Rare White-Crowned Pigeon Spotted In “Ding” Darling!
White-Crowned Pigeon, “Ding” Darling, Sanibel Island, October 2014, Photo Credit – France Paulsen.
France Paulsen spotted and photographed a rare White-Crowned Pigeon in the “Ding Darling Refuge last week!
Birders spotted one last winter for the first time in a long time.
“Slightly larger than the familiar city pigeon, the White-crowned Pigeon is about 13.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 24 inches.
Adults weigh about 10 ounces. Adult plumage is uniformly dark gray, with the exception of the white-crowned head. The crown ranges from brilliant white in males, to a grayish white in females. In good lighting, a handsome, iridescent green to yellowish collar appears on the nape of adult birds.
Bright white irises are also apparent. Juvenile birds have a brownish gray crown and darker eyes. All ages have a pink-based, yellow-tipped bill, and bright pink feet.”
Source: Audubon.org
