> Jim Lady wrote:
>
> > With all the conversation about band-tailed pigeons, it seems like a good
> > time to ask the question that's been in the back of my mind for a while:
> > How do you identify them vs. a rock dove when flying overhead? The
> > Peterson Field Guide only shows field markings that are visible from above.

My $.02:

The longer tail is a valuable mark. After a year around BTPs, the shape
and flight style is pretty familiar to me now, but if I do get confused at
first glimpsing a BTP overhead, it's more likely that I'll think "is that
a Cooper's Hawk?!" than mistake it for a Rock Dove. The shape and flight
style of the two doves is quite different (which helps the new observer
exactly zero without specifics, sorry - Mike Smith offered some, and I'll
try to get a description down next time I watch them). The pale band on
the end of the tail is often visible on birds flying overhead.

Chris Hill
Seattle, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu