The Key West Quail-Dove (Geotrygon chrysia) is a member of the bird family Columbidae, which includes doves and pigeons.
The Key West Quail-Dove breeds in the Bahama Islands, and throughout most of the Greater Antilles (except Jamaica). It formerly bred in the Florida Keys and southernmost mainland Florida.
It was first discovered in Key West, Florida, and is how the bird received its name. Although no longer breeding in Florida, it occasionally is recorded on the Keys and southernmost mainland Florida as a vagrant.
It lays two buff-colored eggs on a flimsy platform built on a shrub. Some nests are built on the ground.
The Key West Quail-Dove is approximately 27-31 cm in length. The bird is distinguished by having a dark rust-colored back and similarly colored wings.
It has some amethyst or bronze-green iridescence on its crown, nape, and in the back of its neck.
The mantle, back, rump, and inner wing coverts show some purplish red iridescence. It also has a bold white facial stripe. Its call is similar to the call of a White-tipped Dove.
This bird is found in semi-arid woodland and scrub forest. It also prefers wet lowland montaine forests. These birds forage on the ground, mainly eating seeds, berries, and fallen fruit. It is fond of poisonwood fruit. It will also take snails in its diet.
Key West Quail-doves feed primarily on the ground.
Further Dove Information
- Dove Information
- Index of Dove Species
- Photos of the Different Dove Species for Identification
- Doves & Pigeons as Pets
