The band-tailed pigeon is a broad 12 to 15 1/2 inches in length. It's coloring is dark gray above with a pale gray terminal band on tail. The legs are yellow, as well as the bill (tipped with black). The head and underparts are a purplish plum, contrasted by whitening toward the extreme lower belly. Adult band-tailed pigeons have narrow white semi-collar on nape.
Band-tailed pigeons thrive in coniferous forests along the northwestern Pacific Coast. Throughout this Pacific range, the southwestern part hold birds that prefer oak or pine-oak woodlands, where they can feed on acorns. These pigeon are also found throughout mountainous areas of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
There is little information about migratory behavior for band-tailed pigeons, but most likely migration is every day since there are numerous reports of large flocks flying in daylight, especially in the fall. Nest building is on tree branches over a 3-6 day period and consists of twigs placed crosswise over each other, similar to the mourning dove.
Generally one egg is laid and both parents incubate with hatching occurring within 16 to 22 days. Band-tails have a peak nesting period, generally in early to midsummer. Two and three successful hatchings are not unusual. Because they are vegetarian, most food consists of grain seeds, pine nuts, fruits, acorns, as well as buds and flowers of trees and shrubs. Young band-tailed pigeons are fed a "crop milk."
The band-tailed pigeon is a broad 12 to 15 1/2 inches in length. It's coloring is dark gray above with a pale gray terminal band on tail. The legs are yellow, as well as the bill (tipped with black). The head and underparts are a purplish plum, contrasted by whitening toward the extreme lower belly. Adult band-tailed pigeons have narrow white semi-collar on nape.