Tuxtla Quail-Dove

The Tuxtla quail-dove, also known as the Veracruz quail-dove, is a rather elusive bird with a length ranging from 20 to 31.5 cm. Adults display a light bluish-gray coloration on the head, neck, throat, and breast, with light brown flanks and a distinctive wide black malar stripe. Their back and wings are olive brown, exhibiting minimal iridescence. Juveniles, on the other hand, are generally darker with cinnamon edges on their upperparts and buff bars across the breast.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Tuxtla quail-dove, look for the unique black malar stripe and the light bluish-gray coloration on the upper body parts. The lack of strong iridescence on the olive-brown back and wings can also be a distinguishing feature. Juveniles may be recognized by their darker overall appearance and the buff bars on their breast.

Habitat

This species is found in the humid evergreen forests and cloudforests of southeastern Mexico. It prefers elevations between 350 and 2,100 meters, where the vegetation is dense and the environment is moist.

Distribution

The Tuxtla quail-dove is endemic to southeastern Mexico, specifically restricted to two volcanic areas in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas of Veracruz state: Volcán de San Martín and Sierra de Santa Marta.

Behaviour

These birds are known to forage either alone or in pairs. While the specifics of their diet are not well-documented, it is likely that they feed on a variety of fruits, seeds, and invertebrates found within the leaf litter of their forest habitat.

Song & calls

The song of the Tuxtla quail-dove is a distinctive three-syllable note "whu-hu-whUuuw," with a pronounced emphasis on the final syllable. At a distance, the overslurred last syllable is often the only part that can be heard.

Breeding

Breeding behavior is not well-documented, but a single observed nest was a loosely constructed platform supported by bamboo shoots, containing one egg.

Conservation status

The Tuxtla quail-dove is currently assessed as Endangered by the IUCN. Its status is precarious due to its very small and fragmented range, which has suffered from almost complete deforestation.