kids encyclopedia robot

Moreno's ground dove facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Moreno's ground dove
Metriopelia morenoi.JPG
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Metriopelia
Species:
morenoi
Metriopelia morenoi map.svg
Synonyms

Gymnopelia morenoi

Moreno's ground dove (Metriopelia morenoi) or the bare-eyed ground dove, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Argentina.

Taxonomy and systematics

The Moreno's ground dove and its sister species bare-faced ground dove (Metriopelia ceciliae) were previously placed in genus Gymnopelia. It is monotypic.

Description

Moreno's ground dove is about 17 cm (6.7 in) long. The adult's upperparts are mostly dull brown with a grayish head and shoulders. Its throat is light gray darkening to brownish gray on the breast and belly, buffy at the vent, and reddish brown on the undertail coverts. The outer tail feathers are black with white tips. Its eye is blue surrounded by bright orange bare skin that in turn is surrounded by a thin black line. The sexes are essentially alike except that the female's eye surround is paler. The juvenile's plumage is similar to the adults' but many feathers have rufous fringes.

Distribution and habitat

Moreno's ground dove is found only in northwestern Argentina. It inhabits temperate and puna grassland characterized by cactus, scrub, and at lower elevation scattered trees. In elevation it ranges from at least 1,800 to 3,200 m (5,900 to 10,500 ft).

Behavior

Feeding

Moreno's ground dove is known to feed on the ground, usually in small groups, but its diet has not been documented.

Breeding

Moreno's ground dove lays its two eggs in cavities in earthen banks. No other information about its breeding phenology has been published.

Vocalization

Though the bare-faced ground dove's vocalizations are not well known, it "has been recorded producing cooing calls: a series of 3–5 soft and nasal 'cuEec cuEec cuEec', as well as a faster and deeper sounding series of 'coo coo coo coo coo'."

Status

The IUCN has assessed Moreno's ground dove as being of Least Concern. However, it has a very small range and is "[v]ery poorly known and little studied."

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Tortolita de ojos desnudos para niños

kids search engine
Moreno's ground dove Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.