Red-billed PigeonPatagioenas flavirostris
DESCRIPTION
14" (36 cm). A large pigeon, deep maroon and gray, without distinctive markings; bill red with pale tip.
VOICE
Loud, high-pitched, clear coo, followed by a 3-syllable coo repeated 3 times.
HABITAT
Thick forests and woodland borders, often near water.
RANGE
Breeds in lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas to Costa Rica. Most winter farther south.
DISCUSSION
This tropical pigeon is found in the densely wooded bottomlands near the U.S.-Mexico border and occasionally in more open country around clearings in the forest, or in groves of large trees along rivers. It feeds in the crowns of tall trees on wild figs, other fruits, various nuts, and seeds. Like many other pigeons, it makes a series of cooing calls and a loud clapping noise with its wings as it rises in flight.
NESTING
1 white egg in a nest of sticks, lined with grass or fibers and placed in a bush or tree.
