Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris) – A Comprehensive Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Columbiformes
• Family: Columbidae
• Genus: Columba
• Species: Columba rupestris

The Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris) is a medium-sized pigeon closely related to the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia). It is primarily found in mountainous regions, rocky outcrops, and high-altitude plateaus. While it shares many characteristics with the Rock Pigeon, it has distinctive features that set it apart, making it an important species for ecological study.

Morphology & Physical Description

• Size: 31–34 cm in length
• Wingspan: 60–68 cm
• Weight: 250–350 grams
• Plumage: Mostly blue-grey with darker wingtips
• Head Features: Greyish head with a noticeable white terminal tail band
• Beak: Short, dark grey to black with a slight curve
• Legs & Feet: Pinkish-red, well-adapted for perching and rocky terrains
• Tail: Rounded with a broad white terminal band, a key distinguishing feature from the Rock Pigeon

Habitat & Distribution

The Hill Pigeon is primarily found in:

• Mountainous and rocky regions across Central Asia, the Himalayas, Tibet, Mongolia, and parts of China
• High-altitude plateaus, often above 2,000 meters
• Rural and semi-arid landscapes, avoiding dense human habitation
• Occasionally seen in river valleys, cliffs, and rock crevices

Presence in the Sundarban

The Hill Pigeon is not a native or regular resident of the Sundarban. Since the Sundarban is a low-altitude, mangrove-dominated ecosystem, it does not provide the rocky terrain and high-altitude conditions that the Hill Pigeon prefers. However, sporadic sightings in nearby regions suggest that some migratory or stray individuals may occasionally visit coastal riverbanks or open fields on the periphery of the Sundarban.

Unlike mangrove-adapted pigeon species such as the Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea), the Hill Pigeon lacks the necessary adaptations to thrive in the humid, tidal ecosystem of the Sundarban.

Feeding Behavior & Diet

The Hill Pigeon is a granivore, meaning it primarily feeds on:

• Seeds and grains, especially from grasses and cultivated fields
• Small berries and fruits, occasionally consumed in its natural habitat
• Insects and invertebrates, but only as a minor part of its diet

Foraging Strategy

• Prefers open fields, rocky outcrops, and cultivated lands
• Forages in small flocks, often mixed with Rock Pigeons
• Adapts to human-modified landscapes, but less so than urban pigeons

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: Varies by location, but typically spring and summer
• Nest Sites: Rocky cliffs, ledges, caves, and even abandoned buildings
• Nesting Type: Builds simple nests using twigs, grass, and feathers
• Eggs: Typically 2 eggs per clutch, pale white in color
• Incubation Period: Around 17-19 days, shared by both parents
• Fledging: Chicks leave the nest within 30 days of hatching

Vocalization & Communication

• Soft cooing sounds, similar to the Rock Pigeon
• Uses short, rhythmic calls for mating and flock communication
• Males may display wing-clapping behaviors during courtship

Special Adaptations

1. High-Altitude Survival: Unlike common pigeons, the Hill Pigeon thrives in cold, arid, and oxygen-scarce environments.
2. Rocky Habitat Preference: Adapted to cliffside nesting, which protects it from predators.
3. Strong Wing Muscles: Built for long-distance flight, allowing it to migrate over mountain passes.
4. Mixed Flocking Behavior: Frequently forms flocks with Rock Pigeons, benefiting from safety in numbers.

Threats & Conservation Status

• Habitat Loss: Due to urban expansion and agricultural encroachment
• Competition with Rock Pigeons: Urbanization increases hybridization risks
• Hunting and Poaching: In some regions, pigeons are hunted for food
• Climate Change: Affects high-altitude ecosystems, potentially disrupting migration patterns

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

The Hill Pigeon is still widespread and relatively stable, but its population is declining in some regions due to urbanization and human disturbances.

Conclusion

The Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris) is a fascinating species adapted to rocky, high-altitude environments. Though it is not a regular resident of the Sundarban, occasional stray individuals may be observed in open fields or along riverbanks. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving natural rocky habitats and minimizing competition with feral pigeons to ensure the survival of this unique species.