Band-tailed Pigeon
A large western forest pigeon best supported by mature woods and fruiting plants, not by concentrated grain feeding.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look in mature conifer or conifer-oak forest, forested parks, orchards, and mountain or coastal woodland edges.
Food
Wild and cultivated fruit, berries, acorns, pine nuts, grain seeds, and flowers of woody plants.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Wet Pacific conifer forest, Southwestern mountain pine-oak woodland, berry-rich shrubs, orchards, and forested suburban parks.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Band-tailed Pigeon habitat
Wet Pacific conifer forest, Southwestern mountain pine-oak woodland, berry-rich shrubs, orchards, and forested suburban parks.
Band-tailed Pigeon diet and food
Wild and cultivated fruit, berries, acorns, pine nuts, grain seeds, and flowers of woody plants.
Do not use large grain piles; fruiting native shrubs, mature trees, and clean mineral-rich water sources are a better fit.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Wild and cultivated fruit, berries, acorns, pine nuts, grain seeds, and flowers of woody plants.
Cover & plants
Wet Pacific conifer forest, Southwestern mountain pine-oak woodland, berry-rich shrubs, orchards, and forested suburban parks.
Band-tailed Pigeon nesting and breeding
Builds a flat twig platform high on a sturdy tree limb; pairs may attempt more than one nest in a long season.
Band-tailed Pigeon behavior and where to look
Travels in flocks to feed in trees and on the ground, sometimes hanging upside down to reach fruit, buds, or acorns.
Photography
Use a forest edge or fruiting tree from a distance and avoid approaching a high nest tree.
What to avoid
Do not concentrate birds with grain, which can increase crowding and conflict around a large pigeon flock.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
