Order Columbiformes Higher classification Patagioenas | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Patagioenas flavirostris Rank Species | |
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Similar Pigeons and doves, Bird, Patagioenas, Pale‑vented pigeon, Short‑billed pigeon | ||
Red billed pigeons patagioenas flavirostris preening sleeping and resting in the cover of trees
The red-billed pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) is a relatively large pigeon which breeds from southern Texas, United States, and northwestern Mexico south to Costa Rica. It belongs to a clade of Patagioenas which generally lack iridescent display plumage, except some vestiges in the pale-vented pigeon.
It is found in open country with some trees, large clearings and cultivation in lowlands and middle altitudes to 2,100 m (6,900 ft). It builds a rudimentary platform nest out of twigs in a tree about 4–25 m (13–82 ft) above the ground, usually on a horizontal branch or on a palm crown, and lays one white egg.
The red-billed pigeon is mid or large-sized pigeon, at 30–37 cm (12–15 in) in length and a weight of 230–425 g (8.1–15.0 oz). It is mainly wine-purple, becoming browner on the back, and with a grey tail, lower belly and flight feathers. The bill is white with a red base, and the legs and eyes are red. Juvenile birds are duller than adults and the plumage is brown-tinged.
It is normally seen alone or in pairs and rarely forms flocks. It feeds on the ground, seeking acorns, berries and buds.
It is often thought to be brown it is actually a dark shade of maroon.
The red-billed pigeon has a loud kuk c'c'coooo call that is given in rows; the initial short kuk is characteristic for this group of Patagioenas.
