Scaled pigeon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scaled pigeon |
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| At Zooparque Itatiba, Sao Paulo State, Brazil | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Patagioenas
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| Species: |
speciosa
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| Synonyms | |
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Columba speciosa Gmelin, 1789 |
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The scaled pigeon (Patagioenas speciosa) is a large dove found in warm parts of the Americas. It lives in areas from southern Mexico all the way down to western Ecuador, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and the island of Trinidad.
These pigeons are quite common in forests that are not too dense. They build their nests from sticks high up in trees. A female scaled pigeon usually lays two white eggs.
Scaled pigeons fly high and fast in a straight line. Their wings beat regularly, with a quick flick now and then. This is a common way for pigeons to fly. They are often very careful and shy because people sometimes hunt them.
Contents
About the Scaled Pigeon
The scaled pigeon is about 36 centimeters (14 inches) long. It usually weighs around 290 grams (10 ounces).
Adult male pigeons have feathers that are mostly purplish-brown. Their neck and belly feathers look a bit scaly and are lighter. The lower part of their belly is whitish with purple edges. The skin around their eyes, their legs, and their beak are red. The tip of their beak is white.
Female scaled pigeons are a duller dark brown, not as purplish as the males. They are also a little smaller than the males.
What Scaled Pigeons Eat
Scaled pigeons mostly eat fruits and seeds found in the forest. They have also been seen eating fresh green leaves. Sometimes, they might even eat crops from farms.
Sounds and Behavior
The call of the scaled pigeon is a deep, cooing sound. It sounds like "cro ku-k." This call is quite different from other pigeons they are related to.
These birds usually live alone. They do not form large groups or flocks like some other pigeons.
Nests and Young
Scaled pigeons have been seen building their nests in interesting places. They have nested on a type of fern called Pteridium aquilinum right on the ground. They also nest in the top branches of a tree fern called Cyathea cyatheoides.
Sometimes, a bird called the pearl kite will visit the nests of scaled pigeons. This kite is a natural predator, meaning it hunts other animals for food.
Images for kids
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A scaled pigeon at Zooparque Itatiba, Brazil.
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Map showing where the scaled pigeon lives.
