- Columbiformes
- Columbidae
Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera
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Identification
Rather plain, medium-sized dove of the Andes and foothills. Often fairly common on open grassy and stony slopes, at bogs, around animal corrals, and villages in agricultural areas. Usually in pairs or flocks, sometimes mixed with sierra finches and other seed-eating birds. Feeds on ground, but often perches on prominent rocks; flushes with a loud rattling wing whistle. Note diagnostic orange teardrop under eye and white “shoulder” flashes that show best in flight. Smaller than Eared Dove, without big black spots on wings.