The Ruddy Ground Dove, is a small tropical dove native to the New World. This species, noted for its adaptability, is a resident breeder extending from Mexico through Central and South America to Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. It has also been spotted in the southwestern United States, particularly in Texas and California, primarily during winter​​. The Ruddy Ground Dove is relatively small, measuring about 6.7 inches in length and weighing around 1.7 ounces. The adult males are distinguished by their pale grey head and neck and rich rufous upperparts, spotted with black on the wing coverts. Females, on the other hand, display a grey-brown coloration with less contrast between the head and body compared to males. The species feeds mainly on seeds, occasionally consuming snails and small insects. Interestingly, they exhibit approachable behavior and can be seen engaging in minor confrontations, characterized by jumping and wing-raising displays among males​​.The Ruddy Ground Dove has four recognized subspecies, each occupying different geographical ranges within its overall distribution. These include Columbina talpacoti caucae in western Colombia, Columbina talpacoti eluta along the Pacific coast of Mexico, Columbina talpacoti rufipennis in Central and Eastern Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Northern Venezuela, and Columbina talpacoti talpacoti in Eastern Ecuador, Eastern and Northern Peru, Eastern Guyana, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Northern Argentina, and Brazil​​. The species exhibits notable adaptability to human-influenced environments, thriving in open areas and benefiting from deforestation, which has facilitated its expansion into pasture and grain farming areas. It has even penetrated large urban centers in Brazil. Despite forming groups, Ruddy Ground Doves can be aggressive towards each other, especially males, who often engage in territorial disputes. In such confrontations, they may display the large area of black feathers under their wings, a unique behavior seen during disputes or sunbathing​​. Bird watchers in the south-central United States have observed a gradual decline in the presence of this species in urban environments, being outcompeted by the Zenaida auriculata. However, the Ruddy Ground Dove remains a familiar sight in backyards, squares, and gardens, even in areas with large buildings​​. The global population is estimated to number between 5 to 50 million mature individuals and is currently experiencing a significant increase​​. Photographed in Barranquilla, Colombia.