ID Keys: Dark ruddy-brown back and wings, light-gray underparts,
brownish head with white mustache and chin, iridescence on many
upper feathers
The
Key West Quail-Dove is a medium sized dove of the Caribbean. They once
nested on Key West (the location where they were first identified and named)
and other locations in southern Florida, but are now primarily found on
islands of the Caribbean including Cuba and Puerto Rico. In Florida,
they are now only rare visitors. In their core range in the Caribbean
they are often relatively common, but given their shy nature and tendency to
stay in dense vegetation, they are often difficult to observe.
Habitat
Found in a variety of tropical to
sub-tropical woodlands and forests, as well as shrublands with dense
vegetation.
Diet
Feeds on fallen fruits, berries and seeds,
but will also take insects, and has often been seen feeding on snails.
Behavior
Forages by walking on the ground,
typically in and around areas of vegetation. Items are gathered by
plucking them off of the surface of the ground. When disturbed, they
typically will run away on the ground, or make very short flights.
Nesting
The nest of Key West Quail-Dove is a
simple platform of sticks and leaves, constructed on the ground or in a low
shrub. The female lays one to three eggs, and both the male and female
help to incubate them. The eggs hatch after about 12 days.
Song
A mournful, long groaning coo.
Migration
Considered a permanent resident
throughout its normal range.
