The blue-headed quail dove, or blue-headed partridge-dove, is a species of bird in the pigeon and dove family Columbidae that is endemic to the island of Cuba. It is monotypic within the subfamily Starnoenadinae and genus Starnoenas.
Region
Caribbean (Cuba)
Typical Environment
Occurs in western and central Cuba, favoring dense lowland forests, thickets, and wooded swamps. It keeps close to the forest floor in areas with deep leaf litter and dense understory for cover. Birds are regularly associated with palm-coppice, semi-deciduous forests, and forest edges near water. Secondary growth and lightly disturbed forests may be used if adequate cover is present. It avoids open farmland and heavily urbanized areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking ground-dwelling dove is the only member of its genus and is endemic to Cuba. It is famed for its powder-blue head and bold facial stripes, which contrast with a rich chestnut body. The species is shy and often freezes motionless when disturbed, relying on camouflage. Habitat loss and past hunting have contributed to its decline, and it is now protected.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive takeoff with short rapid wingbeats; low, fast dash through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs; small family groups may occur outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs nest on the ground or low in shrubs, constructing a simple platform of twigs. Clutch size is typically 1–2 white eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, resonant series of slow coos, often delivered from the ground or a low perch. Calls include soft grunts and hoo notes that carry through dense forest in the early morning and late afternoon.
Plumage
Rich rufous-brown upperparts and wings with a contrasting blue-grey crown and nape, black facial mask, and bold white facial stripe and throat. Underparts are warm buff to greyish with a darker breast band; tail shows darker central feathers. Feathers are sleek and tight, giving a smooth, satin-like appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fallen seeds and fruits picked from the forest floor. Supplements plant matter with small invertebrates such as insects, snails, and worms. It methodically walks and scratches through leaf litter to uncover food, often along shaded trails or near water. Opportunistic feeding near fruiting trees is common.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory with ample leaf litter in semi-deciduous forest, palm-coppice, and swamp forest. Often forages along edges of clearings or near forested wetlands where cover remains close at hand.
