Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove - An extraordinary ground dove from Luzon

The Luzon bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica) is a species of medium-sized ground dove in the genus Gallicolumba. In the Philippines, they are known by the names of punay, the native general term for all pigeons and doves. Another more specific native term for the Luzon bleeding heart is Paloma de punalada, which means "stabbed pigeon". Among the seven species of bleeding hearts, five of the dove species possess the blood-like red patch feature.

 Scientific Name:  Gallicolumba luzonica

 Described by:  Giovanni Antonio Scopoli

 Diet:  omnivorous

 Avg. length:  21m

 Avg. Wiegth:  181.4g

 Lifespan:  15-25 yrs

 Locomotion:  Bipedalism, Flight

  Bird's call:

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Scientific classification
Kingdom	Animal kingdom
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Columbiformes
Family:	Columbidae
Genus:	Gallicolumba
Species:	Gallicolumba luzonica
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The Luzon bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica) is a species of medium-sized ground dove in the genus Gallicolumba.

In the Philippines, they are known by the names of punay, the native general term for all pigeons and doves. Another more specific native term for the Luzon bleeding heart is Paloma de punalada, which means "stabbed pigeon". Among the seven species of bleeding hearts, five of the dove species possess the blood-like red patch feature.

In the Luzon Bleeding-heart species, the "blood" feature is most pronounced among the other bleeding heart doves, with the reddish hue extending down the belly, furthering the illusion of blood running down the bird's breast. 

During the breeding season, the males attract females by inflating their breasts and displaying their red blood marking though it is unclear why females also possess the red marking.

The birds are shy and secretive and rarely leave the ground except when nesting. They prefer to nest and roost in low- to medium-sized trees, shrubbery, and vines.If confronted by a bird of prey or a predator larger than itself, the Luzon bleeding heart makes a grunting, gasping, or panting sound. It then flies a little distance, lands, and continues to escape by running.

Diet

Bird seeds by Wolf Ulysses via Wikimedia commons

Like many other Columbiformes, bleeding hearts are omnivorous and feed on seeds, berries, insects, and larvae. The young ones feed on a nutritious substance produced by the adults called "crop milk". 

Crop milk, unlike mammalian milk, is produced by both parents and contains neither calcium nor carbs. The pigeons begin secreting the milk nearly two days before the eggs hatch. 

Description

Luzon bleeding heart couple by Truus & Zoo via flickr

The Luzon bleeding-heart is iridescent and has a slate grey colour on its upper surfaces, but depending on the lighting, it can appear purple, royal blue, or bottle-green. Their belly and underwing regions are buff or chestnut, with black stripes on their wings.

Similarly to other dove species, there is little sexual dimorphism among the Luzon bleeding heart. Males tend to be larger and have a more pronounced red patch which they use to attract females, while in the females, it is slightly duller. The body shape is typical of the genus, with a round body, a short tail, and long legs.

Distribution

Luzon forest by Jose nicdao via Wikimedia commons

As the name suggests, the Luzon bleeding heart is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines. A small population can also be on the neighboring Polillo Island. They also used to inhabit the island of Catanduanes but are now believed to be nearly or completely extinct there.

The dove lives in primary or secondary forests and can be found at altitudes varying from up to 1400 meters above sea level. 

Fun Facts

#1

These birds are monogamous and maintain strong bonds, usually pairing for life.

#2

Unlike the other bleeding hearts, they usually lay two eggs in each clutch.

#3

The Luzon bleeding heart has three known - Gallicolumba luzonica luzonica, Gallicolumba luzonica griseolateralis, and Gallicolumba luzonica rubiventris.

#4

When foraging, these birds resemble chickens, and their scientific name: ‘Galli’ has the meaning chicken, while ‘Columba’ means dove.

#5

The male incubates the eggs for the day shift & during the night-time, the female takes her turn.

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References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luzon_bleeding-heart

• www.thespruce.com/glossary-definition-of-crop-milk- 385209

• https://xeno-canto.org/57578

Image Credits

Header image 

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luzon_bleeding-heart