Common Ground

Common Ground Dove

 Columbina passerina

Photographed in the wild

 Marco Island, FL     Mar 2012

Jamaica at Runaway Bay      Aug 2013

The Common Ground-Dove is barely larger than a sparrow and is North America's smallest dove. It is a fast flyer with rapid, short, wing beats; similar to that of a quail. When it walks, it bobs its head like a pigeon. The Common Ground-Dove forages on the ground for seeds, small berries, and occasionally insects. Although this bird may be found in small groups, it's more typically found in pairs.

The nest is a shallow platform of sticks and grass. It is typically built in a low shrub, cactus, palm, or occasionally on the ground. Parents feed the nestling’s regurgitated food, called "pigeon milk".

Return to DOVE Index