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

This Ruddy Ground-Dove was photographed by Pete Moulton on 31 October 2010 and one was one of two he discovered at the Gilbert Water Ranch that day. 

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.

Bright males like this are hard to mistake, but lack of scaling on head and breast, gray base to bill and black spots on scapulars separate Ruddy from Common Ground-Dove.

31 October 2010, photo by Pete Moulton