Snow Pigeon

The Snow Pigeon is a hardy, high-altitude pigeon found on cliffs and rocky slopes across the Himalayas and adjacent mountain ranges. Its bold black-and-white pattern makes it conspicuous against rock and snow, and it often forms large flocks that wheel together over cliff faces.

The head, neck, and underparts are largely white, crossed by a dark grey-black breast band, while the back and wings are grey-brown with darker wing bars. The rump is white, forming a bright patch visible in flight, similar in placement to Rock Pigeon but combined with a whiter head and breast band rather than uniform grey. Flight feathers are dark grey with black wing bars. This bold white-and-grey pattern with a breast band is diagnostic among high-altitude pigeons.

Sexes are similar in plumage, both showing the white head and breast band pattern. Juveniles are duller and browner, with the white areas less crisp and the breast band less defined, sharpening with age. Molt is gradual, adapted to a harsh, high-altitude seasonal climate.

Found on cliffs, rocky slopes, and gorges at high elevations across the Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau, and Central Asian mountains. Populations undertake altitudinal movements, descending to lower valleys in winter when high-elevation habitat becomes inhospitable.

Snow Pigeons feed on seeds and grain, often foraging in open ground near cliffs and human settlements at altitude. They nest colonially on cliff ledges. Their call is a soft cooing similar to other Columba pigeons. Large communal flocks wheeling over cliffs are a characteristic sight in their mountain habitat.