The blue-eyed ground dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Cerrado region of Brazil.
Region
Cerrado (Brazilian savanna)
Typical Environment
Extremely localized populations inhabit seasonally wet grasslands and open savanna (campo) with scattered shrubs in the Cerrado of southeastern Brazil. It favors areas near temporary wetlands and vereda palm swamps, where seed-rich grasses flourish after rains. Microhabitats often include lightly vegetated ground, termite mounds, and edges of shallow marshy patches. The species avoids dense forest, preferring open ground for foraging and low cover for quick concealment.
Altitude Range
700–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Once known only from a handful of 19th-century specimens, the blue-eyed ground dove was dramatically rediscovered in 2015–2016 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is one of the most threatened birds in South America, with habitat protection spearheaded by local and international conservation groups. Its striking cobalt-blue wing spots and pale blue eye make it unmistakable among ground-doves.
Habitat of the species in Botumirim, Minas Gerais.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, fast flushes over grass
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, keeping close to low cover and quickly dropping to the ground when disturbed. Likely monogamous, building a simple, flimsy platform nest low in shrubs or dense grass. Clutch size is probably two white eggs, as in related ground-doves.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive series of mellow coos delivered from low perches or the ground. Phrases are evenly spaced and can carry across open grassland in calm conditions. Calls include gentle purring notes used in close contact between pair members.
Plumage
Compact ground-dove with warm rufous-cinnamon body and contrasting powder-blue spots on the wing coverts. The head can appear slightly grayer, with cleaner buff underparts and minimal mottling. Feathers are smooth, giving a neat, close-feathered look typical of small doves.
Diet
Primarily small seeds of grasses and forbs picked from the ground. It also takes fallen grains and occasionally small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Foraging is deliberate, with short walks and frequent pecking, often pausing to scan for danger.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open, sparsely vegetated patches, edges of temporary wetlands, and recently burned or regrowing grassland where seeds are abundant. Stays close to cover such as shrubs, grass tussocks, or termite mounds for quick concealment.
