Scaly-naped Pigeon
VU

Scaly-naped Pigeon

Patagioenas squamosa

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaly-naped_pigeon

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Scaly-naped Pigeon faces severe pressure from widespread hunting across its Caribbean range, where it is prized as a game bird and food source. Habitat destruction through deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development has significantly reduced available nesting and foraging areas on many islands. Hurricane damage to forest canopy and the introduction of invasive predators like cats and rats further compound population declines throughout the Lesser Antilles.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Scaly-naped Pigeon inhabits mature tropical forests, forest edges, and secondary woodlands across the Caribbean islands, particularly favoring areas with dense canopy cover for nesting. It also utilizes cultivated areas with scattered trees, mangroves, and coastal forests, typically from sea level to mid-elevation zones.

Other threatened species in Columbidae

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Mindoro Imperial-Pigeon

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Unknown
Grey Imperial-pigeonVU

Grey Imperial-pigeon

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Sapphire Quail-doveVU

Sapphire Quail-dove

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Unknown

Threatened in Anguilla

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

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CR

Pholidoscelis corvinus

Unknown
queen crabVU

queen crab

Carpilius corallinus

Unknown
West Indian topshellVU

West Indian topshell

Cittarium pica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scaly-naped Pigeon classified as Vulnerable?
Scaly-naped Pigeon is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Scaly-naped Pigeon faces severe pressure from widespread hunting across its Caribbean range, where it is prized as a game bird and food source. Habitat destruction through deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development has significantly reduced available nesting and foraging areas on many islands. Hurricane damage to forest canopy and the introduction of invasive predators like cats and rats further compound population declines throughout the Lesser Antilles.
Where does Scaly-naped Pigeon live?
Scaly-naped Pigeon occurs in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, and Brazil (plus 27 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Scaly-naped Pigeon?
The main threats to Scaly-naped Pigeon are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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