Hill Pigeon
NameHill Pigeon
Common NameHill Pigeon
Scientific NameColumba rupestris
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)32.5
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsPredominantly grey plumage with a darker grey head and neck, often displaying an iridescent green and purplish sheen on the sides of the neck. The back and wings are pale grey with two prominent black bars on the secondary coverts. It has a white rump and a dark tail with a broad white band at the base, visible when perched or in flight. The eyes are reddish-orange, and the bill is dark with a pale cere.
Vocalization / CallTypical pigeon cooing calls, often described as a deep, guttural 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'coo-coo-coo'.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, urban, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide range in Asia, from the Himalayas eastward through Tibet, China, Mongolia, and parts of Central Asia, extending into Korea and Japan.
Identifying Featurestwo prominent black wing bars, white rump, broad white band at base of tail, iridescent neck patches, reddish eyes
Description
The Hill Pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon characterized by its grey plumage and distinctive markings. It typically inhabits rocky cliffs and mountainous regions, often foraging for seeds and grains in open areas or near human settlements.
