The brightly colored red feathers on the breast resemble a wound. These feathers differ structurally from their other feathers, they are almost hairlike. They are part of a family of pigeons that prefer to stay on the ground. If disturbed they immediately take to the wing but soon return to the ground and run to safety. During the breeding display, the male pursues the female with short rapid steps, then stops suddenly, lowers his tail and puffs out his breast to show off his red patch.
Pigeons find one mate then mate for life.
After courtship is successful, breeding may occur. Nests are built on the ground or in shrubbery. The female then will lay one egg, possibly two. During incubation, which last about two and a half weeks, the male brings food to the female. When hatched, the chicks are covered in gray down and are totally dependent on their parents.