The (northern) band-tailed pigeon is a pigeon native to the Americas, the largest pigeon native to North America, and is California's only native pigeon. It is a large, gray pigeon, characterized by a thin white collar on the nape of its neck and a purple-gray belly.
Region
Western North America to the Andes of Central and South America
Typical Environment
This species inhabits mature coniferous and mixed evergreen-oak forests, pine–oak woodlands, and coastal redwood and mixed hardwood habitats. In Mexico and Central America it frequents pine–oak and montane forests, and in the Andes it ranges through cloud forests and humid highland woodlands. It also visits riparian corridors, chaparral edges, and occasionally orchards and suburban areas with fruiting trees. Flocks gather at fruiting trees and at mineral licks, especially in summer.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The band-tailed pigeon is the largest pigeon native to North America and California’s only native pigeon. Adults show a thin white nape collar and an iridescent green-purple sheen on the neck. They often visit natural mineral springs to obtain salts and grit that aid digestion. Northern populations migrate seasonally, while more southerly and Andean birds are largely resident.
Upper body
At a feeder near Pecos, New Mexico
Temperament
wary and flocking
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats; audible wing whistle on takeoff
Social Behavior
Often forms loose to large flocks at food sources and mineral licks. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and build a flimsy stick platform high in a tree. Clutches are typically a single egg, and multiple broods may occur where seasons allow.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The song is a series of deep, owl-like hoots and soft coos, sometimes rendered as a low, resonant huuu-hoo hoo. Calls are mellow and carry through forests, with wing whistles providing additional sounds during rapid flight.
