3-12-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - RED BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)

The red-billed pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) is a relatively large, robust species of pigeon. Its breeding range extends from southern Texas, United States, to Costa Rica. It is primarily found throughout coastal and lowland areas of Mexico and Central America. It belongs to a clade of Patagioenas which generally lack iridescent display plumage, except some vestiges in the pale-vented pigeon.

Red-billed pigeons have largely dark, slate-gray plumage with a more maroon, though sometimes described as purple, head, neck, and wing coverts. They have pale red eyes with an orange orbital ring, along with a red bill with a yellow tip. Noticeably, they don't have iridescent collar plumage. A blue-gray belly and tail coverts, as well as a less brown back, distinguish it from most other species., such as the Ruddy Pigeon and Short-billed Pigeon. The only noticeable difference between males and females is that the females have a duller colored head and neck. Juveniles are often even more dull in color and have dark and dusky shoulders, as well as a more brown mantle and wings.

Compared to other birds, they are a more mid-to-large sized bird, growing to be between 30 and 37 cm (12-15 in.) in length and a weight of 230–425 g (8.1–15.0 oz).

Red-billed pigeons have a very distinctive call, described to be a long, high-pitched call consisting of a coooo followed by three cuk-c'-c'-coo notes. It follows an ascending sound. When taking off, the birds' wings create a noticeable clapping noise.

9-6-2023 MANDAI BIRD PARADISE, SINGAPORE - RED BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)

The red-billed pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) is a relatively large, robust species of pigeon. Its breeding range extends from southern Texas, United States, to Costa Rica. It is primarily found throughout coastal and lowland areas of Mexico and Central America. It belongs to a clade of Patagioenas which generally lack iridescent display plumage, except some vestiges in the pale-vented pigeon.

Red-billed pigeons are common throughout dry forests in primarily coastal Mexico and Central America, most common in Rio Grande, though still an uncommon find during summertime. They can sometimes be found in Southern Texas, with a declining population. In almost all areas, they are rare to see during the winter. 

25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - RED BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)

The Red-billed Pigeon, Patagioenas flavirostris, is a robust bird, cloaked in slate-gray plumage. Its head and neck shimmer with a maroon hue, sometimes perceived as purple, while the wing coverts share this rich coloration. The species is characterized by pale red eyes encircled by an orange ring and a distinctive red bill tipped with yellow. Unlike its relatives, this pigeon lacks the iridescent collar plumage, setting it apart visually. A blue-gray underbelly and tail coverts, along with a less brown back, provide further distinction from similar species.

Adults are identified by their dark gray bodies, maroon to purple head and neck, and the red bill with a yellow tip. Females may appear slightly duller than males, while juveniles present a more subdued color palette with dusky shoulders and a brownish mantle and wings. The species ranges in size from 30 to 37 cm in length, weighing between 230 and 425 grams.

The Red-billed Pigeon favors dry forests and is often found along riverside wetlands, thriving in these habitats throughout coastal Mexico and Central America.

This pigeon's breeding range spans from southern Texas to Costa Rica. It is prevalent in coastal and lowland areas, particularly in the Rio Grande region. Sightings in Southern Texas are less frequent, and the bird is considered rare during the winter months.