Gallicolumba luzonica
The captivating Luzon Bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba luzonica, is a medium-sized ground dove, measuring approximately 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in length and weighing around 184-204 grams. Its most striking feature, lending it its evocative name, is a vivid, blood-red or orange patch centered on its pure white breast, creating the illusion of a deep wound. This dramatic field mark contrasts beautifully with its slate-grey head, iridescent metallic green to purple upperparts, and white belly. Taxo...
Primarily inhabiting lowland primary and secondary forests, the Luzon Bleeding-heart prefers dense undergrowth in the understory of moist tropical environments, typically found from sea level up to around 700-1000 meters in elevation.
Its diet consists mainly of fallen seeds, berries, and fruits found on the forest floor, supplemented by small invertebrates such as insects and worms, which it gleans by scratching through leaf litter.
The Luzon Bleeding-heart is a predominantly terrestrial and diurnal bird, spending most of its time foraging stealthily on the forest floor, sifting through leaf litter. It exhibits a shy and secretive demeanor, preferring to walk or run away from perceived threats rather than flying, often freez...
The Luzon Bleeding-heart is strictly endemic to the Philippines, found exclusively on the islands of Luzon and Polillo. Within these islands, its distribution is somewhat fragmented due to habitat loss, but it can be found across various lowland and mid-montane primary and secondary forest patche...
Near Threatened
- The "bleeding-heart" patch on its chest is not a wound, but a unique, intensely colored plumage adaptation that gives the bird its striking appearance. - It is one of five "bleeding-heart" dove species found exclusively in the Philippines, each endemic to different islands. - Despite being a do...