Buff-fronted Quail-Dove

The buff-fronted quail-dove, a denizen of the Talamancan montane forests, is a medium-sized bird with a length ranging from 24 to 28 cm. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism in weight, males tip the scales between 310 and 330 grams, while females are lighter at 225 to 283 grams. The adult's plumage is a tapestry of medium gray on the head, neck, and breast, transitioning to a green-tinged nape and upper back, and culminating in a maroon back, wings, and tail. A distinctive light gray cheek framed by narrow black stripes and a buffy forehead bestow this species with its name. The eyes are brown, encircled by a slim red ring, and the legs are a striking coral-red, complementing a dull brown bill with a reddish base. Juveniles display a dusky gray crown and nape with a green sheen, and their upperparts are a muted chestnut adorned with indistinct dusky bars and cinnamon feather tips. Their underparts are a mélange of gray and cinnamon bars and freckles, with a buff belly.

Identification Tips

To identify the buff-fronted quail-dove, look for the unique head pattern with light gray cheeks and black stripes extending past the eye, as well as the buff-colored forehead. The red eye-ring and coral-red legs are also key features. The maroon coloration of the back, wings, and tail is distinctive, as is the size and shape of the bird when compared to other doves.

Habitat

This species thrives in the Talamancan montane forests, a habitat characterized by its elevation and lush vegetation.

Distribution

The buff-fronted quail-dove is a permanent resident from the northern reaches of Costa Rica's Cordillera de Guanacaste, extending southeast into western Panama, as far as Veraguas Province.

Behaviour

These quail-doves are often seen foraging alone or in pairs, meticulously searching through leaf litter on the forest floor for sustenance.

Song & calls

The vocal repertoire of the buff-fronted quail-dove includes a distinctive "hoOOOO" song, which crescendos towards the end with a slightly rising inflection.

Breeding

Breeding behaviors and phenology remain largely enigmatic, but one observed nest was a nearly flat platform of coarse twigs, moss, and liverworts, situated about 4 meters above ground on a horizontal branch.

Diet and Feeding

While the full extent of their diet is not well documented, it is known to include fruit, seeds, and likely insects.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the buff-fronted quail-dove as Least Concern, recognizing its fairly common presence within a relatively small range and a population that appears to be stable.