Grey-fronted quail-dove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grey-fronted quail-dove |
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Geotrygon
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caniceps
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The grey-fronted quail-dove (scientific name: Geotrygon caniceps) is a special type of bird. It belongs to the Columbidae family, which includes doves and pigeons. This bird is found only in Cuba, meaning it is endemic to that island.
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About the Grey-fronted Quail-Dove
How Scientists Name Birds
Scientists group living things into categories. This helps them understand how different species are related. The grey-fronted quail-dove was once placed in a different group called Oreopeleia.
For a while, it was even thought to be the same species as the white-fronted quail-dove. Its name was "grey-headed quail-dove" back then. Today, most bird experts call it the "grey-fronted quail-dove."
What Does the Grey-fronted Quail-Dove Look Like?
The male grey-fronted quail-dove is about 26 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) long. Females are slightly smaller, around 27 centimeters (11 inches). These birds weigh between 192 and 210 grams (6.8 to 7.4 ounces).
Adult males have a grayish-white forehead. The rest of their head is gray, sometimes with a purplish shine. Their throat is medium gray, getting darker on the chest. The sides of their chest are a shiny purple.
Their belly is a creamy color, and the area near their tail is reddish-brown. Their shoulders are glossy purple, and their lower back is bluish-purple. The tail is gray. Females look very similar but have duller colors. Young birds have a brownish-gray forehead and dark brown upper parts.
Where the Grey-fronted Quail-Dove Lives
Habitat and Distribution
The grey-fronted quail-dove used to live all over Cuba. Now, it is mostly found in the eastern part of the island. You can also find it in the Sierra del Rosario mountains in the west.
This bird prefers wet forests, both old and new. It lives in lowlands and also in mountains up to 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) high.
Grey-fronted Quail-Dove Behavior
Feeding Habits
The grey-fronted quail-dove looks for food on the ground. It usually searches alone or in pairs. Its diet includes seeds and small invertebrates, which are tiny creatures without backbones.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The breeding season for the grey-fronted quail-dove lasts for many months. It can be from January all the way to August. This bird builds its nest using twigs and leaves. It lines the nest with small roots and grass.
Nests are typically placed about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) above the ground. They are often found in a bush surrounded by tall grass. A female usually lays one or two eggs at a time.
Bird Song and Calls
The grey-fronted quail-dove has a unique song. It is a long series of short, low-pitched notes. These notes sound like "haoo" or "cooo." The bird can sing them slowly or very quickly. It sings throughout the year, but less often during the rainy season.
Status of the Grey-fronted Quail-Dove
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed the grey-fronted quail-dove as "Vulnerable." This means its population is small and getting smaller. The main reasons for this decline are hunting and the loss of its forest home.
See also
In Spanish: Camao para niños
