Attractive but easily overlooked small dove of the Andes. Fairly common on rocky and scrubby slopes around towns and villages in agricultural areas. Usually in pairs or flocks, sometimes mixed with other seed-eating birds. Feeds on ground, but perches on walls and prominent rocks; often not seen until flushed from close range, when flies up with a loud rattling wing whistle. Pale-dappled wing coverts and big orange eyering are diagnostic.