The red-billed pigeon is a relatively large, robust species of pigeon. Its breeding range extends from southern Texas, United States, to Costa Rica. It is primarily found throughout coastal and lowland areas of Mexico and Central America. It belongs to a clade of Patagioenas which generally lack iridescent display plumage, except some vestiges in the pale-vented pigeon.
Region
Mexico and Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas through most of Mexico and into Central America as far south as Costa Rica, mainly on the Pacific and Gulf lowlands and foothills. Prefers tropical and subtropical dry forests, riparian woodlands, forest edges, second-growth, and semi-open agricultural mosaics. Often uses orchards, coffee plantations, and shaded agroforestry systems where fruit is available. In towns and villages it may visit large fruiting trees and parklands but generally avoids dense urban cores.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for its vivid red bill with a pale tip, the red-billed pigeon is a large, robust New World pigeon that often gathers at fruiting trees. It has expanded northward into southern Texas while remaining common through much of Mexico and Central America. Unlike some related pigeons, it shows little to no iridescent sheen, giving it a more matte appearance. It is frequently seen perched high in the canopy or on exposed wires near forest edges and farmland.
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose flocks that gather at fruiting trees or along rivers. Nests high in trees on a flimsy stick platform, typically laying 1–2 eggs. Courtship includes bowing displays and short pursuit flights, with pairs maintaining small nesting territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a deep, resonant series of coos, often a slow 3–5-note sequence that carries through woodland edges. Calls include soft grunts and cooing duets between mates, especially at dawn.
Plumage
Overall dark, with rich vinaceous to maroon head and breast blending into slaty-brown wings and back; tail dark with a paler gray terminal band. Feathers lack strong iridescence, giving a smooth, matte look. Juveniles appear duller and browner with faint pale edging on wing coverts.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries from native trees and shrubs, including figs and other canopy species. Will take seeds and grains opportunistically, especially near agriculture. Visits water sources daily and may forage on the ground for fallen fruit. When trees are fruiting, flocks commute between feeding sites and roosts.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid to upper canopy along forest edges, riparian corridors, and second-growth. Also enters orchards, shade coffee, and scattered trees in farmland where fruit is abundant.
