The Picui ground dove or Picui dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across open and semi-open habitats including grasslands, savannas, scrub, ranchlands, and agricultural fields. Readily uses edges of towns, parks, and gardens, and forages along roadsides and tracks. Generally avoids dense forest and high, closed-canopy woodlands. Often seen feeding on the ground in pairs or small groups.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
A tiny ground-dwelling dove, it thrives in open and human-modified landscapes, often seen walking along roadsides and in farm fields. Its common name likely echoes its soft, repetitive call, which sounds like 'pi-cuí.' The species is widespread and adaptable, frequently forming small flocks outside the breeding season.
In Mendoza, Argentina
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks while foraging on the ground. Monogamous pairs build a flimsy twig nest low in shrubs or small trees. Typical clutch is two white eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive cooing often rendered as 'pi-cuí,' given from exposed perches or within low shrubs. Also emits gentle contact notes while foraging. Wingbeats may produce a faint whirr during short, direct flights.
Plumage
Soft gray-brown upperparts with a slightly paler gray head and fine scaling; wings show distinct narrow black-and-white barring when folded. Underparts are pale with a faint pinkish wash; tail relatively short with pale edges.
Diet
Primarily eats small seeds from grasses and weeds, as well as spilled grain in agricultural areas. Will take tender plant material and occasionally tiny invertebrates incidentally while foraging. Frequently ingests small grit to aid digestion.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on bare ground, along paths, field edges, and sparsely vegetated patches in open country. Common around farms, pastures, and urban parks where seeds are abundant.
