn.
