The eared dove is a New World dove. It is a resident breeder throughout South America from Colombia to southern Argentina and Chile, and on the offshore islands from the Grenadines southwards. It may be a relatively recent colonist of Tobago and Trinidad. It appears to be partially migratory, its movements driven by food supplies.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Found from Colombia south through Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and much of Chile and Argentina, and on some southern Lesser Antilles islands. It prefers open and semi-open habitats including farmland, pastures, scrub, and urban parks. It readily exploits agricultural fields, especially grain and sunflower crops. The species occurs in both humid and arid zones and adapts well to human-modified landscapes. Local movements and partial migrations follow food availability.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The eared dove is one of South America’s most abundant doves and closely resembles the North American mourning dove. Its name comes from the distinctive dark “ear” patch behind the eye. It breeds prolifically, sometimes raising multiple broods per year, which helps it thrive even in heavily cultivated landscapes.
Z. a. antioquiae, Colombia
Adult and chicks in Uruguay
Eared dove in Buenos Aires.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms large flocks, especially in agricultural regions where food is abundant. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed in trees, shrubs, or occasionally structures; typical clutch size is two eggs. In favorable climates it may breed nearly year-round, with multiple broods and high reproductive potential.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of soft, mournful coos, often delivered from a perch and repeated in steady sequences. Wing whistling may be heard during takeoff or rapid flight, especially in flocks.
Plumage
Overall warm brown to gray-brown upperparts with blackish wing spots and pale fringes, grayish head and nape with subtle iridescence, and pinkish-buff underparts. Tail is long with a contrasting pale terminal band. Feathers are sleek and smooth, giving a clean, neat appearance.
Diet
Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds and grains from wild grasses and cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and sunflower. It also consumes fallen seeds along roadsides and field edges. Occasional ingestion of small invertebrates and grit aids digestion.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly on the ground in open fields, stubble, and pasturelands. Frequently visits agricultural areas and the edges of towns and parks where seeds are plentiful. Roosts in nearby trees or shrubs and commutes to feeding areas.
