Patagioenas cayennensis is a medium-sized pigeon native to Central and South America. This bird occupies a wide variety of habitats, including tropical lowland forests, forest edges, secondary growth, riverbanks, mangroves, and urban gardens. In cities and agricultural areas, it often forages on the ground or in fruiting trees and shrubs. It adapts well to human-altered environments and is frequently observed near people, especially in towns and parks with scattered trees.

Adults reach about 12 inches in length and are distinguished by their purplish-maroon upperparts, pale gray underparts, and pale vent area. Their iridescent neck feathers may show greenish or bronzy reflections in direct light, and their eyes are red with a bluish eye ring. The beak is black with a pale base, and the legs are red. Males and females look similar, although males can appear slightly larger. This species feeds primarily on fruits, berries, and seeds and plays an ecological role in seed dispersal. Its call is a soft, low-pitched series of notes, often given from a hidden perch. Patagioenas cayennensis is considered plentiful and is classified as a species of Least Concern by conservation assessments. Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, with nests built from twigs placed in trees or dense shrubs. The clutch size is usually one or two eggs, and both parents share incubation and feeding duties. Photographed in northern Colombia.