An ethogram for the social behavior of the male Negros Bleeding-heart ( Gallicolumba keayi )

The Negros Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba keayi) is a critically endangered species endemic to the islands of Negros and Panay in the Philippines and belongs to a poorly studied genus of ground pigeons. This species is seldom seen in the wild and very little about their behavior has been formally documented. Herein, we describe the social behaviors of six captive male Negros Bleeding-hearts in an outdoor aviary at the Bayawan Nature Reserve in Negros Oriental, Philippines. We provide a foundational ethogram, including video examples from camera traps and descriptions of newly identified dominant and affiliative behaviors that characterize this captive group. Finally, we discuss the significance behind the group’s unique expressions of dominance, hierarchy, and consider the value of their affiliative social behaviors for increasing fitness and improving the success of release projects.