Band-tailed Pigeon - Lower Mainland BC

OBSERVATION:

We have had increasing numbers of Band-Tailed Pigeon visiting our property over the last 5 years. We are located on a rural route in an area of 1 acre lots (mostly landscaped yards). In Year 1, roughly 4 birds arrived and stayed through the breeding season. Generally speaking, this number has doubled over the years to the point where over 20 Band-Tailed Pigeon have been feeding on our property (and bathing in one of the fish ponds) at a given time.

Species Description

In Canada, the Band-tailed Pigeon breeds in British Columbia and has been documented as an occasional visitor elsewhere in the country as far east as New Brunswick. Environment and Climate Change Canada (2016) indicates the Canadian Band-tailed Pigeon population is estimated at between 43,000-170,000 birds. One breeding population occurs in British Columbia: the Pacific Coast Population. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) indicates this population extends north and south into the United States, ranging from coastal British Columbia (including southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Fraser Valley) and heading south along the coasts of Washington and Oregon (2008). This population also includes birds nesting to the south in the California mountains and as far north as Southeast Alaska (COSEWIC, 2008).

Provincial and Federal Listings

Provincially Band-tailed Pigeon is classified as Blue Listed (B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2016). This classification is assigned to indigenous species or subspecies which are of Special Concern. These species or subspecies have characteristics making them sensitive or vulnerable to impacts from natural events and human activity (B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2016). Federally, Band-tailed Pigeon is classified as Special Concern under COSEWIC and the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Under SARA, Band-tailed Pigeon is listed as Schedule 1 - Special Concern. Wildlife species on the Schedule 1 list are considered at risk and fall into one of the following categories: Extirpated, Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern (Government of Canada, 2002). COSEWIC (2008) noted long term declines in Band-tailed Pigeon, in part associated with past over hunting. Hunting pressure has reduced over the last 16 years, with survey data suggesting the population has stabilized within the last 10 years (COSEWIC, 2008). This species has a relatively low reproductive rate (females producing ≤ 2 eggs annually) and can be sensitive to the effects of forest harvest and other activities that reduce berry producing shrubs and result in disturbances at mineral sites (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2016).

Threats to Band-tailed Pigeon in Canada (adapted from Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2016) include but are not limited to: Resource Use (Forest Harvest), Habitat Shifts and Alteration - associated with climate change, and Residential / Urban development.

References B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2016. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. B.C. Ministry of Environment. Victoria, BC: Canada. Retrieved from: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/

COSEWIC. (2008). COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata in Canada. Ottawa: Canada. Retrieved from: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_band_tailed_pigeon_0809_e.pdf

Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2016). Management Plan for the Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) in Canada. [Proposed]. Ottawa: Canada. Retrieved from: http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/plans/mp_band-tailed_pigeon_e_proposed.pdf

Government of Canada. (2002). Species at Risk Act. S.C. 2002, c. 29. Current to March 28, 2016. Last amended on May 15, 2015. Retrieved from: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/S-15.3.pdf

CONSULT: Interesting observation. I’m sure you are aware they are blue-listed so a species of some concern, it seems largely due to habitat alteration. They are creatures of habit so to speak, apparently ranging no more than 9 km from a mineral source and as I have seen, predictably found in select old growth perch trees in open and mixed forest areas. As they have a low reproductive rate the increase in numbers you have seen may be a result of more individuals congregating together than a reflection of reproductive success. In fact, there does not seem to have been much effort in utilizing observations such as yours or even formal bird counts to estimate population size. I believe the Cornell Christmas bird counts also incorporate “feeder” counts, which if you were to participate, would see you observations documented in a more formal manner that may get used in time.

Jim Trask, R.P.Bio., P.Biol. Principal/Senior Ecologist Cornice Environmental Consulting Ltd.

Addendum #1 to original observation: On April 18, 2016 there were roughly 5 Band-tailed Pigeon observed on the property. Today, April 24, 2016 a total of 17 have been observed on the feeders and loafing in the adjacent tree cover.

Addendum #2 to original observation: As of May 15, 2016 we estimate 30 Band-tailed Pigeon on the property.