Ruddy Ground Dove

Overview

The ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti) is a small New World tropical dove and member of the pigeon family. It is a resident breeder across a vast range from Mexico to South America, though individual birds occasionally appear as winter visitors in the southwestern USA.

Identification

• Small, short-tailed pigeon measuring 12–18 cm in length, with a weight typically around 35–56 g.
• Adult males feature a pale bluish-grey head and neck contrasting with rich rufous upperparts, while females are uniformly grey-brown with less contrast.
• Both sexes display a series of black spots on the wing feathers and underwings that are cinnamon and black.
• Flight is fast and direct, characterized by regular wingbeats and occasional sharp flicks typical of pigeons.
• The call is a soft, cooing 'cur-WOO'.

Habitat

Found in scrub, open country, cultivated land, and urban centres, often alongside feral pigeons. The species has adapted well to artificial environments, expanding into areas cleared for pasture and grain farming, as well as city squares and gardens. Its range extends from Mexico south to Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, including Trinidad and Tobago.

Diet

Primarily feeds on seeds found on the ground, though it also consumes snails and small insects. It forages in open areas, including urban settings where it may share feeding grounds with other pigeons.

Did you know?

Males frequently display territorial aggression by jumping and raising a wing to strike opponents, a behaviour often accompanied by lying on their side on the ground to expose the large area of black feathers on their underwings.