Fun Ruddy Ground Dove Facts For Kids

The ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti) is a bird that belongs to the family of pigeons, columbidae.

This bird is characterized by its rufous colored body, which is spotted with patches of black.

These birds also have a small, slender bill, which is perfect for eating seeds and small insects in cultivated lands and forest areas around the entire range of Mexico, Texas, South America, and the other sites which are moist and warm enough for the species.

Males of the species have a much more vibrant plumage, but the features remain somewhat consistent across the two sexes.

The conservation status of these pigeons is that of least concern, which means that the population is stable across its range. If you aren't sure how these birds are different from the more widely recognized mourning doves, it is through the color of plumage.

For more relatable content, check out these canyon wren facts and ani bird facts for kids.

Ruddy Ground Dove Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a ruddy ground dove?

The ruddy ground dove is a bird species from the family of columbidae and order columbiformes.

What class of animal does a ruddy ground dove belong to?

The scientific term for the class of animals that the ruddy ground dove belongs to is that of Aves, although, we may just as well classify them as birds!

How many ruddy ground doves are there in the world?

Unfortunately, since the range map and habitats of this species are so extensive, there is no number that can be attached to the various populations of the ruddy ground dove.

At the same time, it is worth noting that their conservation status is that of Least Concern, which means that the population size is quite stable and that you may expect to see one or more of these birds if you happen to be around a forest in Central or South America.

Where does a ruddy ground dove live?

The ruddy ground dove habitat consists mainly of wet forest areas or open areas that have considerable ground cover and a lot of trees, so that the birds are able to forage for seeds and berries. These birds are commonly found in thickets, open country-sides and even in towns.

They prefer cultivated lands, as it provides them with enough food.

What is a ruddy ground dove's habitat?

The ruddy ground dove range map is mainly contained within Central America and South America. The adult birds of the species often take flight over short distances and can be seen in parts of California, Brazil, Mexico and Texas. Populations are vastly scattered across Peru, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago as well.

Who do ruddy ground doves live with?

This species and its subspecies are known to be quite social. They usually make flocks or groups of around 10-20 birds, while the group size can be as large as 200 birds that flock and nest together.

Such behavior is also suggestive of the fact that they are quite peaceful and amiable. In fact, these birds also often live with similar species such as the German nun pigeon.

How long does a ruddy ground dove live?

While the average lifespan of the ruddy ground dove in its natural habitat or in captivity is not known to us, we do know that the lifespan of an inca dove is around 13 years. This gives us a rough estimate of the longevity of the life of our rufous colored friends.

How do they reproduce?

The ruddy ground dove species is known for its ability of laying more than a single brood per year. During the breeding season, the ruddy ground dove male sings in its natural coo-ing sound in order to find a suitable female bird to mate with. This is also followed with displays such as the fanning of the tail.

The adult parent birds build the nest together. Nests are made of dry grass, and other such articles that are found feely in the natural habitat.

Once the nest is made, the ruddy ground dove female lays around two eggs. The incubation duties are also shared by both the adult birds, as they alternate throughout the incubation period of about 12 days.

Once each ruddy ground dove egg has hatched, the nestling is cared for by both parents.

What is their conservation status?

According to the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of the ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti) is that of Least Concern. This means that the population size of this species is stable and that the habitat of the species is not under the threat of any rapid and irreversible degradation either.

Ruddy Ground Dove Fun Facts

What do ruddy ground doves look like?

The description of the appearance of ruddy ground doves or pigeons mainly consists of the dark rufous colored upper feathers, which subside into a pale blue-gray around the head or crown region. The entire body is spotted with black or dark brown, and the bill is usually pale brown in color.

The ruddy ground dove wings have black or dark brown coverts, which creates a beautiful, warm-toned color palette. The two sexes look almost the same, with the female being paler and slightly smaller in size. During the breeding season, males have a much more vibrant plumage.

How cute are they?

While you may be of a different opinion, we find ruddy ground doves to be very adorable. The pale blue-gray head is reminiscent of the rock doves that we usually see, which is sharply contrasted with the rufous plumage.

The black spots on the wing coverts and head are also a beautiful addition to the overall gorgeous body of these doves.

How do they communicate?

The ruddy ground dove song is much like the call of other doves and pigeons. They communicate through a coo-ing song, which is repeated quite frequently. Display of tail feathers and wing coverts also serves as a way of communication that is quite honestly very tough for us humans to decipher!

How big is a ruddy ground dove?

The average length of the ruddy ground dove species is of around 4.7-7.08 in (12-18 cm). If you are wondering how big that would be, these birds are only slightly larger than an average blue jay.

How fast can a ruddy ground dove fly?

While the exact ruddy ground dove flight speed is not known, we are aware of the rapid wing-beats that these birds are capable of. They even have the ability to perform dives that are honestly quite impressive.

How much does a ruddy ground dove weigh?

The weight of an average ruddy ground dove is around 1.2-2.01 oz (35-57 g). As you can imagine, these small birds are also impeccably light-weighted!

What are the male and female names of the species?

Since there are no distinct names for the male and female ruddy ground doves, we have decided to lovingly refer to them as the male ruddy ground dove and the female ruddy ground dove respectively.

What would you call a baby ruddy ground dove?

The juvenile ruddy ground dove would be called by the same name as all the babies of the class of Aves - nestling, hatchling or chick. From what we know from several studies, the ruddy ground dove chick is very intensely taken care of by both of the parent birds.

What do they eat?

The ruddy ground dove diet is quite extensive. These doves feed mainly on seeds that they can find in abundance in their natural habitat. They also hover above trees and feed on berries and insects. The occasional snail is a treat for them.

Are they dangerous?

It is unlikely that these birds would come across as a danger to anyone. Not only are they very small in size and very adorable, they are also quite amiable. The nature of these doves can hardly be termed as aggressive since it is well known that they live in flocks and such species are hardly territorial!

Would they make a good pet?

While it is not a common practice to have these birds as pets, it would not be bad to have this or a similar species as a pet! They aren't loud, and their diet requirements are also pretty simple to take care of.

If that isn't enough to consider having this species as a part of your family, take a look at their beautiful plumage!

Did you know...

The ruddy ground dove name has been derived from the color of the plumage of these doves, as well as their habit of foraging on the ground in search of food.

Nests of this bird species are made by both male and female birds, across the length of the habitat, including places such as Mexico, Texas and parts of South America.

Difference between a ruddy ground dove and a common ground dove?

The common ground dove (order columbiformes), predominantly found in Texas, is the smallest ground dove in the world. The plumage of this species is also markedly different from the dark rufous feathers of the ruddy ground dove, as it is paler and gray in color, with flight feathers that are brown in color.

Where do ruddy ground doves sleep?

Ruddy ground doves make nests on the low branches of trees and sleep comfortably at night!

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Eastern towhee facts and dove facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable bird coloring pages.