About Patagioenas inornata (Vigors, 1827)
The plain pigeon, Patagioenas inornata, is a large-bodied bird, measuring 38 to 41 centimeters (15 to 16 inches) in length. Superficially, it looks like a large feral pigeon, or a band-tailed pigeon with very plain plumage. When seen from a distance, the bird appears to be pale blue-gray across its whole body. A red-wine colored tint colors its head, hindneck, breast, and part of the folded wing. When the wing is folded, it displays a white leading edge; this edge forms a noticeable wing bar when the bird is in flight. The plain pigeon has a pale yellow iris, dark red legs and feet, and a black bill. Females are slightly smaller and duller in color than males. Juveniles are browner overall, with pale wing margins and dark eyes. On Jamaica, the plain pigeon may be mistaken for the Jamaican endemic ring-tailed pigeon P. caribaea. However, the ring-tailed pigeon has a red eye, gray wings without the plain pigeon's wine-colored wash, and a paler tail with a distinct dark blackish-gray band across the base of the tail.
