Red-billed pigeon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red-billed pigeon |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Patagioenas
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| Species: |
flavirostris
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| Synonyms | |
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Columba flavirostris Wagler, 1831 |
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The red-billed pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) is a type of pigeon found in parts of North and Central America. These birds live from southern Texas in the United States and northwestern Mexico, all the way south to Costa Rica. They are known for their strong build and their unique red bill.
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About the Red-Billed Pigeon
What Do They Look Like?
Red-billed pigeons are mostly dark, slate-gray birds. Their head, neck, and the top of their wings are a beautiful maroon color, sometimes looking purple.
They have light red eyes with an orange ring around them. Their bill is red with a yellow tip. Unlike some other pigeons, they do not have shiny, colorful feathers around their neck.
Their belly and the feathers under their tail are blue-gray. Their back is less brown than similar birds. Female pigeons have a slightly duller head and neck than males. Young pigeons are even more dull in color. They also have darker shoulders and brownish wings.
How Big Are They?
These pigeons are a medium to large size. They grow to be about 30 to 37 centimeters (12 to 15 inches) long. They usually weigh between 230 and 425 grams (8 to 15 ounces).
What Sounds Do They Make?
Red-billed pigeons have a very special call. It is a long, high-pitched "coooo" sound. This is followed by three "cuk-c'-c'-coo" notes. The sound gets higher as they call.
When these birds fly, their wings make a loud clapping noise. This sound helps you know they are taking off.
Where Do Red-Billed Pigeons Live?
Red-billed pigeons are often found in dry forests. They are most common along the coasts of Mexico and Central America. You can also find them in the Rio Grande area.
Sometimes, they are seen in Southern Texas, but their numbers there are getting smaller. It is rare to see them in most areas during the winter months.
Their Homes and Habitats
Red-billed pigeons like to live in dry woods. They also enjoy areas along rivers where it is wet. These places provide them with food and shelter.
Different Types of Red-Billed Pigeons
Scientists have found four different groups, called subspecies, of the red-billed pigeon:
- restricta: Found in western Mexico, from Sonora to Sinaloa.
- madrensis: Lives on the Tres Marías Island, off the coast of western Mexico.
- flavirostris: This group is found from the lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. It stretches through parts of Mexico like Sonora and San Luis Potosí, down to Nicaragua and eastern Costa Rica.
- minima: Lives in the lowlands of Costa Rica, near the Gulf of Nicoya.
See also
In Spanish: Paloma piquirroja para niños
