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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.
References and further reading
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 114Birds 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
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 37
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 102
Geoff Lockwood's Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Year Published: - Page: 31
Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 198
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 - 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 - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 222
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