Small, dirt-colored dove of desert lowlands, where it is often common in towns, parks, farmland, and semiopen areas in general. In pairs or small groups; feeds on the ground but often perches on wires. Flight is rather fast and direct, and usually low. Readily identified by diagnostic bright orange base on a rather stout (for a dove) bill. Male has more blue-gray tones than pinkish female. Call is a distinctive wet quacking or farting sound (not a croak), usually given in short series.