Birds of the Botanic Gardens

Zenaida Dove: Zanaida aurita; Local name: Mountain Dove, Toutwel;
Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

Description: 25-28 cm (10-11 in) long; has light brown plummage over head and back, with pinkish brown on chest, and a metallic purple sheen on neck; the wings are a darker brown, with white trailing edge seen when in flight; has black bill, and black eyes surrounded by blue skin, with elongated black marking below eye; tail is of medium length with white tips; has short, pink legs; will be seen primarily in the economic crops section of the Gardens, cooing from the higher branches of trees, or feeding in open ground on small seeds such as Yellow or Pink Poui seeds (Tabebuia sp); wings whistle when taking flight. Click here to hear its cooing (compliments of  3-Rivers Eco-Lodge).

References:
Arlington James, Stephen Durand and Bertrand Jno.Baptiste. Dominica’s Birds. Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment, Dominica, 2005