Grey-chested Dove

Overview

The grey-chested dove (Leptotila cassinii) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae found across Central America. It is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is considered fairly common in most of its range, despite its biology being poorly known.

Identification

• Lengths range from 22.5 to 28 cm with a weight of 132 to 179 g.
• Plumage includes an olive-brown upperparts with an iridescent green or purple mantle, a reddish grey breast, and a white throat.
• Yellow eyes are surrounded by bare grey skin that is reddish at the front and back, complemented by red legs and feet.
• The song is described as a single mournful monotonous note, 'woOOOooo', which fades rapidly in and slowly fades out.

Habitat

This species inhabits secondary forest from sea level up to 1,400 m, though on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica it is found no higher than 750 m. Its range extends from Mexico and Belize through Central America into northern Colombia.

Diet

The grey-chested dove forages on the ground alone or in pairs rather than in flocks. Although its diet is poorly documented, it has been recorded eating seeds and small insects.

Did you know?

The bird constructs a shallow platform nest made of twigs and straw, placing it 1 to 5 m above the ground on a tree branch or within a thicket or vine tangle.