Author: Elise Ketcham, Communications Manager, Arizona Wildlife Federation
Elise has been a dedicated team member of the Arizona Wildlife Federation for over two years. She is an advocate for the protection of and public education about our wildlife species and public lands. A passionate birder and regular hiker, she also leads AWF's All Afield Hikes once a month.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) Small Game Program is embarking on an exciting research project to unravel the migratory patterns and daily movements of the interior band-tailed
pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata fasciata) in Arizona. These striking birds grace our state from late March through mid-October, nesting in the lush canopies of mixed conifer forests, ponderosa pines, and dense stands of evergreen oaks and pines between elevations of 4,500 and 9,100 feet.
Often mistaken for domestic or feral pigeons found in urban areas, band-tailed pigeons have distinctive features that set them apart. Adults, distinguishable from their young, sport chrome-yellow bills and feet, a white crescent at the nape of their necks, and a dark gray band across the top of their tails — an attribute that lend the bird its name.
Currently, AZGFD is capturing and banding pigeons statewide, equipping some with solar-powered GPS transmitters. These devices allow researchers to track the birds' movements across Arizona, the Four Corners region, and potentially into Mexico. This initiative is part of a broader regional study involving federal and state partners across Nevada, California, Washington, Utah, and Colorado.
Michael Cravens, the Advocacy and Conservation Director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, has taken an active role in this project. Living in Parks, Arizona, near Flagstaff, his Certified Wildlife Habitat® yard frequently hosts these pigeons.
In late July, AZGFD Small Game Biologist Nathan Fyffe visited Michael’s property, where they successfully banded three pigeons and fitted them with transmitters. To date, they have tagged around 21 birds but need additional community involvement next year to significantly increase the number of monitored pigeons.
Citizen science plays a pivotal role in AZGFD's efforts, expanding the scope and depth of data collection for such projects. Engaging in these activities can also inspire families and younger generations to develop a passion for conservation.
AZGFD is seeking residents in Cottonwood, Sedona/Oak Creek, Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott, and Southeastern Arizona with bird feeders that attract band-tailed pigeons. The team aims to set up walk-in traps or drop nets to capture more birds and deploy additional transmitters.
These traps and transmitters are safe for the birds; the solar-powered transmitters are designed to gather data for many months, and potentially years.
If you’re interested in contributing to this important research, please contact AZGFD by email at smallgame@azgfd.gov with your name, phone number, and physical address. Your participation could make a significant impact on understanding and conserving these fascinating migratory birds!
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