Pigeon, Band-tailed

Physical Features

The Band-tailed Pigeon is a largest of its species in North America. It is generally dark in color, with its head and under parts a light pink. The remaining portion of the body is paler as well. It has a yellow bill and feet. The tail is most often dark grey at the base and lighter in hue across the tip. The length of the Band tail Pigeon is 12.7 – 15 inches and its weight ranges 12.2 to 13 ounces. The pigeon goes by a number of names. In French, it is called the 'Pigeon a queue barree' and in Spanish the 'Paloma de colar' and the 'Paloma tarcaza'.

Habitat

These birds prefer lower elevation in which to live. They are mostly found along the Pacific coastline. Deciduous and coniferous forests house the pigeons as well. They love open types habitats like city parks and suburban structures.

Diet

Seeds, nuts, grains, grasses, flowers, wild berries and nut are eaten by this bird. They often feed on the ground as well as in trees. During the latter part of summer, the birds find mineral springs where they ingest salts for added nutrition. They also eat plenty of fruits during this period.

Behavior

When the female is laying she will produce 1- 2 eggs. The nest she lays them in usually will be located in a tree and be made of twigs, leaves, grasses and some breast feathers collected by the male and constructed by the female. The eggs are incubated for 18- 22 days. During this period both parents assist to keep eggs at the required temperature. When they are born, they are fed with pigeon milk, a rich in protein and fat that is produced in their crops. After 5 weeks they are able to leave the nest.

These birds are quite sociable, they spend most of their time moving around in small colonies where they feed and nest. 

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