Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)

Identification & Behavior: ~26 cm (10.2 in). The Eared Dove has gray back and wings with black spots. The neck and underparts are gray-pinkish. The iris is dark. The orbital skin is narrow and grayish. The bill is black. The tail is gray with a broad white terminal band. The male has a bluish top of the head and more saturated colors. It is similar to the West Peruvian Dove but is distinguished by the lack of a white band on the wings, smaller size, and a lack of bright blue orbital skin.

Status: The Eared Dove is common to fairly common in coastal western lowlands and inter-Andean valleys at elevations ranging from sea level to 4000 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Tórtola Orejuda.

Sub-species: Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca), Bonaparte 1855.

Meaning of Name: Zenaida: In honor to the wife of French ornithologist Prince Bonaparte (Zenaide Laetitia Julie – Princess Bonaparte). auriculata: L. auriculata, auriculatus= small ear.

See more of the Family Columbidae