Red-billed pigeon

Scientific name: Patagioenas flavirostris

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

A medium-sized pigeon with dark maroon-wine colored plumage on the head, neck, and body, contrasting with pale gray-blue on the wings and tail. The bird displays a distinctive red bill and red orbital ring; males are slightly larger and more richly colored than females.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 190–280 g; body length 25–28 cm. Males average slightly heavier and longer than females.

Habitat

Red-billed pigeons inhabit open and semi-open woodlands, forest edges, and agricultural areas from lowlands to mid-elevation foothills. They favor riparian corridors and areas with scattered trees interspersed with clearings.

Distribution

Native to Mexico and Central America with range extending from southwestern United States (Arizona, southern Texas) southward through Central America to Panama. Within range, they prefer lowland and foothill woodlands and cultivated areas below 2,000 m elevation.

Diet

Red-billed pigeons feed primarily on seeds from wild fruits, grains, and agricultural crops, with preference varying by seasonal availability; they also consume small amounts of vegetation and insects.

Behaviour

Diurnal and crepuscular; they are gregarious, often seen in small to moderate flocks that move between roosting and feeding areas. Flight is direct and swift; birds spend much time foraging on the ground and in low vegetation.

Hunting tips

Look for sign at water sources, grain fields, and beneath fruiting trees where droppings accumulate on rocks or low branches. Approach feeding flocks by moving slowly through adjacent cover during dawn and late afternoon when birds are most active. Use terrain folds and vegetation for concealment; pigeons flush readily, so minimize profile and sudden movement when within 50+ meters.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Mexico

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.