The scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa) gets its name from the plumage on its nape, which looks like scales. This distinctive appearance, a result of its maroon feathers with pale, scaly edges, is also reflected in its scientific name as squamosa is Latin for scaly. Also known as the red-necked pigeon, it is widespread in the Caribbean where it inhabits forest canopies, especially in the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The main difference between the Scaly-naped Pigeon and the Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas speciosa) is that the Scaly-naped is primarily slate-grey with a maroon neck and a scaly nape, while the Scaled Pigeon has more varied colours, such as brownish-purple and reddish-brown, with scaled patterns on the neck, chest, and underparts. The Scaly-naped is found in forests and woodlands of the Caribbean, while the Scaled Pigeon is found in the Neotropics.
See also: Scaled pigeon
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