Well Grounded

Not very often do I get a chance to see these small doves.  I’ve heard their “woopf” call often.  However, their tendency to hang close to the ground in brushy cover makes them difficult to spy.  So, it was a pleasant surprise when these Common Ground Doves came in to gather small stones and seeds for their crops.  Lingering just enough time for me to get a few not so good pictures, off they went to who knows where.

These ground doves have been described as looking like small Mourning Doves.  Yet they have a scaly looking head and a stubby, black tail.  Legs are pink or yellowish.  When they fly, notice the round wings and rufous primaries.