Eared Dove

24 cm

Eared Dove, primarily herbivorous, consumes a varied diet of seeds, grains, and nuts. It forages on the ground, often forming large flocks at food sources. Unique preferences include seasonally abundant crops, although eared Dove may occasionally eat insects.

The eared Dove is generally found in a variety of terrestrial habitats ranging from temperate to tropical regions. It is commonly seen in arid to semi-arid scrublands, savannas, grasslands, and sometimes in areas with scattered trees or patchy woodlands. This bird species inhabits altitudes up to 2000 meters, and locally in the Andes, it can be found at elevations as high as 4400 meters in Bolivia and 3500 meters in other areas. Typically avoiding dense tropical forests, the eared Dove has adapted to human-altered landscapes and is often found in agricultural fields, pastures, and urban environments such as large cities. Notably, in some regions, it is regarded as a pest due to its presence in cultivated areas. The species has also expanded into open areas created by deforestation, as observed in certain parts of Brazil. Additionally, in more specific ecosystems such as Trinidad, the eared Dove occupies mangrove habitats along with savannas.