Scaly-naped pigeon

Scientific name: Patagioenas squamosa

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Medium-sized pigeon with iridescent purple and bronze scaling on the nape and upper breast, giving it a distinctive scaly appearance. The plumage is largely slate-gray with darker flight feathers; males and females are similar in coloration.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 140–200 g with a body length of 24–28 cm; sexes are similar in size.

Habitat

Scaly-naped pigeons inhabit humid montane forests, pine-oak woodlands, and forest edges at elevations typically between 600–2,400 m. They favor areas with fruiting trees and moderate canopy cover.

Distribution

Found from southern Mexico through Central America and the northern Andes to northwestern South America. Prefers humid highland regions with mature or secondary forest.

Diet

Feeds primarily on wild fruits and seeds from fruiting trees such as laurels, avocados, and various native species; occasional ground foraging for fallen fruit.

Behaviour

Diurnal and crepuscular, most active in early morning and late afternoon; typically solitary or in small loose flocks. Flight is swift and direct; birds roost in tall trees.

Hunting tips

Glass fruiting trees and canopy edges at dawn and dusk for feeding birds; listen for soft cooing calls. Approach slowly through forest understory, using terrain to mask silhouette. Position in or near fruiting trees; birds may provide multiple flush opportunities if initial shot misses, as they often return to preferred feeding sites.

Whole weight

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

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 10 countries in Huntify.

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.