Plumbeous Pigeon

The Plumbeous Pigeon, a bird of modest yet striking appearance, measures approximately 34 cm in length and tips the scales between 172 to 231 grams. The males are adorned with a dark gray plumage that graces their head, neck, and underparts, occasionally exhibiting a subtle pinkish or purplish hue. Their shoulders, back, rump, wings, and tail boast a dark grayish-brown to drab olive coloration. A distinctive feature is the red eye, encircled by bare purplish-red skin. The females, while similar, display a less pronounced purplish wash and more vivid neck spots. The juveniles present a more subdued appearance with minimal purplish wash and some feathers edged in rust.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Plumbeous Pigeon, look for the dark gray coloration with potential pinkish or purplish tinges in males, and the red eye ringed with purplish-red skin. The females have less intense purplish wash and more pronounced neck spots. Juveniles are duller with little to no purplish wash and rusty-edged feathers.

Habitat

This species thrives in the lush realms of tropical and subtropical rainforests and cloudforests, both in their primary and secondary stages of growth.

Distribution

The Plumbeous Pigeon's range extends across various South American countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It is found at elevations from 200 to 1,900 meters, depending on the geographic location.

Behaviour

The Plumbeous Pigeon exhibits a preference for the forest canopy where it forages for fruit and seeds. In certain regions like Brazil, it has a particular fondness for mistletoe drupes during specific seasons.

Song & calls

The species' vocal repertoire consists of a rhythmic sequence of coos, typically 2-5 in number, and a purring call that can be described as a drawn-out 'rrrrrow'. Notably, there are at least five distinct vocal groups within the species, each with its own variation of the general pattern.

Breeding

The breeding behaviors and phenology of the Plumbeous Pigeon remain largely unexplored and undocumented.

Similar Species

The Ruddy Pigeon (P. subvinacea) may be visually similar to the Plumbeous Pigeon where their ranges overlap, but their vocalizations are markedly different, aiding in their differentiation.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Plumbeous Pigeon is predominantly composed of fruits and seeds, with a noted preference for mistletoe drupes in certain areas and times.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Plumbeous Pigeon as Least Concern, recognizing its widespread and relatively common presence throughout its range.