Band-tailed pigeons are a species of bird that can be found throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. While they may not be the most exciting or valuable animals to hunt, their presence adds realism and ambience to the game’s diverse ecosystems. In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about locating band-tailed pigeons in RDR2.
What are band-tailed pigeons?
The band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) is a large species of pigeon found across western North America. Other common names for this bird include bandtail, bandtail pigeon, and white-collared pigeon. The most identifiable feature of the band-tailed pigeon is the wide gray band at the end of its tail. Its plumage is otherwise blue-gray with some iridescent green and reddish accents around the neck and wing feathers. These medium-sized pigeons measure around 13-15 inches in length and weigh between 9-16 oz.
Band-tailed pigeons can most easily be distinguished from mourning doves by their larger size and the distinctive band on their tails. Their larger size also distinguishes them from common rock pigeons. Band-tailed pigeons have a loud, repetitive cooing vocalization that can be heard from a distance.
In the real world, band-tailed pigeons live in a variety of wooded habitats across western North America. They migrate seasonally based on food availability. Their diet consists of seeds, berries, acorns, and fruit. Due to significant declines in some areas, band-tailed pigeon hunting is now restricted in certain states and requires a permit.
Where to find band-tailed pigeons in five locations
Big Valley, West Elizabeth
One of the best places to find band-tailed pigeons in Red Dead Redemption 2 is in the Big Valley region of West Elizabeth. Big Valley contains extensive stands of tall conifer trees that the pigeons flock to. Search the tops of the trees near Caliban’s Seat and around Owanjila Lake to spot bands of five or more pigeons at a time. They can also be seen drinking from the lake shoreline or perched on the rocks nearby. Band-tailed pigeons will startle and take flight if you approach too closely or fire your weapon, so move slowly when hunting them here.
Cumberland Forest, New Hanover
The dense woods of Cumberland Forest in New Hanover are home to decent numbers of band-tailed pigeons. Check the tops of the tall trees in the northern and western parts of the forest. Listen for their loud cooing calls which give away the presence of a flock even when they are obscured by foliage. Small groups of one to three pigeons can be found resting on tree branches throughout the day and evening. Be patient and keep scanning the treetops to spot them. They can easily blend in when sitting still.
Big Valley, New Hanover
West and north of the town of Strawberry in New Hanover lies another wooded valley by the name of Big Valley. The sheer rock cliffs and mixed forests found here are prime band-tailed pigeon habitat. Scan the trees near the valley edges and cliffs early in the morning when the birds are most active. Listen for their repetitive cooing sounds. Flocks flush from the trees when startled and their swift flight and white undersides become clearly visible. Fresh pigeon plumes can also be collected from the ground below roost sites.
Roanoke Valley, New Hanover
The forests extending south from Brandywine Drop in Roanoke Valley harbor flocks of band-tailed pigeons. They can be spotted flying between the trees or foraging on the ground for seeds and acorns. This is one of the most reliable locations to study their behavior and observe them up close. Sneak through the woods off the main paths and watch for pigeons feeding on the ground ahead. The dense pines provide good concealment for approaching them. But move slowly and pause frequently so as not to startle them into flight.
Northern Scarlett Meadows, New Hanover
The mixed and evergreen forests north of Scarlett Meadows stable in New Hanover support a population of band-tailed pigeons. Ride north from the stable under the large railroad bridge and then go off-trail into the woods on either side. Listen and watch for pigeons flushed from the ground or perched motionless high in the trees. They can easily be missed against the similarly colored pine boughs. But looking and listening carefully will reveal several in the vicinity. Return during morning and evening hours when they are most active.
Tips for locating and hunting band-tailed pigeons
Here are some additional tips for finding band-tailed pigeons and hunting them successfully in Red Dead Redemption 2:
- Search conifer and mixed forests, especially those with plenty of tall trees.
- Scan the forest canopy – look for clumps of pigeons sitting on branches.
- Listen for their loud, repetitive cooing vocalizations.
- Try baiting them with corn or bird seed to draw them out.
- Equip small game arrows for clean kills that preserve carcass quality.
- Aim for headshots to kill them swiftly.
- Return to roost sites early and late when they are most active.
- Sneak up slowly and pause frequently when approaching grounded birds.
- Watch for visual clues like flight patterns, feathers, or whitewash.
Pigeon locations across states
Band-tailed pigeons can be found across a few different states and territories in Red Dead Redemption 2. Here is a summary of where to search for them regionally:
| State/Territory | Locations |
|---|---|
| West Elizabeth | Big Valley |
| New Hanover | Cumberland Forest, Big Valley, Roanoke Valley, Scarlett Meadows |
| Lemoyne | Scarlett Meadows |
| Ambarino | Very limited numbers |
As shown in the table, New Hanover and West Elizabeth contain the most reliable and abundant habitats for spotting band-tailed pigeons. Focus your efforts in the dense, tall forests of these regions.
Hunting band-tailed pigeons
Band-tailed pigeons can be hunted in Red Dead Redemption 2 but they are not the most rewarding or exciting targets. They provide only moderate amounts of meat and poor quality feathers. However, hunting them can still be enjoyable for the challenge and realism it adds to the game. Here are some tips for hunting band-tailed pigeons:
- Use small game arrows for clean kills that don’t damage the carcass.
- Aim for headshots to kill them swiftly and humanely.
- Critical spots are the head and upper chest. Body shots may only wound them.
- Return to roost sites early morning and evening when most active.
- Field dress carcasses promptly to maximize meat quality.
- Cook the meat by roasting, grilling, or using in stews.
- Sell excess carcasses to butchers or donate to camp funds.
- Preserve perfect carcasses to craft talismans at fences.
While the small game meat and feathers from band-tailed pigeons don’t fetch high prices, hunting them can still be good target practice and provide food or materials. Their swift flight patterns and camouflaged plumage make bringing them down with an arrow quite challenging at times.
Conclusion
For those looking to fully experience the diverse wildlife of Red Dead Redemption 2, seeking out band-tailed pigeons is worthwhile. Their cooing calls and swift flights through the towering forests add immensely to the atmosphere and realism of the game. With patience and the right strategy, you can reliably find flocks of them in the locations covered above. Observe their behaviors up close but be careful not to deplete their numbers in any given area. Having to search wider and wider to find more shy and scarce pigeons takes away some of the magic. Hunt them ethically, use the meat and feathers, and leave some to repopulate for future encounters.
