Food and cover are the primary essentials for the welfare of any
species. In few instances, however, does the availability of an ample
food supply influence the habits, range, and distribution of a species
as extensively as it does those of the band-tailed pigeon. This
report summarizes, for practical use, the available information on
the range, life history, habits, food, and game status of this bird,
and records the findings from the examination of 691 stomachs
and crops.
Prior to 1937 the Food Habits Laboratory, of the Bureau of Biological
Survey (now part of the Fish and Wildlife Service), had accumulated
142 stomachs and gullets of the band-tailed pigeon, and
30 of these had been examined by Sterling Bunnell, E. R. Kalmbach,
and Alexander Wetmore. Early in 1937 continuation of this study
was assigned to the writer. The remaining 62 stomachs and crops
were examined, 549 additional crops and/or stomachs were acquired
and examined, and field observations were carried on in
5 States.