Doves are located within the Columbidae family with some 369 identified speciess. Within several species of pigeons, different races have developed, which show important morphological varieties. These birds come in various sizes and weights, but generally have a stocky body, short head, bill, and legs, with a variety of colorations and patterns. They usually have good flight maneuvers, although some more than others.
They are a cosmopolitan group, however, they are not found at the poles. Some tend to have solitary habits, while many others tend to be gregarious, forming, in fact, large groups. Certain pigeons have been associated in a very dependent way to urban areas, which has brought inconveniences in some cases because they can be transmitters of pathogens and affect infrastructures. In this article on our site we want to introduce you to some of the most representative types of pigeons of the family so that you can learn a little more about these incredible animals, so we We invite you to continue reading it.
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Also called the rock or common pigeon, the rock pigeon is native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. It generally has a medium size, with an average weight of 360 g and a wingspan of 63 to 70 cm. The typical coloration is grey, having the chest and neck with shades of green, reddish or purple. In addition, it has two black bands on the wings and eventually a blue stripe on the tail.
The rock pigeon is distributed globally, having developed a close relationship with people due to its domestication, the product of which A variety of breeds with multiple traits and colors have been obtained. In fact, it is the most common type of pigeon in Spain and Mexico, among other countries. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as least concern.
Silver Pigeon (Argentine Columba)
This species of pigeon is native to Indonesia and Malaysia Its color is light silver gray with black wing tips and tail. Its dimension is about 36 cm and the weight is around 350 g. It thrives in both mangroves and coastal forests and is listed as Critically Endangered due to habitat alteration, hunting, and introduced predators.
Meet other Birds in danger of extinction in this other article and what to do to protect them.
Ring-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas caribaea)
This is a type of pigeon endemic to Jamaica and reaches dimensions a little larger than 40 cm, so it is relatively large; males tend to be larger than females. The upper parts of the body are bluish-gray, while the underparts are pinkish-brown and the region behind the neck is bluish-green. Also, there is a black band at the top of the tail.
Illegal hunting and logging are the main aspects that have led the ring-tailed dove to be catalogued as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Purple Quail-Dove (Geotrygon purpurata)
Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful pigeon species that exists because of its distinct purple color on its back. It is also known as the purple partridge dove and is characterized by the peculiar shades of its feathers. The wings tend towards a reddish brown color and the head and tail are dark, while the entire underside is light grey.
Inhabits Colombia and Ecuador, in the undergrowth and soil of evergreen forests. Unfortunately, habitat destruction has affected it to the point of being endangered.
Pomegranate pigeon (Leptotila wellsi)
It is a robust, medium-sized bird, about 31 cm. From the head to the abdominal region it is light in color, even white on the underparts, but the back is brown and when it flies, a tan tone can be seen under the wings.
It is a pigeon endemic to the Lesser Antilles, specifically from Grenada. It develops in successional ecosystems in coastal and wooded scrub. Habitat loss has made it Critically Endangered.
Blue-eyed Dove (Columbina cyanopis)
Also known as the yellowish dove or blue-eyed columbine, we find another really beautiful and very particular dove. It is one of the most prominent types of small pigeons, measuring about 15.5 cm and presenting a reddish-brown to brownish color scheme with a clear or whitish throat area. Its wings have iridescent blue stripes and its eyes are a deep blue color
This bird is endemic to Brazil, it has terrestrial habits and can be found alone or in pairs, mainly in grasslands. Unfortunately, intense habitat transformation makes it critically endangered.
In this other article we talk in depth about monogamous Animals, don't miss it if you want to discover which species live in pairs for life.
Purple-winged Ground Dove (Paraclaravis geoffroyi)
Also called purple dove, it is found in South America, specifically in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay It is one of the types of Argentine pigeons most popular in this country and lives in humid forests with the presence of bamboo, on which it depends for its food.
This pigeon measures between 19 and 23 cm and is sexually dimorphic, as males are generally slate blue on top and lighter shades on the bottom, while females are matte brown. Both have purple bands on the wings, although the males are more intense. It is classified Critically Endangered due to forest disturbance.
Black-naped Pheasant (Otidiphaps insularis)
This is another type of pigeon cataloged as one of the most beautiful due to its peculiar appearance. It is an endemic bird of Papua New Guinea, where it grows on land in tropical forests from sea level to about 1,900 meters above sea level. It has a dimension of approximately 46 cm, so it is relatively large. The tail, the lower part and the head are black, but with the particularity of presenting a characteristic violet tone, while the wings are brown.
According to the IUCN, its current classification is endangered.
Gray Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pickeringii)
This species of pigeon inhabits certain regions of Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, living in various types of forests, mainly primary, although it can also have a presence in secondary. It measures about 40 cm, making it one of the largest of the imperial pigeons. Its coloration consists of various shades of gray. Habitat modification and hunting have led to it being considered vulnerable
New Zealand Pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae)
This beautiful pigeon is endemic to New Zealand, growing on several of the islands in forests where it depends on fruit trees. It measures about 51 cm, so that we are facing a large pigeon. However, this is not its main characteristic, but the colors of its plumage, which stands out for having a beautiful combination of white and green.
It is considered Near Threatened, as it is under pressure from introduced predators.
Other types of pigeons
In addition to the above, the following are other equally representative types of pigeons that we encourage you to get to know:
- Lemon Pigeon (Aplopelia larvata)
- Cuckoo Pigeon (Macropygia ruficeps)
- Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneate)
- Caribbean Pigeon (Leptotila jamaicensis)
- Snow Dove (Columba leuconota)
- Dark Turtle Pigeon (Streptopelia lugens)
- Madagascar Dove (Nesoenas picturatus)
- Common Ground Pigeon (Columbina passerine)
- Homing Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius): extinct
- Galapagos Dove (Zenaida galapagoensis)
If you still want to continue discovering information related to these animals, don't miss this other article: "What do pigeons eat?".
