Band-Tailed Pigeon

Search forested and wooded canyon habitat in the western mountains, where flocks move between oak and conifer stands feeding on acorns, berries, and other fruit. Its deep, owl-like hooting call often gives away its presence in the canopy before you spot the bird, and a pale terminal band on the tail is the best field mark in flight. Flocks are most conspicuous in fall and winter when they follow local mast crops, sometimes gathering in large numbers at a good food source.