The ruddy pigeon is a largish pigeon which breeds from Costa Rica south to western Ecuador, Bolivia, and central Brazil. It belongs to a clade of small and rather plain species of Patagioenas with characteristic calls that constitute the subgenus Oenoenas. Like the other New World pigeons, it was formerly united with their Old World relatives in Columba, but today the New World genus Patagioenas is recognized as distinct again.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica south through Panama and the Chocó into western Colombia and Ecuador, and widely across the Amazon Basin to Bolivia and central Brazil. It favors humid evergreen lowland and foothill forests, including tall secondary growth and forest edges. Birds are usually in the midstory to canopy and may descend to forage at fruiting shrubs or on fallen fruits along tracks. It avoids highly open, deforested landscapes but persists in larger forest fragments.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy forest pigeon is more often heard than seen, giving a low, mournful single-note coo repeated at steady intervals. It can be confused with the Short-billed Pigeon, but Ruddy Pigeon is generally warmer, more uniformly rufous and occurs more in foothill forests. Like many pigeons, it builds a flimsy stick platform and typically lays a single egg. It plays an important role in seed dispersal for many tropical trees.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small loose groups at fruiting trees. Males perform bowing displays and repetitive cooing from concealed perches. The nest is a flimsy platform of twigs placed in dense vegetation or low branches, typically holding a single white egg.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, booming single-note coo, spaced at regular intervals and carrying far through dense forest. The note often has a slightly rising and falling quality, giving a plaintive, hollow tone.
