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
Claravis pretiosa
Blue Ground-Dove
(Ferrari-Pérez, 1886)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, compact tropical dove displaying extreme sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly pale blue-grey with distinctive black spots on the wings, while females are mostly rich cinnamon-brown with dark red-brown wing spots.
Added by
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.Claravis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Ferrari-Pérez, 1886)
Record Completeness
96%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.
Decreasing
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 damp forest edges, clearings, secondary growth woodlands, and agricultural fields from southeastern Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina and Paraguay.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A predominantly terrestrial dove that spends a significant amount of time walking quietly on the forest floor in search of seeds. It flies rapidly and directly through the understory, usually remaining below the canopy layer.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups of 3 to 5 individuals. They do not form large migratory flocks, but loose, temporary gatherings can form at highly concentrated local food sources.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial granivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds almost exclusively on small seeds gleaned from the ground, occasionally consuming small invertebrates or bamboo mast during mass seedings. Nesting sites and individuals are preyed upon by forest falcons, raptors, snakes, and small mammalian carnivores.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Forms monogamous pairs. The nest is an extremely frail, shallow platform of twigs and rootlets placed in a low bush or small tree fork, often between 1 and 3 meters above the ground. The female usually lays 2 yellowish-white eggs, and both parents share nesting duties.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
18.0 - 21.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
55 g - 80 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).Yes
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).
13 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 8 Years
Females3 - 8 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are elegant and soft blue-grey on the head, back, and underparts, with clean white outer tail feathers and prominent black spots forming bars on the wing coverts.
Females Multi-lang
Females replace all blue tones with a rich cinnamon-brown or olive-brown coloration, featuring rufous-brown spots on the wings and a paler buffish throat and belly.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses cryptically colored plumage corresponding to their terrestrial lifestyle, shielding them from canopy predators while they forage in leaf litter.
Capable of rapid, low-altitude explosive takeoffs to evade sudden terrestrial ambushes by predators like snakes and small carnivores.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Susceptible to severe habitat loss caused by widespread tropical deforestation, intensive clear-cutting for cattle ranching, and excessive use of toxic agricultural herbicides that eliminate food plants.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
When startled on the ground, they fly up with a distinctive, audible clapping sound produced by their wings, which can startle potential predators or warn nearby individuals.