Fauna
Bird

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

Also known as Ground Dove, Tobacco Dove, Passerine Ground-Dove

Common ground doves are diminutive, dusty-pink birds that forage in pairs or small groups, walking with a characteristic head-bobbing motion. When startled, they take flight with a sudden, loud flutter of wings that reveals bright rufous underwing patches. Their soft, rising whoop calls are a constant soundtrack in sandy coastal scrub and open agricultural fields.

TerrestrialDiminutiveGranivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGrass seeds, Weed seeds, Small berries
Predators
  • Domestic cats
  • Hawks
  • Snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss, domestic cat predation, and pesticide exposure
HabitatsSandy coastal scrub, open woodlands, agricultural fields, and suburban gardens
Life span2 to 3 years in the wild
  1. OrderColumbiformes
  2. FamilyColumbidae
  3. GenusColumbina
  4. SpeciesColumbina passerina
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Watch the Ground: Look for them walking along sandy paths or dusty roadsides where they forage for seeds.
  • Listen for Calls: Identify their presence by their soft, monotonous, upward-slurring woot or whoop calls.
  • Provide Cover: Attract them to yards by maintaining low-growing native shrubs and brush piles for safety.
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Found in Collections

Species set

Urban Dwellers

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