Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is poorly known and little studied. There is insufficient information to estimate its population size and population trend. Although it faces the possible threat of competition from Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea, there is no evidence that the assessed species is declining, and there are no obvious other threats affecting its mostly remote and rugged range. Moreover, although the species is suspected to be rare, it is unlikely that its population size is extremely small, and while elements of its distribution are unknown, the geographic spread of observations suggest that its distribution is not very small. Therefore, although this species may have a moderately restricted range, it is not believed to meet the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend is not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing sufficiently rapidly to approach the thresholds under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations).
Accordingly, while additional information is highly sought, the information available suggests that its extinction risk in the near- to mid-term is relatively low. Consequently, it is proposed to be listed as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as probably rare, although poorly known (Gibbs et al. 2001), with few recent records (eBird 2023). More information on the species' population size and trend are urgently needed.
Trend justification
There is very little information on the species' population size, but there is no evidence to suggest that it had changed significantly in the second half of the 20th century (J. S. Ash in litt. 1999), and there is no evidence of decline, although it is not known how the potential threats it faces may be affecting it. Its trend is therefore unknown.
Columba oliviae is a locally common species endemic to north-east Somalia (Ash and Miskell 1998). It has been found from the Woqooyi Galbeed region eastwards, where it is suspected to reach Cap Guardafui and south down the east coast as far as the Mudug region (Ash and Miskell 1998, Sinclair and Ryan 2003, eBird 2023). At least two observations have been recorded in the past five years, both from the Woqooyi Galbeed region in 2021 (eBird 2023). Records from the past 20 years (i.e., since 2005) have included areas around Galgala, and the Togdheer region (J. Miskell in litt. 2006, eBird 2023). More work is urgently required to improve understanding of the extent of the species' distribution.
It is a ground-feeding, rock-dwelling bird of arid, coastal regions, at altitudes of 75-750 m (though once seen at 1,425 m) (Ash and Miskell 1998). It is generally resident but shows some local seasonal movements (Ash and Miskell 1998). It feeds in small groups, mainly on the ground, on seeds, cultivated grains and berries, and gathers in flocks to drink (Sinclair and Ryan 2003, Baptista et al. 2020). Very little is known of its breeding ecology, thought to breed at least from May to August included, nesting in the roofs of caves (Ash and Miskell 1998, Baptista et al. 2020).
A potential threat may come from Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea, whose range in Somalia has been rapidly expanding, and was seen for the first time as far east as the Galgala area in April 2005, and is regularly seen in towns in the Woqooyi Galbeed and Togdheer regions (J. Miskell in litt. 2006, eBird 2023). The effects of this expansion on the Somali Pigeon (i.e. through resource competition) are not known, although they have been recorded in the same sites and habitats. Extended warfare has been raised as another potential threat to the species (Baptista et al. 2020), particularly as it has a restricted range, however the effects on the species, if any, are not known, and such pressures may vary significantly over time and between regions.
Conservation Actions Underway
Occurs in the North Somali Mountains EBA. No targeted conservation actions for this species are known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey and monitor populations in suitable habitat within known range in order to improve the knowledge of the species' population size, trend, ecology, and the threats it may face.
28 cm. A small, pale grey pigeon. Adult overall very pale grey with warmer upperparts and a dark tip to tail and dark band across rump. The crown is pinkish brown and the eye pale yellow. Oily green and blue iridescent patches on sides of neck apparent only at close range. Similar spp. Within its range might be confused with Feral Pigeon Columba livia which is larger and much darker. Voice Typical pigeon-like cooings. Hints Little-known pigeon but most likely seen at Guban Cliffs and in mountains east of Ras Asayr in northern Somalia.
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Contributors
Ash, J.S., Johnson, S., Miskell, J., Westrip, J.R.S. & Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Somali Pigeon Columba oliviae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/somali-pigeon-columba-oliviae on 23/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/12/2024.