Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Common Ground-Dove
Scientific name:	Columbina passerina
Date:	12/18/2020 – 12/19/2020
Time:	1100
Length of time observed:	Day 1 – 6 hours; Day 2 – 2 hours
Number:	1
Age:	Unknown
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Hurricane
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:	3250 ft
Distance to bird:	12 ft
Optical equipment:	cellphone camera, in plain sight
Weather:	Clear, windy
Light Conditions:	Daylight to dusk
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Observed a small bird in the finch feeder tray which I had not previously seen. Tanish color with darker or black markings on both wings. Wings appear to short. White or light color along or underneath tail on side, narrow. Dark eyes. Shortish dark beak. Bird matched pictures on website. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	Low to ground. Eating
Habitat:	Backyard with 3 trees, grass, concrete patio - no cover, water feature with access to drinking and bathing. Feeder hanging from tree nearest concrete.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Ring neck dove - too large. Mourning dove - too large. White wing dove - too large. Sparrow - wrong color/too small. Finches - too small/wrong color.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	No experience with ground dove. Plenty of doves in area. White wing dove becoming more abundant but still not an everyday sighting.
References consulted:	utahbirds.org
Description from:	Memory and photos
Observer:	Gene Redford
Observer's address:	257 S. 800 W., Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: