Band-tailed Pigeon

The Band-tailed Pigeon is a widespread Andean resident in Ecuador, occurring from about 1,500 to 3,500 m in humid montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges. It is fairly common in suitable habitat, often seen in flocks feeding on fruits, seeds, and acorns, and is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN despite long-term declines in parts of its range. An interesting detail is that Ecuador hosts the southern subspecies Patagioenas fasciata albilinea, which differs subtly in plumage from northern populations, including a paler tail band and regional variation in collar markings. This subspecies highlights the bird’s broad ecological adaptability across the Americas, from North America to the Andes.