Western Bronze-naped Pigeon

About the Western Bronze-naped Pigeon

The western bronze-naped pigeon (Columba iriditorques) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, part of the subgenus Turturoena. A medium sized bird, it has a pale, broad terminal tail band which is noticeable on landing. It is found in most countries of Africa. The IUCN Red List classifies it as a species of least concern.

The species was first described in 1856 by the American ornithologist John Cassin. It is occasionally considered conspecific (belonging to the same species) with the eastern bronze-naped pigeon (Columba delegorguei) and the island bronze-naped pigeon (Columba malherbii), and the three species are sometimes placed in the subgenus Turturoena.

A medium sized bird, the western bronze-naped pigeon measures about 25 centimetres (9.8 in) in length. It has a pale, broad terminal tail band which is noticeable on landing. The adult male weighs about 130 grams (4.6 oz), and has dark bluish grey head, and dark vinous belly and breast. The adult female weighs about 122 grams (4.3 oz), and has cinnamon-reddish brown crown, and greyish chestnut underparts.

It is widespread across the African tropical rainforest... Wikipedia →