Speckled Pigeon
Columba guinea
| Scientific name | Columba guinea |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Size | Length about 30-34 cm; weight about 250-400 g |
How to identify
Large pigeon with a rufous back spotted with white, grey head and underparts, and a bare red patch of skin around the eye.
Habitat
Rocky hills, cliffs, cultivated land, and towns across open country in Africa
Diet
Seeds, grain, and small invertebrates taken mostly from the ground
When it is active
Diurnal; feeds on the ground and roosts and nests on cliffs, rocks, and buildings
Where it lives
Widespread across much of sub-Saharan Africa, including the East African highlands
How to spot it
Look on rocky outcrops, cliffs, and buildings in the East African highlands, where pairs perch openly in the morning sun
Photography tips
Shoot in warm early light against rock to bring out the rufous tones; the red eye-skin adds a striking accent
Threats
No major threats; abundant and adaptable, often thriving around human settlements
Similar species
Told from feral Rock Doves by the rufous white-spotted wings, grey head, and red bare skin around the eye.
You might also like
LC African Broad-billed Roller
Eurystomus glaucurus
LC African Fish Eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
LC African Green Pigeon
Treron calvus
LC African Grey Hornbill
Lophoceros nasutus
LC African Harrier Hawk
Polyboroides typus
LC African Hawk Eagle
Aquila spilogaster
LC African Hoopoe
Upupa africana
LC African Jacana
Actophilornis africanus