Columba arquatrix
This beautiful pigeon is easily distinguished from other pigeons by its stunning purplish plumage and yellow bill, eye patch and legs.
We first recorded this species inĀ January 2010 while taking a walk around our Johannesburg neighbourhood of Melrose North. We are lucky to see these birds regularly, especially when the trees outside our home are fruiting.
Other good spots to see these birds are Magoeboskloof in the Limpopo Province and Giants Castle in the central Drakensberg.