Eared Dove

Zenaida auriculata

Also known as: Violet-Eared Dove

About This Species

Look for this dove on open ground, farmland edges, and around towns and gardens across South America, where it forages for seeds in pairs or small flocks. Its low, hooting call carries well at dawn and dusk, and it perches conspicuously on wires and bare branches between feeding bouts. It is present year-round through most of its range, so there is no single best season, though early morning gives the calmest, most confiding views.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

A common, widespread species, but the same courtesy applies as to any wild bird: keep enough distance that it does not flush or stop feeding, and back off if it becomes alert or moves away.
Wildlife protection law differs across its South American range, so check local rules before approaching nests, and never handle eggs or young.
Watching quietly from a stationary position rather than following the bird is the simplest way to avoid disturbing it.

LCAvesColumbiformesColumbidae

Seasonal Activity

1,046,491 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

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Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae

Photo

CC-BY-NC-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.