Bird Guide

African Olive Pigeon vs White-headed Pigeon

African Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix)

African Olive Pigeon

Columba arquatrix

Large400 gForest

The adult male African olive pigeon is a large pigeon at 37 to 42 cm (15 to 17 in) in length and a weight of 300 to 450 g (11 to 16 oz). Its back and wings are maroon, with the shoulders heavily speckled with white spots. The underparts are maroon with heavy white spotting, and the head is grey with yellow patches around the eye, and a yellow bill. The neck plumage, used in display, is streaked maroon and white, the underwing and undertail are dark grey, and the feet are yellow. Females are very similar to males but somewhat duller.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Matthew Hine · CC BY 2.0
White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela)

White-headed Pigeon

Columba leucomela

Large420 gForest

The white-headed pigeon draws its name from its distinctive white head, neck, breast, and belly. In males, the wings are slate grey, along with the tail. The upper parts are grey black, with a green or purple iridescence. The bill is pink to dark red, but with a yellow or white tip. The legs and feet are pink to red. Females appear similar to males, but their white colouration is less brilliant and more muddied. Juveniles are similar to females, but with a greyer head and darker gray underparts. Juveniles have greyer feet, legs, and bills, with the bill white tipped.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the White-headed Pigeon
Recorded by Rob Nicholson · Brindle Creek Picnic Area, Border Ranges, NSW, Australia, Australia · CC BY 4.0
Photo: melissadoherty · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: African Olive Pigeon and White-headed Pigeon.