The Tolima dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Colombian Andes
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Central Andes of Colombia, primarily in Tolima and nearby departments, where it inhabits humid montane forest, forest edges, and dense secondary growth. It favors thickets, ravines, and regenerating understory with abundant leaf litter. The species is also encountered in shade coffee and agroforestry landscapes adjoining native forest. It generally keeps to the lower to middle strata and the forest floor, retreating to denser cover when disturbed.
Altitude Range
1200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Tolima dove is a shy ground-dwelling pigeon restricted to montane forests of the Colombian Andes. It often forages along forest edges, secondary growth, and shade coffee plantations, flushing with an explosive clatter of wings when disturbed. Habitat loss and fragmentation are principal threats, but it can persist in well-vegetated agricultural mosaics.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with explosive, short rapid wingbeats when flushed
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small family groups. Nests are simple twig platforms placed low in dense shrubs or small trees at forest edges. Clutch size is typically two eggs, and parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, mournful series of low coos, often delivered from concealed perches. Phrases are evenly spaced and can carry surprisingly far in montane forest.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a contrasting pale gray face and nape, white throat, and vinaceous-pink wash on the breast grading to whitish belly. Tail shows white edging on the outer feathers with darker central rectrices; wings are brown with subtle rufous tones. Feathering is smooth and sleek, suited to quiet movement through understory.
Diet
Primarily consumes fallen seeds and small fruits picked from the forest floor or low shrubs. It will also take berries and soft mast, especially in secondary growth and along edges. Grit and small pebbles are ingested to aid digestion; occasional invertebrates may be taken incidentally.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground in leaf litter and along narrow trails and edges. Often uses shady coffee plantations and hedgerows adjoining forest, especially where cover is dense.
