The Four Keys to ID
- Size & Shape
Band-tailed Pigeons are large, stocky pigeons with small heads, long, rounded tails, and thick-based, pointed wings.
Relative Size
Slightly larger than a Rock Pigeon; smaller than an American Crow.
crow-sizedMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 13.0-15.8 in (33-40 cm)
- Weight: 12.1-12.8 oz (342-364 g)
© Bridget Spencer / Macaulay Library
- Color Pattern
They are soft blue-gray above and purplish-gray below, with a white crescent on the back of the neck. The upper half of the tail is gray, fading to a pale gray band at the tip. The wings are unmarked pale gray with dark wingtips noticeable in flight. The bill and feet are yellow.
© Rick Taylor / Macaulay Library - Behavior
These forest pigeons spend much of their time traveling in groups to search for nuts, fruits, and seeds on the ground and in trees. They typically travel and feed in flocks of dozens to hundreds of individuals. Their call is a slow one- or two-syllable coo, sounding somewhat owl-like.
- Habitat
Band-tailed Pigeons live in mature coniferous forests in Western mountains, damp forests of the West Coast, and conifer-oak woodlands. They also visit forested suburban parks, fields, orchards, and backyard birdfeeders to forage.
© David Poortinga / Macaulay Library
