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Gallicolumba luzonica
The Luzon Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica) is one of a number of species of ground dove in the genus Gallicolumba that are called "bleeding-hearts". They get this name from a splash of vivid red colour at the centre of their white breasts. The Luzon Bleeding-heart is the species in which this feature is most pronounced, and on first sight it is hard to believe that the bird has not recently been wounded. This is also partially due to a reddish hue extending down the belly, providing the illusion of blood having run down the bird's front.
The species is endemic to the central and southern parts of the large island of Luzon, and the neighbouring small Polillo Islands, in the Philippines. It lives in primary or secondary forest, and can be found at altitudes varying from sea level up to 1400 metres. They eat seeds, berries and grubs. They are shy and secretive, and very quiet, and rarely leave the ground except when nesting. Unlike the other bleeding-hearts, they usually lay two eggs in each clutch.
Spotted on Apr 21, 2010
Submitted on Jun 26, 2011
20 Comments
@Christiane, Yes really special bird.
One wonders what the reason is for such a spot in the light of evolution.
I have seen them in the bird park too.. They are really cool.. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/663...
Stunning beauty of nature!
The weather you got it right hahaha it never been better than that.
I've been to Ireland, yes. Spotted lots of plants and birds... although is was a cloudy trip :-).
And yes, the rhubarb! Good memory.
I agree with you sttweets, there are much much more to see in tropical country I believed. You have been here in Ireland If I am not mistaken, If am right you spotted a giant rhubarb.
I know, I always feel sorry for animals in captivity. Less if good care is taken, or if it's an animal that would not survive anymore,... But still, I rather go out and shoot pictures 'in the wild'.
But they always captured your attention coz of the chest, it bleeding!....hahaha you will just want to look at it again to be sure, Believed me.
I see! Ireland's nature is beautiful, but I guess it's nothing compared to the Philippines?
i came from Luzon island, where this dove came from. Some of them in captivity too in the Philippines, they were captured for trading, which is sad.
I am residing in Ireland right now but I came from the Philippines.
@Gina9210, so are you located in Ireland (like your profile says), or in the Philippines?
nice shot!!!...
Yeah, I know. The good thing dough is that it's in a 'nature' like zoo we're it can really fly, hide, etc.
Oh sorry sttweets, I was actually looking for that information! So its on capticity.....now my heart is bleeding...lol
@Gina9210, I'd love to see it in it's natural habitat... this one was seen in a zoo-like environment.
sttweets, I am just a little bit curious where did you spotted this adorable Bleeding heart, because I believed we can only see it in the continent of Luzon where I came from (Philippines)
Just love this dove!
lovely shot!
Such a smart looking bird!