Black-winged Ground Dove

Overview

The Metriopelia melanoptera, commonly known as the black-winged ground dove, is a species in the pigeon family Columbidae found across the high Andes. It currently holds a Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List and is generally common, though locally numerous in its range.

Identification

• A small dove measuring 21 to 23 cm in length, with males weighing between 89.1 and 114 g.
• Adults feature grayish brown or earth brown upperparts with a faint pink tinge, contrasting with whitish throats and fawn-pink underparts.
• The closed wing displays a distinctive white edge and some pale gray, while eye colour and surrounding bare skin vary widely.
• Its vocalisation consists of a series of high-pitched, double notes described as 'rrree-up...rrree-up...' alongside a short 'piu' call.

Habitat

This bird inhabits páramo in Colombia and Ecuador, and puna in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It typically occupies grassy areas near treeline, though it roosts within Polylepis woodland and Puya stands. Its altitude range is usually 2,000 to 4,400 m, extending to 900–4,900 m in Chile, with birds moving to lower elevations in winter.

Diet

The black-winged ground dove forages on the ground in small flocks, feeding primarily on grass seeds.

Did you know?

While most of its diet remains poorly understood, its nests are fragile platforms of sticks constructed in bushes, bromeliads, or cacti, with a consistent clutch size of two.