Sex

Blue-spotted Wood Doves, like many bird species, exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females can be distinguished by differences in physical characteristics. In Blue-spotted Wood Doves, males typically display more vivid and colorful plumage compared to females. Male Blue-spotted Wood Doves often have brighter blue spots on their wings and backs, as well as more pronounced iridescence on their feathers, particularly during the breeding season. Females, on the other hand, tend to have duller plumage with less prominent markings, which may serve to provide camouflage while nesting and caring for young.

Sexual dimorphism in Blue-spotted Wood Doves extends beyond physical appearance to include differences in behavior and vocalizations. These displays serve as signals of male fitness and may help females assess potential mates. In contrast, females may exhibit more subdued behaviors, focusing on selecting a suitable nesting site and caring for their eggs and offspring.

Reproductive roles in Blue-spotted Wood Doves are typically divided between males and females, with females responsible for incubating the eggs and males participating in territorial defense and providing food for the female and chicks. Courtship and mating behaviors in Blue-spotted Wood Doves are often initiated by males, who may perform elaborate displays to attract the attention of females.

These pair bonds may last for the duration of the breeding season or extend across multiple breeding seasons, depending on the success of previous nesting attempts and the availability of suitable mates. However, extra-pair copulations and mate switching have been documented in some populations, particularly in areas with high population densities or limited breeding opportunities.

The timing of breeding and courtship behaviors in Blue-spotted Wood Doves varies depending on geographic location and local environmental conditions. Courtship displays and vocalizations may intensify during this time as males compete for mates and establish breeding territories.

Sexual maturity in Blue-spotted Wood Doves is reached at around one year of age, although individuals may not begin breeding until they are older and have established a territory and pair bond. Once paired, Blue-spotted Wood Doves may breed multiple times throughout the breeding season, producing several clutches of eggs depending on environmental conditions and food availability. Nests are typically constructed in trees or shrubs, using twigs, grass, and leaves to create a shallow cup-shaped structure where eggs are laid and incubated.

Parental care in Blue-spotted Wood Doves is shared between males and females, with both partners contributing to nest building,

incubation, and chick rearing. Males may take turns incubating the eggs while females forage for food, and both parents participate in feeding and brooding the chicks once they hatch. This cooperative breeding strategy helps ensure the survival of offspring and enhances the reproductive success of Blue-spotted Wood Doves in their woodland habitats. Overall, the sex-specific behaviors and reproductive roles exhibited by Blue-spotted Wood Doves reflect their adaptation to their environment and their strategies for maximizing reproductive success in the wild.