West Peruvian Dove

Zenaida meloda (Tschudi, 1843)

West Peruvian Dove, Zenaida meloda, is a dove of the Pacific side of South America, breeding from Ecuador to northern Chile. It was first described by Tschudi in 1843. It is a medium-sized species with similar-looking males and females, and it can be told from the white-winged dove by its stouter bill, darker blue eye ring, greyer crown and nape, and richer colouring below. Its wings show a clear white band, and the legs and feet are red. It occurs in arid open country and also in towns and farmland.

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae — Pigeons, Doves

Breeding range

South America: Ecuador to n Chile