This dove is usually seen in pairs or small groups, searching for food on the ground, including seeds, grains, and small insects. It is known for its distinctive, repetitive call, often interpreted in rural Brazil as sounding like the phrase “Fogo apagou!” (“The fire’s out!”). Occasionally, only the second part, “apagou,” is heard.

The Scaled Dove thrives in open areas with sparse trees, such as caatinga, cerrado, coastal restingas, and savanna regions. It readily adapts to human-altered landscapes and is commonly seen in farms, orchards, parks, yards, and gardens.

We observed nests in Monte Gordo, Bahia (3 nests) and Arcos, Minas Gerais (13 nests).

The breeding period varies by region: from January to May in Alagoas and Bahia and from September to November in Minas Gerais.

The nest is a shallow, flimsy cup built at low heights (typically 1–3 meters above the ground), either in tree forks or dense vegetation. It is loosely assembled from thin twigs and lined with fine roots, grass strands, and occasional feathers. Nests may also be found under roofs or in shrubs.

Both parents contribute to nest-building. One brings materials (often the male), while the other arranges them. Construction takes between 3 and 8 days, depending on weather conditions.