Fun Facts!

Pigeons and doves drink differently from other birds: they submerge their beak in water, suck the water up and swallow, without the need to raise the head between sips.

Bleeding Heart Dove

Gallicolumba luzonica

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The name 'bleeding-heart' comes from the patch of red on the breast of these birds. Otherwise they are grey above and paler buff below. Body shape is typical of the genus, with a round body, a short tail and long legs.

HABITAT

They live in tropical rain forests in the Philippines only.

DIET IN THE WILD

This dove eats fruits, seeds and insects.

BEHAVIOR

Bleeding-heart doves spend most of their time in a flock that moves through the forest environment on the ground, among the dead leaves, looking for food. These birds stay in touch with other flock members by a series of coos.
 

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

The Mindanao bleeding heart dove is endangered; the Luzon bleeding heart dove is near threatened. Habitat conservation is a priority. Only two of the five species of bleeding heart doves are held in captivity at the present: the Luzon and the Mindanao. It will also be necessary to bring some of the three other species of bleeding heart doves (Negros, Sulu and Mindoro) into captivity to prevent their extinction.

LIFE SPAN

Gallicolumba luzonica has a very long lifespan, usually living 15 years in the wild.