Galapagos Dove Facts

Name: Dove
Family: Columbidae
Scientific name: Zenaida galapagoensis
Length: 18 - 23 cm (7 - 9 in)
Weight: 67-92 g

Category: Land Birds
Number of Species: 49
Endemic Species: 22

In total, 49 species of land birds have been recorded in the Galapagos, 22 of which are endemic to the Islands. Land birds can be divided into 5 categories: Diurnal Raptors, Night Birds, Larger Land Birds, Aerial Feeders and Smaller Land Birds.

Category: Larger Land Birds
Endemic Subspecies: Galapagos Dove

Eight species of larger land birds have been recorded in Galapagos, five of which are resident including one endemic species. The larger land birds can be conveniently divided into three groups: Pigeons & Doves, Kingfishers and Cuckoos.

Pigeons and doves are small to medium-sized, rather plump birds with small heads which are bobbed back and forth when they are walking. They have relatively small, straight bills and short legs. In flight, pigeons and doves are fast and direct with rapid wingbeats. The sexes are alike and immature plumages resemble adult plumage.

Identification:
Unmistakable; the only dove likely to be encountered away from human habitation. ADULT: Head, neck and breast reddish-brown, belly buffish. Distinctive pattern on ear-coverts: a white stripe bordered by black lines. Iridescent bronze-green patch on side of neck. Scapulars and wing-coverts black-sported with white edging. Eye-ring bright blue; legs red. JUVENILE: Similar to adult but plumage generally duller.

Behavior:
Often very confiding.