Luzon bleeding heart Dove

Range & Habitat                    

The Luzon Bleeding-heart pigeon is native to the forests of the Philippine islands of central and southern Luzon and Polillo                        

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

 This species is threatened due to the loss of habitat from deforestation, illegal hunting for food and collection for the pet trade.                                        

Diet

In the Wild: seeds, fruits, insects, worms, other small invertebrates

At the Zoo: pigeon pellets, fruit mix, seeds, mealworms, wax moth larvae

Life Span

In the Wild - 15 years
In Human Care -  25 years                     

Fun Facts about the Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove                      

•  The bleeding-heart dove, like all doves and pigeons, drinks water by submerging its beak and sucking the water up and swallowing without raising its head between sips.

•  When they forage for food, they resemble a chicken; thus their scientific name: Galli means chicken and columba means dove.

•  These birds help ensure the success of the forests through seed dispersal.

•  It is fairly common for zoo visitors who have never seen this species before to report an "injured bird" to zoo staff due to its wound-like marking.