Luzon Bleeding-heart

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 color at the center 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.

On its upper surfaces, the Luzon Bleeding-heart is slate gray in color, but because it is iridescent, it can appear to be purple, royal blue, or bottle-green, and the apparent color varies with lighting conditions. The belly and under wing areas are buff or chestnut. As in most pigeons, sexes are similar, though males tend to be larger and have a more pronounced red patch. Body shape is typical of the genus, with a round body, a short tail and long legs.

The species is endemic to the central and southern parts of the large island of Luzon, and the neighboring 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 4600 feet. 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.

The species is considered threatened due to hunting for food, although most are now sought after as pets. The Luzon Bleeding-heart was featured on a Philippine 2-peso postage stamp in 1994.