The Socorro dove or Grayson's dove is a dove species which is extinct in the wild. It was endemic to Socorro Island in the Revillagigedo Islands off the west coast of Mexico. The last sighting in its natural habitat was in 1972 and it survives only in captivity. A reintroduction program is being prepared.
Region
Revillagigedo Archipelago
Typical Environment
Historically confined to Socorro Island, it occupied subtropical evergreen and deciduous woodland, palm groves, and dense shrublands. It favored shaded ravines and the forest floor with deep leaf litter where fallen fruits and seeds were abundant. Nesting occurred in low trees and shrubs in secluded understory. Today the species persists only in captivity, with reintroduction planned to restored habitats on Socorro.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as Grayson's dove, it is extinct in the wild and survives only in captivity, with the last confirmed wild record in 1972 on Socorro Island, Mexico. Predation by introduced cats and habitat degradation by feral sheep were major drivers of its decline. Coordinated international breeding and planned reintroduction aim to restore it to its native island. Its mellow, mournful coo is distinctive among Zenaida doves.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, forming long-term monogamous bonds. Nests are flimsy platforms of twigs placed in low shrubs or small trees, with a clutch of one to two eggs. Foraging is mostly on the ground under cover, where birds walk and glean quietly.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, mournful series of cooing notes delivered slowly and repeatedly by the male. Calls are lower and more resonant than those of the Mourning Dove, often given from a sheltered perch.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown overall with a slightly darker back and wings, subtle iridescence on the neck, and a paler grayish forehead and face.
Diet
Feeds on fallen fruits, berries, and seeds from native shrubs and trees, supplemented by tender shoots. It also ingests small quantities of invertebrates opportunistically, especially during breeding when protein needs rise. Grit is swallowed to aid in grinding tough seeds in the gizzard.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground in shaded forest interiors, ravines, and at the edges of clearings where fruiting plants are common. Often searches among deep leaf litter beneath canopy trees and shrubs.
