AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Leptotila plumbeiceps
Grey-headed Dove
Sclater, PL, 1856
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized, ground-dwelling dove characterized by a distinctive blue-grey crown and nape, a pale pinkish-buff throat and breast, olive-brown upperparts, and white tips on the outer tail feathers that are visible in flight.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Columbiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Columbidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Leptotila
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Sclater, PL, 1856
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits the undergrowth of humid tropical forests, secondary growth woodlands, shaded plantations, and forest edges, ranging from eastern Mexico through Central America to western Colombia.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A wary and solitary dove that spends its active hours foraging quietly on the ground. When approached, it prefers to walk or run rapidly into dense cover rather than fly, only taking flight as a last resort with a quiet wing-whir.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Primarily solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season. It does not gather in large cohesive flocks, though multiple individuals may draw near to a particularly rich, localized seed or fruit drop.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial granivore and frugivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on seeds, fallen fruits, and occasionally small invertebrates gathered from the leaf litter. It falls prey to forest raptors, owls, snakes, and small carnivorous mammals, while its ground-level nests are highly vulnerable to terrestrial predators.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Forms monogamous pairs. Constructs a simple, loose platform nest of twigs and vines well-hidden in dense low tangles, bushes, or on the ground. The female usually lays 2 creamy-white eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
23.0 - 26.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
130 g - 185 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
14 - 16
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 9 Years
Females4 - 9 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Muted, terrestrial coloration blends seamlessly with leaf litter and dense forest floor undergrowth, hiding the bird from predators.
Short, rounded wings are specialized for rapid, agile maneuverability and vertical escape through dense understory vegetation when startled.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Primarily threatened by habitat fragmentation and loss due to widespread agricultural conversion, logging, and the clearing of native tropical understory vegetation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are highly secretive birds that are much more frequently heard than seen; their advertising call is a low, mournful, single hollow coo that repeats at long intervals.