Eared Dove

Zenaida auriculata

Order: Columbiformes / Family: Columbidae

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brown gray white medium urban grassland common widespread year-round backyard

About the Eared Dove

The Eared Dove, scientifically known as Zenaida auriculata, is a versatile and resilient bird found throughout much of South America. It is particularly abundant in regions such as the Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay, but its range extends as far north as the Caribbean and as far south as Patagonia. This adaptability has allowed the Eared Dove to thrive in various environments, from urban settings to rural farmlands and open woodlands. The Eared Dove plays a significant ecological role as both prey and seed disperser. Its presence in diverse habitats contributes to the control of insect populations and the distribution of plant seeds, fostering biodiversity. Seasonal behaviors of the Eared Dove are intriguing; while many populations remain sedentary year-round, others undertake short-distance migrations in response to food availability or climatic conditions. In agricultural landscapes, the Eared Dove is known to form large flocks, sometimes causing concern among farmers due to its propensity to feed on crop seeds. However, it also aids in pest control by consuming insects. During the breeding season, typically from October to March, the Eared Dove becomes more territorial and vocal. Its distinctive cooing can be heard echoing across its habitat, serving as both a mating call and a territorial warning. The bird's adaptability to changing environments and its role within ecological systems underscore its importance in the regions it inhabits.

The Eared Dove belongs to the family Columbidae, within the order Columbiformes. These birds typically live 3-5 years, with a maximum recorded of 8 years.

How to Identify a Eared Dove

The Eared Dove is medium-sized, with a length of approximately 24 cm and a weight ranging from 112 to 142 grams. Its plumage is predominantly light brown, with a subtle pinkish hue on the breast. A key identifying feature is the dark, crescent-shaped mark behind the eyes, resembling an ear, which gives the bird its name. The wings display black spots, and the tail is edged with white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may exhibit slightly brighter colors. Juvenile Eared Doves are duller, with less pronounced markings and a more uniform brown color. In flight, the Eared Dove's silhouette is slender, with pointed wings and a long tail, which aids in quick and agile maneuvers. When perched, it often adopts a relaxed posture, with its head slightly tucked into its body. The Eared Dove can be confused with similar species such as the Mourning Dove, but it can be distinguished by its darker ear patches and different cooing pattern.

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Eared Dove Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

Eared Doves inhabit a wide range of environments, including open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas. They are equally comfortable in urban parks and gardens, where they often forage on the ground. These doves can be found from sea level up to elevations of 3,000 meters in the Andes. During the breeding season, they may shift to more secluded areas to nest, preferring trees or shrubs that offer some protection. In urban settings, they are often seen perching on rooftops and power lines. Unlike some dove species, the Eared Dove does not rely heavily on water sources, allowing it to occupy drier habitats.

Geographic Range

The Eared Dove's range spans across much of South America, from southern Colombia and Venezuela through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and into Argentina and Chile. It is also present in the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago. In the southern parts of its range, such as Patagonia, it is more seasonal, with flocks moving northward during the colder months. In contrast, populations in the tropical regions tend to be non-migratory. High-density populations can be found in the Pampas region, where the bird's adaptability to agricultural landscapes has led to significant numbers.

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What Does the Eared Dove Eat?

The Eared Dove primarily feeds on seeds, showing a preference for grains such as corn, millet, and sunflower seeds. During the wet season, it supplements its diet with insects, providing a protein-rich source that is especially beneficial during the breeding season. Foraging mostly occurs on the ground, where the dove uses its keen eyesight to locate food. It is known to feed in the early morning and late afternoon, often forming large flocks in fields or open areas. The Eared Dove's ability to digest a wide variety of seeds enables it to exploit different habitats and food resources throughout the year.

Eared Dove Behavior and Social Structure

Eared Doves exhibit a social structure that varies with the season. Outside of the breeding season, they are highly gregarious, forming flocks that can number in the thousands, particularly in agricultural areas. These flocks provide safety in numbers, reducing the risk of predation. During the breeding season, however, pairs become territorial, with males engaging in displays that include cooing and puffing out their chests to attract mates and ward off rivals. The Eared Dove's flight is swift and direct, often accompanied by a soft whistling sound produced by the wings. In response to predators, the Eared Dove relies on its agility and flocking behavior to evade capture. Daily activity patterns include foraging in the early hours, followed by periods of rest during the heat of the day, and a second foraging session before dusk.

Eared Dove Nesting and Reproduction

Eared Doves typically nest in trees or shrubs, constructing simple platforms of twigs to support their eggs. They occasionally use human-made structures if natural options are scarce. The clutch usually consists of two white eggs, which both parents incubate over a period of 13 to 15 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated food by both parents and fledge approximately 14 to 16 days later. Depending on environmental conditions, Eared Doves can raise multiple broods per year, with some pairs producing up to four broods annually. The shared parental roles ensure a high survival rate for the offspring.

Eared Dove Sounds and Vocalizations

The Eared Dove's song is a soft, rhythmic cooing that consists of a series of 'coo-coo-coo' notes. This sound is a familiar feature of its habitat and serves as both a mating call and a territorial signal. In addition to its song, the Eared Dove emits a variety of calls, including soft grunts and coos used in communication between mates and with chicks. Alarm calls are harsher and louder, designed to alert other doves of potential danger. During the dawn chorus, the Eared Dove's cooing can be particularly prominent, adding to the symphony of the early morning.

Interesting Facts About the Eared Dove

1Eared Doves can consume up to 20% of their body weight in seeds each day, showcasing their voracious appetite.
2These doves are incredibly resilient, with some individuals reported to live up to 17 years in the wild.
3Eared Doves are known to form flocks of over 1,000 individuals during the non-breeding season.
4Their dark ear patches are not actually ears but feather markings that play a role in identification.
5The Eared Dove's cooing is a staple sound of South American landscapes, often compared to a gentle lullaby.
6In Argentina, the Eared Dove is sometimes referred to as the 'Torcaza', highlighting its cultural significance.
7Eared Doves contribute to reforestation efforts by dispersing seeds across their habitats through their droppings.

Eared Dove Conservation Status

The Eared Dove is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting its widespread distribution and large population. However, its numbers fluctuate in response to agricultural practices and habitat changes. The primary threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and urban expansion, as well as hunting in some regions. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Historically, the Eared Dove's adaptability has allowed it to maintain stable populations, though continued monitoring is necessary to ensure long-term viability.