The white-collared pigeon (Columba albitorques) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae.

White-collared pigeon
In Ethiopia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Columba
Species:
C. albitorques
Binomial name
Columba albitorques
Rüppell, 1837

The species is endemic to the Ethiopian highlands in Eritrea and Ethiopia. It occupies countryside surrounding rocky cliffs and gorgesand is also common in town centres.[2][3]

The species is monotypic: no subspecies are recognised.[4]

Description edit

The white-collared pigeon is 32 cm (13 in) in length. It is a large grey-brown pigeon with a conspicuous white hindcollar contrasting with a slate-grey head. In flight it shows prominent white wing patches formed by white inner primary coverts.

References edit

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Columba albitorques". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22690084A93260800. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22690084A93260800.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. ^ Aerts, R.; Lerouge, F.; November, E. (2019). Birds of forests and open woodlands in the highlands of Dogu'a Tembien. In: Nyssen J., Jacob, M., Frankl, A. (Eds.). Geo-trekking in Ethiopia's Tropical Mountains - The Dogu'a Tembien District. SpringerNature. ISBN 978-3-030-04954-6.
  3. ^ Sinclair & Ryan 2003, p. 202
  4. ^ Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (2020). "Pigeons". IOC World Bird List Version 10.1. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  • Sinclair, Ian; Ryan, Peter (2003). Birds of Africa South of the Sahara. Cape Town: Struik.