White-crowned Pigeon

The White-crowned Pigeon, Patagioenas leucocephala, presents a striking figure with its slate gray to near-black plumage. This bird, similar in size to the common rock pigeon, is distinguished by its less robust build and a longer, more square tail. The adult's plumage shimmers with an iridescent collar-patch that reveals a barred white pattern with green under optimal lighting conditions. The species' name is aptly derived from its distinctive white crown, which is more pronounced in males.

Identification Tips

To identify the White-crowned Pigeon, look for the following characteristics: a body length of 29–35 cm, a wingspan of 48–59 cm, and a weight range of 150–301 grams. The adult pigeon has a white iris and a pale-tipped red bill. Juveniles lack the nape pattern and white iris of adults, and their plumage is a duller gray with only hints of pale feathers on the crown. The bird's call is a resonant coo-cura-coo or coo-croo.

Habitat

This pigeon favors low-lying coastal mangrove forests for nesting, often forming colonies or nesting individually. It ventures inland to forage, demonstrating a preference for a variety of fruits and seeds.

Distribution

The White-crowned Pigeon is primarily found in the Caribbean, with significant populations in the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Antigua. It also breeds in smaller numbers across other Caribbean islands and along the Central American Caribbean coast. In the United States, its presence is limited to the Florida Keys, Everglades, and the southern tip of mainland Florida.

Behaviour

The species is known to breed in mangrove forests and travel inland for feeding. It has been observed nesting in both remote wildlife refuges and, more recently, urban areas like Key West and Miami, Florida, possibly due to habitat loss or increased predation in traditional nesting sites.

Song & Calls

The White-crowned Pigeon's vocalizations include a loud, deep coo-cura-coo or coo-croo, which is characteristic of its genus.

Breeding

Breeding primarily occurs in isolated offshore mangrove islets, which offer some protection from predators. The species requires undisturbed nesting habitats to successfully reproduce.

Similar Species

While similar in size to the common rock pigeon, the White-crowned Pigeon can be differentiated by its unique white crown and iridescent collar-patch.

Diet and Feeding

The pigeon feeds on the fruits and seeds of a wide variety of plants. In Florida, it often consumes the fruit of the poisonwood tree.

Conservation Status

The White-crowned Pigeon is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN and Vulnerable by NatureServe. Habitat loss due to deforestation and degradation, along with illegal hunting, pose significant threats to the species. In Florida, collisions with man-made structures and pesticide use also contribute to mortality. The pigeon plays a crucial role in seed dispersal for West Indian flora, and its conservation is vital for maintaining ecological balance.