West Peruvian Dove (Zenaida meloda)

Identification & Behavior: ~28 cm (11 in). The West Peruvian Dove is mostly gray. The iris is brown. The orbital skin is broad and bright blue. The bill is black. The tail is gray with a pale terminal band. It has a white band on the wing, which is readily seen in flight. It is similar to the Black-winged Ground-Dove, and Spot-winged Pigeon, but their ranges do not overlap.

Status: The West Peruvian Dove is common along the western lowlands. It ranges up to 1000 m along the western foothills of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Tórtola Melódica o Cuculi.

Sub-species: West Peruvian Dove (Zenaida meloda), Tschudi 1843.

Meaning of Name: Zenaida: In honor to the wife of French ornithologist Prince Bonaparte (Zenaide Laetitia Julie – Princess Bonaparte). meloda: L. a precious song or songster.

See more of the Family Columbidae