Bird Guide

Hill Pigeon vs White-headed Pigeon

Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris)

Hill Pigeon

Columba rupestris

Medium245 gRocky

The hill pigeon is a stout-bodied pigeon, similar in size and general appearance to the rock dove (Columba livia) but mainly differentiated by its tail pattern which consists of a broad, white tail-band across the black tail. Other differences include a paler mantle and upper wings and a white patch on the back. In flight, the tail pattern is similar to the snow pigeon (Columba leuconota), but lacks the contrast between the head and neck in that species.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Dmitry Kulakov · CC BY 4.0
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: Hill Pigeon and White-headed Pigeon.