The picazuro pigeon is a pigeon native to South America.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Found widely from eastern Bolivia and much of Brazil through Paraguay and Uruguay to northern and central Argentina. It favors open woodlands, savanna edges, gallery forests, and second-growth, and readily uses agricultural lands, pastures, and parks. The species tolerates fragmentation and often increases in moderately disturbed mosaics. It congregates near water and roosts communally in trees or sheltering groves.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The picazuro pigeon is a large, common pigeon of eastern and central South America that adapts well to open and human-modified landscapes. Its plumage shows a distinctive scaly look from pale feather edging on the wings and back. It often forms sizable flocks and can concentrate at water sources and grain fields. The deep, rhythmic cooing carries far and is a characteristic sound in its range.
Temperament
social and often conspicuous
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly seen in pairs during breeding and in flocks outside the season, sometimes large at feeding or roost sites. Builds a flimsy stick platform in trees or tall shrubs. Typically lays 1–2 eggs, with both adults incubating and caring for the young. Roosting is communal in sheltered trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, rhythmic series of coos delivered in measured phrases, often repeated for long periods. Calls can be heard over distance, especially at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Overall dusky brown to purplish-brown with conspicuous pale edging on the mantle and wing coverts that creates a scaly appearance; head and neck are grayer with slight gloss.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds and grains taken from the ground and low vegetation. Also eats fallen fruits and occasionally soft tree fruits. Freely visits agricultural fields to glean spilled or ripening grain. Regularly drinks at waterholes or rivers, often in groups.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open country, savanna edges, pastures, and cropland, as well as along roadsides and in urban parks. Often forages on the ground but will perch in trees to access fruits and to scan for safety.
