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Common Ground-Dove

Columbina passerina ORDER: COLUMBIFORMES FAMILY: COLUMBIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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The smallest dove in the United States, the Common Ground-Dove is a bird of the southern United States and tropical America. Aptly named, it feeds and nests on the ground.

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Appearance

Dovelike
Dovelike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small, stocky dove. Grayish brown body. Short neck. Short, dark tail with white corners. Wings flash rufous in flight. Small bill reddish at base, black on tip.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but with less scaling.

Range Map Help

Common Ground-Dove Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Common Ground-Dove

    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, McAllen, Texas, March 2000

Similar Species

  • Inca Dove has longer tail and more extensive scaling extending onto back and wings.
  • Rare Ruddy Ground-Dove is similar. Male is distinctive deep rufous. Female can be very similar to Common Ground-Dove, but lacks scaling on head and chest.