Mindoro bleeding-heart

This species is closely related to four other bleeding-heart dove species: G. luzonica, G. crinigera, G. keayi and G. menagei. These five species, along with G. rufigula, are grouped together into the genus Gallicolumba. The Mindoro bleeding-heart is monotypic, meaning it does not contain any smaller subspecies groups. Its taxonomic standing, which dates back to Salvadori in 1893, is deemed valid by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. == Description ==

This ground pigeon has been recorded to be around tall. It has a dark grey forehead which transitions into an iridescent green on its head, nape, and hindneck. Its underside–from its throat to its flanks–is a cream-white except for the distinctive patch on the center of its breast which resembles a bright bleeding wound. The chest marking is less prominent and more orange in hue than that of related bleeding-heart doves. The dove's backside contains a reddish purple on its mantle, as well as chestnut coloration on its wings and rump. Its tail and uppertail-coverts are grey. Its juvenile plumage is unknown. Like other pigeons, Mindoro bleeding-hearts do not exhibit much sexual dimorphism. Females look similar to males but have purple irises and are generally smaller, with a wingspan (compared to in males). == Distribution and habitat ==

The Mindoro bleeding-heart dove is endemic to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. It typically dwells in lowlands at an altitude of , but has been noted at . as deforestation has dwindled its preferred habitat of closed-canopy primary forest. These regions are Puerto Galera, MUFRC Experimental Forest, Siburan, and Mounts Iglit–Baco Natural Park, but scientists believe other populations may be scattered in other localities. This bird favors dry forest floors overrun with bamboos and rattans, occasionally dotted with limestone outcrops and boulders. It has also been observed near pools of dry riverbeds that exist on more leveled forest floors without as many rocks. This dove is thought to be sedentary instead of migratory, but it is uncertain if it engages in altitudinal, seasonal or nomadic movements. It runs from danger and only flees from predators via brief flight when absolutely necessary. == Behavior and ecology ==

Vocalizations Few recordings of the Mindoro bleeding-heart's song exist, and some of those that do are not made publicly available because they threaten to exacerbate issues of trapping and endangerment. However, its call is believed to resemble a "croo croo" == Conservation status ==

A conservation study in 1991 found that the island of Mindoro is particularly susceptible to endemism, as it has the least forest cover of any Philippine island after the Sulu Islands. There are six bird species endemic to the island which can be categorized as montane and lowland; the Mindoro bleeding-heart is a lowland species which has been hunted with snares to meet demands for meat and pet trade. Conservation actions proposed include to map the remaining forests on Mindoro, and survey these areas to clarify its current distribution and population status. It has also been recommended follow up on anecdotal reports of the species, establish captive breeding populations, conduct ecological studies to assess its requirements for breeding and foraging, and regulate hunting of wildlife species and the extraction of forest products within key habitats. ==References==