Picui Ground Dove

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: Lagoa do Peixe • November 2009

Bird name: Picui Ground Dove
Latin: Columbina picui
Other: Rolinha-picui (Br) • Torcacita (Es)
Family: Columbidae • Pigeons

You can just make out the distinguishing features on this Picui Ground Dove, seen in the south of Brazil, even on its ruffled feathers: two black lines on the closed wing. One is on the outer edge and a the other smaller one runs parallel, near the shoulder. A broad white patch near the larger black line. Dark bill with darkish line running to eye. Light iris. No other Brazilian pigeon or dove has a similar configuration of two black lines on the closed wing. In flight, two broad white bands are visible on either side of its tail.

In Brazil, the Picui Ground Dove lives in the west and south of Brazil, and in a separate area in the northeast. It also lives neighbouring South-American countries. It is smaller than a city pigeon.