What is scaly-naped pigeon?

The scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. The bird is named for the scaly appearance of the feathers at the base of its neck. It is also known by other names, including the white-crowned pigeon and the bald-pate pigeon.

Scaly-naped pigeons are medium-sized birds, with a total length of around 35 cm (14 in). They have a grayish-brown plumage, with a white belly and a distinctive white crescent-shaped patch on the nape of the neck.

These birds are social, living in flocks of up to 30 individuals. They feed primarily on fruits and seeds, but may also eat insects and small snails. They are important dispersers of fruit seeds, helping to maintain plant diversity in forest habitats.

The scaly-naped pigeon is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, hunting, and collection of eggs and young birds for food. Conservation efforts include protecting nesting areas, creating habitat corridors, and limiting hunting.