The ruddy ground dove is a small New World tropical dove. It is a resident breeder from Mexico south to Brazil, Peru and Paraguay, and northern Argentina, and on Trinidad and Tobago. Individual birds can sometimes be seen in the southwestern USA, from southern Texas to southernmost California, primarily during winter.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Found from northern Mexico through Central America and much of South America to northern Argentina, and on Trinidad and Tobago. It thrives in open and semi-open habitats including pastures, agricultural fields, savannas, urban parks, and gardens. The species favors scattered shrubs or small trees for nesting, often near human habitation. It frequently forages on compacted soil, road edges, and other bare ground, and gathers at water sources in dry seasons.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The ruddy ground dove is a small, adaptable dove common in open and semi-urban habitats across the Neotropics. Males show richer rufous tones than females, which are browner and duller for camouflage. They often forage on sidewalks, roadsides, and bare ground, showing little fear of people. Their numbers benefit from moderate habitat disturbance and agriculture.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, low and direct with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small loose flocks, often feeding alongside other ground doves. Pairs are monogamous and build a flimsy twig platform in shrubs, small trees, or on human structures. Typical clutch is two white eggs, with both sexes incubating and feeding young. They readily exploit disturbed habitats and urban greenspaces.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, repetitive cooing phrases, often a rolling series of low notes delivered from a perch. Calls include quiet coos and a rapid churring when flushed. Wing noise may produce a faint whir on takeoff.
