It is fairly common and is found in a wide range of open and semi-open habitats, especially in the arid lowlands of the archipelago.

Yet their impressive flight ability has ensured that the species remains fairly homogenous across the islands, unlike the Galapagos hawk (which has significant variations in size by island), or the intense speciation found in the less mobile Darwin's finches.

A boldly marked bird, the Galápagos dove has dark reddish-brown upperparts, a pinkish neck and breast, a buff-coloured belly, and brown wings, streaked with white and black.

The scapular feathers and the wing-coverts are black with a white stripe in the middle running down the length; this makes the wings appear streaked.

[6] The long downward curved beaks on the Galápagos dove helps it feed mostly on seeds and fruits from the ground.

Galápagos doves spend most of their time on the ground searching for food, mainly feeding off seeds, caterpillars, and Opuntia cactus flowers and pulp.

[7] As an island endemic species, Galapagos doves are at high risk from introduced diseases and predators.

The 1685 Galapagos Island expedition by the British privateers is where the first interaction of Galápagos doves and humans took place.

When the British sailors first arrived, these doves showed no fear, coming in flocks, which made them easy hunting targets.