White-crowned Pigeon
The White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The White-crowned Pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon with a distinctive white crown on its head, which contrasts with its bluish-gray plumage. It has a red orbital ring around its eyes and red legs. The wings show a characteristic pattern of bold black-and-white stripes. Both males and females have similar appearances.
Habitat: White-crowned Pigeons inhabit a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, mangroves, coastal areas, and islands. They can be found in coastal regions, islands, and mangrove forests where they feed on fruits and berries.
Behavior: White-crowned Pigeons are known for their strong and fast flight. They are primarily fruit-eaters, feeding on a variety of fruits and berries in the trees. These pigeons are often seen in small groups or pairs.
Breeding: The breeding season for White-crowned Pigeons varies depending on the location but typically occurs during the wet season in their range. They construct flimsy nests made of sticks and twigs in trees, where they lay one or two eggs. Both parents take turns to incubate the eggs and care for the young.
Conservation Status: The White-crowned Pigeon faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, development, and hunting for food and sport. In Colombia, where they are a resident breeder, their population is considered declining due to habitat destruction and hunting pressure. The species is listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Distribution
The White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala) is not native to Colombia. It is primarily found in the Caribbean region.
Taxonomy
The White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Patagioenas
- Species: Patagioenas leucocephala
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala) are characterized by a series of low, rolling coos, often described as "cu-cu-cu-cu-cu" given at a moderate pace. These calls are usually quite soft and melodic, and they can often be heard during the breeding season when the birds are establishing territories or communicating with one another.