Subject: Re: Why are Band-tailed Pigeons weak fliers?
Date: Mar 18 00:22:49 1998
From: Jack Bowling - jbowling at direct.ca


Eric asked -

> While watching a band-tailed pigeon circling above my house Saturday, I
> wondered why it was such a weak flyer (much shallow flapping of wings without
> getting very far), when I would generally describe as strong flyers similar
> birds like morning doves, rock doves, etc.
>
> Anyone have any ideas?

Band-taileds are strong fliers when they want to be. What you saw is what is normally
referred to in the bird world as "butterfly flight" which is generally associated with
courtship as mentioned by Michael Price. Do not fear - this is a big pigeon with
equally big wing muscles capable of powering it to great speed.

- Jack

------------------
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca