Galapagos Dove

Galapagos Dove (Zenaida galapagoensis)

The Galapagos Dove is one of the most charming and approachable birds in the archipelago. From afar, it may look much like a regular pigeon, but it’s only when you get up close to it that you appreciate how beautiful this bird actually is, with reddish-brown feathers, bright red legs and feet, and a circle of brilliant blue around its eye.

When Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835, he remarked that the birds were so tame he could knock one down with his hat. Their lack of fear reflects the absence of natural predators in their environment, although it has also made them vulnerable to introduced species.

Appearance

The Galapagos Dove is a small pigeon measuring around 20 centimetres in length, with a chestnut-brown head and back, reddish underparts, and black wings edged with white. A pale patch bordered by black sits behind each eye, surrounded by a striking blue ring. The bill is dark and slightly curved, and the legs are bright red. Immature birds appear duller and lack the blue eye ring seen in adults. Populations on Wolf and Darwin Islands are considered slightly different subspecies due to their larger size.

Behaviour and Feeding

These doves are most often seen walking across the ground rather than flying, feeding on seeds, cactus fruit, pollen, and insect larvae. They play an important role as seed dispersers, particularly for the Opuntia cactus, which also provides food and nesting cover. The Galapagos Dove is a reluctant flier, a trait that once allowed Darwin to approach them so closely. Males make a soft, repetitive cooing sound, especially during the breeding season.

Breeding

Galapagos Doves nest throughout the year depending on food availability, with peak activity between February and June when conditions are wetter and food is plentiful. Courtship includes gentle bowing, aerial displays, and cooing. Nests are built on the ground under Opuntia cacti or rock ledges, and sometimes in abandoned mockingbird nests. A typical clutch contains two eggs, which hatch after about two weeks, followed by another two weeks until fledging.

Conservation and Viewing

Although the species remains common across the islands, it faces threats from introduced predators such as rats and cats, as well as habitat disturbance. Their trusting nature makes them particularly susceptible. The Galapagos Dove is often seen in the drier lowlands of the main islands, where they move quietly among rocks and cacti, pecking at seeds and fallen fruit, and also frequently at Galapagos Safari Camp.

Plan Your Galapagos Safari

See our Safaris for suggested itineraries and recommended activities to observe wildlife like the Galapagos Dove on land-based safaris with Galapagos Safari Camp.