Long-tailed ground dove

The long-tailed ground dove is a species of bird in the dove and pigeon family, Columbidae. It is found in Bolivia and Brazil.

Loading map...

Distribution

Region

Central South America (Brazilian Cerrado and adjacent Bolivia)

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily in dry savannas, open scrub, and lightly wooded grasslands of the Cerrado and adjacent dry forests. Often found along edges of gallery woodlands, field margins, and near waterholes during dry periods. Uses areas with scattered shrubs or termite mounds that provide quick cover. Tolerates some low-intensity agriculture but avoids dense forest and very open treeless plains.

Altitude Range

100–1400 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size18–21 cm

Wing Span26–30 cm

Male Weight0.05 kg

Female Weight0.047 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The long-tailed ground dove is the only species in the genus Uropelia and is notable for its very long, graduated tail. It spends much of its time on the ground in open savannas and scrub, flushing with a swift, low flight when disturbed. Its soft, repetitive cooing is often heard more than the bird is seen. Habitat loss in the Cerrado is a concern, though the species is currently not considered globally threatened.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low and direct

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Forages quietly on the ground, often near cover, and flushes only when approached closely. Likely monogamous, building a flimsy platform nest low in shrubs or small trees and laying one to two eggs.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, repetitive cooing phrase delivered from the ground or a low perch. Also gives quiet contact notes while foraging and a sharp flutter or clap on sudden takeoff.

Unlock detailed bird insights with Pro access today.

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

Long-tailed ground roller

The long-tailed ground roller is a species of bird in the ground roller family Brachypteraciidae, placed in the monotypic genus Uratelornis. Endemic to arid spiny forests near the coast in southwestern Madagascar, this ground roller occurs at extremely low population densities throughout its habitat. This species requires shade and a deep layer of leaves on the ground, and it is absent from parts of the spiny forest lacking these features. It has no recognized subspecies, and its closest relative is the scaly ground roller. The long-tailed ground roller is the only ground roller to definitively display sexual dimorphism. It is a medium-sized bird with a plump silhouette and a long tail. The upperparts are dark brown with black streaks while the underparts are light gray. The white throat is framed by black malar stripes and a black breastband, and a white stripe is present at the base of the bill. Sky-blue feathers are visible at the edge of the wings and the tail. Calls are rarely made outside the breeding season, though multiple courtship calls are made.

Long-tailed koel

The long-tailed koel, also known as the long-tailed cuckoo, Pacific long-tailed cuckoo, sparrow hawk, home owl, screecher, screamer or koekoeā in Māori, is a species of the Cuculidae bird family. It is the only species placed in the genus Urodynamis. It is a migratory bird that spends spring and summer in New Zealand, its only breeding place, and spends winter in the Pacific islands. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species and leaving them to raise its chicks.