Bare-faced Ground Dove
Brillentäubchen ( Metriopelia ceciliae )
The Brillentäubchen ( Metriopelia ceciliae ) is a species of pigeons birds that are expected to the subfamily of small American pigeons. The species is found only in South America. In German, the glasses pigeon bears a similar sounding name. However, this species belongs to the genus of turtle-doves ( Streptopelia ).
Appearance
The Brillentäubchen reaches a body length of 16-17 centimeters. The type is in their body size so between that of a diamond dove and a turtle dove. The body shape of the Brillentäubchens is penetrated, the tail is short.
The plumage is mainly gray-brown of the Brillentäubchen. The feathers of the secondaries and wing-coverts are darker with light gray to yellowish- brown ends, so that the wings appear strong spotted. The light gray breast is tinged pink in the male. In females, however, lacks this shade of pink or is not as pronounced. The most striking feature of the glasses dove is the bright yellow eye-ring, which is surrounded by a further, but much narrower and black eye ring. The beak is dark. The iris is light brown.
Distribution, numbers and habitat
The distribution area of pigeon glasses extends across the north of Peru to the north-west of Chile. It also occurs in the west of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. The population density within this distribution area is very different. In some areas the Brillentäubchen is a very common species
The habitat of Brillentäubchen are arid and semiarid regions. This habitat include, among others, the Atacama Desert and located in the mountains dry mountain valleys. In Peru and Chile it also occurs in the lowlands of the coast. In these two countries, it has also opened up human settlement area. But it is still to be found at altitudes of 4,500 meters. In Argentina, it occurs only at altitudes 2500-3500 meters. She considers herself almost exclusively in very rocky terrain, but also seeks to adjacent open areas for food.
Way of life
The Brillentäubchen is a state bird. The nature undertakes every day but greater height hikes when they roam between their resting places and their feeding grounds. The species is not very shy, but very unobtrusive. The food is sought almost exclusively on the ground. Startled Brillentäubchen fly on wings with loud clapping. The propagation time is dependent on the area of distribution. In Chile, the species breeds in March, in Peru, however, the period from July to November. The nest is built in tree cavities, rock crevices and in human settlement areas on or in buildings. The clutch consists of two eggs.
Attitude in captivity
Brillentäubchen were first brought to Europe in 1939. The Welterstzucht this way succeeded in 1960 in the United States. The European present affirmed succeeded in 1970 in France. Brillentäubchen require specially equipped aviaries, as they can have on branches, hold them bad. Aviaries for keeping require large stones, tree trunks, seat boards and arm-thick branches.
Etymology and History of Research
René Primevère Lesson described the Brillentäubchen under basionym Columba ( Chamœpelia ) Ceciliœ.
The term " Metriopelia " derives from the Greek words " metrios Φαέθων " for " modest, moderate, moderately " and " peleia, πελεια " for " dove " from.
The epithet " ceciliae " was awarded in honor of his daughter Cécile Gautrau. In his dedication Lesson wrote:
" Cet oiseau vit au Pérou. Il est à madame consacré Gautrau, née Cécile Lesson. "