Metriopelia aymara
The Golden-spotted Ground Dove, *Metriopelia aymara*, is a captivating small Columbid endemic to the high Andes of South America, measuring approximately 17-18 cm (7 inches) in length and weighing 50-70 grams. Its most distinctive feature, and the source of its name, is the brilliant iridescent golden-yellow spots adorning its wing coverts and tertials, contrasting strikingly with its overall grey-brown upperparts and paler, pinkish-grey underparts. A prominent bright yellow to orange orbital...
This species thrives in high-altitude Andean grasslands, puna, and semi-arid scrublands, primarily found between 2,800 and 4,500 meters (9,200-14,800 feet) elevation, often near water sources.
Primarily granivorous, feeding almost exclusively on small seeds from grasses and weeds gleaned directly from the ground.
Golden-spotted Ground Doves are primarily diurnal and strongly terrestrial, spending most of their time foraging on open ground. They are highly gregarious, often forming large flocks of dozens, sometimes hundreds, especially outside the breeding season, occasionally mixing with other ground dove...
The Golden-spotted Ground Dove is a resident species primarily found in the high Andean regions of South America. Its distribution spans across Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. In Peru, it is found from Ancash southwards; in Bolivia, across the Altiplano; extending into ...
Least Concern
- The 'Aymara' in its scientific name honors the indigenous Aymara people, native to the Andean regions where this dove resides. - It is one of the highest-dwelling dove species in the world, comfortably inhabiting elevations up to 4,500 meters (14,800 feet). - Its dazzling golden wing spots are ...