The Mindanao bleeding-heart, also known as Bartlett's bleeding heart dove, Barlett's bleeding heart pigeon and the hair-breasted bleeding heart, is a species of bird in the pigeon family. It is endemic to the Philippines on the islands of Mindanao, Basilan, Samar, Leyte and Bohol. It is so named because of a red blotch on its breast. The generic name derives from a fusion of the Latin gallus ("chicken") and columba ("pigeon"). Among all five bleeding hearts, it has the largest and darkest "heart". It is a ground dwellling dove found in tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss, trapping and the wildlife trade.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines, occurring on Mindanao, Basilan, Samar, Leyte, and Bohol. It inhabits primary and mature secondary tropical moist lowland forests with dense understory and leaf litter. The species is strongly tied to intact forest floors, often near streams and in ravines. It avoids heavily degraded habitats and is rarely seen away from cover. Local persistence depends on remaining lowland forest tracts and protected areas.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This ground-dwelling dove is named for the vivid red blotch on its breast that resembles a bleeding wound, the largest and darkest among the Philippine bleeding-hearts. It skulkily forages on the forest floor and explodes into short, rapid flight when flushed. Severe lowland forest loss and trapping have caused widespread declines, and it is now uncommon across much of its range. It likely plays a role in seed dispersal for understory plants.
A captive individual in the Zoo Miami
An illustration
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through understory
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories on the forest floor. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation or shrubs, with clutches usually of one to two eggs. Pairs are monogamous and both sexes share incubation and chick rearing. Outside breeding, it remains largely solitary and elusive.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, low coos delivered from concealed perches, often at dawn and dusk. Calls are subdued and easily missed under forest ambient noise.
Plumage
Slate-gray head and breast grading to white belly, with a conspicuous deep crimson patch on the chest; upperparts brown to olive with an iridescent green sheen on the mantle and wings. The breast feathers can appear hair-like, giving a shaggy look. Flanks and undertail are buff to rufous; tail dark with paler edges.
Diet
Feeds on fallen fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates such as insects and snails gleaned from leaf litter. It walks methodically, picking items from the ground and occasionally scratching to expose food. Seasonal availability of fruits influences its foraging choices. It may supplement with tender shoots and small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded floor of primary and well-regenerated secondary lowland forest, especially where leaf litter is deep. Often near stream edges, gullies, and dense thickets that provide quick cover.
