Description: Small dove, about 17–19 cm, endemic to northwestern Argentina. Compact appearance and overall uniform grayish-brown coloration. Characteristic broad area of bare skin around the eye, orange to reddish in color, outlined by a fine black line; iris pale blue to whitish. Back uniform, without white spots. Head and back grayish; underparts pale gray, becoming light brown toward the abdomen and undertail. Wings without dorsal markings, in gray to blackish tones. Tail black, with outer feathers tipped white, a feature visible in flight. Bill blackish; legs pinkish. Sexes similar, although the female usually shows less intense periocular skin. Juveniles similar to adults, with reddish edging on crown and back feathers. Resembles other high Andean doves of the genus Metriopelia, but differs by its uniform back without pale spots, gray belly, and the broad bare periocular skin, also present only in the Spot-winged Pigeon (M. ceciliae), which has a spotted back and is restricted to extreme northern Jujuy, at the border with Bolivia.

Geographic distribution: Species endemic to Argentina, restricted to the northwest of the country. Occurs in Andean environments of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, and La Rioja, mainly above 2,000 m a.s.l. Its distribution is fragmented and local. Very common in rocky ravines of the Cumbres Calchaquíes in Tucumán.

Habitat: Inhabits high-elevation arid and semi-arid environments, associated with the Puna and Prepuna, and highland grasslands above the Yungas. Frequent in rocky outcrops, scree, ravines, and shrubby steppes, with presence of columnar cacti and scattered trees. May occur near small villages and human structures. Recorded approximately between 2,500 and 4,500 m a.s.l.

Diet: Granivorous. Feeds mainly on seeds, actively searching on the ground, alone or in groups (video).

Behavior: Gregarious species, generally observed in small groups. Spend much of their time perched together on rocks. Feed by walking on the ground, searching for food among stones and low vegetation, and approach water to drink, often while one individual acts as a sentinel (video). At dusk, individuals usually gather and rest sheltered among rocks or vegetation. Generally discreet, although locally can be confiding in little-disturbed environments. Usually quite silent, but take off abruptly with noisy, audible wingbeats (pers. obs.).

Nesting: Nests on the ground or among rocky outcrops, and also in cavities in earthen banks or clay walls, where it lays two white eggs.

Conservation status: At the national level it is considered Vulnerable (VU), due to its restricted distribution, population fragmentation, and vulnerability of its habitats, mainly due to mining expansion and climate change. At the international level it is classified as Least Concern (LC), although it is one of the least-known pigeons in South America and requires further study.


Author of this compilation: Diego Carus and María Belén Dri – 03/04/2026

 See related literature