The speckled pigeon (Columba guinea), also called the African rock pigeon, is a pigeon endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. It has a red patch of bare skin around each eye and reddish-brown wings covered with small white spots, which give the bird its name.
Origins of the Speckled Pigeon
The speckled pigeon is also known as the African rock pigeon.
It’s originally from Africa, particularly in the regions south of the Sahara Desert.
The species was first described from birds collected in Guinea, West Africa, which is why its scientific name is Columba guinea.
Distribution & Habitat of the Speckled Pigeon
They can commonly be found in open grasslands, scrubland and urban areas.
Their habitat also includes deserts, rocky cliffs, and savanna grasslands.
Closest Columbidae Relatives of the Speckled Pigeon
Doves and pigeons belong to a vast, well-known family found all over the world.
The order Columbiformes is composed of pigeons, or Columbidae. This family also includes the extinct dodo.
Some relatives look similar to the speckled pigeon. For instance, the same white patches and dark maroon uppers are seen on African olive pigeons.
Although, these birds have yellow legs, bills, and orbital skin.
The plumage on the Feral pigeon also resembles that of the Speckled pigeons. However, they frequently lack the red orbital skin.
Although they bear little similarity to our pigeons, the Samoan tooth-billed Pigeon, aka Didunculus strigirostris has a bill that, despite being much smaller, is strikingly similar to that of the Dodo.
Speckled Pigeon Appearance
The speckled pigeon’s unique features include a red exposed patch around the eyes. A white streak divides this exposed area from the rest of the gray plumage.
Their neck has forked feathers with silvery, pinkish tips, and their wings are a rich reddish-brown covered with small white spots, which give the bird its name. Much of the rest of the plumage is gray, and the tail is dark gray with a black tip.
However, newborn chicks are covered only with a thin layer of gray plumage.
Female and male speckled pigeons can’t be told apart solely based on appearance.
Males are often slightly larger than females. Therefore, with some training, you might be able to differentiate between them.
| Wingspan | Length | Weight | Coloring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speckled Pigeon | 64 – 78 cm | 32 – 41 cm | 219 – 397 g | Gray, brown, and white with pink and red tones |
| Average Feral Pigeon | 64 – 72 cm | 32 – 37 cm | 300 – 500 g | Bluish gray with some black |
Facts About the Speckled Pigeon
There are also some fun facts about the speckled pigeons that are worth mentioning.
- The term “cock” refers to a male pigeon, while “hens” are female pigeons, and “squabs” refers to young pigeons.
- The IUCN lists the speckled pigeon as Least Concern (opens in new tab) due to the absence of any known threats. Plus, it’s both familiar and expanding in population across its range.
- Pigeons in the Columbidae family have been recorded at up to about 90 miles per hour (racing pigeons, helped by a tailwind).
- The only birds known to make crop milk specifically for their young are pigeons and doves, flamingos, and male emperor penguins.
- When drinking, speckled pigeons keep their heads down and use their beaks as a straw to sip water. This is in contrast to most other birds that take a sip, then throw their heads back to swallow.
Speckled Pigeon Character
Take a look at some of the unique features of this species.
- The speckled pigeons use their voices (opens in new tab) to communicate. They make cooing noises that change in tempo to convey different messages to their flock.
- They form big, loud flocks, especially when feeding. However, they’re typically observed walking or sprinting in pairs.
- They’re drawn to urban structures like telephone poles, billboards, and abandoned buildings.
- It’s known that these pigeon species live in flocks of up to several hundred birds. These birds are reported to be primarily seen in pairs during the breeding season.
The Diet of the Speckled Pigeon
The majority of food consumed by these birds is in the form of seeds, both from wild and domesticated grasses. Maize, wheat, and sorghum are their favorite meals.
Interestingly, pigeons are also known to eat land mollusks. The most common example is garden snails and slugs.
Mating and Breeding of the Speckled Pigeon
To seduce the female, the male pigeon puts in a lot of effort. They do this by either flaunting their feathers, bowing, crouching, or soaring.
In many areas, speckled pigeons can breed year-round.
Both the males and females can produce bird milk inside their crop, which they feed their squabs. So, the little birds are equally cared for by both parents.
They nest in what is considered a pretty modest shelter made out of a few twigs. The male and female take turns building the nest where they prefer setting it up in an open and abandoned crevice, like under eaves, rain gutters, or rafters.
They use the nest primarily as a roosting site, where, typically, the female typically lays a clutch of two eggs. The incubation period varies depending on the location.
Next, the squabs are born after a 14–18 day incubation period. After hatching, the chicks will remain in the nest for about 20 to 25 days before venturing out on their own to look for food.
During this time, they begin growing thicker plumage. Then, after about six months, a juvenile pigeon will be ready to breed.
Caring for Speckled Pigeons
Speckled pigeons are a wild species, so check your local laws before keeping one, and only get captive-bred birds from a reputable breeder. If you’re thinking of getting a Speckled pigeon, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Speckled pigeons are intelligent birds that can be trained and hand-reared birds can become tame. They usually live peacefully alongside other birds, but they are a wild species rather than a typical pet.
- Make sure you provide your speckled pigeon with their needed food of seeds and crops.
- Since speckled pigeons are a social breed, try not to keep only one. Instead, keep a pair to enhance their mood and help them live longer.
Conclusion
Speckled pigeons are truly a special breed of birds. They have a unique appearance and amazing features that make them enjoyable to watch from a distance or even keep as pets!
They’re social creatures that enjoy being part of a big flock. Still, they’re pretty low-maintenance compared with other species.
So, if you decide to own pigeons, make sure you get two, so they can keep each other company. Give them space, a varied diet and regular attention, and check on their health often.
Last updated 31 October 2026 · Types