The ruddy quail-dove is a species of bird in the dove and pigeon family Columbidae. It breeds throughout the West Indies, Central America, and tropical South America. It has appeared as a vagrant in Florida and southern Texas. It lays two buff-colored eggs on a flimsy platform built on a shrub. Some nests are built on the ground.
Region
Neotropics (Caribbean, Central and South America)
Typical Environment
Occupies evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, forest edges, and second growth, often near streams. Common on larger Caribbean islands, through Mexico and Central America, and widely in tropical South America east of the Andes. It adapts to shaded plantations such as coffee and cacao where understory cover remains. Typically forages on the forest floor and along quiet trails. Rare vagrants have reached Florida and southern Texas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy ground-dwelling dove of dense forests, the ruddy quail-dove is noted for its rich chestnut plumage and quick, whirring flush when disturbed. It nests low in shrubs or sometimes directly on the ground, laying two buff eggs on a flimsy platform. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Though widespread from the West Indies through Central into tropical South America, it is only an occasional vagrant to the southern United States.
Temperament
solitary and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, keeping to dense understory cover. Forms monogamous pairs; the flimsy nest is placed low in a shrub or occasionally on the ground. Both sexes incubate two eggs and brood the young. Territorial displays are subtle and often accompanied by low cooing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a low, mournful single-note coo repeated at measured intervals, often heard at dawn and dusk from within dense cover. Calls include soft, hooting notes and quiet coos during courtship.
Plumage
Overall rich rufous-chestnut with darker, subtly scaled wing coverts and a slight purplish gloss on the neck. The crown is greyer in males, with clean rufous underparts and a paler belly. Face shows contrasting dark and pale streaks.
Diet
Primarily consumes fallen seeds and small fruits picked from the forest floor. Also takes small invertebrates such as insects and snails, especially during breeding. Occasionally ingests grit to aid digestion.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded understory, along forest paths, and in thick leaf litter where it can remain concealed. Will forage in traditional agroforestry systems like coffee and cacao plantations if understory is intact.
