Antilles pigeon (Red-necked pigeon) (Portorica dove)

Patagioenas squamosa - Image Source: ebird

 The Antilles pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa), also known as the red-necked pigeon or portorico pigeon, is a species of pigeon birds. It occurs exclusively in the Caribbean.

The Antilles pigeon reaches a body length of up to 41 centimeters. It is therefore a relatively large pigeon. There is no gender dimorphism.

The body plumage of the Antilles pigeon is a dark slate gray. The head and chest are somewhat lighter than the rest of the body's plumage and have a wine-red sheen. The feathers on the sides of the neck and nape are wine red with dark hems. The neck and throat side plumage appears clearly scaled. The beak is reddish at the base and brightens towards the tip. The feet are dark red. Antillean pigeons have striking dark circles that vary from orange to bright red.

The Antilles pigeon occurs in the Greater Antilles with the exception of Jamaica, the Virgin Islands and the Lesser Antilles. It is a locally common species that occurs mainly in primary forest. However, it is heavily hunted in some parts of its range and is at risk of regionally exterminated. Habitat changes and the conversion of forests into agricultural areas also have an impact on the stock. For example, it was last seen in Aruba in 1973.

The Antilles pigeon prefers the mountain and highlands as well as plantations. It is observed only relatively rarely in the flat coastal areas.

The Antillean pigeon is a relatively shy pigeon whose way of life is tied to trees. It only comes to the ground relatively seldom to pick up seeds. Their food spectrum includes a wide range of fruits, berries and seeds. It also eats buds and leaves, as well as small snails. The Antilles pigeon is predominantly a resident bird. Migrations can occur due to food availability.

Source: IUCN Red Animal List

The breeding time is not seasonal, but is influenced by the availability of food. Nests are found all year round. The nest is built in a tree or shrub and its loose design is similar to that of most other pigeon birds. The clutch consists of an egg. A breeding time of 13 days has been observed several times in the Antilles pigeon kept in human care. This is an unusually short breeding season for American field pigeons. Breeders of this species have already pointed out breeding times of 17 to 18 days. The young birds fledge after 21 to 23 days.

The Antilles pigeon was first shown at London Zoo in 1868. The first breeding took place there in 1876. In Germany, the Antillean pigeon was kept by several breeders in the early 1980s. The birds came from the Netherlands, where they were bred very successfully. The species is considered to be scared and needs a very large, well-planted aviary to be kept appropriately.