Common ground doves (Columbina passerina) are adorable small birds that are most commonly seen foraging for seeds and insects on the ground. They look pretty similar to the mourning doves and collared doves that also live in this area, but there are some notable differences. The easiest difference to see is the size variation. Ground doves are much smaller than either of the other species and are actually the smallest doves in North America. Even though they are usually seen on the ground, they are strong fliers and will also perch and climb around in the trees. Last week, I caught this little one perched in the branches of a small sapling in my back yard. It was one of several that were out there feeding on the blackjack seeds which are everywhere right now. It looked comfortable and content as it sat there watching the others race around feeding and made no attempt to join them. I have to assume it had already eaten its share. I know that a lot of people find doves to be commonplace and uninteresting, but I love watching these little guys and I actually find them to be quite photogenic.