Short-billed Pigeon

The Short-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas nigrirostris). Read in Spanish

Appearance: The Short-billed Pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon with a distinctive appearance, characterized by a dark gray plumage and a short, black bill. It has a relatively short tail, dark eyes, and a lighter gray or whitish undertail coverts. Both male and female Short-billed Pigeons share similar plumage characteristics.

Habitat: The Short-billed Pigeon typically inhabits tropical and subtropical lowland forests, including primary and secondary forests, as well as forest edges. This species can be found in various forested habitats, from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific lowlands and other suitable forested regions within the country.

Behavior: Short-billed Pigeons are often shy and elusive birds that forage in the canopy and mid-levels of the forest. They primarily feed on fruits, seeds, and possibly insects, utilizing their stout bills to extract food from a variety of plant sources. These pigeons are generally observed in pairs or small groups, moving quietly through the forest in search of food and suitable nesting sites.

Breeding: Breeding behavior of the Short-billed Pigeon likely involves establishing territories, courtship displays, and nest-building activities within their forest habitat. They construct simple nests made of twigs, leaves, and other plant materials in trees or shrubs, where they lay one or two eggs per clutch. Both parents are likely involved in incubating the eggs and raising the young until they fledge.

Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Short-billed Pigeon in Colombia is of concern due to habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and other human activities.