Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti), Kiwanis Park, Maricopa County

This Ruddy Ground-Dove was one of two discovered and photographed by Bobby Metz on 21 November 2008 at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. 

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.  The recent sightings at the Water Ranch and here support this idea. 

Note the lack of scaling on the breast and nape along with black spotted scapulars and gray bill. Interesting contrast to Inca Dove that was also present.  In bottom three pictures, the Ruddy Ground-Dove is on the bottom left, the Inca Dove on the upper left and a Mourning Dove on the right. 

21 November 2008, photo by Bobby Metz

All photographs copyright© by the photographer.