Its breeding range extends from southern Texas, United States, to Costa Rica.

It belongs to a clade of Patagioenas which generally lack iridescent display plumage, except some vestiges in the pale-vented pigeon.

Red-billed pigeons have largely dark, slate-gray plumage with a more maroon, though sometimes described as purple, head, neck, and wing coverts.

Juveniles are often even more dull in color and have dark and dusky shoulders, as well as a more brown mantle and wings.

Red-billed pigeons are most notably in dry woods and along riverside wetland areas.