Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti), Wellton, Yuma County

This Ruddy Ground-Dove was discovered and photographed by David Vander Pluym on 13 December 2010 at the same site as the Streak-backed Orioles, with Inca Dove (on left).

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

Adult male with pale gray head, rusty body and gray bill.  Lacks the scaling of Inca and Common Ground-Doves. 

13 December 2010, photo by David Vander Pluym