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

These two female Ruddy Ground-Doves was discovered by Pierre Deviche on 14 November 2008 at the Gilbert Water Ranch along the path between Ponds 1 and 2.  They were photographed by Pierre and by Brendon Grice. 

For a while it looked like Ruddy Ground-Doves were invading the state and becoming a regular feature of its avifauna.  However, in the last couple of years, Ruddy Ground-Doves have become very scarce in Arizona and especially in Maricopa County where they were regular for a while.  Perhaps these fluctuations are associated with rainfall?  If so, maybe the return of wet conditions to Arizona will result in an increase in Ruddy Ground-Dove numbers.

These are Ground-Doves by their small size and short tails.  The following features separate female Ruddy from female Common:   lack of scaling on head or breast, entirely gray bill, dark lines on scapulars and white tips to greater coverts.

14 November 2008, photos by Pierre Deviche

4 November 2008, photos by Brendon Grice