The plain-breasted ground dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It lacks the scaled appearance to the feathers of the similar and typically more abundant common ground dove.
Region
Northern South America and Panama
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland savannas, seasonally flooded grasslands, open scrub, and weedy agricultural clearings. It favors patches of bare or sandy ground with scattered shrubs and often uses river islands and sandbars. The species tolerates human-altered landscapes but avoids dense interior forest. Most encounters are along edges, roadsides, and near watercourses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This tiny ground-dwelling dove lacks the scaly patterning on the breast that characterizes the similar Common Ground Dove. It often reveals a warm rufous flash in the wings when it takes off from the ground. Typically inconspicuous, it forages quietly in open, sparsely vegetated areas and along river edges.
Temperament
wary and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups while feeding on the ground. Nests are simple twig platforms placed low in shrubs or small trees. Typical clutches are two white eggs, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, monotonous series of low coos, often given as single or double notes repeated at intervals. Wingbeats can produce a brief whirring sound when flushed.
