Croaking Ground Dove

Overview

The Columbina cruziana, commonly known as the croaking ground dove, is a small bird species belonging to the family Columbidae. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is generally common and appears to be increasing in population across its range.

Identification

• A small dove measuring 15 cm in length, with males weighing approximately 52 g and females 46 g.
• Males possess bluish-grey heads and brownish-grey upperparts, contrasting with mauve pink underparts; females have brown heads and less intense wing markings.
• Features a bright yellow bill near the base and a red eye surrounded by bare yellow skin.
• Tail feathers are dark grey centrally and black with white tips at the outer edges.

Habitat

Found along the Pacific coast from southwestern Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to northern Chile, with an inland presence in Peru's Marañón Valley. It inhabits arid and semi-arid landscapes with scrub and riparian thickets, frequently utilizing farmland, gardens, and parks. Although primarily a lowland species, it can be found at elevations up to 2,400 m.

Diet

The species forages on the ground for seeds, although no specific details regarding its feeding methods have been published.

Did you know?

The song of the Columbina cruziana is described as unlike that of any other dove, consisting of a burry, low-pitched, overslurred 'rrRwl' accompanied by soft grunts and growls.