Brown Dove / Eversmann's Dove / Pale-backed Pigeon, Yellow-eyed Pigeon

Brown Pigeon

Status: V category, Vulnerable, VU, A2bcd+3bcd. Vulnerable. One of six species in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan, predominantly with a Central Asian range. Monotypic species.

General distribution and in the country. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashgaria, Kashmir, and Ladakh. In Kyrgyzstan, it is found in the Chui and Talas valleys and in the Fergana region. In the late 20th century, it nested along the riverbanks of the Chui and Ak-Su rivers. In 2003, it was observed along the steep banks of the Kek-Art River in the foothills of the Fergana Range.

Habitat. River cliffs in low mountain valleys [2]. It can nest in tree hollows.

Population. In the early 1970s, it was quite numerous during the autumn migration in the Chui Valley. In recent years, it has not been found nesting in the Chui Valley. The population in the republic is unknown. A decline in numbers has also been noted in Kazakhstan.

Life style (life cycles). In the Chui Valley, it nested in the river cliffs of the Chui and Ak-Su [75]. It can nest in tree hollows and abandoned structures. The clutch consists of 2 eggs. Both parents feed the chicks. A pair can raise chicks twice in a summer. It feeds on seeds of plants and cultivated grains. They migrate in August-September. They winter in Iran, Afghanistan, and northern India.

Limiting factors. Not established. Hunting in nesting and migration areas and the destruction of nesting sites negatively affects the population. The decline in numbers may also be related to predation by the mynah, which has spread widely in the last 30 years.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). No information available.

Existing conservation measures. There are no specific measures for the protection of the species.

Recommended conservation measures. Conduct research to identify the current distribution and population. Develop measures for the conservation of the species.

Eversmann's Pigeon

Pale-backed Pigeon, Yellow-eyed Pigeon
Columba eversmanni Bonaparte, 1856
Status: V category, Vulnerable, VU, A2bcd+3bcd. Monotypic species. Breeds in the Chu, Talas, and Fergana Valleys. Prefers river precipices in lowlands. Can nest in hollows of tree trunks. It was a numerous species during autumn migration in the Chu Valley in the past. No data on numbers are known nowadays. It has been declining in Kazakhstan. Lays 2 eggs; both parents take care of the eggs and nestlings. Can breed twice in a summer. Feeds on plant seeds. Departs in August-September. Limiting factors are unknown, but most probably, hunting of pigeons during nesting time and activities of mynahs lead to a decrease in numbers. No data on holding in captivity are available. So far, there are no protection measures undertaken. It is recommended to develop such measures and research the current distribution of the species.