Birds diurnal

Eared Dove

Zenaida auriculata

The Eared Dove is a graceful and social visitor to South American backyards, easily identified by the elegant black streaks behind its eyes. Known for its gentle cooing and rhythmic walk, this adaptable bird brings a sense of peaceful activity to any garden or trail camera setup.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 22-28 cm (8.7-11 in); Wingspan: 40-45 cm (15.7-17.7 in); Weight: 100-120 g (3.5-4.2 oz)

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Colors

Olive-brown upperparts and buff-colored underparts. Males display iridescent bronze or pink patches on the neck and a blue-grey crown, while females are generally duller.

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Key Features

Distinctive black line/streak behind the eyes resembling an ear
Large black spots scattered across the wing feathers
Tapered tail with white tips on the outer feathers
Soft, iridescent pink or bronze sheen on the sides of the neck

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM and 4-7 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily granivorous; they forage on the ground for various seeds, grains, and occasionally small insects or snails.

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Habitat Highly versatile, found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, suburban gardens, and urban parks.

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Behavior

The Eared Dove is a highly social and adaptable species, frequently seen in pairs or large, bustling flocks. They are famous for their rhythmic, head-bobbing gait while walking along the ground in search of food. When startled, their wings produce a characteristic whistling sound as they take flight, a common soundtrack in South American suburbs and rural areas alike.

These doves are generally peaceful and coexist well with humans, often colonizing urban parks and garden spaces. While they can be found in massive colonies in agricultural regions—sometimes numbering in the millions—they maintain a gentle demeanor in backyard settings. They spend a significant portion of their day foraging on the ground or resting on low branches and telephone wires, communicating with a low, mournful 'coo-oo' call.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of Eared Doves, focus your camera efforts on the ground. These are terrestrial foragers, so a low-profile camera placement—anywhere from 4 to 10 inches off the ground—is ideal. Positioning the camera near a flat, open patch of dirt or a short-grass lawn where you have sprinkled white millet, cracked corn, or sunflower seeds will ensure they linger long enough for a high-quality capture. Avoid tall grass, as these birds prefer clear sightlines to stay alert for predators.

Water is a massive draw for Eared Doves, especially during the drier months. A ground-level birdbath or a shallow tray of water placed in a sunny spot will attract them for both drinking and bathing. Set your camera to a fast trigger speed or high-frame-rate video (60fps or higher) to catch the rapid flicking of their wings during a bath or the subtle iridescent shimmer on their necks as they tilt their heads toward the sun.

Lighting is crucial for bringing out the Eared Dove's subtle beauty. Aim your camera to face north or south to avoid the harsh glare of the rising or setting sun, which can wash out the delicate buff and olive tones of their plumage. Early morning light is particularly effective at highlighting the iridescent patches on the male's neck. If using a motion-activated trail camera, set a short 'cool down' period, as these birds often move in groups; once one arrives, several more are likely to follow, providing excellent opportunities for multi-bird compositions.

Seasonally, keep your camera active during the transition into spring when courtship displays are at their peak. You may capture the male's distinct 'flapping and gliding' flight display or pair-bonding behaviors like mutual preening. In urban environments, they are active year-round, so consistent feeding and watering will turn your camera spot into a reliable hub for local dove activity regardless of the month.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Eared Dove.

Mourning Dove

Mourning Doves have much longer, pointed tails and lack the specific black 'ear' streak found on the Eared Dove.

Galapagos Dove

Exclusive to the Galapagos Islands, this relative has a much more prominent blue eye-ring and darker, more spotted plumage.

White-tipped Dove

Larger and more secretive, with a rounder tail that shows prominent white corners, and it lacks the Eared Dove's black face markings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eared Doves are most active during the early morning hours and late afternoon, often visiting feeding stations and water sources shortly after sunrise and again before dusk.

The best way to attract Eared Doves is to provide a ground-level water source and scatter small seeds like millet, sorghum, or cracked corn on a flat surface or the open ground.

Their diet consists almost entirely of seeds and grains. They are particularly fond of cultivated crops like sunflowers and maize, as well as the seeds of wild grasses and weeds.

Yes, they are exceptionally common in suburban environments across South America. They are highly tolerant of human activity and frequently nest in garden trees and on building ledges.

While similar in appearance, Eared Doves have a shorter, more rounded tail compared to the long, pointed tail of the Mourning Dove. Additionally, Eared Doves have a distinct black streak behind the eye that Mourning Doves lack.

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