m |
|||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | + | 28-30cm. Brown to reddish-brown over most of the plumage, with Lesser Antillean birds showing a paler abdomen. At the lower edge of the auriculars is a black mark similar to what is seen in many similar doves, and below it is an area of the neck with a metallic purple or pink sheen. A pale blue eye-ring shown in some field guides is inconspicuous. The folded wing shows some black spots, and the white tips to the secondaries are sometimes visible. Primary tips are blackish. Legs are short and pink while the bill is black. | |
| − | Brown to reddish-brown over most of the plumage, with Lesser Antillean birds showing a paler abdomen. At the lower edge of the auriculars is a black mark similar to what is seen in many similar doves, and below it is an area of the neck with a metallic purple or pink sheen. A pale blue eye-ring shown in some field guides is inconspicuous. The folded wing shows some black spots, and the white tips to the secondaries are sometimes visible. Primary tips are blackish. Legs are short and pink while the bill is black. | ||
In flight, when seen from above, the short tail with white tips combined with the white tips to the secondaries are destinctive. In addition, notice that all flight feathers are dark, while the rest of the body looks reddish-brown. The wings often give off a whistling sound in flight. From the underside, the Lesser Antillean subspecies has white underwing coverts, which combined with the white abdomen results in a rather white impression if the upperside is not seen. | In flight, when seen from above, the short tail with white tips combined with the white tips to the secondaries are destinctive. In addition, notice that all flight feathers are dark, while the rest of the body looks reddish-brown. The wings often give off a whistling sound in flight. From the underside, the Lesser Antillean subspecies has white underwing coverts, which combined with the white abdomen results in a rather white impression if the upperside is not seen. | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ==Distribution== | |
| − | ==Distribution | + | Zenaida Dove is found from coastal Northern [[Yucatan]] with islands through [[Greater Antilles]] and [[Lesser Antilles]] with [[Grenada]] the Southernmost spot. |
| − | Zenaida Dove is found from coastal Northern [[Yucatan]] with islands through [[Greater Antilles]] and [[Lesser Antilles]] with [[Grenada]] the Southernmost spot. The species is divided into three subspecies basically corresponding to each of these areas. | + | |
| + | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | The species is divided into three subspecies basically corresponding to each of these areas. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | Open and semi-open habitats. | ||
| + | ==Behaviour== | ||
| + | '''Voice''': One description is ''Coo-i oh oh oh'' where the second part of first syllable rises sharply, while all the rest is at the same tone. Sounds very mournful, has been compared to [[Mourning Dove]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It builds a flimsy platform on a tree or shrub, or in rock crevices and on grassy vegetation if no predators are present. 2 white eggs are laid and incubtated for approximately two weeks; the young fledge after a further two weeks. Parents feed the young pigeon's milk, a nutrient rich substance regurgitated from its crop. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The diet includes seeds, grains and insects. They often swallow fine gravel to assist with digestion, and will also ingest salt from mineral rich soils or livestock salt licks. | ||
| + | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Zenaida+aurita}} | {{GSearch|Zenaida+aurita}} | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 14:47, 2 October 2008
- Zenaida aurita
Identification
28-30cm. Brown to reddish-brown over most of the plumage, with Lesser Antillean birds showing a paler abdomen. At the lower edge of the auriculars is a black mark similar to what is seen in many similar doves, and below it is an area of the neck with a metallic purple or pink sheen. A pale blue eye-ring shown in some field guides is inconspicuous. The folded wing shows some black spots, and the white tips to the secondaries are sometimes visible. Primary tips are blackish. Legs are short and pink while the bill is black.
In flight, when seen from above, the short tail with white tips combined with the white tips to the secondaries are destinctive. In addition, notice that all flight feathers are dark, while the rest of the body looks reddish-brown. The wings often give off a whistling sound in flight. From the underside, the Lesser Antillean subspecies has white underwing coverts, which combined with the white abdomen results in a rather white impression if the upperside is not seen.
Distribution
Zenaida Dove is found from coastal Northern Yucatan with islands through Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles with Grenada the Southernmost spot.
Taxonomy
The species is divided into three subspecies basically corresponding to each of these areas.
Habitat
Open and semi-open habitats.
Behaviour
Voice: One description is Coo-i oh oh oh where the second part of first syllable rises sharply, while all the rest is at the same tone. Sounds very mournful, has been compared to Mourning Dove.
It builds a flimsy platform on a tree or shrub, or in rock crevices and on grassy vegetation if no predators are present. 2 white eggs are laid and incubtated for approximately two weeks; the young fledge after a further two weeks. Parents feed the young pigeon's milk, a nutrient rich substance regurgitated from its crop.
The diet includes seeds, grains and insects. They often swallow fine gravel to assist with digestion, and will also ingest salt from mineral rich soils or livestock salt licks.
