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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-Pigeons and Doves (Order Columbiformes)

-Pigeons and Doves (Family Columbidae)

-Small Ground Doves (Genus Columbina)

-Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti)


The Columbina talpacoti, or Ruddy Ground Dove, is a small, colorful bird found in tropical and subtropical climates. They are commonly found in open fields, woodlands, and scrubs throughout Central and South America. These birds feed mainly on grains, seeds, and other vegetation. They can be seen in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground in open terrain. With a mottled brown plumage and bright pinkish-red breast, the Columbina talpacoti is a stunningly beautiful bird.

Ruddy Ground Dove

Columbina talpacoti

Diet

  • Primarily seeds of grasses, weeds, and other herbaceous plants.

  • Also feeds on small grains, cultivated seeds, and occasionally tiny insects.

  • Forages on the ground, usually alone, in pairs, or in small flocks in open areas.

Range

  • Found from northeastern Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America to northern Argentina and Uruguay.

  • In Mexico, it occurs along both the Pacific and Gulf coastal lowlands, including the Zihuatanejo region, where it is a common year-round resident.

  • Inhabits tropical dry forests, forest edges, scrublands, agricultural fields, gardens, parks, villages, and other open habitats with scattered vegetation.

Male / Female

  • Male: Rich rufous-cinnamon head, neck, breast, and body; gray crown; black spotting on the wings; reddish bill and legs.

  • Female: Duller grayish-brown overall with buff underparts, lacking the rich rufous coloration of the male; black wing spots remain visible.

  • The sexes are easily distinguished by their markedly different plumage.

Size

  • Length: 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 in)

  • Wingspan: 25–28 cm (9.8–11.0 in)

  • Weight: 40–52 g

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