Croaking Ground-dove
Columbina cruziana
Tortolita Peruana
Song
Croaking Ground-dove
The Croaking Ground-dove (Columbina cruziana). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The Croaking Ground-dove is a small, slender bird with a distinct appearance. It has a gray-brown body with darker streaks on its back, a light-colored belly, and a reddish-brown patch on its wings. The male typically exhibits brighter colors and more prominent markings compared to the female.
Habitat: This species is commonly found in open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, agricultural areas, and scrublands. In Colombia, it can be spotted in various regions with suitable open habitats, including the Llanos, the Caribbean coast, and parts of the Andes.
Behavior: The Croaking Ground-dove is known for its terrestrial habits, often foraging on the ground for seeds, grains, and insects. It is a relatively shy bird, preferring to stay hidden in dense vegetation when not actively feeding.
Breeding: During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the warmer months, the male performs courtship displays to attract a mate. The female usually constructs a simple nest made of twigs and vegetation on the ground or in low shrubs to lay one or two eggs.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Croaking Ground-dove in Colombia is generally considered to be of least concern.
Distribution
The Croaking Ground-dove (Columbina cruziana). Arid and semi-arid areas in the region of Tumaco in the Pacific coast in the Department of Nariño
Taxonomy
The Croaking Ground-dove (Columbina cruziana)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Columbina
- Species: Columbina cruziana
Vocalization
The Croaking Ground-dove (Columbina cruziana) is known for its unique vocalizations that give it its name. The call of the Croaking Ground-dove is a distinctive low-pitched croaking sound that is often described as a repetitive "kroo-kroo-kroo-kroo" or "kruk-kruk-kruk" sound. This call is distinct from the typical cooing sounds of other dove species and has a rougher, more croaky quality to it.
The vocalization of the Croaking Ground-dove is used for various purposes, including establishing territory, attracting a mate, and communicating with other members of its species. This distinctive call is often heard during the breeding season when the male birds use it as part of their courtship displays.
The croaking sound of the Croaking Ground-dove adds to the bird's unique character and makes it easily recognizable in its habitat.
