Columba arquatrix

(Temminck, 1808)

Vernacular names
English : African olive pigeon
French : Pigeon rameron

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Columbiformes
Family : Columbidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
The species can grow to 41 cm long for a weight of 429 g. Bill and eye-ring bright yellow. Head grey with lighter crown, breast and name vinous-purplish-grey. Rest of plumage dark slaty grey with clear grey dots on belly and wings.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in mostly and patchily in eastern Africa, from Eritrea through Tanzania to South Africa. Disjunct populations in Yemen and Angola. Lives in evergreen and coastal forests, mostly above 1400 m, to 3200 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species used to occur in big flocks but these are no longer seen. It is still locally common but declining because of hunting and habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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