Description This long-tailed slim pigeon has a light gray head and pinkish-brown under parts. Its back, wings and tail are brown which are heavily spotted. The feathers on the back have pale edges and the tail has broad white tips on the outer feathers. There is a bright black and white checkered patch on the sides and on the back of the neck. Its bill is black and its legs and feet are purplish red. The breast is cinnamon gray and it has a puffy chest and belly. The male and female have the same appearance.

Lifecycle Breeding season occurs between February and January and doves build a flimsy stick nest in low trees or tall bushes. The birds nest is shallow to hold 1-2 white, glossy eggs. Incubation is shared by parents and can take 14 days to hatch. Newborn chicks drink what is referred to as "pigeons milk". Both parents during breeding season produce crop milk for their young whom they are able to feed in the first 6-7 days without having to leave the nest to forage for food. As they grow chicks are fed regurgitated seeds and grains. In 14-16 days they are ready to leave the nest.

Habitat Introduced to Hawaii in the 1800’s from California the Spotted Dove can be found in open land in wild grasslands and cultivated lands. They may be found at the forest edge but rarely venture into deep forest.

Diet Forages the ground for seeds and grains and other vegetation

Communication Their usual sound is “coo-coo-croo”, and occasionally “coo-coo krrroo, krook”. During breeding season the males do a rhythmic bowing and perform a steep climb in flight and then a downward swoop in a circular dive to show their nest site.