Band-tailed Pigeon
Patagioenas fasciata · Doves and Pigeons
The Band-tailed Pigeon is North America's largest native pigeon, often found in forested areas of western North America. These social birds frequently gather in flocks, moving nomadically to find abundant food sources like acorns and berries. They are a backwoods relative of the more familiar Rock Pigeon.
Explore the full field guideMigratory, ResidentLarge sizeOwl-like cooFrugivore, Granivore
1 call·first heard Jul 5·last 98d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults are soft blue-gray above and purplish-gray below, with dark wingtips visible in flight. Males may have a more pronounced purplish-pink hue on the head and chest. Juveniles lack the white neck band and iridescent green neck.
- Adults display a narrow white band across the nape, bordered by green iridescent plumage on the hindneck. This feature is absent in juveniles.
- The long, dark tail features a wide, pale gray band at the tip, which is a distinguishing characteristic.
- The bill is yellow with a black tip, and the feet are also yellow.