Avian Diversity of Family Columbidae (Doves and Pigeons) of Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

A study to find out the bird diversity of Family Columbidae in Sindh province was carried out over the period of eight months from January to August, 2025. Different habitats of variable locations such as Badin, Jamshoro, Karachi. Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Naushehroferoz and Tando Muhammad Khan were explored. All the study locations were marked using GPS for regular surveys, birds of Family Columbidae were captured for morphometry and physical characteristics. Surveys were carried out in different habitat types: scrubland, cropland, urban and suburban areas. From different study sites of Sindh, five species: Columba livia, Streptopelia decaocto, Treron phoenicoptera, Streptopeliarisorii (Barbary Dove) and Streptopelia senegalensis (Laughing Dove) were recorded. Columba livia was found most abundant, while least occurrence of Treron phoenicoptera was recorded from the study area. The environmental factors found in the study area included habitat change, environmental degradation, nest damage and hunting, though plenty of food and water was recorded available near all the birds resting and nesting sites. Preference of habitat varied from species to species of Family Columbidae, though most of species remain vulnerable to man encroachment and anthropogenic activities throughout the study area. Hunting was recorded as most dangerous factor for pigeons and doves. There is no prevalence of any efforts for the conservation of Family Columbidae throughout the Sindh province.

Keywords: Doves, Pigeons, avian diversity, habitat, Conservation, Sindh.