The Columbina cruziana (scientific name) or croaking ground dove is commonly found in tropical forests, shrub lands and high altitude tropical forests of South America, specifically Chile, Ecuador and Peru. Even though it is buff brown in colour, yet it differs in looks from other ground birds because of its black primary feathers, a distinctive chestnut coloured line near its shoulder and an orange yellow colour on the base of its beak. They are social birds, which forage around for food, namely seeds on the ground. An average clutch has 2 eggs which are incubated for 13-14 days. It is interesting to note that these birds have a very ‘undove’ like call, which is a harsh screech. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.
Croaking Ground Dove
