Violaceous Quail-Dove

The violaceous quail-dove, Geotrygon violacea, presents a striking figure in the avian world. Males range from 20 to 23.5 cm in length, while females are slightly larger at 21 to 24.5 cm. Their weight varies from 93 to 150 grams. The males boast a grayish mauve crown and a grayish white face, with an iridescent purple to amethyst hue adorning the hindneck and shoulders. The upperparts are a brown with a purple iridescence, while the throat and breast are white with a hint of purple, transitioning to a white belly and buff flanks. Their eyes are a captivating yellow-brown to orange-brown. Females are somewhat less vivid, with the iridescent purple limited to the hindneck and shoulders, and a pale gray face and throat. Their neck and breast are a brownish shade tinged with purple, and their eyes are brown. Juveniles resemble females but are darker and lack iridescence, with reddish to cinnamon scalloping on the upperparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the violaceous quail-dove, look for the distinctive iridescent purple to amethyst coloration on the hindneck and shoulders of the males. The females and juveniles are duller but can be recognized by the purple gloss on the hindneck and shoulders and the scalloping on the upperparts in the young.

Habitat

This species thrives in the undergrowth and understory of tropical evergreen forests, both primary and secondary, and can also be found in cacao plantations.

Distribution

The violaceous quail-dove has a discontinuous distribution across South and Central America. It is found in southeastern Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, northeastern Brazil, parts of Peru and Bolivia, southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and far northeastern Argentina. Another subspecies, G. v. albiventer, inhabits Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and from northeastern Colombia to eastern Venezuela.

Behaviour

While specific seasonal movements are suspected, they have not been thoroughly documented. The violaceous quail-dove is known to forage on the ground.

Song & calls

The advertising call of the violaceous quail-dove is a repeated, single, rather high-pitched cooing note, which can be heard echoing through its forest habitat.

Breeding

The breeding season for the violaceous quail-dove is suggested to span from March to possibly November. This is inferred from observations of adults in breeding condition, nests with eggs, and juveniles. Their nests are constructed from sticks and are situated 1 to 2 meters above the ground.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the violaceous quail-dove consists of seeds, fallen fruits, and likely includes small invertebrates, all foraged from the forest floor.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the violaceous quail-dove as Least Concern. Despite being rare to uncommon in many parts of its range, it maintains a large overall population.