Trocaz Pigeon

Trocaz Pigeon
: Animalia : Chordata : Aves : Columbiformes : Columbidae : Columba : trocaz
Binomial name
Columba trocaz (Heineken , 1829)

The Trocaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz) is a member of the family Columbidae (doves and pigeons) which is endemic to Madeira.

It is a scarce resident breeder in caves and on mountains in the laurel forest zone, where only a few hundred pairs remain.

At 42–45 cm, it looks like a large Wood Pigeon. It is a basically grey bird, with a pinkish breast. It lacks any white markings, which together with a silvery neck patch distinguishes it from the other species of Columba.

Trocaz Pigeon breeds in caves, laying one white egg in a nest on a ledge. Its flight is quick, performed by regular beats, with an occasional sharp flick of the wings, characteristic of pigeons in general. It takes off with a loud clattering.

The call is a characteristic cooing doo-doh, like Wood Pigeon.