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Small forest grouse (38-43 cm long). Sexes dimorphic; males have medium to blackish grey plumage with brilliant scarlet eye combs; females lighter in colour and more cinnamon than males. Subspecies distinct; body size and mass are greater for D. c. canadensis than D. c. franklinii; rectrices dark brownish and tipped with a broad rust band in D. c. canadensis, black with or without white tips in D. c. franklinii.
Found throughout British Columbia except in coastal areas. D. c. canadensis inhabits northern ecoregions while D. c. franklinii has a more central and southern distribution.
Resident of taiga and conifer forests, especially fire adapted forests. Typically found in young successional stands of dense jack (Pinus banksiana) and lodgepole pine (P. contorta), 7-14 m height, with a well developed middle story.
Migrant between breeding and winter territories (0-11 km). Females tend to migrate more frequently and over greater distances than males. Timing of migration varies between populations but in general birds depart winter range mid-February to mid-May, and breeding range mid-August to late December.
Polygynous. Solitary. Loose flocks of females with broods during late summer; flocks may form during winter. Both sexes aggressively maintain breeding territories; 39-50% of yearling males do not maintain territories. Territorial males perform vertical flutter-flight displays in response to intruders. D. c. franklinii males also perform an audible wing-clap display (2 sharp claps about 1 second apart) that can be heard up to 150 m away. Territorial displays are most common during dawn and dusk. Females utter a "cantus" as a territorial display. Territorial behaviour peaks during the breeding season, however, some birds maintain territories year round.
Throughout their range, they forage primarily on pine needles (Pinus banksiana and P. contorta) during winter months and forbs, flowers and invertebrates in summer.
Breeding densities range from 0-50 birds/100 ha for D. c. franklinii in Alberta, to 8-12 birds/100 ha for D. c. canadensis in Alaska. Sex ratio is 1:1 for most populations studied.
Guiguet 1955; Johnsgard 1973; Robinson 1980; Boag and Schroeder 1992.
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Large grouse (44-57 cm long). Sexes dimorphic; males larger than females (average of 1 273 g and 839 g, respectively). Males bluish to blackish grey with yellow to reddish eye combs; females brownish grey to brown. Blue grouse are divided into coastal and interior subspecies. Coastal birds have wide terminal greyish band on rectrices and yellow neck patches, interior subspecies narrow to no band and reddish neck patches.
Inhabits mountainous areas of coastal and interior British Columbia except parts of the Taiga and Boreal Plains ecoregions.
Interior subspecies found in shrub-steppe, alpine/subapline, and forest habitats. Coastal subspecies resident of sea level to alpine/subalpine forest communities.
Migrant between low elevation breeding ranges to higher altitude winter sites. Birds depart winter range late-March to mid-April, and breeding range mid-June to late-October. In Washington State 50% (n = 30 recoveries) of movements were greater than 8 km; longest known movement 50 km. Males tend to migrate further and to higher elevations than females.
Polygynous. Terrestrial lifestyle, more arboreal during winter. Mostly solitary but broods may form loose flocks during late summer; small flocks may form during winter. Both sexes maintain breeding territories, no indication of winter territories. In general, few males and most females breed during their first breeding season following hatch. Territorial males perform short (1 m) flutter-flights from ground or in a tree. The song of male blue grouse, the "hoot", differs between coastal and interior subspecies. Coastal subspecies produce a loud hoot (heard > 300 m) usually from a tree or rock; interior subspecies produce a soft hoot (inaudible beyond 30 m) usually from the ground. During the breeding season females occasionally emit a "whinny" call. Size of territories maintained by males is highly variable, 0.2 to 5.2 ha.
Varied diet in summer (leaves, flowers, invertebrates); winter diet primarily consists of conifer needles.
Breeding densities vary; interior subspecies 3-19 birds/km2; coastal subspecies 4-103 birds/km2. Typical density 15-30 males/km2. Sex ratio 1:1.
Guiguet 1955; Johnsgard 1973; Campbell et al. 1990; Zwickel 1992.
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Large forest grouse (41-48 cm long). Little sexual dimorphism in plumage colouration; birds generally reddish-brown with blackish neck ruff and distinctive crest, rectrices banded black, brown, and buff with a wider black band near the tips. Eye combs orange to reddish-orange in males, colourless in females. Two colour phases exist; the grey phase which is typical in northern populations and the reddish-brown phase common in southern populations. Eleven subspecies are recognized 6 of which are found in British Columbia, B. u. yukonensis, B. u. umbelloides, B. u. affinis, B. u. phaia, B. u. sabini, and B. u. brunnescens.
Indigenous to all ecoregions of British Columbia. Absent on Queen Charlotte Islands and islands off northern mainland.
Deciduous and mixed deciduous/conifer forest usually containing birch (Betula sp.) and poplar (Populus sp.). Common in fire seres, brushy stream courses, alder thickets, and brushy forest edges. Birds exhibit seasonal shifts in habitat use within their home range; during winter they tend to use brushy areas, while in summer they use areas that are more open.
Sedentary, occupies same territory year round. Juveniles can disperse as far as 19 km.
Terrestrial habits, more arboreal during winter. Not gregarious. May form loose flocks in winter. Males perform drumming displays on their territories commencing mid-February to early April, peaking during early May. Drumming sites are usually logs often used repeatedly between years. Drumming displays most common during crepuscular periods. Although drumming displays peak during the breeding season, autumn displays are common. As many as 38% of the males in a population may be classed as 'nondrummers', such birds are usually yearling males.
Diet items in summer include berries, fruits, herbaceous material; winter diet primarily comprised of buds, catkins and twigs of deciduous trees/shrubs such as birch (Betula sp.) and aspen (Populus sp.).
In central British Columbia densities of 4.4-10.5 drumming males/km2. Populations exhibit ten year "cycles" in abundance. Sex ratio assumed to be 1:1.
Bump et al. 1947; Edminster 1947; Aldrich and Duvall 1955; Brewer 1980; Johnsgard 1983; Davies and Bergerud 1988; Campbell et al. 1990.
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Small grouse (35.5-43 cm long). Males larger than females. During the breeding season males are rusty chestnut with dark barring, have scarlet eye combs, and dark brown rectrices; females greyish brown and more heavily barred, rectrices dark brown. Both sexes have feathered tarsi and white plumage in winter.
Resident of alpine and subalpine habitat in the mountainous areas of western British Columbia. Absent from Northeast Pacific, Georgia Depression, Taiga Plains and Boreal Plains ecoregions.
Alpine and subalpine communities at or near treeline, 600-1980 m elevation. Frequents the shrub zone of tundra where willow (Salix sp.), birch (Betula sp.), and shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) form the overstory. Wet sedge meadows, sedge-willow marshes, streams and lake edges are commonly used.
Birds may move considerable distances between breeding and winter sites; in northern British Columbia confirmed movements of 100 km. Records of willow ptarmigan moving as far as northern Minnesota during some years. Females move further than males. Depart breeding grounds when snow accumulation has covered vegetation, usually by December. Arrive on breeding territories mid-March to mid-April. Males arrive on breeding range 2-3 weeks before females.
Walking is primary mode of locomotion during breeding season. Forms flocks of 20-200 birds in autumn. Both sexes aggressively defend breeding territories; birds usually form monogamous pair bonds and members of the same monogamous pair share a territory. Some males are polygynous. Territorial males are extremely vigilant and often sit on a prominent 'lookout'. Males perform "flight call" display; bird flies in a loop upward to 30 feet then lands, on ascent utters barking aa, on descent ka-ka-ka-ka, and upon landing utters kohwa-kohwa-kohwa. Males actively defend nests and broods.
Diet is varied during summer (leaves, berries, seeds, invertebrates), willow buds and stems are primary diet items during winter.
Breeding densities 0.4-4.0 pairs/km2; rarely 78 territorial males/km2. Sex ratio assumed to be 1:1. Populations cycle at intervals of 8 or 9 years.
Weeden 1965; Johnsgard 1983; Mossop 1988; Campbell et al. 1990; Gruys 1991.
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Small tundra grouse (32.5-39 cm long). Both sexes have feathered tarsi and white plumage in winter, rectrices black in all seasons. Males and most females have black loral streak most noticeable in winter plumage. Eye combs orange to scarlet in males, females have paler ones. Males retain white plumage until incubation then molt to brownish-grey. During breeding season females have brownish-black with tawny barring.
Uncommon resident of mountainous areas of British Columbia. Most abundant in the northeastern part of the Northern Boreal Mountains ecoregion.
Arctic and alpine tundra interspersed with rocky outcrops, 915-2450 m elevation. Hummocky, well-drained willow and birch dominated communities; sedge-meadows. Habitat tends to be higher in elevation than that occupied by willow ptarmigan. In areas where both species are indigenous there is little to no overlap in local distribution.
Migratory between winter and breeding areas. Birds depart breeding range in late August to late October, and winter range mid-April to late March. Males arrive on breeding areas 2-3 weeks earlier than females.
Flocks numbering several hundred birds form during migration and winter. Territorial during breeding season; birds form monogamous pair bonds and members of a pair share the same territory. Territorial males perform "flight song" display; bird flies 2-80 m above the ground then soars upward until reaches stalling speed, swells neck and descends on bowed wings while uttering loud staccato call. Females do not defend territories. Male remains with female until time of hatch then usually abandons territory, few males provide parental care.
Diet items vary by season and availability; birch and willow buds and leaves eaten in all seasons.
Breeding densities variable; 2.3-9.2 territorial males/km2. Average population density 1-4 birds/km2. Sex ratio (male:female) may vary between years and populations; 1:1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1.2:1.
Weeden 1965; MacDonald 1970; McGowan 1975; Johnsgard 1983; Campbell et al. 1990; Holder and Montgomerie 1993.
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The smallest North American grouse (30-34 cm long). Only grouse with white rectrices. Both sexes have feathered tarsi and white plumage in winter. In breeding season males have 'necklace' of barred brown and black breast feathers; females brown and black with yellow barring.
Resident of mountainous regions throughout the province. Absent from Queen Charlotte Islands, subspecies L. l. saxatilis found on Vancouver Island.
Alpine regions 1280-2650 m elevation. Mostly rocky, moist vegetation near snowfields, willow dominated plant communities, Carex-Geum rock meadows.
Local populations migrate altitudinally between winter (low elevation) and breeding (higher elevation) ranges. Females tend to move further than males. Arrive on breeding areas early April to early June; depart breeding areas for winter sites in late September to mid-November.
Birds establish territories in breeding season. Males arrive on breeding range before females and defend territories by ground and aerial displays. Most conspicuous display by territorial males is 'flight scream'; aerial component ku-ku-KIII-KIIER, after landing utters duk-duk-DAAK-duk-duk. Birds usually form monogamous pair bonds but some males are polygynous; members of the same pair share a territory. Territory size variable 5-67 ha. Males do not provide parental care. Forms loosely organized flocks of broods, unsuccessful females, and males in late summer. Flocks segregated by sex during winter.
Willow buds, leaves, and twigs common diet items, especially during winter.
Breeding densities vary between populations but in general are 2.0-13.5 birds/km2. Sex ratio (male:female) varies, 0.8-1.8:1.
Braun and Rogers 1971; Johnsgard 1983; Campbell et al. 1990; Braun et al. 1993.
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Medium sized grouse (42-47 cm long). Body feathers brownish with extensive white, buff, brown, and black barring/spotting. Breast feathers are buffy with brownish "V" shaped markings. Tail feathers are graduated with the center rectrices longest. Males are slightly larger, have violet coloured neck apteria, and pale yellow eye combs.
Local populations in the Taiga Plains, Boreal Plains, Southern Interior Mountains, Sub-Boreal, Central and Southern Interior ecoregions.
Grassland interspersed with deciduous and conifer copses. Shrubs and small trees are important habitat components. Vegetative communities include, shrub-steppe (Artemisia-Agropyron), mountain mahogany-oak scrub (Cerocarpus-Quercus), fescue-wheatgrass (Festuca-Agropyron), wheatgrass-bluegrass (Agropyron-Poa), and riparian and mountain shrub. May use cropland adjacent to native habitat.
Move 0-34 km between breeding and winter range. Females tend to move further than males. Juveniles may disperse as far as 150 km.
Social. Males form flocks associated with specific leks (communal display sites) during breeding season; females often visit leks in small flocks. Lek mating system; number of males attending lek varies, 2-57 males/lek. Males maintain territories by aggressive displays including "flutter-jump", "cackling call", and physical contact. Dominance hierarchy among males, dominant birds are centrally located on lek. Male courtship display, "dancing", consists of rapid stepping movements with erect tail, extended wings, outstretched head, and exposed neck apteria. Males produce soft hooting or cooing calls and vibrate their tail feathers to produce a rattling sound while dancing. Displays are most intense in early morning hours and during peak of female lek attendance. Males show high fidelity to specific leks. Lek sites are often relatively 'permanent'.
Diet is varied during summer (seeds, leaves, invertebrates); winter diet consists of fruits and buds of deciduous shrubs and trees.
Breeding densities vary between years and areas; in South Dakota 3-9 males/km2, Nebraska 9-14 males/km2. Sex ratio (male:female) 1:1.5.
Hillman and Jackson 1973; Johnsgard 1983; Gratson 1988; Campbell et al. 1990; Giesen and Connelly 1993.
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Largest North American grouse. Sexually dimorphic for body size; males (65-76 cm long), females (48-58 cm long). Both sexes have long narrow rectrices and greyish brown plumage, variegated with buff and blackish markings and dark brownish abdominal area. Males have black philoplumes located at the base of the neck, dark brown throats, whitish breast feathers, and two frontally located gular air sacs. Females lack air sacs and philoplumes, and have blackish-brown barring on throat and breast feathers.
Historically, populations in extreme southern Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. In 1958 sage grouse were introduced at Richter Pass near Osoyoos. Currently extirpated from historical range in British Columbia.
Shrub-steppe habitat dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia sp.).
Seasonal movements between breeding and winter areas. Birds move to summer ranges in late April-early May, to winter sites in late August-early October, and to breeding areas in mid February-early March. Movements are as far as 82 km.
Gregarious, males form flocks associated with specific lek sites, females visit leks in small flocks. During winter flocks of 4-50 birds are common, occasionally as many as 200 birds. Lek mating system: males defend territories on communal display sites, number of males/lek varies from 16-32. Dominant males occupy centrally located territories on the lek site. Males perform an elaborate "strutting" display to attract females; birds stands erect with tail fanned and upright, gular air sacs are inflated and folded wings are brought up and moved across the neck feathers producing a 'swishing' sound. Movement of the wings is repeated several times until the gular air sacs are completely extended at which time the compressed air is suddenly released producing a distinctive 'plopping' sound. Strutting activity is most intense during early morning hours and period of peak female lek attendance. Males display fidelity to lek sites; leks are traditional areas used repeatedly between years.
Sagebrush is eaten throughout the year, especially during winter when it comprises 100% of the diet. Forbs, grasses, and invertebrates are also consumed during summer.
Breeding density 3-19 birds/km2. Sex ratio (male:female) 1:1.5-2.0.
Guiguet 1955; Wallestad 1975; Johnsgard 1983; Connelly et al. 1988; Braun 1991.
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Medium sized partridge (33-39 cm long). Males and females similar in appearance and difficult to distinguish. Plumage greyish brown to olive, buffy to white cheek patches, black streak passes through the eye and around the cheek forming a 'V' at the throat. Breast feathers greyish, buffy coloured flanks have vertical black and chestnut barring, legs and bill reddish.
Introduced populations in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Absent from most ecoregions except localized areas in the Central and Southern Interior.
Rocky slopes, cliffs, and bluffs adjacent to shrub-steppe grassland communities where sagebrush is dominant shrub component. Brushy creek bottoms near mountain slopes. Proximity to water important during summer.
Migrate altitudinally from lower valleys during winter to higher elevations during the breeding season. Birds are usually found near streams and springs in hot summer months.
Gregarious, forms coveys in all months of the year except during spring when birds form breeding pairs. Coveys usually range from 5-40 birds. Pair formation commences in February; most pairs are monogamous, some males are polygynous. Males defend mates by head tilt, lateral stance, and circling displays. During circling display males utter "errrrrrrr" call. Conflicting evidence concerning the degree of parental care by the male; in some cases males abandon territories in late incubation and form small flocks, in other cases males may provide parental care to the brood. A few weeks following hatch, broods form flocks.
The seeds and leaves of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) are most common diet items during all months of the year. Herbs and fruits are eaten in summer, forb and shrub seeds and fruits are consumed during winter.
Breeding densities in Washington State average 72 birds/km2.
Galbreath and Moreland 1953; Johnsgard 1973; Molini 1976.
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Small sized partridge (30-33 cm long). Sexes similar in appearance and difficult to distinguish in the field. Upper body parts greyish brown, facial and throat areas rusty orange, horseshoe shaped marking of dark brown feathers on lower breast. Flanks have brownish chestnut barring. Chestnut coloured rectrices are short and rounded.
Introduced populations in the Southern Interior ecoregion. Absent in all other ecoregions.
Resident of shrub-steppe areas interspersed with croplands, especially cereal grains. In winter uses crop stubble and woody areas. Prefers agricultural areas with cereal crops and hedgerows.
Sedentary. Use the same habitat year round. In spring pairs may move up to 25 km in search of nesting habitat. During winter coveys rarely move further than 1 km, home range size 96 to 392 ha.
Gregarious except during pair formation in the breeding season. Form coveys in all seasons, coveys usually family groups (mated pair and offspring). Unmated males may join family coveys, adult coveys of nonbreeders form in autumn and winter. Monogamous mating system. Both sexes display aggressive behaviour during pairing; pairs form within and between coveys. Paired males utter "kee-uck" call during breeding season, most commonly prior to sunrise and just after sunset.
Main diet items include seeds of agriculture crops (wheat, barley, oats, corn, sunflower) and native vegetation. Some invertebrates consumed, primarily Orthoptera and Lepidoptera.
Breeding densities < 1-4 pairs/km2. Fall densities 15-84 birds/km2. Sex ratio biased in favour of males.
Johnsgard 1973; Austin 1980; Weigand 1980; Carroll 1993.
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Large pheasant; males larger than females (84 and 53 cm long, respectively). Both sexes have long pointed tail and rounded wings. Sexually dimorphic for plumage colouration. Males have iridescent bronze upper body parts, spotted/barred with black, brown, and green. Head and neck green- purplish with white ring around throat, red eye patch, and iridescent green ear tufts. Females generally buffy with brown, rust, and black mottling.
Introduced populations in parts of Georgia Depression, Coast and Mountains, and Central Interior ecoregions.
Inhabits numerous habitat types, common feature is presence of agricultural croplands (cereal grains, alfalfa). Nests in grassland, roadsides, and hedgerows where cover is moderate to dense. Woody cover used during winter, especially in cold temperatures.
Sedentary. Birds generally move less than 5 km between breeding and winter sites. Once localized on winter sites flocks range less than 1 km. Breeding range of adult birds average 1 km2.
Social. Males defend loosely defined territories during early spring and establish "crowing" areas to attract females. Crowing activity by territorial males is most intense during early morning and evening hours. Females form harem flocks during spring and visit territorial males for mating. Considerable interchange of females between harems.
Cereal grains (corn, wheat, barley, rye, oats) constitute major diet items. Birds also consume leaves, seeds, fruits and invertebrates.
Sex ratio (male:female); 1:1.9, 1:2.7.
Gates and Hale 1975.
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Small quail (24-28 cm long). Both sexes have elongated 'teardrop' crests. Males have grey to brownish-grey upper parts, grey chest, chestnut-buffy abdomen scaled with dark brown markings; brownish flanks marked with buffy streaks; and black crest and black throat patch, white streak across forehead and under throat. Females similar, except have dark brown crests and lack black throats.
Populations in the Georgia Depression, Southern Interior, and Southern Interior Mountains. Absent from all other ecoregions.
Coastal forest birds use edge habitats and early successional stages of vegetation. Southern Interior populations are associated with orchards and irrigated cropland. Birds use brushy areas of aspen (Populus sp.), rose (Rosa sp.), chokecherry (Prunus sp.) and saskatoon berry (Amelanchier sp.). Require access to water.
Sedentary. Winter covey home range 7-18 ha. Covey structure dissolves in early February as unpaired birds move away to establish pair bonds and breeding ranges. The remaining covey is comprised of pairs mated for nesting activities. Movement of mated pairs is limited 5-10 ha. Broods, nonbreeding, and unsuccessful breeding birds form coveys during late summer. Late summer coveys remain together throughout the winter.
Social, forms coveys in all seasons of the year. During late winter and early spring members of a covey are aggressive toward conspecific intruders, hence little intercovey mixing. Monogamous pair bonds are initiated prior to covey break-up. Paired males are aggressive towards and drive out unpaired males. Birds do not establish and defend breeding territories. However, unmated males often maintain "crowing" areas near nest sites of mated pairs. Such birds utter a cow vocalization. Mated pairs utter contact calls, cu-ca-cow (or chi-ca-go). Bi-parental care of chicks. Unmated males may occasionally join a family group and provide foster care to the brood.
Leguminous plants, leaves, seeds, fruits, and grains constitute major diet items. Proportion of animal matter minimal (less then 5%).
Population densities vary considerably, in areas of optimum habitat 125-250 birds/km2 are not uncommon. Sex ratio (male:female) 1:0.8.
Anthony 1970; Johnsgard 1973; Campbell et al. 1990.
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Medium sized quail (27-29 cm long). Sexes similar and difficult to differentiate. Prominent narrow black plume (2 feathers). Upper body parts olive-grey, head, neck, and chest are grey. Facial area is chestnut and bordered by a white streak extending from behind the eye to the throat. Flanks dark brown with prominent white and black vertical barring.
Rare. Absent from all ecoregions except Georgia Depression where it is confined to a small part of southwestern Vancouver Island.
In the coastal forest prefers clearcut areas in early stages of regeneration, brushy canyons. Areas of mixed forest and brushy thickets are used during winter.
Migrates altitudinally between breeding (high elevation) and winter (low elevation) sites. Instances of birds moving 32 km between ranges. However, some populations show little variation in seasonal movements and occupy the same range throughout the year. Coveys are relatively sedentary when on winter range and move to breeding areas in late February. Little movement during brood-rearing but birds may move to water sources. In late summer-early autumn birds commence moving back to winter range.
When disturbed prefers to run rather than fly. Social, coveys form during all seasons of the year, average of 7 birds/covey. Monogamous pairs form in late February to early March when birds are still in coveys. The covey then breaks down and pairs establish nesting sites. Unmated males advertise their presence by uttering a loud (audible to 1 km) quee-ark call from prominent locations. Biparental care. Males occasionally develop brood patches and may incubate the clutch if the female is killed. Late summer coveys are formed by family groups, unmated, and unsuccessful birds.
Fruits and seeds of numerous shrubs and trees, tubers and roots, acorns, leaves, buds, and flowers of a variety of plants constitute the diet.
In California 9-30 birds/km2.
Guiguet 1955; Johnsgard 1973; Brennan and Block 1986; Campbell et al. 1990; Washington Department of Wildlife 1993.
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Largest North American game bird (males and females average 94 cm and 117 cm long, respectively). Both sexes have long necks and legs, large fan-shaped tail. Head and neck nearly bare. Males iridescent blackish brown, red dewlap, dark brown tuft of coarse feathers on lower breast, white barring on wings and spurs on tarsi. Female colouration more rusty brown tipped with white. Often lack frontal tuft, lack spurs.
Absent from all ecoregions except Georgia Depression, Southern Interior and Southern Interior Mountains where populations have been introduced.
Mixed stands of climax vegetation interspersed with openings, clearings, and pastures. May use riparian areas. Roosting habitat important.
Non-migratory. Immature birds disperse to first breeding range in early spring, females disperse further than males (16 and 9 km, respectively). Once established on breeding range birds are sedentary until autumn when they move to winter range. Some subspecies move 40-64 km between breeding and winter sites. Year round home range 3.6-78 km2 for females, males 3-4 km2.
Gregarious. Territorial behaviour minimal. Broods may join to form flocks in summer. During autumn, flocks are segregated by age and sex. Flock size is usually 40 birds but may reach >200. Females form small flocks (4 birds) termed 'harems' in April. Harems are accompanied by one or more males. Males establish pecking hierarchies to gain mating opportunities with females; hierarchies are maintained by threat displays and physical combat. In some populations leks may form. Males utter "gobble" call to advertise dominance and attract females. Gobbling call is usually given from a roost site during the early morning hours and is most intense during March to April.
Diet items vary by region and subspecies. In general mast, fruits, seeds, green vegetation, and invertebrates.
Densities of 1-5 birds/km2.
Campbell et al. 1990; Eaton 1992.
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Large columbid (average 37 cm long). Sexes similar in size and appearance. Upper body parts greyish, head and chest purplish, rectrices light grey with broad darker grey band. Adults have white band across nape below which is a broad area of iridescent bronzy green. Legs and bill yellow. Bill tipped with black.
Breeding populations of the coastal subspecies are found in the Georgia Depression and Coast and Mountains ecoregions. Absent from all other ecoregions.
Coniferous forest of mixed species, light to medium density. Brushy clearings where berry producing shrubs dominate.
Migratory. Arrive on breeding range March to May, most birds have departed by early to late October.
Gregarious at all times of year except breeding season when pairs are nesting. Male emits a "perch" call during courtship, coo-coo, coo-coo, coo-coo. Cooing calls are audible to 0.4 km but distance varies by habitat. Males perform cooing calls from mid-May to late August, in Oregon peak cooing occurs in mid-May to mid-June. Cooing activity is most frequent prior to and just after sunrise. Nests consist of loosely constructed twigs and is located in a tree. Reproductive potential is extremely low, 1 egg/clutch.
Major diet items include acorns, berries, and seeds.
Populations of band-tailed pigeons are relatively low.
Bent 1932; Sisson 1968; Keppie et al. 1970; Braun et al. 1975; Jarvis and Passmore 1992.
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Medium sized dove (28-33 cm long). Sexes similar in appearance. Plumage greyish brown with black spots behind the eye and on upper wing feathers. Sides of lower neck have iridescent pink and greenish patches. Rectrices are long and pointed, outer tail feathers tipped with white.
Breeding populations in parts of Georgia Depression, Coast and Mountains, Central Interior, Southern Interior, and Southern Interior Mountains ecoregions. Absent from all other ecoregions.
Adapted to a variety of habitat types. Uses edge cover and mixed successional stages.
Migratory, birds winter in southern United States and northern Mexico. Birds depart during September and return to breeding areas in May and June. During the nesting season birds may range 0.8-7.8 km from nest sites.
Gregarious except during nesting. Monogamous pair bonds. Males establish and defend a territory after pairing. Male song during the breeding season is the "perch coo", Coo-co, OO, OO, OO. Calling by males peaks in mid-May to mid-June and is most intense just prior to and after sunrise. Unmated males perch coo more frequently than paired males.
Abundant. Breeding Bird Survey routes in British Columbia report an average of 0-20 birds/route. Variable sex ratio usually skewed in favour of males, but most sampling of populations may not be random, 1:1, 1:0.8, 1:0.2. Sex ratios vary monthly and seasonally.
Guiguet 1955; Aldrich 1993; Mirarchi and Baskett 1994.
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