Plain Pigeon
Patagioenas inornata
A large pale pigeon of woodlands and forest edges; often found perching high in trees. Its ruddy shoulders and unbanded tail readily separate it from the similar Ring-tailed Pigeon. When perched, note the whispy whitish leading edge to wing, seen as a bar on upperwing in flight, that is suggestive of White-winged Dove, but that species has brighter white wing markings and is smaller. Scaly-naped and White-crowned Pigeons are much darker. Call is a soft, deep “HOOO-hoo-hoooo” and variations thereof but never similar to “oooOOO-hooo” of Ring-tailed Pigeon.
Identification
The plain pigeon is a large-bodied bird (38 cm [15 in]) that superficially resembles the common city pigeon. At a distance it appears pale blue-gray overall. The head, hindneck, breast, and part of the folded wing are colored with a red-wine wash. When folded, the wing shows a white leading edge; in flight, it forms a conspicuous wing bar. Legs and feet are dark red. The female is slightly smaller and duller than the male. Juveniles are browner overall, with pale wing margins and dark eyes.
Taxonomy
The plain pigeon is thought to represent a fairly recent island adaptation of the red-billed pigeon (P. flavirostria) or the Maranon pigeon (P. oenops), found in Central and South America. <p>Three subspecies of the plain pigeon are recognized: <p>During the 1970s, P. i. wetmorei was on the brink of extinction. A conservation program was introduced to save the species and now it numbers a few thousand individuals.
- Scientific name
- Patagioenas inornata
- Authority
- (Vigors, 1827)
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Patagioenas
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Sericornis nouhuysi
A small drab bird of montane forest understory. Pale brown underparts, warm brown back and crown, rufous wing and tail feathers and a rusty-tinged face. Similar to Papuan Scrubwren but Large Scrubwren is usually found higher, is larger and lacks pale bases to the wing feathers. Overlaps with other scrubwren species at lower elevations but Large, is distinctly bigger. An energetic, warblerlike up-and-down song. Call, a dry “chat”.
Mariana Swiftlet
Aerodramus bartschi
A tiny, all-dark swift. Flight is fast, fluttery, and batlike. Usually observed flying continuously along ridges or over the forest canopy. Native to the Mariana Islands; introduced to Hawaii from Guam in the 1960s. In Hawaii, occurs only in the mountains of Central Oahu, seen primarily in Halawa Valley and the adjacent Aiea Loop Trail.
Cliff Flycatcher
Hirundinea ferruginea
This unmistakable long-winged flycatcher is widespread (though rarely very numerous) throughout much of South America. As the name implies it occurs around cliffs, landslides, and even buildings. Medium size, warm rufous coloration (brightest on the wings), and habitat are distinctive. Some variation across range, with birds in the Andes having more whitish speckling on the face. Compare with Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, which is larger and has a streaked throat. Usually seen singly or in pairs, perched conspicuously on a snag, rock face, powerline, or building.
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