Black-winged ground dove

The black-winged ground dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It lives in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru and is usually found in grassy areas near tree lines but roosts in Polylepis forest and Puya colonies. Throughout most of its range, it occurs at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,400 m but between 900 and 4,900 m in Chile. It moves to lower elevations in winter.

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Distribution

Region

Andes Mountains

Typical Environment

Found from Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and into northern Chile and northwestern Argentina, primarily in puna grasslands and shrub-steppe. It frequents open slopes with bunchgrasses, rocky flats, and edges of high-elevation valleys. Birds often roost or shelter in Polylepis woodland and among Puya colonies, especially at night or during adverse weather. It occurs near agricultural edges and village outskirts where seeds are available. The species typically remains in the highlands but shifts to lower elevations during colder months.

Altitude Range

900–4900 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size18–21 cm

Wing Span30–36 cm

Male Weight0.08 kg

Female Weight0.075 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A high-Andes specialist, the black-winged ground dove forages quietly on the ground but becomes conspicuous in flight when its dark wing panel flashes. It often roosts communally in Polylepis woodlands and among towering Puya plants. The species makes seasonal downslope movements in winter to avoid the harshest alpine conditions.

Gallery

Black-winged ground dove, lower slopes of Chimborazo, Ecuador

Behaviour

Temperament

wary but often confiding at high elevations

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights over open ground

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups; larger loose flocks may form at favored feeding or roost sites. Nests are simple platforms placed in low shrubs, rocky ledges, or dense vegetation. Typical dove clutch size is one to two eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Vocalizations are soft, repetitive cooing phrases delivered from the ground or low perches. Wingbeats can produce a faint whistling when birds flush or fly between feeding and roosting sites.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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