columbidae of the day

That’s all from me! Have a good day, coo coo! :^)

Large pale gray pigeon with greenish-blue back and wings, chestnut rear underside, and a distinctive fleshy saddle at the base of the bill. Also called the Marquesan imperial pigeon or Upe. Endemic to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. Can be found in woodland and forested valleys ranging from 200 m to 1,500 m above sea level, at one point these habitats could be found all over the islands, but have dramatically decreased because of deforestation. A critically endangered bird, with about 250 adults and a total population of 300 total. On a brighter note, they are making a steady recovery, with an established population on the island of Ua Huka following successful reintroductions. The most common vocalization is a harsh “krrraahh”, often heard in the early morning.

Small sandy brown ground dove, with a scaly pattern, a long tail with white edges, and bright rufous wings visible when in flush. Despite being named after the Inca Empire, these doves don’t live anywhere the empire had settled in. Residents of the southwest U.S, much of Mexico, and western Panama. Has escaped or been intentionally released in Florida, but there is no evidence that the population is growing there. Commonly found in deserts, scrublands, and urban settings like neighborhoods and parks. Usually found in pairs or small groups, in winter, they form communal huddles in a pyramid formation, this helps them retain body heat in cold temperatures. Gives a repetitive, soft whistled song, often likened to the phrase “no hope”. Another distinctive sound is the rattlesnake-like whirring they make with their wings when they fly away.

Big (mostly) dark gray pigeon with chestnut colored neck, back, and tail feathers, white spots along the shoulder, and a large red patch of bare skin around the eye. Also known as the African Rock Pigeon or the Guinea Pigeon. Very closely related to the Rock Pigeon/Dove, and has been crossed with it for a long time. In fact, speckled pigeon DNA can be found in many breeds of domestic pigeon. It lives in much of Africa south of the Sahara. Can be found in multiple different open habitats, cliffs, and areas of human habitation, such as cities or towns. Voice is a rapid series of hoots or a deep growling call.

Large, very long-tailed dove with a striking deep chestnut colored back, wings, and tail, and a white (or pale gray, depends on the region) head, neck, and underside. Has a red bare patch of skin on the face connecting from the corner of the eye to the mouth. Resident of multiple islands near Asia and Oceania. Usually by itself, but sometimes in pairs or groups in fruiting trees. Can commonly be found in primary forests, secondary growth, mountains, and foothills. Voice is a repetitive two-note “woo-woook”, similar to a cuckoo bird’s distinctive call, hence its name.

Medium-sized dark blue beefy pigeon with a pale gray hood and a bumpy red patch of bare skin on the face. Endemic to the Seychelles Islands located near Africa, hence its namesake. Can be found in any habitat with trees, especially trees that produce fruit, though usually in montane forests. The most common vocalization is a quick series of short growling notes.

Medium sized dove with a gray-blue head, brown wings with black spots, a wedge shaped tail with white tips, and a distinctive black and white striped neck patch. Lives in much of Europe and the Middle East, and some parts of Asia and North Africa. Rare vagrants in North America, some turtle doves have been spotted in Massachusetts and Florida. Commonly found in woodlands, semiopen habitats, and farmland. Usually very timid; mostly seen in flight, but on occasion will perch on utility wires. Feeds on the ground, where it may socialize with other pigeons. Voice is a trilling coo or purr.

Medium sized, brightly-colored tree pigeon. Adult males have soft pink necks, an orange breast patch, grayish-blue head, and yellow belly. Adult females are somewhat plainer, mostly tea-green, but have yellow-green underparts. Both sexes have striking black and yellow wing feathers and yellow spots on undertail coverts. Residents of much of Southeast Asia. Commonly found in mangroves, coastal forests, gardens, parks, and plantation edges. Social, often gathers in flocks; occasionally mixes with other species of green-pigeon. Not very vocal, but doesn’t coo like most pigeons (common characteristic for the Treron genus), instead whistles and quacks.

Bulky, medium-sized grayish-brown dove with a blue eyering, a single dark spot on the cheek (defining characteristic of most birds in the Zenaida genus), and a white crescent shaped stripe along the bottom edge of the wing. The white wing patch looks like a line across the wing, but it becomes fuller when in flight, contrasting with the dark outer wings. They live in some parts of the Central and Southern U.S, much of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Can usually be found in deserts, fields, open woodlands, suburban areas, and even cities. It relies heavily on the Saguaro cactus for nectar and water. It’s often mistaken for its cousin, the Mourning Dove, White-winged Doves are heftier and shorter-tailed. Voice is a mournful complex series of coos— often likened to the phrase “who cooks for you?”

Fairly large common gray pigeon with a brown back, tail, and underparts, iridescent purple and green wing feathers, and a long, erect (don’t laugh), black-tipped crest. Sometimes called the “topknot pigeon”, not to be confused with the red-crested Lopholaimus antarticus who has the same name. Native to and a resident of much of Australia. When startled, it claps its wings loudly and makes a squeaky toy-like whistle with its wings in flight. Can be found in open, wooded habitats and even suburbia. Suprisingly comfortable around humans. When it is time to find a mate, male crested pigeons will approach a female and perform an elaborate mating dance: they bob themselves up and down, while fanning and closing their tail with each bob. this is accompanied by a soft, sharp hooting sound, timed with the rhythm of the bobbing.

A small pinkish-fawn ground dove with a pale gray upper head, an all-dark bill, and rows of iridescent green spots on folded wings. In flight, it reveals bright rufous underwings and three gray bands: two on the wing and one across the tail. Lives across eastern and central Africa. Common resident of dry savanna and thickets. Like most wood doves, it has a melancholy, complex song.

Majestic, very large blue-gray pigeon with a maroon chest, pale gray wing patch with a maroon tip, and a stunning, fanned-out, long white tipped head crest. It is currently the largest-known pigeon species and member of the Columbidae family. Lives in the swamp forests of New Guinea and its surrounding islands. Like most crowned pigeons, its wings clap loudly when in flush. Can likely be found foraging for fallen fruit on the forest floor. Mating display involves the male lowering his head down, stretching forward, and swinging his head up and down while fanning and wagging his tail. Usually gives a deep whooping call.

Medium-sized dark colored dove with a pale face. Light gray corners of the tail are only visible in flight. Sometimes called the “cinnamon dove” because of its mostly brown plumage. The color of some parts varies geographically, most eastern and southern doves have rufous underparts, while western and central doves are gray below. These birds have very wide ranges, and can be found in the montane forests of sub-Saharan Africa. Lemon doves are usually shy, and are more likely to be seen than heard. It is usually not noticed until it noisily flies away. Voice is a series of deep hoots than can vary in speed.