The white-eared brown dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Philippines where it is found across most of the country except Palawan, Sulu and Batanes. It habitat is in lowland and montane forests. This species population is decreasing in number due to habitat loss, hunting and the capture for the illegal wildlife trade.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines and widespread across most major islands except Palawan, Sulu, and Batanes. It inhabits lowland to montane evergreen forests, including forest edges, clearings with dense regrowth, and mature secondary forest. The species keeps to the shaded understory and midstory where it moves quietly between fruiting trees and thickets. It will also use wooded river valleys and forest fragments if cover remains dense.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the crisp white patch behind the ear coverts, this shy forest dove is often detected by its soft, repetitive coos rather than by sight. It plays an important role as a seed disperser for native forest plants. Several island subspecies vary subtly in tone and size, and the species persists in both primary and well-vegetated secondary forests.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small loose groups at fruiting trees. Builds a simple twig platform nest concealed in dense foliage or low branches. Both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, low series of cooing notes delivered in measured rhythm, often two- to three-note phrases repeated from a shaded perch. The call carries surprisingly well in still forest and can seem ventriloquial.
Plumage
Overall warm brown with a soft vinous wash and fine scaling on the neck; slightly paler belly and throat. The neck can show a subtle greenish or purplish iridescence in good light. Flight feathers are darker, creating a gentle contrast with the mantle and back.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, including figs and drupes from understory and mid-canopy plants. Also takes fallen fruits and seeds on the forest floor. Opportunistically may ingest small seeds and occasionally tiny invertebrates while foraging.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense understory and at fruiting shrubs or small trees, often at forest edges and along trails. Will drop to the ground to pick fallen fruits where cover is nearby for quick retreat.
