Welcome back, nature enthusiasts, to another feathered friend showcase here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat! Today, we turn our gaze towards a delightful little resident of the tropics, the aptly named Ruddy Ground Dove.
These compact charmers, with a scientific name of Columbina talpacoti, are a common sight across Costa Rica. While primarily a tropical bird, their range extends from Mexico all the way down to Argentina, making them a true New World citizen.
A Flash of Rusty Red
The Ruddy Ground Dove lives up to its name with a stunning display of ruddy plumage. Males, in particular, sport a vibrant reddish-brown coat, especially on their chests. This rusty red is often described as being quite bright, making them a captivating sight amongst the lush greenery of Costa Rica.
Females, however, take a more subdued approach. They are cloaked in a grayish-brown overall, lacking the striking chest pattern seen on some doves. This distinction between the sexes makes identification in the field a breeze for even the novice birdwatcher.
Spot the Tiny Traveler
Measuring a mere 6.5 to 7 inches (17-18 cm) in length, the Ruddy Ground Dove is a true petite. Their wingspan reaches around 16.5 to 18 inches (42-45 cm), making them a delightful little package of feathers.
One key feature to look for when trying to spot these birds is their lack of the scaly chest pattern often seen on other ground doves, like the Common Ground Dove. Additionally, the Ruddy Ground Dove boasts black spots not just on their wings, but also up on their scapulars, adding another distinguishing mark.
A Creature of Open Spaces
While you might catch a glimpse of the Ruddy Ground Dove in our mountain retreat clearings, their preferred habitat is a little different. These little ground dwellers favor open and humid areas. This includes wetlands, riparian forests, logged areas, cultivated fields, and even gardens.
The key element for them seems to be open, bare ground. This allows them to forage freely for their primary food source: seeds. They’re not picky eaters though, and will occasionally supplement their diet with snails and insects, making them opportunistic omnivores.
A Social Butterfly (Dove?)
The Ruddy Ground Dove is quite the social butterfly, well, dove really. They often forage in flocks, sometimes alongside other dove species, creating a delightful flurry of movement and color. It’s not uncommon to see them feeding side-by-side with their Inca Dove cousins.
Another interesting aspect of their social behavior is their tendency to flush explosively from underfoot. So, if you’re exploring the open fields or venturing near wetlands, keep your eyes peeled (and ears!) for a sudden burst of reddish-brown feathers taking flight.
Prolific Breeders
The Ruddy Ground Dove is a champion breeder. Thanks to their flexible habitat preferences and rapid reproduction cycle, they are considered a common bird throughout their range. They can breed year-round, constructing their nests 1-2 meters above the ground in trees or shrubs with plenty of surrounding vegetation for cover.
A Delightful Addition to the Costa Rican Tapestry
The Ruddy Ground Dove, with its vibrant plumage, social nature, and impressive breeding abilities, is a cherished member of the Costa Rican avifauna. Whether you spot them flitting through the fields, perched on a wire, or taking flight in a flurry, these little russet-colored birds are sure to add a touch of charm to your Costa Rican adventure.
So, keep your eyes peeled during your stay at our mountain retreat. You might just be lucky enough to encounter the Ruddy Ground Dove, a dazzling emblem of the rich biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
