Columba junoniae
The Laurel Pigeon, *Columba junoniae*, is a reclusive, medium-sized avian gem endemic to the ancient laurisilva forests of the Canary Islands. Measuring approximately 37-40 cm in length and weighing between 560-720g, its plumage is a striking dark slate-grey, with a notably darker head and breast. A key field mark is the rich purplish-chestnut mantle and wing coverts, often exhibiting a subtle iridescent green and purple sheen on the neck, contrasting with a distinctive pale grey band across ...
Exclusively found within the dense, humid laurisilva (laurel) forests of the Canary Islands, primarily at mid to high elevations (400-2300m) in deep ravines and sheltered valleys.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of the fruits and berries (drupes) of native laurisilva trees and shrubs, such as *Apollonias*, *Ocotea*, *Picconia*, *Persea*, and *Laurus*, with occasional consumption of small invertebrates.
Laurel Pigeons are largely diurnal, spending their days foraging in the canopy and roosting inconspicuously within the dense foliage of the laurisilva. They are strictly arboreal, exhibiting a specialized foraging strategy of plucking fruits directly from branches, occasionally descending to the ...
The Laurel Pigeon is strictly endemic to the western Canary Islands, making its primary breeding and resident range exclusive to this archipelago. It is found on the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, where populations are fragmented and localized within suitable laurisilva ...
Vulnerable
- The Laurel Pigeon is a living fossil, considered a relict species from the Tertiary period, specialized for the ancient laurisilva forests. - It is one of only two endemic pigeon species found in the Canary Islands, the other being the closely related Bolle's Pigeon. - Its diet is incredibly sp...