Patagioenas fasciata
The Band-tailed Pigeon (*Patagioenas fasciata*) is North America's largest native pigeon, a stately and often elusive forest dweller characterized by its slate-gray plumage, a distinct white crescent on the nape of its neck, and an iridescent bronze-green patch on its hindneck. Measuring approximately 33-40 cm (13-16 in) in length with a wingspan of 55-66 cm (22-26 in) and weighing 250-450 grams (9-16 oz), it possesses striking yellow legs and a yellow bill with a black tip. Its most identify...
This species primarily inhabits coniferous, deciduous, and mixed evergreen forests, favoring mountainous terrain and foothills from near sea level up to 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) in elevation.
Their diet consists almost entirely of plant material, primarily acorns, mast, berries, and fruits, foraged directly from trees or picked from the ground.
Band-tailed Pigeons are diurnal, spending their days foraging in the forest canopy and often descending to the ground to pick up fallen mast or visit mineral springs. They employ an arboreal foraging strategy, plucking fruits, berries, and acorns directly from trees, occasionally hovering. While ...
The Band-tailed Pigeon has a wide distribution across the Americas, primarily found in western North America, Central America, and parts of South America. In North America, its breeding range extends from southwestern British Columbia through the mountainous regions of Washington, Oregon, Califor...
Least Concern
- The Band-tailed Pigeon is the largest native pigeon in North America, considerably larger than the more common Mourning Dove. - Due to its appearance and forest habitat, it is often confused with the extinct Passenger Pigeon, though the two are not closely related. - Like all pigeons and doves,...