High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air thrums with the emerald symphony of the rainforest, a secretive resident flits amongst the undergrowth. This is the Ruddy Quail-Dove (Geotrygon montana), a plump and fascinating member of the dove and pigeon family. While not as flamboyant as the Scarlet Macaw or as common as the Clay-colored Robin, the Ruddy Quail-Dove adds a touch of russet charm to the mountain retreats of Costa Rica.
A Shy Forest Dweller
The Ruddy Quail-Dove is a bird of the forest floor, preferring the dappled light and leafy haven of the understory. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it will likely be a fleeting glimpse. These terrestrial birds are shy and tend to walk or hop stealthily amongst the fallen leaves, their chunky bodies surprisingly well-camouflaged against the forest litter.
Flushed from the undergrowth, the Ruddy Quail-Dove explodes into flight in a surprising burst of energy. Their wings beat rapidly, propelling them in a low trajectory through the trees. Listen for the distinctive whoosh of their wings as they take flight.
Recognizing the Ruddy Quail-Dove
The male Ruddy Quail-Dove is unmistakable. His body is bathed in a rich, ruddy brown, with a hint of chestnut on the head and breast. Look for a distinctive white patch on the lower belly and the corners of the tail. A splash of bright yellow adorns the beak, adding a touch of vibrancy.
The female Ruddy Quail-Dove is a master of disguise. Overall brown with subtle barring, she lacks the vibrant plumage of the male. However, upon closer inspection, you might see a faint echo of the male’s facial pattern and a pale vertical bar on the sides of her breast.
A Life on the Forest Floor
The Ruddy Quail-Dove is a ground-feeder, spending its days foraging for fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates on the forest floor. Their short, stout beaks are perfectly adapted for picking up these tasty morsels. They are also known to consume small snails and insects, adding protein to their diet.
A Secretive Breeder
The Ruddy Quail-Dove is a solitary nester, with pairs only coming together during the breeding season. They build a flimsy platform of twigs and leaves in a low shrub or tree, where the female lays a clutch of two buff-colored eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks until they fledge.
A Sight to Remember
While not as common as some other Costa Rican birds, a glimpse of the Ruddy Quail-Dove is a delightful reward for the patient observer. Keep your eyes peeled on the forest floor during your hikes, and listen for the whoosh of their wings. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a flash of ruddy brown flitting amongst the trees, a shy resident adding its own unique charm to the mountain paradise of Costa Rica.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
