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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Common Ground Dove

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Name

Common Ground Dove

Scientific Name

(Columbina passerina)

Why they are special:
  • North America’s smallest dove, often overlooked because of its quiet nature and earthy tones.

  • Its soft “coo-ing” call and ground-feeding habits make it a charming, subtle presence at Felts.

  • Adds diversity to the dove species seen in Florida alongside Mourning and White-winged Doves.
Size and color:
  • A tiny dove, about 6.5–7.5 inches long with a wingspan of 11–12 inches.

  • Overall grayish-brown with fine scaling on the neck and breast.

  • Wings show rusty reddish patches in flight, a key field mark.

  • Short tail compared to larger dove species.
Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident throughout Florida, including Manatee County.

  • At Felts, they are most often found in open, sandy, or grassy areas.
Habitat:
  • Prefer open fields, pastures, roadsides, and scrubby habitats.

  • Often forage on the ground at Felts, especially near the edges of the pasture and along paths.
Diet:
  • Feed mostly on seeds and small grains, picked directly from the ground.
  • Occasionally eat small insects.
Behavior:
  • Shy and often remain low to the ground, flushing with a quick, fluttery flight.

  • Seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups rather than large flocks.

  • Nest in low shrubs or on the ground, using minimal twig structures.
Conservation notes:
  • Populations are generally stable in Florida, though habitat loss can reduce numbers in some areas.

  • Benefited by open fields and pasture habitat at Felts.
Best time to see:
  • Year-round, often in the morning or late afternoon feeding along open sandy patches and grassy areas.
Fun Fact:
  • Common Ground Doves have a surprisingly loud, sharp wing-whistle when they take off, helping startle predators.
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