Band-tailed Pigeon

Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) is in the Pigeons and Doves family (Columbidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 14,325 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Band-tailed Pigeon: observations by month (U.S.)

About Band-tailed Pigeon

The band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) is a medium-sized bird of the Americas. Its closest relatives are the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon, which form a clade of Patagioenas with a terminal tail band and iridescent plumage on their necks. There are at least 8 sub-species, and some authorities split this species into the northern band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) and the southern band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas albilinea).From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Band-tailed Pigeon by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Pigeons and Doves)

Mourning DoveZenaida macroura

White-winged DoveZenaida asiatica

Eurasian Collared-DoveStreptopelia decaocto

Inca DoveColumbina inca

Zebra DoveGeopelia striata

Common Ground DoveColumbina passerina

Spotted DoveSpilopelia chinensis

White-tipped DoveLeptotila verreauxi

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ