| Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata) |
| Synonyms: Peristera auriculata, Blue-eared Dove |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
Zenaida auriculata ranges throughout most of South America; also in the Grenadines, Tobago, and Trinidad. Sporadic and seasonal movements occur throughout the range, e.g., to the breeding colonies in the Caatinga, following rains, and northward from Patagonia in the austral winter. Common to abundant in arid scrublands, savannas, woodlands, grasslands with scattered trees, e.g., in vicinity of agricultural fields, and urban areas; sea level up to 4,400 m. Avoids dense forests, and benefited from land clearing and agriculture. Length 22-28 cm; weight 120-180 g. A black bill, dark red legs, and a long wedge-shaped tail. The upperparts are olive-brown, with black spots beneath the ear coverts and on the wings; a metallic iridescent patch on the nape; the breast is pink or vinaceous. Often breeds colonially, sometimes in single pairs. The largest colonies are in agricultural regions of northern Argentina, and in the Brazilian Caatinga. In cultivated areas, these doves might breed 3-4 times a year; in the Caatinga, they raise only one brood, and leave. Nests are in dense shrubs or trees (1-18 m), but in the Caatinga, always on the ground under thorny shrubs or bromeliads. The nest is a flimsy platform of twigs. Two eggs; incubation 12-14 days; the young fledge after 9-15 days. Z. auriculata feeds on seeds picked up off the ground, and takes advantage of cultivated crops, including wheat, sorghum, maize, and soybeans. A very common species; some megacolonies may hold up to 5 million birds; 20-30 million estimated feeding in crop fields in northern Argentina. However, the numbers are dwindling in northeastern Brazil. Extensively hunted, and eggs are collected for food.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)