These large pigeons were quite common in heavy forest especially at higher elevations. We saw them often, usually in flight or perched at a great distance. In the field, these birds usually appeared to be entirely black, but at close range and in good light, the deep vinaceous color of the head and bright red eyering were evident.
The creases on the side of the neck evident in this photo are the "scales" which are actually raised feather edges which give this species its name. They range throughout the Caribbean except for Jamaica.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)