In flight, the tail pattern is similar to the snow pigeon, but lacks the contrast between the head and neck in that species.

This pigeon is comparatively restricted in range of Pakistan to the furthest northern inner valleys of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Pamirs.

In Pakistan, it occurs in northern Chitral, particularly in the western part bordering Nuristan in Afghanistan, further east in valleys of Gilgit in Yasin and Hunza and Karakoram ranges in Baltistan from about 2000 m in winter up to 5500 m during summer.

[3] In Tajikistan, it has been recorded as starting to nest as early as February, with many young just fledging as late as September in northeastern Tibet.

[4] Their feeding habits are similar to rock doves, being mainly granivorous, supplementing their diet with green shoot and leaves and occasionally small mollusks such as snails.