Ruddy pigeon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruddy pigeon |
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| At Milpe Bird Sanctuary (NW Ecuador) | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Patagioenas
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| Species: |
subvinacea
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| Synonyms | |
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Chloroenas subvinacea Lawrence, 1868 |
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The ruddy pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea) is a medium-sized pigeon. It lives in Central and South America, from Costa Rica down to western Ecuador, Bolivia, and central Brazil. This bird is part of a group of pigeons called Patagioenas.
Contents
About the Ruddy Pigeon
What Does It Look Like?
The ruddy pigeon is about 28 centimeters (11 inches) long. It weighs around 170 grams, which is about as much as a small apple. Its body is mostly a wine-purple color. The back of the bird is a bit more reddish-brown.
Its tail and main flight feathers are dark brown. The pigeon has a black beak and purple-red legs. Its eyes usually have a red iris. However, in some areas like the Amazon basin, the iris can be a dull yellow.
Female ruddy pigeons are a little duller in color and more brownish than males. Young pigeons have a grayish-brown head, neck, and chest. Their head and upper body also have cinnamon or reddish-brown marks.
How Does It Sound?
The ruddy pigeon makes a loud, fairly high-pitched call. It sounds like coo, ko'COO coo. There are noticeable pauses between each call.
The way they sing can be different depending on where they live. Some groups of ruddy pigeons sing songs with four notes. Other groups sing songs that have only three notes.
Where Does It Live?
In Central America, you can find the ruddy pigeon in high-up forest canopies. They also live in semi-open woodlands. They prefer areas from about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level up to the tree line.
In South America, these pigeons live in the tops of humid forests. They can be found from near sea level up to 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) high. Sometimes, they might even go as high as 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) or more.
The ruddy pigeon is quite common across its wide home range. Even though some forests are being cut down, it is not considered an endangered species. The IUCN lists it as a "Least Concern" species.
What Does It Eat?
Ruddy pigeons are usually seen in pairs. They look for food in the tops of trees. Their diet mainly consists of fruits and berries. They especially love eating mistletoe fruit.
Sometimes, you might see them on tracks or roadsides. They go there to find small stones or grit. This grit helps them digest their food.
Reproduction and Nesting
The ruddy pigeon builds a simple nest. It is made from twigs and looks like a platform. They usually build their nests about 5 meters (16 feet) high in a small tree. The female pigeon lays one white egg in the nest.
Images for kids
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An older drawing of the ruddy pigeon.
