Bare-eyed Pigeon
Patagioenas corensis
Large, pale pigeon, unmistakeable if seen well, with large pale blue ocular ring and prominent white wing patches. Occurs in pairs or in small to large groups; mainly seen in trees, tops of cactuses, or in flight. Locally common in desert scrub, dry forests, and mangroves. Voice a very low “cooooo, tuk-tu-kUUuu, tuk-tu-kUUuu,” similar to other pigeons. The only pigeon with white wing patches in arid regions in its range.
Identification
Male bare-eyed pigeons are 32 to 37 cm (13 to 15 in) long and females 30 to 34.5 cm (11.8 to 13.6 in). They weigh about 274 g (9.7 oz). Male and female plumage is the same. Their head, neck, and breast are mauve-pink. The orange-brown eye is surrounded by bare skin, a narrow blue ring and a wider outer area of reddish brown. The neck and upper back have a bronze-black and pale brown scaled appearance and the lower back and rump are pale bluish gray. The chin and vent region are white. The closed wing shows a broad white patch. The juvenile is a paler version of the adults.
Taxonomy
At least one author has asserted that based on plumage similarities the bare-eyed pigeon, picazuro pigeon (P. picazuro), spot-winged pigeon (P. maculosa), and scaled pigeon (P. speciosa) form a monophyletic group. Others argue that significant vocal differences belie that.<p>The bare-eyed pigeon is monophyletic.
- Scientific name
- Patagioenas corensis
- Authority
- (Jacquin, 1784)
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Patagioenas
Range and habitat
The bare-eyed pigeon is found on the Caribbean coasts of Colombia and Venezuela and the near-shore islands of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Margarita, and Blanquilla. It primarily inhabits an arid landscape of thorn scrub, cactus, and acacia and is also found in mangroves and cultivated areas. It can be found as high as 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level on the mainland but is generally much lower.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
The bare-eyed pigeon does most of its foraging in trees and shrubs but also feeds on the ground. Its diet is seeds and fruits of trees, vines, and cultivated crops.<p>The bare-eyed pigeon's breeding cycle appears to be triggered by rain. The nest is a fragile platform of twigs in a tree or shrub. It is so thin that the species' single egg can be seen through it from below.<p>The bare-eyed pigeon's song is "a rhythmic series of coos...rwhoh...woh-hu-whOAh...woh-hu-whOAh..woh-hu-whOAh...".
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Henicorhina leucophrys
Very small, stub-tailed wren of humid highland and foothill forest. Typically in areas with thick cover, from brush piles to dense flower banks, where notoriously difficult to see well. Common call is a hard scolding rattle. Varied, rich whistled songs have a rollicking cadence, distinct from songs of other wrens in the same habitat. Note the boldly striped face, gray breast, rich dark-brown upperparts, and short tail. White-breasted Wood-Wren occurs in lowlands.
Solitary Snipe
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A barrel-chested snipe with a dark brown back and frosty-pale face and belly. Breeds in far northern bogs and near streams, where it may even winter if water remains open; the only snipe likely to be seen in this kind of habitat in the colder months. Also winters along rocky streams and artificial canals with flowing water. Much darker and more silvery-gray in coloration than other snipe species, which are a paler brown overall. Flies straight and powerfully; does not zigzag in flight like Common Snipe and Pin-tailed Snipe.
Chirping Cisticola
Cisticola pipiens
Relatively colorful, mid-sized, long-tailed cisticola. Note the gray-brown back with thick black streaks, dull rufous on the wing and cap, and pale underparts. Found in reedbeds, especially papyrus and phragmites. The distinctive song is a few hesitant “chyep” calls followed by a long, dry trill. Very similar to Luapula Cisticola, and best separated by song. Visually, Chirping Cisticola is slightly larger, the tail is browner, and the rufous crown and wing patch are duller.
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