Description: Small, compact dove, about 17–19 cm, with overall grayish-brown coloration, contrasting with a broad area of bare skin around the eye, yellow to orange in color, outlined by a fine line of black feathers; iris pale blue to whitish. Back and wings with a marked mottled pattern, produced by pale whitish or light brown tips on the scapular and wing covert feathers, a diagnostic feature compared to other Metriopelia. Head and back grayish-brown; neck and chest gray with a pinkish tint, more noticeable in the male; belly and abdomen light brown. Tail with central feathers brown and outer rectrices black with white corners, visible in flight. Underwing black, very conspicuous in flight. Bill blackish; legs pinkish. Sexes similar, although the female usually shows duller tones on the chest. Juveniles similar to adults, with slightly duller plumage. Similar to the Bare-eyed Ground Dove (M. morenoi), but distinguished by the clearly mottled back, with pale spots on wings and back (uniform back in morenoi). Additionally, both species generally do not overlap: M. ceciliae is restricted to the extreme north, while M. morenoi occurs in the more southern northwest.

Geographic distribution: Andean species distributed from western Peru south to northwestern Argentina, through Bolivia and northern Chile. In Argentina its presence is very localized, restricted to extreme northern Jujuy, especially in the Yavi region and nearby areas, with possible marginal records in northern Salta.

Habitat: Inhabits high-elevation arid and semi-arid environments, mainly in the Puna. Frequent in shrubby ravines with rocky outcrops and scree, high plains with sparse vegetation and sandy or stony soils. Recorded between 3,000 and 4,500 m a.s.l. Likely resident within its range, with possible seasonal altitudinal movements and local descents during winter.

Behavior: Generally observed in small groups. Feeds mainly by walking on the ground. Cautious in behavior; when disturbed, takes off abruptly with noisy, audible wingbeats. Often rests on rocky outcrops, slopes, and occasionally on human structures.

Diet: Granivorous. Feeds mainly on seeds, actively searching on the ground, alone or in small groups.

Breeding: Nests on the ground, among rocks or on cliffs; may also use cavities in banks or buildings. The nest is built with soft materials. Lays two white eggs. Reproductive biology poorly known in Argentina.

Conservation status: At the national level considered Vulnerable (VU), due to its very restricted distribution and localized populations. At the international level classified as Least Concern (LC).


Author of this compilation: Diego Carus and María Belén Dri – 03/04/2026