Ruddy Quail-Dove

Overview

The ruddy quail-dove (Geotrygon montana) is a species of bird in the dove and pigeon family Columbidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of approximately 19–28 cm.
• Distinguished by a rust-colored back, facial mask, and similarly colored wings.
• The breast, rump, and undereye stripe are lighter brown.

Habitat

Found in woodland and scrub forest, and it has adapted to coffee plantations. It breeds throughout the West Indies, Central America, and tropical South America. The species is somewhat sensitive to forest fragmentation and has appeared as a vagrant in Florida and southern Texas.

Diet

Forages on the ground, mainly eating seeds, and will also take small invertebrates in its diet.

Did you know?

The specific epithet montana is derived from the Latin word montanus, meaning 'of the mountains'.