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*SOUTHERN BAND-TAILED PIGEON  Patagioenas [fasciata] albilinea 32–

37cm. Large pigeon of highland oak forest and edge, adjacent clearings and

semi-open areas with taller trees; often in small flocks. Mainly at mid–upper

levels in trees, but feeds on ground at times; like most large pigeons, mainly

seen in flight, at times fairly high overhead. Only large pigeon in most of the

highlands (local overlap with Red-billed Pigeon and smaller Ruddy Pigeon);

note yellow bill (tipped dusky on imm) and feet, white hindcollar, broad pale

tail tip set off by dark median tail band. Juv. duller overall, lacks white

hindcollar. SOUNDS: Deep, slightly overslurred and swelling single coo, repeated

(usually 7–13×) in steady series, whoóh, whoóh..., about 1/sec. Deep purring whuuhrr. STATUS: Fairly

common to common on both slopes, mainly above 1500m in Central Mts. and Talamancas, above

1000m in Northern Mts., occasionally wandering lower. (Costa Rica to S America.)

SCALED PIGEON  Patagioenas speciosa 30.5–35cm. Humid forest and edge,

adjacent clearings with tall trees. Mainly at mid–upper levels in canopy; over­

looked easily but sometimes perches on bare snags in canopy and clearings.

Mostly seen in flight as singles or small groups: note white undertail coverts

contrasting with black tail; flight slightly ‘looser’ and floppier than other

pigeons. Boldly scaled neck and breast distinctive; cf. Red-billed and Pale-vented

Pigeons. Juv. duller overall with indistinct scaling. SOUNDS: Song a deep, slightly

moaning single note followed by a repeated 2–3-syllable phrase (usually 2–4×):

whoooo huh-woóhr, huh-woóhr…and variations; overall more sonorous, slower-

paced than other lowland Patagioenas. STATUS: Uncommon to fairly common on nw. Caribbean slope and

in interior valleys of s. Pacific slope; scarce and local (nomadic?) elsewhere, to 1600m; may undergo

seasonal movements. (Mexico to S America.)

FOREST GROUND DOVES (2 species). Small doves of humid forest edge and adjacent habitats.

Appreciably larger and bulkier than Columbina ground doves (on next plate). Often rather nomadic,

frequently seen in flight. Formerly both placed in genus Claravis.

BLUE GROUND DOVE  Claravis pretiosa 20–21.5cm. Humid forest edge and

clearings, second growth. Feeds on ground as singles, pairs, small groups; most

often seen in flight, crossing roads or clearings. Sings from mid–upper levels in

trees, often well concealed. Powder-blue male stunning and distinctive, even with

a brief flight view. Female in flight shows contrasting rusty rump and tail, broad

chestnut wingbars, grayish underwings, cf. smaller Ruddy Ground Dove, scarce

Maroon-chested Ground Dove at higher elevations. SOUNDS: Song a far-carrying,

clear hooting booop or ooop every 1.5–2 secs; usually 2–10× in unhurried,

measured series; typically 3–15 sec pauses between series. STATUS: Uncommon to

fairly common on both slopes, to 1200m; more local in drier nw. lowlands.

(Mexico to S America.)

MAROON-CHESTED GROUND DOVE  Paraclaravis mondetoura 20.5–22cm.

Rare but distinctive small dove of humid highland forest edge, adjacent clearings,

mainly in areas with seeding bamboo. Often rather shy and elusive, mostly

detected when vocal: sings from mid-levels in trees and bamboo thickets. Flight

fast and direct, like Blue Ground Dove of lowlands. Note deep purplish breast,

bold white tail sides of male, which can flash in flight; female has broad purplish

wingbars, pale tail corners, brownish underwings. SOUNDS: Song lower than Blue

Ground Dove, often more prolonged and disyllabic: a far-carrying low woop or

t’hwoop with 2nd syllable rising, every 1–1.5 secs up to 40× or so. STATUS: Scarce

and nomadic on both slopes, mainly 900–3000m. (Mexico to S America.)