Bolle's pigeon, Bolle's laurel pigeon or dark-tailed laurel pigeon is a species of pigeon in the genus Columba that is endemic to the Canary Islands, Spain. This bird is named after the German naturalist Carl Bolle, who was the first to distinguish it from the laurel pigeon. This wood pigeon is endemic to the laurel forest habitat.
Region
Macaronesia (Canary Islands)
Typical Environment
Occupies humid evergreen laurel forests (laurisilva) on the northern and windward slopes of the western Canary Islands. It favors mature forest with dense canopy and plentiful fruiting trees, using adjacent heaths and transitional zones when foraging. Birds roost and breed within deep ravines and sheltered valleys, commuting to feeding sites along forest edges. Occasional movements into nearby agricultural mosaics occur when native fruit is scarce. It is largely absent from drier lowlands and high, open pine zones.
Altitude Range
300–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bolle's pigeon is a laurel-forest specialist found only on the Canary Islands, where it plays a key role dispersing the seeds of native trees. Unlike the closely related laurel pigeon, it typically nests in trees rather than on cliffs. It is shy and often heard before seen, giving deep cooing calls from dense canopy. Conservation actions in laurel forests have helped stabilize many local populations.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats through forest corridors
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in small groups, forming loose flocks at abundant fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs nest within the forest, placing simple stick platforms in trees or tall shrubs. Clutch size is typically one egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, resonant series of coos delivered from shaded perches within the canopy. Phrases are measured and repetitive, carrying well in humid forest. Wing-clapping may be heard during short display flights.
Plumage
Overall dark slaty-brown to grey with a rich wine-purple gloss on the neck and upper breast; wings uniformly dark. The tail appears distinctly dark and lacks a contrasting pale terminal band. Underparts are slightly paler on the belly with a subtle sheen on the neck. In flight, shows broad, dark wings with subdued contrast.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits of native laurel-forest trees and shrubs, swallowing them whole and later dispersing seeds. Key items include laurels, persea, and other fleshy berries, supplemented by leaves, buds, and occasionally agricultural fruits when wild supplies are low. It plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser across fragmented forest patches.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of mature laurel forest and along forest edges. Will also use sheltered ravines and nearby secondary growth, occasionally venturing into orchards. Feeding sites shift seasonally with fruit availability.
