Pale-vented Pigeon

The Pale-vented Pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis, is a robust bird of the Columbidae family, displaying a predominantly dull purple plumage with a subtle coppery sheen on the nape. This species, which lacks the iridescent display plumage common in some pigeons, measures 30–32 cm in length and tips the scales at 230–250 grams.

Identification Tips

Males of this species can be identified by their dull purple head, breast, and upperparts, along with a whitish throat. The lower back and tail are a contrasting dark grey, while the lower underparts are a pale grey. The bill is black, and the legs, iris, and eyering are a striking red. Females are similar but present a duller appearance, and the immature birds are greyish-brown and very dull. The southern subspecies, P. c. andersoni, is distinguished by its white lower underparts.

Habitat

The Pale-vented Pigeon is commonly found at the edges of forests, along riverbanks, and in other partially open areas that provide some tree cover.

Distribution

This pigeon is a resident breeder with a range extending from southern Mexico through to Bolivia and northern Argentina, including the islands of Tobago and Trinidad, though it is quite localized on the latter.

Behaviour

Typically a solitary bird, the Pale-vented Pigeon may gather in small flocks at watering sites. Its flight is characterized by high, fast, and direct movements with regular beats and occasional sharp flicks of the wings. The species also performs a breeding display involving a semi-circular glide back to its original perch.

Song & Calls

The Pale-vented Pigeon's call is a series of soft "kuk kuk croo-ooos," with the initial short "kuk" being distinctive to the "cayennensis group" of Patagioenas. Its song is somewhat intermediate between that of the Plain Pigeon (P. inornata) and the Red-billed Pigeon (P. flavirostris).

Breeding

This pigeon constructs a modest twig nest within a small tree and typically lays a single white egg.

Similar Species

In the field, it may be confused with the Scaled Pigeon (P. speciosa), which has a similar display flight. However, the Pale-vented Pigeon lacks the scaly appearance, and differences in calls and close-up appearance clearly differentiate the two species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of small fruits, berries, and seeds.

Conservation Status

The Pale-vented Pigeon is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a widespread and common presence across its range.