Patagioenas fasciata is an Americas medium-sized bird. Its nearest relatives are the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon, both of which belong to the Patagioena clade and have a terminal tail band and iridescent plumage on their necks.
Quick Overview: Patagioenas Fasciata – Band-Tailed Pigeon
Body size: Around 14-15 in (36-38 cm) and a weight of 354 g (12.5 oz)
Main colors: Yellow, Black, Gray, Brown, Purple-gray, White
Range: the Rocky Mountains of the United States
Migratory Bird: Yes
Best time of the year to see in the U.S.: All Year (January – December)
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Band-Tailed Pigeon Description
The Band-tailed Pigeon is a medium-sized bird that weighs 340 g (12 oz) and measures 39 cm (15 in). The bird has a tiny head and a long neck. Yellow bill and foot with black patterns. They are gray on the head and upper body and brownish slate blue on the breast. Its underside is purplish-gray at the breast and tail and nearly white at the tail. Their tail feathers have a black band, as their name indicates.
Size
These birds have a length of 14-15 in (36-38 cm) and a weight of 354 g (12.5 oz). Their wings could range from 25 in (64 cm).
Feeding
In its coastal woodland and forest environment, the Band-tailed Pigeon eats insects as well as nuts and seeds. Fruits and grains such as cherries, berries and wheat are known to be eaten in season.
Habitat
The Band-tailed Pigeon is located in western British Columbia and America. They perch, nest, and eat on pines, pinyons, and oaks. Unlike the ordinary pigeon, the Band-tailed Pigeon avoids populous regions and human contact.
Behavior
Band-tailed Pigeon flocks range from one to fifty birds. They are known to preen each other for parasites including lice, fleas, and ticks. The Band-tailed Pigeon can fly through rainstorms and heavy winds.
Patagioenas Fasciata Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Patagioenas
- Species: Patagioenas fasciata
Best time of the year to see
In the United States, the best time of year to see these birds is all year round, regardless of the season. This refers to any month of the year between January and December.
Distribution of the Band-Tailed Pigeon in the USA
The Band-tailed Pigeon, Columba fasciata, is a New World bird found in western America and Canada. Located in Colorado, this species is a member of the Four Corners population, which includes portions of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Mexico. Additionally, a population known as the Pacific Coast population exists along with western Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.