Zenaida auriculata stenura

(Bonaparte, 1855)

Vernacular names
English : Eared dove
French : Tourterelle oreillarde

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Columbiformes
Family : Columbidae
Notes : 13 other subspecies known

Identification
The species grows to 28 cm in length for a weight of 125 g. Plumage mostly light brown, rich brown on wings with scattered black spots, breast purplish-buff, nape bluish-grey. Two small parallel black lines on ear coverts and upper neck.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Caribbean islands (Lesser Antilles) and most of South America except from the Amazon rainforest area. This subspecies is found in the Lesser Antilles and from east Colombia to Guianas and north Brazil. Occurs in arid scrub, deciduous woodlands, cultivated fields and pastures, to 4400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is now the commonest South American pigeon and can occur locally in huge flocks. Most populations are increasing.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore)