Identification
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Small, well-named ruddy dove of humid open and semi-open areas, often in villages and even towns, where sometimes perches on wires. Often in groups, sometimes even a hundred birds, which flush explosively from underfoot. Male is ruddy overall (but much paler in West Mexico); female is plain grayish brown overall, lacking scaly breast of slightly smaller Common Ground Dove. Like other ground doves, both sexes of Ruddy show bright rusty wing patches in flight.
Relative Size
Larger than a House Sparrow and smaller than a Blue Ground Dove.
Measurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 6.5-7.1 in (16.5-18 cm)
- Weight: 1.4-2.0 oz (40-56.5 g)