Scaly-naped pigeon

Scaly-naped pigeon
Scaly-naped pigeon in Christ Church, Barbados.
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Columbiformes
Family:	Columbidae
Genus:	Patagioenas
Species:	P. squamosa
Binomial name
Patagioenas squamosa Bonnaterre, 1792

The scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa), also known as the red-necked pigeon, is a bird belonging to the family Columbidae. The species occurs throughout the Caribbean.

Description

in Puerto Rico

The scaly-naped pigeon is a large slate grey pigeon (14–16 in), with maroon coloured plumage around the neck. The plumage on the species' nape appears scaly, explaining both the common and scientific names of the species. There is a bare patch of skin which surrounds the birds red eyes; this patch tends to be reddish in males and more yellow in females. The legs and the base of the bill of the species are red, while the remainder of the bill is light coloured.

Distribution and habitat

The range of the scaly-naped pigeon includes both the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles. The species tends to occur in rain forests, however it may also be found in drier lowland woodlands; the species is locally common near human settlements.

Behaviour

Scaly-naped pigeons are usually found alone or in small groups. They feed in trees an on the ground and often mix with the rock dove, eared dove and the zenaida dove. Like most doves they are wary and will flee if the feel in danger.

Reproduction

The scaly-naped pigeon lays one to two eggs in a nest constructed mostly in trees.

Diet

The species feeds primarily on the fruits and seeds of trees.

See also

• Fauna of Puerto Rico
• List of Puerto Rican birds
• List of Vieques birds

References

• Evans, P.G.H. (1990), Birds of the Eastern Caribbean, London: Macmillan Education Ltd .

External links

• Media related to Patagioenas squamosa at Wikimedia Commons
• Scaly-naped Pigeon videos, images and sounds on the Internet Bird Collection