The snow pigeon is a species of bird in the genus Columba in the family Columbidae from hilly regions of central Asia. They are grey, black, pale brown and white birds and two subspecies are recognised: C. l. leuconota occurs in the western Himalayas from western Afghanistan to Sikkim and C. l. gradaria occurs in the mountains of eastern Tibet and from eastern Nan Shan (Qinghai) to Yunnan and extreme northern Myanmar. The birds forage in open country in pairs or small groups, feeding on grain, buds, shoots, berries and seeds. They roost at night on cliffs, breeding in crevices where they build untidy stick nests and lay a clutch of usually two white eggs. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the bird's conservation status as being of least concern.
Region
Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs from the western Himalayas (western Afghanistan and Pakistan) across northern India and Nepal to Bhutan and Sikkim, and east through Tibet and Qinghai to Yunnan and extreme northern Myanmar. It favors rugged, open montane landscapes with nearby cliffs for roosting and nesting. Birds forage in alpine meadows, high valleys, and cultivated terraces, often moving to lower elevations in winter. They are typically seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes joining larger mixed groups at rich feeding sites.
Altitude Range
1500–5200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The snow pigeon is a high-mountain pigeon of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau, roosting and nesting on cliff ledges and in rock crevices. Two subspecies are recognized, splitting its range between the western Himalayas and eastern Tibet–Qinghai to northern Myanmar. It often makes altitudinal movements, descending to lower valleys in winter to feed in fields and open country. The species is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
A flock of snow pigeons flying over 12,000 ft at Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, India
Temperament
social and wary in open terrain
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small flocks; larger flocks may form at feeding sites or communal roosts. Nests in crevices or on ledges on cliffs, building a sparse stick platform. Typically lays two white eggs; both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of low, rolling coos delivered from ledges or during display flights. Wing-claps or a soft whistle of the wings may be heard on takeoff or in fast flight.
