Band-Tailed Pigeon

Description: Band-tailed pigeons are bluish-gray with a purplish wash to the head and breast. They have a white collar on the back of the neck and a small scaled patch of feathers underneath. The bill is yellow with a dark tip, and the tail has a broad gray band. Both sexes are similar. Average size: 13-14 inches. Average weight: 9-12 ounces.

Science: These birds breed on the Pacific coast from British Columbia to California and in many other southwestern states and Mexico. They winter in southern California, Baja, and Mexico. They prefer forests with old-growth trees in which they roost and feed upon buds of flowers and acorns, as well as on some crops such as olives, grapes, corn oats, peas, and wheat. Their population is thought to be stable.

Hunting: Band-tailed pigeons have a fast, erratic flight pattern. They are usually pass-shot near forested areas by hunters seeking mourning doves. The eating quality is good: the meat is somewhat dark but mild.