About Patagioenas speciosa (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)
The scaled pigeon, scientifically named Patagioenas speciosa (J.F.Gmelin, 1789), measures 36 cm (14 in) in length and normally weighs around 290 g (10 oz). Adult males have primarily purple brown plumage, with a paler, scaly texture on the neck and underparts. The lower sections of the underparts are whitish, edged with purple. The eyering, legs, and bill are red, and the bill has a white tip. Females are dull dark brown instead of purplish, and are slightly smaller than males. Scaled pigeons feed mainly on forest fruits and seeds. They have also been observed feeding on fresh green leaves, and sometimes feed on crops. Their call is a series of deep cooing cro ku-ks that is noticeably different from the calls of their relatives, such as the white-crowned pigeon. This is a solitary species that does not form flocks. Scaled pigeons have been recorded successfully nesting on ferns: they nest at ground level on Pteridium aquilinum, and in the canopy of the tree fern Cyathea cyatheoides. The pearl kite is a natural predator that visits the nests of this species.
