The lined quail-dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America and Trinidad and Tobago
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and montane foothill forests of northern Colombia and Venezuela, extending to Trinidad and Tobago. Prefers dense understory, forest edges, and ravines, often near streams. It tolerates some secondary growth if adequate cover remains but is most common in mature forest. Typically encountered singly or in pairs on the shaded forest floor.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-dwelling dove of humid forests, the lined quail-dove often slips away silently before being seen, flushing with a sudden whirr of wings when approached. It forages by walking slowly along the forest floor, picking at fallen seeds and fruits. Nests are typically flimsy platforms placed low in vegetation, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive burst from the ground followed by low, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense cover on the forest floor. Nest is a simple twig platform placed low in shrubs or small trees, typically holding one to two eggs. Both sexes share incubation and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, mournful series of deep cooing notes delivered at intervals from concealed perches. Calls are soft and often heard at dawn or dusk, carrying modestly through dense forest.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown upperparts with a slightly grayer crown and nape, and finely lined black-and-white patterning on the face and sides of the neck. Underparts are buff to cinnamon with paler throat and belly. The wings and tail are darker brown with subtle iridescence in good light.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fallen seeds and small fruits, gleaned from the forest floor. Also takes berries and occasionally small invertebrates such as insects and snails. Foraging is deliberate, with pauses to listen and scan before pecking.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages along shaded trails, leaf litter, and edges of clearings under dense understory. Frequently near streams or gullies where food accumulates and cover is ample.
