Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii)

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii)
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Columba

Columbidae – Pigeons and Doves

The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) is large pigeon found in the moist deciduous forests and sholas of the Western Ghats in southwestern India.

This Pigeon appears dark grey and a black and white patterned patch made of white tipped stiff feathers on the back of the neck is distinctive. The mantle is chestnut. The male has a paler grey crown while the female has a darker grey crown with a pale throat.