The Common Ground Dove is the smallest native dove in North America — barely larger than a sparrow — with scaly-looking breast markings and a short, rounded tail. It walks along the ground with a nodding head, and its rufous wing patches flash in flight. Pairs stay together year-round and may raise multiple broods annually.
Best time to see a Common Ground Dove
The best time to see a Common Ground Dove is January–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,249 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Common Ground Dove sightings near you
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