White-throated Dove / Actor's Pigeon / Snow Pigeon

Snow Pigeon

Status: VII, Least Concern, LC. One of six species in the genus found in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan. The nominative subspecies Columba leuconota Vigors, 1831 is present.

Distribution overall and in the country. Pamir-Alai, Himalayas, Tibet. In Kyrgyzstan, confirmed presence in the eastern part of the Alai Valley in 1985 [76, 94].

Habitat. Rocky mountains in high altitudes, above 3,000 m.

Population. Very rare. May appear sporadically in various parts of its range. In June 1985, 5 birds were observed over 5 days in the eastern part of the Alai Valley (eastern Kyzylsuu), 4 of them in the Nura Gorge, and 1 along the Koksu. A single bird was noted on June 14, 1983, at the Akkyya Pass, 200 km northeast of Nura [76, 94].

Life history (life cycles). On June 14, 1985, a nest with 2 eggs was found on a rocky ledge in the canyon of the right tributary of the Nura River (Chonalai Range), from which the incubating bird had flown away [94]. The nest was constructed from grass roots, over 10 cm thick, which may indicate repeated use for nesting.

Limiting factors. Unknown.

Breeding (captive breeding). No data available.

Existing conservation measures. Hunting is prohibited.

Recommended conservation measures. Not established. Research is needed to identify the range, population, and biological characteristics in potential habitats.

Snow Pigeon
Columba leuconota (Vigors, 1831), ssp. leuconota (Vigors, 1831)
Status: VII, Least Concern, LC. Occurs in the Pamir-Alai Mountainous System. Prefers rocky habitats in highlands. Rare species, no data on numbers and nesting biology are available. There is also no information on limiting factors and breeding in captivity. Included in the Kyrgyz Red Book of 1985. It is recommended to research and identify the area, numbers, and nesting biology of the species.