Short-billed Pigeon

The Short-billed Pigeon, known scientifically as Patagioenas nigrirostris, is a robust pigeon species that graces the skies from southern Mexico to northwestern Colombia. This bird is part of a group of Patagioenas pigeons, characterized by their smaller size, rather plain appearance, and distinctive calls.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species measure approximately 26.5 cm in length and weigh around 150 grams. They exhibit a wine-purple plumage that transitions to a browner hue on the belly and adopts an olive-brown shade on the back. The tail and primary flight feathers are tinged with blackish coloration, while the bill is black, and the legs and eyes are a striking purple-red. Females may appear slightly duller and browner, whereas juveniles can be recognized by their greyish brown head, neck, and breast, with a touch of cinnamon scaling on the head and upperparts.

Habitat

The Short-billed Pigeon is typically found in the lowland forest canopy and semi-open woodlands, where it is most at home.

Distribution

This species has a geographical range that extends from the southern regions of Mexico down through to northwestern Colombia.

Behaviour

Often sighted in pairs, the Short-billed Pigeon is an arboreal forager, preferring the tree tops where it seeks out mistletoe, fruits, and berries. It may also be observed on tracks and roadsides, where it is likely in search of grit or small invertebrates.

Song & Calls

The call of the Short-billed Pigeon is a complex, loud, and high-pitched series of notes, described as coo… cu-COO k'CO coohoo. These calls are typically given singly or with significant pauses in between.

Breeding

This pigeon constructs a rudimentary platform nest out of twigs, situated 5–30 meters high in a tree or amongst vines, where it lays a single white egg.

Similar Species

In the higher altitudes of southern Central America, one may encounter the Ruddy Pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea, a close relative. The two can be differentiated by the Short-billed Pigeon's slower and more complex song.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Short-billed Pigeon consists mainly of mistletoe, fruits, and berries, which it forages for in the forest canopy.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Short-billed Pigeon as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels.