Ruddy Ground Dove ( Columbina talpacoti )

18,5 cm. The body is brown, darker in the upper parts, wings and tail. The tip of the wings are cinnamon. The male’s head is light grey. The immature has buffy spots in the wings.
Distribution:
Throughout Brazil. From Mexico to Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.
Habitat:
Lives in any open landscape. Adapts to life in big cities.
Diet:
Feeds on grains and fruits. Swallows the whole seeds, thus it may be poisoned by seeds with pesticides. Searchs for food on the ground.
Reproduction:
Breeds throughout the year, and may have three or four broods. When mating the male raises one of the wings. They caress each other in the head and give food as gifts. It is a monogamous species. The nest is made of sparse stems in shrubs and trees not far from the ground. Nests abandoned by other species may also be used. Two ore more white eggs are laid and incubated by the couple. When there is a predator nearby the couple draws its attention away from the nest pretending they are hurt and guiding them to somewhere else. The nest may be used consecutively.
Natural history:
It is the best known dove in Brazil and in some cities it has become the most abundant bird. Sings throughout the year. When nervous raises both wings. When the opponent is considered weaker it raises the wing facing it as if to strike immediately. When the opponent is stronger it raises the opposite wing as a sign of submission. May hit each other trying to steal food, mainly in urban areas. Are frequently prey to carnivorous mammals and birds of prey. May be taken by the false vampire (Chrotopterus auritus) while asleep. This bat swallows the whole prey starting by the head.