Class:
Aves
Order:
Columbiformes
Scientific Name:
Columba guinea
Range:
Ethiopia to South Africa
Habitat:
Open country, cultivated regions. Avoids forests.
Diet:
Wild: Seeds, grain
Zoo: Rice, insectivorous diet
Gestation:
16 days
Litter:
Clutch: 2 white eggs
Description:
This bird is about the size of an ordinary street pigeon, but its longer bill makes it look more slender. The mantle and wing coverts are a dark, pink-reddish purple, and the outer wing coverts are bluish-gray. There are rows of white triangles across the wings. The tail is blackish. There is a broad collar of bifurcated feathers encircling the neck. These feathers are chestnut at the base, and become silvery-green or silvery-pink at the tip. The rest of the plumage is a bluish-gray. There is a bare patch of purple skin around the eye. The feet and legs are salmon colored, and the bill is black with a white base. The juvenile is much duller with ill-defined wing spots, dull unbifurcated neck feathers, and dull grayish feet and orbital skin.
Behavior: The speckled pigeon is a ground feeder. It feeds largely on seeds, including cultivated grains. They are fond of groundnuts when these are available on or near the surface after harvesting. They are usually found in pairs, singly, or small parties, but large numbers may congregate at good feeding grounds. They sometimes form large and cohesive flocks when not breeding. This flocking habit seems to be more common in South Africa than in the northern part of the range. Flight is direct and fast, with strong wing beats. They walk and run nimbly on the ground. There are several different vocalizations.
Reproduction: Nesting is in cavities at the base of the leaves of Borassus palms, in holes in trees, and in holes or on sheltered ledges of cliffs or buildings. In parts of Uganda they regularly nest in mine shafts. The young fledge at from 20 to 25 days, depending on location.
Did You Know?
Also known as: Triangular Spotted Pigeon; African Rock Pigeon; Red-eyed Pigeon; Guinea Pigeon; Hackled Pigeon
Where in the Zoo?
I can be found in the following locations at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo:
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