The afep pigeon (Columba unicincta), also known as the African woodpigeon or grey woodpigeon, is a member of the family Columbidae, native to the African tropical rainforest from Sierra Leone east to Uganda.

 

Here is a complete, well-structured, and detailed overview of the Afep Pigeon (Columba unicincta), also known as the African Woodpigeon or Grey Woodpigeon:

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🕊️ Afep Pigeon (Columba unicincta) – Complete Details

1. Taxonomy

• Common Names: Afep pigeon, African woodpigeon, Grey woodpigeon

• Scientific Name: Columba unicincta

• Family: Columbidae (pigeons and doves)

• Genus: Columba

• Authority: Cassin, 1855

• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN)

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2. Distribution & Habitat

Geographic Range

Native to the African tropical rainforest belt, including:

• Sierra Leone

• Liberia

• Ivory Coast

• Ghana

• Nigeria

• Cameroon

• Equatorial Guinea

• Gabon

• Republic of Congo

• Democratic Republic of Congo

• Central African Republic

• South Sudan

• Uganda

Habitat

• Prefers dense lowland tropical rainforests.

• Also found in:

  • Forest edges

  • Secondary forests

  • Gallery forests

  • Wooded savannah zones near rainforest

• Usually stays high in the forest canopy, rarely descending to the ground.

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3. Physical Description

Size

• Length: 33–37 cm

• Weight: 300–500 g, one of Africa’s larger pigeon species

Appearance

• Plumage: Mainly grey with uniform coloration.

• Head: Light grey to bluish-grey.

• Neck: Often shows a faint iridescent sheen in good light.

• Back & Wings: Slate-grey to dark grey with smooth texture.

• Belly: Pale grey.

• Eyes: Yellowish to orange-red.

• Bill: Black, short, and stout.

• Feet: Red to purplish-red.

Sexual Dimorphism

• Males and females look alike, though males may be slightly larger.

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4. Behavior

General Behavior

• Shy and unobtrusive; rarely seen except by patient observers.

• Prefers staying in the high canopy.

• Can be solitary or found in small groups.

Flight

• Strong, fast flyer.

• Typically flies between tall trees in direct, swift motion.

Vocalizations

• Deep, resonant cooing calls, often described as:
  “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”

• Calls are low-pitched and carry long distances through the forest.

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5. Diet

Primary Food Sources

• Mainly fruit, particularly figs and forest berries.

• Also consumes:

  • Seeds

  • Nuts

  • Leaves (occasionally)

• Often feeds high in the canopy, rarely on the ground.

The pigeon plays a key ecological role as a seed disperser in rainforest ecosystems.

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6. Breeding & Reproduction

Breeding Season

• Varies by region but often linked to rainy seasons.

• In equatorial regions, may breed year-round.

Nest

• A simple platform of twigs and leaves.

• Usually placed 5–20 meters above the ground in trees.

Eggs

• Typically 1–2 white eggs.

• Incubation period: around 14–18 days.

• Both parents participate in incubation and feeding.

Chicks

• Altricial (hatch helpless).

• Fed with pigeon milk (nutrient-rich secretion from crops of adults).

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7. Predators & Threats

Natural Predators

• Raptors (eagles, hawks)

• Large snakes

• Civets

Threats

• Habitat loss due to:

  • Deforestation

  • Logging

  • Expanding agriculture

Currently classified as Least Concern, but populations may decline regionally due to forest degradation.

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8. Ecological Importance

• Acts as a major seed disperser, particularly for large-fruiting rainforest trees.

• Helps maintain forest structure and biodiversity.

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9. Interesting Facts

• One of the largest native pigeons in the African rainforest.

• Extremely forest-dependent, rarely seen in open areas.

• Name “Afep” comes from local West African languages referring to large forest pigeons.

• Despite its size, it is often misidentified because it stays high in the canopy.

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If you want, I can also prepare:
✅ A comparison with other African pigeons
✅ A birdwatcher identification guide
✅ A school-friendly summary
✅ A scientific-format report

Just tell me!

 

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