Luzon bleeding heart dove

Gallicolumba luzonica

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IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Birds
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae

You can spot our Luzon bleeding heart doves foraging along the floor of our Gems of the Jungle exhibit.

This bird can be found in lowland forests on the island of Luzon and 2 other islands in northern Philippines.

Their diet consists of primarily seeds, berries that have fallen, and a range of insects and worms. 

Interesting facts!

  • The scientific name for the species gives us a good idea about their behaviour – galli means chicken and columba means dove.
  • Luzon bleeding heart doves get their name from the splash of bright red in the middle of their white breast. This species of bleeding heart inherits the most vivid colour, making it look as though it has been wounded.
  • At the time of breeding, the male attracts a female with his courtship display. He chases the female displaying his inflated breast to show fully his vivid red marking or “heart”. Once he has the female’s attention, he bows his head and lovingly coos to his intended mate.

Conservation

Luzon bleeding heart doves suffer from habitat fragmentation and loss, caused by the expansion of agriculture and deforestation for timber. This species is also vulnerable to hunting and also trapping for the trade in pets, as it popular as a cage bird.