Key West Quail-Dove
Geotrygon chrysia
A smallish, chunky, ground-dwelling species of dense woodlands with thick leaf litter; prefers drier habitats. Secretive but not shy; sometimes detected by the rustling of leaves it is strolling through. The rather similar Bridled Quail-Dove is dull brown rather than reddish or purple on the upper back and it has iridescent turquoise on the sides of its neck. Ruddy Quail-Doves have less contrast in facial markings and the males have an entirely rusty back; some also sport a vertical white shoulder stripe. The Blue-headed Quail-Dove has a blue crown and bib. This species’ song is a soft, low plaintive “hooooooo,” given at a single pitch, but growing gradually louder before dropping off abruptly at the end.
Identification
The Key West quail-dove is approximately 27–31 cm in length. The bird is distinguished by having a dark rust-colored back and similarly colored wings. It has some amethyst or bronze green iridescence on its crown, nape and in the back of its neck. The mantle, back, rump and inner wing coverts show some purplish red iridescence. It also has a bold white facial stripe. Its call is similar that of the white-tipped dove.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Geotrygon chrysia
- Authority
- Bonaparte, 1855
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Geotrygon
Range and habitat
The Key West quail-dove breeds in the Bahamas and, except for Jamaica, throughout the Greater Antilles. Despite its name, it does not currently breed in the Florida Keys and southern mainland Florida.<p>This bird is found in tropical and subtropical dry forests, shrublands, and lowland moist forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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