The short-billed pigeon is a largish pigeon which breeds from southern Mexico south to northwestern Colombia. It is a member of a clade of Patagioenas that contains the smaller and rather plain species with characteristic calls that constitute the subgenus Oenoenas.
Region
Mesoamerica and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America to northwestern Colombia, favoring humid lowland and foothill forests. It uses primary evergreen forest, tall secondary growth, riverine forest, and forest edges, and may visit shaded plantations with ample canopy trees. Most activity is in the midstory to canopy, where it follows fruiting trees. It is generally inconspicuous and often detected by voice rather than by sight.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized, rather plain forest pigeon of lowland humid forests from southern Mexico to northwestern Colombia. Its low, mournful cooing carries far and is a key way to detect it high in the canopy. The bill is notably short and dark, helping separate it from other similar Patagioenas pigeons. It is typically shy and more often heard than seen.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally forming small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are flimsy stick platforms placed well above the ground in trees. Both sexes participate in nest building and incubation. Territorial calling is common, especially at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, muffled coos delivered in a steady rhythm, often sounding ventriloquial from the canopy. Typical phrases are spaced and resonant, with a mournful quality that carries through the forest.
Plumage
Mostly plain brownish to gray-brown with a slightly grayer head and a subtle purplish wash or sheen on the neck; underparts dull brownish-gray. Tail often shows a narrow pale terminal band. Wings lack bold bars, giving a uniformly dark appearance in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries from canopy trees, including figs and other fleshy-fruited species. It also takes seeds and occasionally fallen fruits on the forest floor. Foraging is typically patient and deliberate, moving between fruiting trees. It may swallow fruits whole and later regurgitate seeds, aiding forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in midstory and canopy of humid evergreen forest, visiting fruiting trees along edges and gaps. Will use tall secondary forest and shaded agroforestry systems when fruit is available.
