Bird GuidePigeons and DovesKey West Quail-Dove

At a Glance

Although it was named for Key West, Florida, where it probably nested in the 1800s, today this bird is only a rare visitor to Florida from islands in the Caribbean. A chunky, rotund bird, it walks quietly on the ground under very dense cover, and is often difficult to find even where it is common.
Category
Pigeon-like Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Forests and Woodlands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets
Behavior
Direct Flight

Range & Identification

Description

11-12" (27-31 cm). A heavy-bodied tropical dove that walks on the ground. Rich brown on back, with strong purple and green iridescence, and dull whitish below. Strong face pattern with dark crown, wide white stripe under eye.
Size
About the size of a Crow, About the size of a Robin
Wing Shape
Broad, Pointed
Tail Shape
Rounded, Short, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

Deep, hollow cooing, ooo-wooooo.

Explore More