The Marquesan ground dove or Marquesas ground dove is a bird species in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Region
South Pacific (Polynesia)
Typical Environment
Restricted to a few valleys and foothill slopes on the Marquesas Islands, where it favors dry to moist native shrublands and remnant dry forests. It forages mostly on the ground along forest edges, streambeds, and lightly wooded clearings. The species avoids heavily disturbed areas and is most numerous where invasive predators are controlled. Remaining range is highly fragmented and localized.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive ground-dwelling dove is confined to the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia and survives in very small numbers. It is threatened by habitat degradation and invasive predators such as rats, cats, and pigs. Conservation efforts focus on predator control and protecting remaining dry forest and shrubland habitats.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, occasionally in small family groups. Nests are placed on or near the ground in dense cover or low shrubs. Breeding is thought to involve a small clutch, typically one egg, with both parents attending.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, low series of cooing notes delivered from concealed perches or the ground. Calls are subdued and can be hard to locate in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Mostly dusky brown with warm rufous tones, slightly paler below, and a subtle metallic sheen on the neck. Wings and tail are darker, giving a faint contrast with the body. Overall appearance is earthy and cryptic, suited to the forest floor.
Diet
Forages on the ground for small seeds, fallen fruits, and tender plant material. It also takes small invertebrates opportunistically, especially after rains when prey is more available. Feeding is deliberate, with frequent pauses to scan for danger.
Preferred Environment
Leaf-littered forest floors, edges of dry forest and shrubland, and lightly wooded clearings. Often stays close to dense cover to escape predators.
