Hill Pigeon

The hill pigeon, also known as the eastern rock dove or Turkestan hill dove, is a robust pigeon bearing resemblance to the familiar rock dove. It is distinguished by its unique tail pattern, featuring a broad white band across a black tail. A paler mantle and upper wings, along with a white patch on the back, are other notable differences. When in flight, one can observe the tail pattern akin to that of the snow pigeon, yet it lacks the stark contrast between the head and neck found in the latter species.

Identification Tips

To identify the hill pigeon, look for its stout body and the characteristic white band on the black tail. The paler shades on the mantle and upper wings are also key identifiers. When the bird takes to the skies, the tail pattern becomes more evident, aiding in its identification against the backdrop of high-altitude landscapes.

Habitat

The hill pigeon is an inhabitant of open, rugged terrain, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 6,100 meters above sea level. It is more commonly encountered at higher altitudes compared to its relative, the rock dove.

Distribution

This species graces the skies across a broad swath of Asia, from China to the Indian subcontinent, and extends into Central Asia, touching upon countries such as Kazakhstan, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. In Pakistan, its presence is more confined to the northernmost valleys of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Pamirs.

Behaviour

The hill pigeon is a sociable bird throughout the year, often seen feeding in flocks within terraced, cultivated fields. It is known to mingle with rock dove flocks and exhibits a remarkable tameness, frequently found near human settlements, camps, and along pilgrimage routes.

Breeding

In terms of breeding, the hill pigeon commences nesting as early as February in some regions, with the breeding season extending into September. The males perform a bowing display akin to that of the rock dove, and courtship behaviors are similar. They favor dense colonies on cliffs, gorges, and rocky outcrops for nesting. In Tibet, nests are sometimes found in human dwellings, both occupied and abandoned, or within crevices in walls. The nests are typically constructed from twigs or plant stems, and generally, two eggs are laid, with the potential for two broods per year.

Diet and Feeding

The hill pigeon's diet is primarily granivorous, similar to that of the rock dove. It supplements its diet with green shoots, leaves, and occasionally small mollusks like snails. At times, the pigeon exhibits opportunistic feeding behaviors, consuming leftover human food, partially digested food from kiang dung, and even undigested food from the stomachs of kiang carcasses opened by other predators.

Conservation status

Despite a decreasing population trend, the hill pigeon is not currently considered to be at risk. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, owing to its wide distribution and abundant numbers.