- Leptotila cassinii
Identification
22·5–28 cm
As with other Leptotila species, identification of Gray-chested Dove is based on subtle field marks. Overall, it is darker than sympatric White-tipped and Gray-headed Doves with the dark-gray chest apparent and the belly described as dark vinaceous. A close look at the head reveals reddish orbital skin; a field mark lacking in White-tipped Dove (except possibly in Maxico) but shared with Gray-headed Dove. The dark tones to the plumage of Gray-headed Dove approach those of Gray-chested but Gray-headed has a buffish breast and cheeks.
On the southern Pacific slope of Costa Rica and western Panama, Gray-chested Dove also shows a brown patch on the back of the head.
Distribution
Central and South America
Central America: found in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama
South America: occurs only in Colombia
Taxonomy
Subspecies
Three subspecies are recognized[1]:
- L. c. cerviniventris:
- Caribbean lowlands of Guatemala to western Panama
- L. c. rufinucha:
- South-western Costa Rica to north-western Panama (Chiriquí)
- L. c. cassinii:
Habitat
Humid forest undergrowth and edge from lowlands to 1,200 meters.
Behaviour
Forages on ground in shady undergrowth, singly or in pairs.
Diet
There is little recorded about their diet, but they are thought to eat seeds and insects.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Avibase
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved June 2014)
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Gray-chested Dove. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 11 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Gray-chested_Dove
