Ruddy Quail-Dove

Ruddy Quail Dove (Eng.),Paloma Perdiz Pequeña, Paloma Perdiz Rojiza (Sp.), Geotrygon montana (Sci.), resident, mountain woodlands of Puerto Rico.

Photo 2007 John Pire. Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information

Taxonomy: Class-Aves, Order-Columbiformes, Family-Columbidae, Genus-Geotrygon, Species-G. montana. The Ruddy Quail Dove is a member of the Columbidae family which includes doves and pigeons. It breeds throughout the West Indies, Central America and tropical South America.

Description

The Ruddy Quail Dove is easily distinguished by its reddish brown (rust)-colored back, facial mask and wings. Its breast, rump and under-eye stripes are a lighter brown color. The female displays similar but duller coloring. Measuring approximately 7.4 to 11 inches (19 to 28 centimeters) in length, it weighs between 3 and 5.2 ounces (85 and 152 grams).

Habits

Geotrygon montana builds its nest on a flimsy platform on a shrub near the ground or sometimes on the ground, typically laying two buff-colored eggs. Breeding occurs from February to August. Its voice is a mournful Coo, gradually fading in both volume and pitch (CLICK HERE to hear its call). It forages on the ground, mainly feeding on seeds and small invertebrates.

Habitat

The Ruddy Quail Dove is typically found in heavily forested areas of the hills and mountains to 2000 feet (650 meters) in elevation. It dwells on the forest floor, where it is more often heard than seen.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

In the early morning hours the Ruddy Quail Dove can occasionally be flushed from the edges of the El Portal Nature Trail below the El Portal Rain Forest Center.