AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Patagioenas fasciata
Band-tailed Pigeon
(Say, 1822)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large wild pigeon with a purplish-pink breast, a yellow bill with a black tip, and a distinct white crescent above an iridescent green patch on the back of its neck.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Columbiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Columbidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Patagioenas
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Say, 1822)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits montane oak, coniferous, and mixed forests, as well as woodlands and chaparral, spanning from western North America through Central America to northwestern South America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A highly gregarious and nomadic pigeon outside the breeding period, traveling in large, swift flocks. They spend most of their time in the upper canopy of trees feeding on mast, but drop to the ground to drink or gather fallen nuts.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strongly social bird forming structured flocks of tens to hundreds of individuals for foraging and migration. Communication within the flock relies on deep cooing notes and clapping wingbeats during takeoff.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Arboreal and terrestrial frugivore and granivore / omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds predominantly on acorns, pine seeds, wild berries (like madrone and elderberry), and cultivated grains. It falls prey to large raptors such as Peregrine Falcons, Cooper's Hawks, and Northern Goshawks, while arboreal mammals target nests.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Monogamous pairs establish nesting territories. The nest is a loose, fragile platform of twigs built high in a tree fork. The female lays a single egg that both parents incubate. They feed the chick nutritious crop milk during its first days.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
33.0 - 40.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
250 g - 450 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
18 - 20
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 11 Years
Females5 - 11 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males exhibit slightly brighter, richer colors, with a more pronounced purplish-pink iridescence on the breast and a more vivid green patch on the neck.
Females Multi-lang
Females are slightly duller overall, showing greyer or more muted tones on the head and underparts, with the white neck crescent being less stark.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a specialized crop and gizzard that allow it to swallow and digest whole acorns, a primary and dense food source.
Highly developed long-distance flying capabilities, allowing flocks to nomadically search for unpredictable mast crops and fruiting trees across vast areas.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to habitat destruction via logging and deforestation of oak woodlands, as well as severe outbreaks of avian trichomoniasis at communal feeding stations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Adults regularly visit mineral springs or salt licks during the nesting season to ingest calcium and sodium, which are vital for producing crop milk for their young.