Scaly-naped Pigeon
Patagioenas squamosa
A large dark pigeon of forests with a proclivity for perching high in trees while still not in clear view. Found throughout a variety of forested habitats at most elevations, generally most common in intact primary lowland and montane forest, but can be seen along a variety of forest edge and secondary forest types. Dark-slate gray body differs from the Plain Pigeon, which is distinctly paler, and it lacks the white crown of White-crowned Pigeon. It is somewhat skittish in most areas, perhaps due to hunting and is often first detected by a loud flapping of wings as it takes flight or by its low-pitched “wooo hooo” and “wudu-hoo hoooooo” songs.
Identification
The scaly-naped pigeon is a large slate grey pigeon (14–16 in), with maroon coloured plumage around the neck. The plumage on the species' nape appears scaly, explaining both the common and scientific names of the species. There is a bare patch of skin which surrounds the birds red eyes; this patch tends to be reddish in males and more yellow in females. The legs and the base of the bill of the species are red, while the remainder of the bill is light coloured.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Patagioenas squamosa
- Authority
- (Bonnaterre, 1792)
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Patagioenas
Range and habitat
The range of the scaly-naped pigeon includes both the Greater Antilles (except for Jamaica and the Bahamas) and the Lesser Antilles. The species tends to occur in rainforests, however they may also be found in drier lowland woodlands; the species is locally common near human settlements. The biodiversity of the species is threatened due to hunting in regions of the Caribbean, especially considering their high abundance in Puerto Rico. This species has also declined due to hurricanes, affecting the vegetation and environment of their surroundings, leading to a decline in population.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Scaly-naped pigeons are usually found alone or in small groups. They feed in trees and on the ground and often mix with the Rock dove, Eared dove and the Zenaida dove. Like most doves they are wary and will flee if they feel in danger.<p>The scaly-naped pigeon lays one to two eggs in a nest constructed mostly in trees.<p>The species feeds primarily on the fruits and seeds of trees.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Swamp Francolin
Ortygornis gularis
Brown francolin with an orange throat and white-striped underparts. Shows rufous outer tail feathers and primaries in flight. Favors wet, marshy habitats such as flooded fields, wetland edges, and paddyfield plantations. Often difficult to see in tall vegetation, but emerges into the open in the early morning and late evening, usually foraging in small flocks. Gives loud gull-like “kree-ree!”, often in chorus.
Fulvous-chinned Nunlet
Nonnula sclateri
Chocolate-brown nunlet of mature rainforest. Usually fairly rare within its range; seems to occur mostly in upland ‘terra firme’ rainforest, where it occurs singly or in pairs in the undergrowth. Even-brown plumage and dull-orange patch at base of bill distinguish it from Rufous-capped Nunlet, which has a bright red-orange crown and orange throat and breast. Its song is a slow series of rising whistled “weep” notes, given at a rate of about one note per second.
Xingu Scythebill
Campylorhamphus multostriatus
A brown, tree-climbing bird with a strongly curved bill. Appears small-headed; plumage is mostly rufous-brown with buffy streaking on head and neck. Found in tall rainforest, where it is uncommon and locally distributed; often occurs in areas with extensive bamboo thickets. Generally shy and rather difficult to observe. Forages at middle and upper levels, using extraordinary bill to probe into deep bark crevices, bromeliads, and broken bamboo stems. Regularly follows mixed-species flocks. Song is a descending and accelerating series of strident whistles. Curved bill should immediately distinguish this species from other woodcreepers in range. Restricted to a small area of eastern Amazonia, south of the Amazon River, between the Xingu and Tocantins Rivers.
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