Pigeons and Doves

Status

Resident, with seasonal altitudinal movement

Range

High Himalaya, moving to somewhat lower elevations in winter

Habitat

Bare rock, cliffs and open ground at and above the treeline

IUCN

Least Concern

A pale grey hood and neck, buffy-brown body, and boldly banded black-and-white wings visible both folded and in flight, with bright red legs. Usually found in flocks on bare rock, cliff ledges and snow patches well above the treeline, often around villages and monasteries at altitude where it can be quite confiding.

FM0237

Mar 2024Sela Pass, West Kameng, Arunachal PradeshA pair perched on a moss-covered, snow-dusted rock during a light snowfall, red legs bright against the dark stone.

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Status

Resident, with altitudinal movement

Range

The Himalaya from Himachal Pradesh east through Arunachal Pradesh, mid to high elevation forest

Habitat

Forest canopy, often in fruiting trees, roosting communally in treetops

IUCN

Least Concern

A dark, richly coloured pigeon — maroon-chestnut body finely speckled with white spots, a grey head, and a pale-tipped tail. Found in forest rather than open country, often in small flocks that roost together at the top of a tall tree, as in this frame of several birds gathered on bare, lichen-draped branches at first light.

FM0277

Mar 2024Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, West Kameng, Arunachal PradeshA flock roosting in the top of a lichen-draped tree at first light.

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