Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #14) – Costa Rica’s national motto and tourism slogan, “La Pura Vida” loosely translates to Live Life or Enjoy Life. With over 900 bird species recorded here, there is certainly lots to enjoy! Join with me as I guide you through the scenic wonderland that is Costa Rica. From the slow-moving waters of the Coastal Mangrove Wetlands to the heights of the Talamanca Páramo, over 300 species of birds will be featured in this blog series. **Some of this Blog Series photos (all taken by me) may have been taken in other nearby countries.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

BIRDS & BIRDING IN COSTA RICA WEBSITE LINK: Plain-breasted Ground Dove

The Plain-breasted Ground Dove (Columbina minuta) has a large but discontinuous distribution. It can be found from southern Mexico south through Central America to Colombia, over northern South America to Trinidad and the Guianas, and in central Brazil south to northeast Argentina. Additionally, it occurs on the Pacific coast of Ecuador and Peru. In Central America, the Plain-breasted Ground Dove is generally less common than other Columbina doves and tends to be more of a habitat specialist. It prefers savannas, open grasslands with scattered low bushes, and can also be found locally in cane fields and pastures. These doves are usually seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes associating with other ground doves.

OBSERVATION ANECDOTES

While the Plain-breasted Ground Dove was NOT observed during our visit in February (2024), it’s range and distribution indicate it is a much expected species in lower elevation zones and will likely be seen in future trips. I have observed them in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

PHOTO GALLERY

View the three most recent Birds & Birding in Costa Rica series blog posts below.

• A Streak-headed Woodcreeper Feeds its Offspring Near the Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica
• PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• HOFFMANN’S WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
• BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding