The shy ground dove, also known as the Tongan ground dove or friendly ground dove, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in American Samoa, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Wallis and Futuna Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Polynesia, South Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs on several island groups including Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Wallis and Futuna. It favors undisturbed and lightly disturbed lowland forests but will use secondary growth, forest edges, and plantations if cover is available. Birds are typically encountered on small or medium-sized islands where mammalian predators are fewer. They keep close to dense understory vegetation and often feed along shaded forest floors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the friendly or Tongan ground dove, this shy forest pigeon spends most of its time on the ground, slipping quietly through leaf litter. It has suffered severe declines from habitat loss and introduced predators like rats and cats. Taxonomically it is now placed in the genus Pampusana. Males and females differ subtly in coloration, with females generally duller and more mottled.
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes in loose small groups where food is abundant. Nests are simple platforms placed low in dense shrubs or small trees, and occasionally on the ground. Clutch size is typically one to two eggs, with both parents involved in incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low coos delivered from concealed perches, often a mellow, repeated hoo or a short series of hoots. Alarm calls are brief, throaty notes given when flushed.
