Common Ground Dove Similar Species Comparison

Tiny dove with a small head and short tail. Pinkish brown underparts with grayish head and scaled pattern on neck and breast. Often has pink or red base of bill.

Tiny dove with a small head and a short, square-tipped tail. Head is grayish; back and wings are brown with dark spots in the wings.

A small plump dove often seen on the ground foraging for seeds.

Tiny dove with a small head and a short bill. Extensive scaled pattern on neck and breast. Head is paler than rest of body.

Tiny dove with a short tail. In flight shows chestnut patches in the wing and dark sides of the tail with small white corners.

Flushes quickly into flight, flashing rusty-colored underwings.

Outer wing feathers are bright rufous above and below.

Degree of scaling varies among individuals.

Common Ground Doves are at home in open woodlands, desert areas as well as urban landscapes. Often perches in trees when not foraging.

Forages on bare ground, usually keeping close to cover, in grasslands, scrubby areas, desert washes, and open woodlands. Flushes with a whirring sound from the wings.

Walks on the ground with a nod of its head at every step. This video has no audio.