Lined Quail-Dove

Overview

The lined quail-dove (Zentrygon linearis) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is found in Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela, where it inhabits tropical lowland and evergreen montane forests from sea level up to 2,500 m.

Identification

• Length of 27 to 29 cm and weight of 230 to 284 g.
• Adult males feature a pinkish buff forehead darkening to purplish brown on the crown, with a pale grey arc from eye to nape and buffy cheeks.
• Reddish brown upperparts with purple or bronze-green iridescence on the hindneck, and loose neck feathers that create the impression of dark furrows.
• Red legs and feet, with a narrow red eye ring surrounded by bare blue skin and a yellow to orange-red eye.
• Song described as a single monotonous low-pitched note 'whoOOo', with the highest amplitude in the middle.

Habitat

Found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Andes of Colombia and Venezuela, the Venezuelan coastal mountain ranges, the northern Monagas and Sucre states of Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago. It inhabits tropical lowland and evergreen montane forests ranging from sea level to 2,500 m (8,200 ft).

Diet

Forages singly or in pairs, feeding primarily on seeds found on the forest floor.

Did you know?

Two birds will sing at the same time at slightly different pitches.