The Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi) Is a Distinct Species

Doves of the Neotropical genus Leptotila are similar morphologically, which has led to confusion about taxonomic relationships. Since it was first described, the Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi ) had been considered to be a distinct species that formed a superspecies with the Gray-fronted Dove (Leptotila rufaxilla ) of South America and Trinidad. Despite an absence of evidence from living specimens, the Grenada Dove was reclassified recently as a subspecies of L. rufaxilla (A.O.U. 1983). The authors present evidence that L. wellsi and L. rufaxilla have distinct songs and important plumage differences. L. wellsi should be regarded as a full species endemic to the island of Grenada, West Indies.