The Eared dove is the most common pigeon in South America and occurs throughout almost the entire continent - (except for an area in central South America). It is found in open areas such as bushland, farmland, villages and cities. It is divided into eleven subspecies. The Eared dove mainly feeds on seeds and grains and, since it can occur in large flocks, has become a pest in agriculture in some places. This is why this bird is also the most hunted on earth. A hunter is said to be able to shoot up to a thousand Eared doves in one day... Despite this intense hunting, the species is not considered endangered. (The similarity with the situation of the Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius, has otherwise caused suspicions about this).