Band-tailed pigeons. CDFW photo by Katherine Miller.

September 29, 2025 - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is conducting its annual art contest to select the design for the state’s 2025-2026 upland game bird stamp. The California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest is open to all U.S. residents ages 18 and older, excluding current and former CDFW employees.

The 2025-2026 stamp will feature the band-tailed pigeon. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 27 through Dec. 5.

The band-tailed pigeon is stately in stature, with a distinctive banded tail. Second only to the passenger pigeon in size, it is now the largest member of the family Columbidae in North America. Band-tailed pigeons are ornamented with patterned iridescent green-bronze feathers on the nape of their neck, topped by a white crescent. The pale grey-banded tail is most visible in flight and contrasts with slate-colored back feathers that transition to under parts with a subtle purplish hue. These gregarious birds migrate and forage in large flocks which helps them locate seeds, nuts and fruits and avoid predators in mature forest and woodland habitats. Band-tailed pigeons frequently visit mineral sites where they ingest water rich with minerals like sodium and calcium that are needed to supplement their diet. This behavior is most frequent during the nesting season when the need is greatest to support eggshell and chick bone development for the single offspring in each nesting attempt.  

Entries must include at least one band-tailed pigeon, preferably in a habitat or setting representative of California. Entries will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy, and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.

The contest will be judged by a panel of experts in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing. The winning artist will be selected during a judging event in December.

An upland game bird validation is required for hunting migratory and resident upland game birds in California. The money generated from stamp sales is dedicated to upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach. CDFW sells more than 130,000 upland game bird validations annually. Any individual who purchases an upland game bird validation may request their free collectible stamp by visiting wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps. For collectors who do not purchase a hunting license or upland game bird validation, or for hunters who wish to purchase additional collectible stamps, an order form is also available on the website.

For contest information and entry forms, visit wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.

Source: CDFW