Red-eyed and speckled: the African rock pigeon

A common sight in much of south-Saharan Africa is the African rock pigeon, commonly called the speckled pigeon (Columba guinea).

It is large with brown feathers flecked with white spots, and a tan ruffled collar. The remaining feathers are grey and white.The yellow eyes are surrounded by a red patch while the head feathers are grey. Its legs are pinky-red.

MARTINA NICOLLSis an international aid and development consultant, and the authorof:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom(2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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