Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Ruddy Ground-Dove was discovered by Bobby Metz on 14 November 2009 and photographed by Brendon Grice on 01 December 2009.

Rare visitor to Arizona, usually in winter and usually in the company of Inca Doves.  Present in good numbers some years, like this year, and absent in others. 

Lack of scaling on head and breast, gray base to bill and black spots on scapulars separate Ruddy from Common Ground-Dove.

01 December 2009, photo by Brendon Grice

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