Birdsong field guide
Purple Quail-Dove
Geotrygon purpurata
A shy, ground-dwelling bird of the Chocó bioregion, known for its striking iridescent violet-purple plumage and secretive nature.
What it sounds like
A low-pitched, mournful, and drawn-out 'whooo' or 'hu-wu' repeated at long intervals.
Field notes
- Formerly treated as a subspecies of the Sapphire Quail-Dove before being recognized as a distinct species.
- It is currently classified as Endangered due to rapid habitat loss and its extremely restricted elevational range.
- Features a bold facial pattern with a white forehead and a dark malar stripe that contrasts with its deep purple back.
- Primarily terrestrial, this species forages for fallen fruits and seeds by walking slowly across the humid forest floor.
- When startled, it is more likely to run into dense cover than to take flight, often remaining remarkably well-camouflaged.
Habitat
Primary humid montane forest and wet foothills, generally between 600m and 1,100m elevation.
Range
The Chocó region of northwest Ecuador and southwest Colombia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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