The white-throated ground dove is a species of ground dove in the genus Pampusana. It is classified as near-threatened.
Region
Micronesia (Palau and Mariana Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in native limestone and secondary evergreen forests, coastal thickets, and forest edges across parts of Palau and the Mariana Islands. It prefers dense understory and areas with abundant fruiting trees, often foraging on the ground beneath the canopy. Historically present on Guam, it has been heavily impacted there by invasive predators. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but is most common where continuous forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A largely terrestrial dove of Micronesian forests, it spends much of its time walking the leaf litter in search of fallen fruits. Males show a striking white head and throat that contrast with a rich chestnut body, while females are more cryptic and brown. The species has declined on some islands due to predation by invasive snakes and hunting, and it plays an important role as a seed disperser in island ecosystems.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush from the ground
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are simple platforms placed low in shrubs or small trees, often well hidden in dense foliage. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing, and clutch size is usually a single egg.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, low cooing series delivered from concealed perches within the forest. Calls are subdued and can be difficult to locate, often heard at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Male with glossy chestnut-brown body, contrasting clean white head and throat, and slight iridescence on the wings; female duller brown to olive-brown with pale throat and less contrast. Both sexes have a compact, smooth-feathered appearance suited to forest understory.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fallen fruits and berries from native forest trees and shrubs, supplementing with seeds. It occasionally takes small invertebrates, especially when feeding chicks. Foraging is mostly on the ground, where it picks items from the leaf litter beneath fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Dense forest understory, especially near fruiting trees and along quiet forest trails or edges. Also uses secondary growth and coastal thickets where fruit resources are available.
