Plain-breasted ground dove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plain-breasted ground dove |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Columbina
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| Species: |
minuta
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| Synonyms | |
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Columba minuta Linnaeus, 1766 |
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The plain-breasted ground dove (Columbina minuta) is a small bird that belongs to the Columbidae family, which includes all doves and pigeons. This bird is found in many parts of Central and South America. It looks a lot like the common ground dove, but it doesn't have the "scaled" feather pattern that the common ground dove does. This tiny bird is known for its plain chest, which gives it its name.
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Understanding the Plain-breasted Ground Dove
The plain-breasted ground dove is a fascinating bird, known for its small size and wide range across the Americas. It's a shy bird that often blends into its surroundings.
What is the Plain-breasted Ground Dove's Scientific Name?
The scientific name for the plain-breasted ground dove is Columbina minuta. This name was given to the bird by a famous Swedish scientist named Carl Linnaeus in 1766. The word minuta comes from Latin and means "small," which perfectly describes this tiny dove!
Different Types of Plain-breasted Ground Doves
Just like people can have different family branches, animals can have different types called subspecies. There are four main subspecies of the plain-breasted ground dove:
- C. m. interrupta: Found from southern Mexico down to Nicaragua.
- C. m. elaeodes: Lives in areas from Costa Rica to west-central Colombia.
- C. m. minuta: This is the original type, found from eastern Colombia and Venezuela, through the Guianas, to southern Brazil and northeastern Argentina.
- C. m. amazilia: Found in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru.
How Big is the Plain-breasted Ground Dove?
The plain-breasted ground dove is one of the smallest doves in the world! It is usually about 14–16 cm (5.5–6.5 in) long. That's about the length of a regular pen. It weighs around 24–26 g (0.85–0.92 oz), which is lighter than a slice of bread. Even though some other doves might be shorter, this one is often the lightest.
Where Does the Plain-breasted Ground Dove Live?
This little dove lives in many countries across Central and South America. You can find it in:
- Argentina
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Venezuela
What Kind of Places Does It Like to Live In?
The plain-breasted ground dove prefers certain types of environments. It likes:
- Dry savannas (grassy plains with scattered trees).
- Dry shrublands (areas with lots of bushes).
- High-altitude shrublands in tropical or subtropical areas.
- Lowland grasslands that get wet or flooded during certain seasons.
- Areas that used to be forests but have changed a lot due to human activity.
