Speckled pigeon
Scientific name: Columba guinea
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Grey pigeon with distinctive white spots on the wings and neck patches. Females are slightly smaller and less boldly marked than males.
Size and weight
Males typically weigh 250–300 g and measure 25–30 cm long; females average 220–270 g.
Habitat
Rocky and stony hillsides with scattered vegetation, often on ridge crests and mountain slopes. Found from lowlands up to approximately 2000 m elevation.
Distribution
Widespread across East and South Africa in open, rocky, and semi-arid terrain, from Senegal to southern Africa.
Diet
Feeds primarily on grass and weed seeds, also small grains where available.
Behaviour
Diurnal, most active in early morning and late afternoon. Gregarious outside breeding season, showing local movements in response to food availability.
Hunting tips
Locate flocks by glassing rocky slopes and outcrops. Look for small footprints and scattered droppings near regular roosting and feeding sites. Approach slowly across open ground, utilizing natural cover such as boulders and low scrub, and take birds when they raise their heads while feeding.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 6 countries in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.