GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Band-tailed Pigeon (Columba fasciata)

Species Code: COFA

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is fairly common in low- and mid-elevation forested areas of western Washington, and in the west-side residential areas or city parks with suitable large coniferous trees. They will forage in nearby agricultural areas. They may occur up to the Cascade crest in the southern Cascades, but data are scarce for that area.

Good habitat in the core areas of use included all forested habitats, cuts, agricultural areas, mid- and low-density development, and forested parks below the Silver Fir zone in western Washington. The Silver Fir and Mountain Hemlock zones were peripheral areas of use, but only mixed and conifer forest were good habitat.

Breeders in Washington represent the northernmost subspecies C. f. monilis. The Band-tailed Pigeon is certainly more numerous than is indicated by the BBA data. It is easily found in any of the habitats above, though often seen only when flying. On the Olympic Peninsula, Band-tailed Pigeons are not found in large clear-cuts far away from forest edges, but they will utilize smaller cuts with nearby forest patches. On some islands such as Fidalgo Island in Skagit County and Whidbey Island in Island County, this species is found locally in forested areas. In Washington, Breeding Bird Survey data show a significant decline of 3.5% per year from 1966 to 1991.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester