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| Laurel Pigeon Vulnerable | ||||||||||||||
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| Columba junoniae ( Hartert, 1916) |
The Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae) is a member of the family Columbidae, doves and pigeons, which is endemic to the Canary Islands.
It is a rare resident breeder in the mountain laurel forest zone. Laurel Pigeon builds a stick nest in a tree, laying one white egg.
At 40-43 cm, it looks like a very dark Wood Pigeon. It is a basically dark brown bird, with a dark pink breast. It lacks any white markings, which together with its darker distinguishes it from the other species.
Its brown, rather than dark grey plumage, and the lack of dark bands on the grey tail distinguish it from the other pigeon endemic to the Canary Islands, Bolle's Pigeon.
Its flight is quick, performed by regular beats, with an occasional sharp flick of the wings, characteristic of pigeons in general. It takes off with a loud clattering.
The call is a hoarse hiccuped cooing.