Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #15) – 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: Ruddy Ground Dove

The Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti) is a small New World tropical dove with a widespread distribution. It is a resident breeder found over most of Central and South America, including Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, northern Argentina, and Trinidad and Tobago. These doves have also been expanding their range in northwestern Mexico, and sightings in the southwestern United States have increased in recent years, primarily during winter. They adapt well to artificial environments created by human activity and are commonly found in open areas, especially in deforested regions used for pasture or grain farming. Their population status is currently categorized as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

OBSERVATION ANECDOTES

More common than the Common Ground Dove, several Ruddy Ground Doves were seen in the Caribbean lowlands near Sarapiqui.

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