Purplish-backed Quail-Dove

The Purplish-backed Quail-Dove, Zentrygon lawrencii, presents a striking figure in its montane forest home. Males, slightly larger, measure between 26 to 27 cm in length, while females are approximately 25 cm. The species tips the scales at around 220 grams. Adults boast a grayish white forehead, with a crown, nape, and hindneck of bluish to greenish gray. The mantle shimmers with a subtle dull purple, while the upperparts and wings are a more subdued olive-brown to blackish brown, tinged with hints of red. The central tail feathers are a rich purple-brown, contrasting with the outer feathers' blackish hue and gray tips. A distinctive white face and throat are marked by a black malar line and a line extending from the bill to the eye. The neck and breast are a slate gray, transitioning to greenish sides, with the belly center a pale buff to cinnamon, and the flanks a deep chocolate. Eyes of brownish orange to red are set in bare magenta skin, and the legs and feet also share this magenta tone. Juveniles lack the mature green and purple mantle, have a less pronounced facial pattern, and their feathers are edged with buff.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Purplish-backed Quail-Dove, look for the unique coloration of the mantle and the distinctive facial markings. The magenta skin around the eye and on the legs and feet are also key identifiers. The bird's size and the reddish tinge on the wings can help distinguish it from similar species.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of cool, wet, dense montane forests, where it can be found from the understory to the forest floor.

Distribution

The Purplish-backed Quail-Dove is a resident bird found from the Cordillera de Guanacaste in northern Costa Rica, extending southeast to central Panama, with scattered populations reaching as far as Darién Province.

Behaviour

This bird typically opts for walking or running to evade danger rather than taking flight. However, when it does take to the air, it may alight on an elevated perch.

Song & Calls

The song of the Purplish-backed Quail-Dove is a distinctive three-syllable note 'pum-wha-huUUu', with the final syllable carrying the most weight and often being the only part heard from a distance.

Breeding

The breeding season in Costa Rica spans from June to October, potentially starting earlier in Panama. The species constructs a bulky yet loose nest, resembling a shallow bowl made of sticks and lined with finer materials, typically situated in dense vegetation near the ground. A single egg is laid.

Diet and Feeding

Foraging primarily on the ground, either alone or in pairs, the Purplish-backed Quail-Dove's diet consists of fruit, seeds, insects, and worms.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Purplish-backed Quail-Dove as Least Concern. While currently fairly common, there is concern that continued destruction of forest habitat could pose a future threat to the species.