White-faced Quail-Dove

Overview

The white-faced quail-dove (Zentrygon albifacies) is a monotypic species of bird in the family Columbidae, found discontinuously across parts of Mexico, Central America, and northern Central America. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be declining and it is considered threatened in Mexico.

Identification

• Size 28–31.5 cm in length, with a weight range of 158–339 g.
• Plumage: Pale grayish buff face and pale buff chin/throat; grey crown deepening to the nape; cinnamon hindneck and neck sides with dark furrow-like loose feathers; chestnut upperparts with a bluish-violet gloss on the back; dusky greyish-brown wings; buffy grey breast with a cinnamon-tinged belly.
• Head and legs: Orange-to-red eye surrounded by bare blue-grey skin; red legs and feet.
• Song: A low, hollow, mournful 'whooo' or 'whoo'oo.'

Habitat

Occupies humid montane forests, including evergreen and pine-evergreen types, as well as shade coffee plantations, at elevations between 1,000 and 2,700 m. Its range is discontinuous across southern Mexico, much of Guatemala and Honduras, and small parts of northern El Salvador and north-western Nicaragua.

Diet

Forages singly or in pairs on the ground, favouring dense cover. Diet is assumed to consist of seeds, fallen fruits, and possibly insects, though it has not been formally documented.

Did you know?

Despite being a bird, it typically walks along branches or hops up to its roost rather than flying to reach it.