Birds
Chilean Pigeon
Patagioenas araucana · also called Araucanian pigeon
Gathering by the dozen at a heavily fruiting Chilean wine palm, a Chilean pigeon depends on intact native forest for its survival, its population declining in step with the Valdivian temperate rainforest it cannot easily do without.
Overview
The Chilean pigeon, Patagioenas araucana, is a Near Threatened bird native to forest habitat across southern Chile and Argentina. Its close dependence on native fruiting trees, its population decline linked to forest loss, and its relatively large, heavy-bodied build make it one of the more ecologically vulnerable pigeon species found anywhere in South America.
A pigeon tied tightly to its forest
Unlike many pigeon species that thrive alongside people in cities and farmland, the Chilean pigeon remains closely tied to intact native forest, its reliance on fruiting trees such as the Chilean wine palm leaving it vulnerable wherever that forest disappears.
Status
Near Threatened, with populations having declined alongside the loss and fragmentation of Valdivian temperate rainforest habitat, though the species remains locally common in areas of intact forest.
Chilean Pigeon: common questions
What does the Chilean pigeon eat?
This species feeds mainly on fruit and seeds, including those of the Chilean wine palm and native southern beech trees, tying its population closely to intact native forest.
Why is the Chilean pigeon declining?
This species has experienced population declines linked to the loss and fragmentation of Valdivian temperate rainforest habitat across its range in southern Chile and Argentina.
Does the Chilean pigeon gather in groups?
Yes, this species often forms flocks at heavily fruiting trees, gathering in numbers to take advantage of a temporary abundant food source such as a wine palm in full fruit.
How big is the Chilean pigeon compared with other doves?
This species is a relatively large, heavy-bodied pigeon compared with many smaller dove species sharing similar forest habitat across southern South America.