Speckled Pigeon / Rock Pigeon

Afrikaans name: Kransduif

Speckled Pigeon also known as a Rock Pigeon

Photo © Steven Herbert

Columba guinea

For many years the Speckled Pigeon was known as the Rock Pigeon in South Africa.

This pigeon is a common bird in suitable habitat over much of sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers open areas but it is becoming more and more common around our cities and farms.

The Speckled Pigeon can reach a length of around 40 cm. They eat seeds and grain and are particularly fond of groundnuts.

These pigeons make their nests on a cliff, building or in a tree. Most often two eggs are laid.

Male and female Speckled Pigeons have similar plumage.

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 141

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1959 - Page: 114

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 114

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 96

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 39

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 112

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 114

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 37

Everyone's Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 14

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 102

Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 58

Geoff Lockwood's Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Year Published: - Page: 31

Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 148

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1984 - Page: 198

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 198

Newman's Garden Birds - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 28

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 410

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 126

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 215

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 222

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 303

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 299

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 214

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 222

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 42

The Birds of South Africa - Author: Hazel Stokes - Year Published: 1979 - Page: 21

The Doves, Parrots, Louries & Cuckoos of Southern Africa - Author: M.K. Rowan - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 7

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 104

List of South African Birds