African Green Pigeon

Overview

The African green pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae and one of five green pigeon species found in the Afrotropics. It possesses a wide range across Sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 17 accepted races.

Identification

• Upperparts are grayish-green to yellowish-green with maroon patches on the top of the wings in adults, while juveniles appear olive.
• The bill and feet are red, with the bill featuring a white tip.
• Thighs are yellow.
• The call consists of a series of flowing whistles described as 'thweeeloo, thweeeoo'.

Habitat

The species inhabits riparian forest, woodland and savanna, associating closely with fruiting trees such as wild fig and Saffron. They are found across a vast range in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Diet

These birds frequent tree canopies using their parrot-like climbing ability to reach fruit, though they occasionally forage on the ground. Their diet primarily consists of wild figs, Saffrons, Jacket plum and other native fruits, but they may also consume exotic Loquats and Mulberries, or carrion on occasion.