Shy Ground Dove
Pampusana stairi
A rotund, short-legged ground-dwelling dove that usually runs rather than flies when startled. Male has a distinctive dark purple back, wings, and belly, a whitish chest crescent, and a light gray chest and head. Females usually resemble males, though some have purple-brown bodies with a very ruddy chest and head. Inhabits most forest habitats, including rainforest and bamboo thickets. Very shy. Sometimes heard giving a series of low-pitched, typical dove-like hooting notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pampusana stairi
- Authority
- (Gray, GR, 1856)
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Pampusana
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
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