Zenaida Dove

1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird we’re discussing in this article is Zenaida Dove. The scientific or Latin name for this bird species is Zenaida aurita.

2. Appearance
The Zenaida Dove is a relatively small bird that displays beautiful colors. It has a light gray-brown coloration on its upper body, with shades of pinkish-purple on the chest and underneath. The dove’s feathers are adorned with elegant black spots while its tail is broadly banded with white. The beak is small, slightly curved, and of a pale color, while the eyes have a distinctive red-orange hue.
And as with most dove species, differences in appearance between males and females are negligible, making it quite difficult to distinguish one from the other.

3. Size
Zenaida Doves measure on average from 20 to 28 cm (8 to 11 inches) in length. The wingspan ranges from 32 to 36 cm (13 to 14 inches). As for their weight, it varies from 85 to 140 grams, making them a relatively small and compact bird species.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Zenaida Dove is a species that is endemic to the Caribbean, and it can usually be found from the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles, to the Lesser Antilles and northern South America. They typically prefer tropical and subtropical habitats, like open woodlands, scrublands, gardens, and parks, although they can be quite adaptable and survive in various environments.

5. Interesting Facts
Some interesting trivia associated with the Zenaida Dove is that even though they are known to form monogamous pairs, their courtship displays are quite unique. Males circle around the females fluffing their chest feathers to impress them. Also, unlike many bird species, Zenaida Doves do not migrate and tend to stay in their native regions throughout the year. In Caribbean culture, the Zenaida Dove is seen as a symbol of peace and love.

6. Diet
Zenaida Doves are mainly granivorous, feeding primarily on a wide variety of seeds and berries. They also occasionally consume insects and small invertebrates.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Zenaida Doves are generally quiet but can be recognized by their repeated cooing sounds. They often nest on the ground or in naturally protected areas like rock crevices. In terms of flight pattern, they have a swift and direct flight, often close to the ground.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Zenaida Dove is currently classified as a species of Least Concern. This is primarily due to its widespread distribution and large population size.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Zenaida Doves typically live around 5 years. However, in captivity, they can live up to possibly 15 years, with the right care and environment.

10. Additional Notes
In Cuba, the Zenaida Dove is affectionately known as “Tórtola” while in Puerto Rico, they’re sometimes referred to as “Paloma Turca”. They generally interact calmly with humans and can even become quite tame in areas where they are not hunted. Their seed-eating habits play a critical role in their ecosystems as they aid in the dispersal of flora, maintaining biodiversity in their habitats.