Luzon Bleeding-heart

It is a medium-sized ground dove. On its upper surfaces, the Luzon bleeding-heart is slate grey in color, but because of its iridescence, it can appear to be purple, royal blue, or bottle-green with varying lighting conditions. On their wings are black bands, while their belly and under wing areas are buff or chestnut. It has a white throat, chest and belly but its most distinctive part is its bright red "bleeding heart" at the center of its chest that has a surrounding faint pink that gives off the appearance of fading blood stains. There is some slight sexual dimorphism; males tend to be larger and have a more pronounced red patch, while in the females it is slightly duller. The body shape is typical of the genus, with a round body, short tail, and long legs. Its call is described as a repeated single mournful coo lasting 1 to 2 seconds that rises and falls. It also has a 5 and 3 note display call that is gruffly delivered.

Subspecies. Three subspecies are recognized: G. l. luzonica – Found on Central and South Luzon and Polillo Islands G. l. rubiventris – Found on North Luzon; darker and more extensive "heart", pale pink brown belly, paler undertail and smaller G. l. griseolateralis – Found on Catanduanes; darker forehead, crown, shoulder, females has darker flanks, undertail but the breast and abdomen is whiter

They eat seeds, berries and grubs. They are shy and secretive, and very quiet, and rarely leave the ground except when nesting. Unlike the other bleeding-hearts, they usually lay two eggs in each clutch. It has been recorded nesting in May and June.