Birds watching 🐦 : Finally had the chance to take a proper picture of the speckled pigeon 🕊.

As a bird watcher who has developed a keen interest in observing and learning about these fascinating creatures, I've encountered some challenges in capturing clear images of them.

At the piggery where I work, I often see these beautiful birds, but they are incredibly vigilant and cautious. Any slight movement usually causes them to take flight before I can get a good shot.

Today, however, I had some luck. I managed to get a proper view of one of these birds while it entered jnto the pen and perched on the pig feed, allowing me to snap a few photos. Though the shots aren't perfect due to my careful approach to avoid startling the bird, they offer a glimpse of its appearance.

These birds are known as speckled pigeons, also referred to as African rock pigeons. From my observations i noticed they are very cautious and vigilant birds and are always looking out for prey.

They are quite striking with their pointed beak, grey head, speckled white patches on their feathers, and a brownish-grey body. The red ring around their eyes adds to their distinctive look. The presence of these pigeons at the piggery makes sense, given that it's an agricultural institute where seeds and grains are plentiful which is exactly the kind of food they love and where they thrive on.

What makes this observation even more fascinating is their behavior. Speckled pigeons are social birds, often seen in small groups or pair with their distinctive cooing calls. They build their nests in simple but effective ways, using whatever materials they can find, and are remarkably adaptable. Their diet includes not just seeds and grains, but also small fruits and occasionally insects. Unlike some migratory birds, speckled pigeons usually remain in their habitat all year round, but they might move locally based on food availability.

While i was observing them before today , I have seen them in pairs while i was working, from which i took pictures of them but they where quite high and my phone camera didn't do justice with the zooming. However, here is a not very clear picture of them in pairs.

Thanks for following me to the end my fellow feathered friends. You can always feel free to ask me questions and tell me if there is any comment with my writing and even pictures 🫠.