Grey-headed Dove

The Grey-headed Dove, known scientifically as Leptotila plumbeiceps, is a large New World dove with a subtle grace. This species exhibits a blend of pale bluish-gray, pinkish buff, and olive brown in its plumage, with males and females sharing a similar appearance, though the female may have a grayish fawn wash on the breast. Juveniles are distinguished by a more intense olive hue above and a barred appearance on the breast.

Identification Tips

To identify the Grey-headed Dove, look for its pale bluish-gray forehead, darker crown, nape, and upper mantle. The face is tinged with pinkish buff, while the throat and belly are white, and the breast is pale pink. Olive brown upperparts with a rufous wash and dark olive brown central tail feathers, edged with black and white tips, are also characteristic. The bill is black, and the legs and feet are a delicate pink.

Habitat

This dove favors the interior and edges of humid forests, both primary and secondary. It shows a preference for dryer forest types in Colombia and can be found from sea level up to 2,600 meters on the slopes of Puracé.

Distribution

The Grey-headed Dove is found from eastern Mexico through to Colombia, with its range extending to northern Nicaragua and discontinuously to northwestern Costa Rica and the western Andes of Colombia.

Behaviour

While much of the Grey-headed Dove's behavior remains a mystery, it is known to be fairly common within its range, except in Colombia where it is less frequently observed.

Song & Calls

The song of the Grey-headed Dove is a single, mournful, monotonous note that fades in and out, described as 'wooOOOoo'.

Breeding

Breeding conditions have been noted in January on Puracé, but further details on the breeding phenology of this species are yet to be discovered.

Similar Species

The Grey-headed Dove was once thought to be conspecific with several other species, including the Grey-fronted Dove and the Pallid Dove, and they may still be considered part of a superspecies complex.

Diet and Feeding

Specifics about the Grey-headed Dove's diet and foraging behavior have not been published.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Grey-headed Dove as Least Concern, with a large range and a fairly common presence throughout most of its habitat. However, its biology and ecology are still largely unknown.