The bridled quail-dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found from Saint Lucia in the Lesser Antilles north and west to Puerto Rico.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs on several islands from Saint Lucia north through the Lesser Antilles to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with a patchy distribution depending on forest availability. It favors mature evergreen and moist broadleaf forests with dense understory and deep leaf litter. Birds also use secondary forest and well-shaded plantations when undisturbed. After major storms, it may persist in regenerating forest if cover and fruiting shrubs remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-dwelling pigeon of Caribbean forests, the bridled quail-dove is named for its bold white facial ‘bridle’ stripe. It forages quietly on the forest floor and often freezes motionless when disturbed before exploding into rapid, low flight. Populations can be impacted by hurricanes, hunting, and habitat loss, making intact forest crucial for its persistence.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense cover on the forest floor. Nests are flimsy platforms of twigs placed low in shrubs or small trees. Typical clutches are one to two eggs, and adults rely on stillness and camouflage to avoid detection at the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, low-pitched series of cooing hoots delivered at measured intervals from concealed perches. Calls are resonant but subdued, often heard at dawn and dusk within dense forest.
