Scaly-naped pigeon facts for kids
The scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa), also called the red-necked pigeon, is a type of bird in the pigeon family, Columbidae. You can find this bird all over the Caribbean islands.
Quick facts for kids Scaly-naped pigeon |
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| A Scaly-naped pigeon in Christ Church, Barbados. | |
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Patagioenas
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| Species: |
squamosa
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Contents
What Does the Scaly-Naped Pigeon Look Like?
The scaly-naped pigeon is a big bird. It is about 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) long. Its body is mostly a dark grey color. Around its neck, it has beautiful maroon (dark reddish-brown) feathers.
The feathers on the back of its neck, called the nape, look like tiny scales. This is why it's called the "scaly-naped" pigeon!
This bird has red eyes. Around its eyes, there is a patch of skin with no feathers. This patch is usually reddish on male pigeons. On female pigeons, it tends to be more yellow. The pigeon's legs are red. The bottom part of its bill is also red, while the rest of the bill is a lighter color.
Where Do Scaly-Naped Pigeons Live?
You can find the scaly-naped pigeon in many parts of the Caribbean. This includes the larger islands like the Greater Antilles, except for Jamaica and the Bahamas. They also live in the smaller islands known as the Lesser Antilles.
These pigeons usually live in rainforests. But you might also see them in drier woodlands that are not too high up. Sometimes, they even live close to where humans live.
Sadly, hunting is a problem for these birds in some parts of the Caribbean. This is especially true in Puerto Rico, where there used to be many of them. Big storms like hurricanes can also harm them. Hurricanes damage the trees and plants where the pigeons live and find food. This can cause their numbers to go down.
How Do Scaly-Naped Pigeons Behave?
Scaly-naped pigeons are often seen alone. Sometimes, you might spot them in small groups. They look for food both in trees and on the ground. They sometimes hang out with other types of doves, like the Rock dove, Eared dove, and Zenaida dove.
Like most doves, these pigeons are careful. If they feel like they are in danger, they will quickly fly away.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female scaly-naped pigeons usually lay one or two eggs. They build their nests mostly in trees.
What Do Scaly-Naped Pigeons Eat?
These pigeons mainly eat fruits and seeds that they find on trees.
See also
- Fauna of Puerto Rico
- List of Puerto Rican birds
- List of Vieques birds
