Bare-eyed Ground Dove
NameBare-eyed Ground Dove
Common NameBare-eyed Ground Dove
Scientific NameMetriopelia ceciliae
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsOverall dull brown to grayish-brown plumage, often with a slight purplish or vinaceous wash on the head and neck. The most distinctive feature is the large, bare, bright orange-yellow orbital skin surrounding the eye.
Vocalization / CallA soft, low cooing or hooting call, typically a series of repeated 'coo-coo-coo' notes.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, desert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes Mountains of South America, ranging from southern Ecuador through Peru to northern Chile and western Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesBare orange-yellow eye-ring, Small size, Dull brown plumage, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
This small, stocky ground dove is characterized by its dull brown plumage and striking bare orange-yellow skin around its eyes. It primarily forages on the ground for seeds in arid, high-altitude environments.
