| Somali pigeon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| One Somaliland shilling coin depicting the Somali pigeon | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Columbiformes |
| Family: | Columbidae |
| Genus: | Columba |
| Species: | C. oliviae |
| Binomial name | |
| Columba oliviae Clarke, 1918 | |
 | |
| Believed general range; Somali montane xeric woodlands | |
TheSomali pigeon (Columba oliviae) orSomali stock dove is a species of bird in the familyColumbidae. It isendemic toSomalia. Because there has hardly been any research on the species, the health of the population is uncertain; however, it is believed that the species is relatively rare. TheIUCN Redlist identified a possible threat to the species from thespeckled pigeon (Columba guinea).[1]C. oliviae is found mostly on the ground, where it often forages, most frequently in rock along arid coasts.
The Somali pigeon is placed in theOenas sub-group within thegenusColumba alongside thestock dove andyellow-eyed pigeon, based on their similar mauve heads and wing markings, but believed to be more closely related to the latter overall.[2]
C. oliviae is a mid-sized pigeon with pale grey coloration, a mauve cap, yellow eyes and an iridescent collar with bronze-green tones. It has a bluish-gray rump, dark wing edges and dark bands along its tail; all of these features are most clearly seen in flight. Its range overlaps with that of the much darker and more densely spotted speckled pigeon, which is rapidly expanding into the Somali pigeon's territory. Unlike various species ofcollared doves with which its range overlaps, it lacks a characteristic dark band on the hind-neck.[3] It may also be confused withferal pigeons (C. livia), but the Somali pigeon is smaller and less dark thanC. livia.[4]
As with many other aspects of the species, the Somali pigeon's vocalizations are not well known, but have described as a "wuk-wuk-wuk-ooooh". It also produces other pigeon-like noises, including cooing sounds.[3][4]
The exact distribution is unclear, but its range encompasses much of northeast Somalia, especially along the coast, including both the country proper and the unrecognized state ofSomaliland. It is non-migratory.[3][4] It is a mostly ground-dwelling bird, found in arid, coastal environments, especially on cliffs and hills, usually found in areas with little vegetation. It is typically seen at altitudes of 75 metres (246 ft) to 750 metres (2,460 ft),[1] but has been recorded as high as 1,425 metres (4,675 ft).[4]
The Somali pigeon's range overlaps with that of other doves, including the speckled pigeon. While uncommon, it can be found in pairs or small flocks.[3] It is often seen feeding on the ground, consumingseeds, cultivatedgrains andberries.[4][1]
The exact population is unknown, but the bird is believed to be rare but with a stable population overall. However, there are no laws in effect to protect it and it is considered urgently in need of some type of population survey.[4] It may also be experiencing competition from the rapidly expanding speckled pigeon, although further study is still needed to be certain. Plans to organize research on the species have been made.[1][3][4]
As of February 2022, oneBird, a site that collects bird population data based on user-provided information, only six observations of the Somali pigeon have been made[3] in over four hundred thousand checklists submitted throughout theAfrican continent[5] (and over sixty million worldwide[6]).
The bird is featured on theone shilling coin'sobverse[7] of the internationallyunrecognizedEast African republic of Somaliland's official currency.
