The russet-crowned quail-dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Panama and far northwestern Colombia.
Region
Eastern Panama and far northwestern Colombia (Darién–Chocó)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen rainforest, mature secondary growth, and gallery forests. Typically keeps to dense understory and forest edges near streams or fruiting shrubs, where it forages on the ground. It is most often encountered on quiet forest trails and clearings deep within intact forest. In Colombia, it is restricted to the Chocó region near the Panamanian border.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The russet-crowned quail-dove is a secretive forest-floor pigeon of humid lowland and foothill forests. It often goes undetected, moving quietly through dense understory and along shaded trails. Its low, mournful coo carries surprisingly far at dawn and dusk. Habitat loss and hunting pressure likely affect local populations.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through understory; explosive flush when disturbed
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense cover on or near the forest floor. Nests are built low in shrubs or small trees, often a flimsy platform of twigs. Clutch size is small (typically one to two eggs). Courtship involves soft coos and short, quiet pursuits through the understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, mournful single-note coo repeated at regular intervals, most frequent at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft grunts and hoots given from concealed perches within thick vegetation.
