Field Guide

Speckled Pigeon

Columba guinea

Aves › Columbiformes › Columbidae › Columba

Conservation status: least_concern

Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
Photo: (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning, cc-by

The speckled pigeon, also known as the African rock pigeon or Guinea pigeon, is a pigeon that is a resident breeding bird in much of Africa south of the Sahara. It is a common and widespread species in open habitats over much of its range, although there are sizable gaps in its distribution.

How To Identify

A medium-sized pigeon characterized by its highly mottled and speckled plumage; colors typically range from earthy browns to soft grey, giving it a camouflage appearance.

Habitat

It typically lives on rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and mountainous terrain across sub-Saharan Africa, preferring areas with accessible water sources and open grasslands.

Behaviour

They are highly gregarious birds that roost communally on cliff ledges and rocky crevices, often seen in flocks of dozens perching tightly together for safety.

Native Range

The speckled pigeon is a resident breeding bird in much of Africa south of the Sahara.

Did You Know?

Speckled Pigeons are one of Africa's most vocal pigeon species, with males performing elaborate bowing displays accompanied by distinctive cooing calls that echo across rocky cliffs. They can drink saltwater, a rare ability among pigeons that allows them to thrive in arid regions.

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