Gray-chested Dove

About this Species

The Gray-chested Dove, also known as Leptotila cassini, is a bird species that inhabits the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America, including parts of Guatemala and Belize. These doves prefer to live in forested areas, where they can find ample food sources and shelter. They are known for their distinctive gray chest and neck, with a reddish-brown head and olive-green wings.

These doves primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects, which they forage for on the ground or in trees. They are monogamous and form strong pair bonds, often seen in pairs or small groups. Their mating season typically occurs from March to August, during which time they build their nests out of twigs and other materials in the branches of trees.

The Gray-chested Dove is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to their relatively stable population size and wide range. However, habitat loss and degradation, particularly through deforestation and land-use changes, pose a threat to their long-term survival. Conservation efforts in the region focus on protecting and restoring forest habitats, as well as promoting sustainable land use practices to minimize human impact on the environment.