|
|
The ground dove is a small
dove. It is frequently seen feeding on the ground. In
addition to its small size, a key characteristic is a proportionately
short, squared off tail. Their soft cooing is a pleasant sound to
wake up to. In the 1970's the ground dove became common here,
since the 1990's they have disappeared from the area..
This picture shows the ground dove
setting on its nest. It built on a nest used the previous year by
mocking birds. Being in the hibiscus bush
right outside my
dinning room window, it made for easy observation.
If your eyes are sharp, you will see
that the elongated white spot in the center of the picture is
two eggs in the nest.
The shadowed lighting among the
foliage makes it difficult to make out the heads of two little ones
looking over the edge of the nest.
A pair of ground doves on the ground. The male is at
the top, the female below.
[Taxonomy
: Classification]
[Birds] [ Back Yard Biology]
[ Science
Can Be Fun]