A medium-sized stout-bodied species, the hill pigeon is similar in looks to a feral pigeon.
They live in Asia, mostly in hills and mountains, often above 1,500 m.
Origins of the Hill Pigeon
A wild species, the hill pigeon is a close relative of the rock dove, the ancestor of domestic and feral pigeons, and the two look quite similar.
Its large range across Asia means there is no single point of origin that can be pinned down.
Two subspecies of the hill pigeon are usually recognised:
The blue hill pigeon – found in its eastern ranges
The Turkestan hill pigeon – found in its western ranges.
Distribution And Habitat of the Hill Pigeon
The species is found in China, India, Pakistan, Nepal, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, among other countries. In South Korea it is now very rare.
It is most often found at altitudes between 1,500 and 6,000 metres, though in parts of north-east Asia it also lives lower down. Its habitats include inland cliffs, gorges and mountain peaks, shrubland, alpine grassland and caves.
They will also venture into urban areas and onto agricultural land in small flocks in search of food.
Hill pigeons are mostly non-migratory, but they do make seasonal movements. Young birds disperse after the breeding season, and many birds move to lower ground as temperatures drop in winter.
The hill pigeon is closely related to the rock dove and the snow pigeon (opens in new tab).
The snow pigeon occupies much the same geographical area as the hill pigeon, namely Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
The snow pigeon generally lives higher up than its cousin, from about 3,000 m up to the snow line.
Status of the Hill Pigeon
Conservationists have noted that although the overall population of the hill pigeon is thought to be decreasing, the decline is not fast enough to make it threatened.
The bird is still common and widely distributed in its traditional regions and is therefore classified as being of ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN (opens in new tab).
Hill Pigeon Appearance
| Wingspan | Length | Weight | Coloring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill pigeon | 48 – 54 cm | 30 -35 cm | 280 – 300 g | Bluish grey with darker head and neck |
| Average Feral Pigeon | 64 – 72 cm | 32 – 37 cm | 300 – 500 g | Bluish grey with some black |
The hill pigeon has a stout body and is similar in size to the rock dove.
The feature that distinguishes the two species is the tail, which on the hill pigeon has a broad white band across it.
The hill pigeon has a pale mantle and upper wings. There are two black bars on the wings and a white patch on its back. When in flight, the tail pattern is similar to that of the snow pigeon.
The legs and feet are red, the bill is black and the eyes are orange or yellowish.
Males and females look very similar. Juveniles are duller, with a brownish tinge, and lack the glossy green and purple sheen on the neck.
Character of the Hill Pigeon
Hill pigeons tend to congregate in flocks, mainly to feed. You will often find them mixing with Snow pigeons and Rock doves.
In many places hill pigeons are quite tame and can often be found near villages, camps and monasteries, and along pilgrimage routes.
The call is a gurgling sound repeated quickly.
Diet of the Hill Pigeon
A granivorous bird, the hill pigeon eats much the same as most pigeons.
As well as cereals, seeds and grains, it eats green shoots and leaves, and has been reported eating small snails.
Like the feral pigeon, hill pigeons are opportunistic feeders. They will eat leftover human food, and in Tibet they have been reported picking undigested grain and seeds from animal dung.
Hill Pigeon Mating And Breeding Habits
Hill pigeons have been recorded as beginning to nest as early in the year as February in some places, but in other areas young can be hatched as late as September.
Peak breeding season is April to June.
The males partake in a display of bowing to attract a female mate, and once the courtship has been settled they find a place to nest as part of a dense colony on cliffs, gorges and in rocky outcrops.
In some places (like Tibet), nests have also been found in empty and inhabited houses, and in holes in walls.
The nests are made from twigs and plant stems and it is normal for two eggs to be laid.
Hill pigeons can sometimes raise two broods in a year.
Taking Care Of Hill Pigeons
Being a wild species, the Hill pigeon does not require any special care from humans other than the responsibility to be respectful of the environment and habitats in which they like to exist.
Though relatively tame and quite tolerant to human presence, these are not birds that it would be advisable or recommended to keep in a domestic setting. They belong in the wilds of Asia.
Last updated 24 October 2026 · Types