Mindanao brown dove


The Mindanao brown dove is a threatened species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to forests on the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Basilan, but it has not been recorded from the latter island since 1937. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Until recently, it was considered conspecific with the Tawitawi brown dove and collectively called the dark-eared brown dove.

Physical Description

Adults look similar to P. amethystinus and P. cinereiceps but distinguishable by brown crown, vinous-gray belly, buff undertail-coverts and less olive back. Generally brown-colored, these medium-sized birds have a glossy reddish-violet patch on sides of the neck and warm, dark brown upper parts. Some additional distinguishing features include a slightly darker nape compared to the crown, a narrow dark streak under the eye, black bill, dark pink feet with brown nails, and iris that is orange-red in color.
Based on size, the amethyst brown dove is the largest of the three, followed by the Mindanao brown dove and the white-eared brown dove being the smallest.