Yellow-eyed pigeon

The yellow-eyed pigeon, pale-backed pigeon, yellow-eyed dove or yellow-eyed stock dove is a member of the family Columbidae. It breeds in southern Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, north-east Iran and extreme north-west China. It winters in north-east Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Rajasthan. The bird has declined in numbers over the years, chiefly because of hunting, and it is listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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Distribution

Region

Central Asia and Northwest Indian Subcontinent

Typical Environment

Breeds in southern Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, northeast Iran, and extreme northwest China. Winters mainly in northeast Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Rajasthan. Prefers open steppe, semi-desert, desert scrub (including saxaul), and riverine groves, and readily uses irrigated agricultural land in winter. It concentrates around oases and temporary or permanent waterholes, especially during dry periods.

Altitude Range

0–2000 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size30–33 cm

Wing Span50–60 cm

Male Weight0.28 kg

Female Weight0.26 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The yellow-eyed pigeon is a scarce Central Asian pigeon recognized by its bright yellow iris and pale, bluish-grey back. It breeds across arid steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia and migrates south to the northwest Indian subcontinent in winter. Populations have declined markedly due to hunting pressure and habitat loss around water sources, leading to its current Vulnerable status. It often gathers at dawn and dusk at traditional watering sites, where it can be most reliably observed.

Gallery

Individual from Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and flocking

Flight Pattern

strong, fast wingbeats with swift, direct flight

Social Behavior

Often forms small to medium-sized flocks outside the breeding season and gathers communally at water. Breeding pairs build simple twig platforms, typically in trees or on ledges, and usually lay two eggs. Roosting is communal in safe groves or cliffs, especially near water.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

A soft, low coo typical of pigeons, delivered from a perch or within cover. Calls are subdued and can be drowned out by wind in open steppe habitats.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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