The speckled pigeon, also known as the African rock pigeon or Guinea pigeon, is a pigeon that is a resident breeding bird in much of Africa south of the Sahara. It is a common and widespread species in open habitats over much of its range, although there are sizable gaps in its distribution.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely in open habitats including savannas, dry scrub, farmlands, and towns. It favors cliffs, rocky gorges, quarries, and building ledges for roosting and nesting. Common around cultivated fields, grain depots, and waterholes. Generally avoids dense rainforest and the most arid desert interiors, creating patchy gaps within its broad range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the African rock pigeon or Guinea pigeon, it thrives around rocky outcrops and human settlements across much of sub‑Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its white-speckled wings and conspicuous red bare eye patch. Birds often clap their wings loudly during display flights and gather in noisy flocks at grain stores and water points.
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats and audible wing claps
Social Behavior
Often forms loose flocks outside the breeding season and gathers at feeding areas and water. Pairs nest on ledges, cliffs, quarries, or building eaves, sometimes in loose colonies. Nests are simple twig platforms, and both parents share incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, rolling coos delivered from a perch or during display flights. Wing clapping during takeoff or display is also a distinctive sound in urban and rocky habitats.
Plumage
Warm brown to chestnut upperparts with slate-grey wings heavily spangled with white spots; pale grey head and neck with faint streaking; underparts greyish.
Diet
Primarily granivorous, taking seeds and cultivated grains such as millet, sorghum, and maize. Also consumes seeds of wild grasses and weeds and occasionally small fruits. Forages mostly on the ground, picking items individually.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open fields, along roadsides, fallows, and around grain stores and threshing floors. Frequently visits water sources and farmyards near human habitation.
