Common Ground Dove
NameCommon Ground Dove
Common NameCommon Ground Dove
Scientific NameColumbina passerina
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)28.5
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)28
Plumage DetailsOverall grayish-brown plumage, with a distinctive scaled pattern on the head, neck, and breast. The back and wings are plain brown, featuring dark spots on the wing coverts. In flight, rufous flashes are visible on the primary feathers. The bill is reddish with a dark tip.
Vocalization / CallA soft, mournful, and repeated 'woo-oop' or 'hoo-oop' call, often described as a cooing sound.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, coastal, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean islands, and northern South America.
Identifying Featuressmall size, scaled head and neck pattern, short tail, dark spots on wing coverts, reddish bill with dark tip, rufous primary flashes in flight
Description
This is the smallest dove in North America, characterized by its stocky build and short tail. It is frequently observed foraging on the ground, often near water sources, and has a distinctive scaled pattern on its head and neck.
