81. Columba fasciate fasciata Say 
Band-tailed Pigeon 
Guatemalan: paloma torcasa, tucumusha, paloma de la 
English : mountain pigeon, bandtail 
montana 
Status.—The band-tailed pigeon is a fairly common resident in the highland oak and pine 
forests. 
ription.--A large pigeon, tail bluish with a broad black band. 
ans ene ma lost: Head! neck, and underparts purplish red, fading to white on belly 
and abdomen; nape with a distinct white half-collar, below which is a patch of metallic 
bronzge-green; back and scapulars dark brownish, blending to slate blue on wing coverte; 
rump, upper tail coverts, and sides of body slate blue; tail bluish gray, paler toward the 
end on top and much paler below, crossed at middle by a black band: bill yellow tipped with 
black, iris reddish with surrounding skin brighter red; legs and feet yellow, 
Adult female.~-Head grayer, back, wings, and tail as in male, white collar and 
iridescent patch on hind neck obscure or lacking; underparts much less purplish, browner; 
bill, legs, and feet less yellow than in male. 
Measurements.—- 
Male (38) Female (28) 
Wing, 195 - 221 (208.6) Wing, 193 - 218 (204) 
Tail, 122 ~ 151 (139.4) Tail, 121 - 149 (134.1) 
Tarsus, 24.5 - 29.5 (27) Tarsus, 24 - 28.5 (26) 
Culmen, 16 - 20 (18) Gulmen, 15.5 - 19.5 (17.6) 
, 
General Distribution.--Mountainous parts of western North America, Mexico, and northern 
Central America from Vancouver Island, southwestern British Columbia, Montana, and western 
North Dakota south to northern Lower California and Honduras. 
istribution in e »--Chiefly in Temperate Zone pine and oak forests from elevations 
of about 3,500 to 8,500 feet. 
Records.--Los Encuentros, March 1, 1946; Nebaj, April 24-27, 1947; San Pedro Jocopilas, | 
April 22-23, 1947; near Sacapulas, April 30, 1947; Quiché, April 22, 1947; above Panajachel, 
March 1 and May 1, 1946; Chiul, near Nebaj, April 24, 1947; Tecpan, March 1, 1946; Calel, 
Totonicapan, May 3, 1947, and at several other places between Chiantla and San Carlos Sija; 
Mataquescuintla, May 21, 1947; San Josd Pinula, March 15, 1946, and May 22, 1947; Cumbre 
de Chicuy south of Chiquival, Totonicapan, May 3, 1947. , ; 
In jiterature it is reported from: Coban, Voledn de Fuego, Toliman (Salvin and 
Godman) ; Tecpén (Dearborn); Momostenango, Finca la Primavera thirty miles southwest of | 
Coban, La Montaffita fifteen miles north of El Rancho, Tecpan, Finca la Primavera fifteen 
miles south of Cobdén (Griscom); Sierra Santa Elena, November 21, 1946; Los Encuentros 
November 24, 1936 (Wetmore). : 
bits and ting.—-The band-tailed pigeon is an important game bird of the highlands, 
especially in the oak and pine forests. In late autumn and winter, it gathers in flocks 
and affords good sport for the hunters. The best shooting is near grain fields and wild 
fruit trees where the band-tailed pigeons are feeding. 
82. Columba specioss Gmelin 
Scaled Pigeon 
Other Names.-- 
Guatemalan: paloma abado, paloma 
English : spotted pigeon 
Statug.--The scaled pigeon is reported to be an uncommon and local resident in the Petén. 
78 
