Luzon Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica)

The Luzon Bleeding-heart is a species of ground dove named for the distinct red patch of feathers on the breast giving it a bleeding appearance. This dove is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

Scientific classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Aves, Order Columbiformes, Family: Columbidae, Genus: Gallicolumba, Species: Gallicolumba luzonica

Other Names: Bleeding-heart Dove, Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove, Punay

Range: The Philippines, primarily Luzon (the largest island in the Philippines) and the islands of Polillo and Catanduanes

Subspecies: Three subspecies are recognized: Gallicolumba luzonica luzonica - found in central and southern Luzon and the nearby Polillo Islands; Gallicolumba luzonica griseolateralis - northern Luzon; Gallicolumba luzonica rubiventris - known from one bird found on the island of Catanduanes and likely extinct.

Habitat: Tropical forests

Status in Wild: A secretive species, its habitat has been greatly reduced and populations fragmented. It is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, but will likely be uplisted to Vulnerable soon.

Aviculture: The Luzon Bleeding-heart was first brought to western aviculture in the late 1800s and kept and reared by zoos in both North America and Europe ever since. They are not often seen in private aviaries due to their tropical requirements. The species spends a great deal of time on the ground. Captive breeding takes place year-round in tropical houses, the doves will use a basket or box to construct a nest on and the female will lay two white eggs. Both the male and female will incubate the eggs for about 18 days. The parents, like all pigeons and doves, feed the young (also known as squabs) a milky substance produced in their crop. The squabs are altricial and do not leave the nest until they are about 14-18 days old.

The diet for Luzon Bleeding-hearts is typical for most tropical doves and pigeons consisting of seeds, chopped fruit, softbill pellets, and live insects such as mealworms and waxworms.

Interesting Facts: Keepers are often alerted that there's an injured bird on exhibit! The native Tagalog name, punay translate to "stabbed pigeon".

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External Links



• Luzon Bleeding-heart - BirdLife International Factsheet
• Luzon Bleeding-heart - eBird
• Luzon Bleeding-heart - iNaturalist
• Mongabay Series - Philippine Bleeding-heart doves flutter at the brink, but NGOs respond

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