Scaled dove

Appearance

It measures between 18 and 22 centimeters in length and weighs between 48 and 60 grams. The species has grayish-brown upper parts and a pinkish-gray face and chest. The throat is white and the distal wing coverts are also white and form a visible white spot on the wings when they are closed. The tail is dark with the tips of the rectrices being white, forming a white band on the side of the tail, noticeable when the bird is in flight. The species has dark eyes, pink legs and gray beak. It has a “scaly” appearance caused by the dark edges of the feathers. The most striking feature of this species is the scaling pattern of the plumage, which provides it with efficient camouflage. When in flight you can see a white stripe at the base of the wing. Its primaries are brown in color.

Behavior

"Columbina squammata" is a dove of generally discreet habits, that walks in pairs or small groups by the edges of forests, savannahs, orchards, and other types of vegetation, while tending to avoid very open or very closed habitats. It is normally silent, except when vocalizing, which the bird only does while perched in well-hidden places, and except for the noise produced by the wings when the bird takes flight. In southeastern Brazil, it is considered as a skittish species, being much more heard than seen in cities like Campinas or Ribeirão Preto, but in other parts of Brazil, such as Brasília or Goiânia this species can be found much closer to people, scratching on sidewalks in the same way as its congener, the ruddy ground-dove.

Ornithologists and bird watchers in the state of São Paulo have been reporting a decline in the populations of this species, potentially attributing this decline to competition with the eared dove, which has been increasing in both range and abundance.

Reproduction

It makes a nest of twigs in the shape of a cup, usually 1 or 2 meters above the ground, but may sometimes also nest on the ground. This species usually lays 2 white eggs.

Food

It feeds on the ground, walking with its belly almost dragging on the ground. When scared, it flies sharply to nearby trees. The tree species "Trema micrantha" is one of the favorite fruits of this species.