The scaled dove, also known as scaly dove, Ridgway's dove, mottled dove, and South American zebra dove, is found in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia, French Guiana, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
South America (east of the Andes) and Trinidad
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from northeastern and central Brazil through Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, and north to Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and Trinidad. It favors dry to moderately moist shrublands, open woodlands, savannas, and seasonally wet grasslands. It is also common in agricultural mosaics, pastures, and urban parks with scattered trees and hedges. The species tolerates degraded habitats and edges but avoids dense interior forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Named for the distinctive black-edged 'scales' on its plumage, the scaled dove is a small ground-dwelling dove of open and semi-open habitats. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, often foraging along roadsides, fields, and in towns. Pairs build flimsy twig platforms low in shrubs or small trees and typically lay two white eggs.
Subspecies C. s. ridgwayi Cagua, Aragua, Venezuela
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flight; wings may produce a soft whirr
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small loose groups, foraging quietly on the ground. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed low in shrubs or small trees. Clutch is typically two eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive series of mellow cooing notes, often delivered from a low perch. Calls include gentle coos and purring notes used in pair communication.
