Maroon-chested Ground-dove
Claravis mondetoura
Tortolita Chusquera
Song
Maroon-chested Ground-dove
The Maroon-chested Ground-dove (Claravis mondetoura). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The Maroon-chested Ground-dove is a striking bird with a maroon chest and undertail coverts, slate-gray upperparts, and a bright blue crown. It has a relatively small body size compared to other doves.
Habitat: This species is typically found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. They prefer dense vegetation and may also inhabit forest edges or clearings. In Colombia, they can be found in the Andean montane forests.
Behavior: Maroon-chested Ground-doves are primarily terrestrial, foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. They are often shy and elusive, preferring to stay hidden in the undergrowth.
Breeding: Not much is known about the breeding behavior of the Maroon-chested Ground-dove, but they likely build nests on the ground or low in shrubs. They may form monogamous pairs during the breeding season.
Conservation Status: The Maroon-chested Ground-dove is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Distribution
The Maroon-chested Ground-dove (Claravis mondetoura) is a species found in the northern Andes. The Maroon-chested Ground-dove is primarily distributed in the montane forests of the Andes, particularly in the central and northern regions.
Specifically, the Maroon-chested Ground-dove can be found in the higher elevation montane forests of the Colombian Andes, including areas in the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Quindio, Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, and Cauca. These regions provide suitable habitat for the species, characterized by dense vegetation and suitable foraging grounds on the forest floor.
Taxonomy
The Maroon-chested Ground-dove (Claravis mondetoura)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Claravis
- Species: Claravis mondetoura
Vocalization
The vocalizations of the Maroon-chested Ground-dove (Claravis mondetoura) are known for being soft and melodious, typical of ground-dwelling doves. Their calls are generally described as gentle coos or soft trills that can sometimes sound mournful or melancholic.
During the breeding season, male Maroon-chested Ground-doves may increase the frequency and intensity of their calls as part of courtship displays to attract females. These calls are often used to communicate territorial boundaries and to reinforce pair bonds. The vocalizations of this species are not typically loud or elaborate but serve as important signals within their social interactions.
