Bare-eyed pigeon
The bare-eyed pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Colombia, Venezuela, and the Netherlands Antilles.
Taxonomy and systematics
At least one author has asserted that based on plumage similarities the bare-eyed pigeon, picazuro pigeon, spot-winged pigeon, and scaled pigeon form a monophyletic group. Others argue that significant vocal differences belie that.The bare-eyed pigeon is monophyletic.
Description
Male bare-eyed pigeons are long and females. They weigh about. Male and female plumage is the same. Their head, neck, and breast are mauve-pink. The orange-brown eye is surrounded by bare skin, a narrow blue ring and a wider outer area of reddish brown. The neck and upper back have a bronze-black and pale brown scaled appearance and the lower back and rump are pale bluish gray. The chin and vent region are white. The closed wing shows a broad white patch. The juvenile is a paler version of the adults.Distribution and habitat
The bare-eyed pigeon is found on the Caribbean coasts of Colombia and Venezuela and the near-shore islands of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Margarita, and Blanquilla. It primarily inhabits an arid landscape of thorn scrub, cactus, and acacia and is also found in mangroves and cultivated areas. It can be found as high as above sea level on the mainland but is generally much lower.The species was also introduced to the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean at the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013, where its population has since greatly increased and spread across the entire island.