Bird Info
Red-billed Pigeon /paloma morada (Columba flavirostrus)
Voice: a hoarse, repetitive cooing, “hup-hup-hup-a-hoooooo.”
Status: Uncommon summer resident in the western Valley from about La Joya west to San Ygnacio; rare to Santa Ana NWR. Rare in much the same area during winter, accidental along coast. Red-billed Pigeons prefer to roost in tall trees along the Rio Grande, but may also fly to roost trees several miles away from river.
Habitat: Riparian woodlands of the Rio Grande and adjacent lands with tall trees.
Best Spots: Along the Rio Grande at Santa Margarita, Salineño, Chapeño, and below Falcon Dam.
Similar Species: Distinguished from Rock Dove by overall dark color, reddish neck, and yellowish bill (with red base). Unlike Rock Doves, Red-bills are wary, preferring to stay hidden in canopy.
A speaker symbol next to the bird indicates that it has a sound file available.All Bird call recordings © John C. Arvin.
Rare Bird Alert
Call (956) 584-2731 to hear or submit an alert.
Nine Unique Locations
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley (Mission)
- Edinburg Scenic Wetlands
- Estero Llano Grande (Weslaco)
- Harlingen Arroyo Colorado
- Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
- Quinta Mazatlan (McAllen)
- Resaca de la Palma (Brownsville)
- Roma Bluffs
- South Padre Island Birding
and Nature Center
Birds News
A Birder's Eye View of the Seasons in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley
Welcome to a birder’s eye view of the seasons in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy our annual cycle! The resulting avifauna in deep South Texas is the most diverse north of the Mexican border. The four county area that makes up the lower Rio Grande Valley has recorded over 500 species of birds. This is more species of birds than have been recorded in all but two or three entire states. Small wonder that birders from across the continent make pilgrimages to the region. Happy Birding!
Welcome to a birder’s eye view of the seasons in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy our annual cycle! The resulting avifauna in deep South Texas is the most diverse north of the Mexican border. The four county area that makes up the lower Rio Grande Valley has recorded over 500 species of birds. This is more species of birds than have been recorded in all but two or three entire states. Small wonder that birders from across the continent make pilgrimages to the region. Happy Birding!
Birds Check List
What is a checklist?
A "Bird Checklist" is a complete list of birds that have been seen or heard in a specific region like Texas or the Rio Grande Valley. Checklists can be used as a personal diary of your travels.
Checklists by site:
A "Bird Checklist" is a complete list of birds that have been seen or heard in a specific region like Texas or the Rio Grande Valley. Checklists can be used as a personal diary of your travels.
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Checklists by site:
