Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae

Physical characteristics: Luzon bleeding hearts have blue gray backs and white bellies. There is a bright, red-orange spot on the breast which gives this species its name.

Geographic range: Luzon bleeding hearts are found in the Philippines.

Habitat: Luzon bleeding hearts inhabit Philippine rainforest areas.

Diet: Luzon bleeding hearts eat seeds, berries, and invertebrates. This species feeds on the forest floor.

Luzon bleeding hearts fluff their feathers to conserve body heat. Their name comes from the bright spot on their breast. (© Tom McHugh/Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: The Luzon bleeding heart male starts the courtship by chasing the female across the forest floor. Males then stop, raise their tails, puff their feathers, lower their heads, and arch their wings. Then they throw back their heads and stick out their breast to show off the bright red breast spot. Males then bow and coo. Little else is known about Luzon bleeding heart reproductive biology and behavior.

Luzon bleeding heart and people: No significant interaction between Luzon bleeding hearts and humans is known.

Conservation status: Luzon bleeding hearts are not threatened. ∎