AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Geotrygon violacea
Violaceous Quail-Dove
(Temminck, 1809)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A plump, ground-dwelling tropical dove with a characteristically pale grey head and breast, a white throat and belly, and dark upperparts displaying brilliant violet or purplish iridescence on the mantle and back.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Columbiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Columbidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Geotrygon
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Temminck, 1809)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits the dense understory and floor of humid primary tropical forests, mature secondary woodlands, and shaded cocoa or coffee plantations, primarily in lowland and premontane zones of Central and South America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A solitary and quiet forest bird that spends almost all its time walking slowly over leaf litter on the forest floor. It is known for its low, mournful, and repetitive single-note hooting call, which males deliver from low perches in the understory during breeding seasons.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Exclusively solitary or found in pairs during the nesting cycle. They do not associate in cohesive flocks and maintain a highly cryptic, independent lifestyle under the dense cover of the forest undergrowth.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial granivore and frugivore / omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
An opportunistic ground feeder consuming fallen seeds, small fruits, berries, and various terrestrial invertebrates such as insects, snails, and grubs. It is preyed upon by forest raptors, owls, snakes, and small mammalian carnivores.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Forms monogamous pairs. Builds a bulky but shallow cup nest out of twigs, dead leaves, and rootlets, typically placed low in a shrub, tree fork, or vine tangle near the ground. The female usually lays 2 cream-colored or buff eggs, and both sexes participate in incubation.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
20.0 - 24.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
90 g - 140 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
13 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 9 Years
Females4 - 9 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males display a significantly more vivid, intense purple, violet, or bronze iridescence across the mantle and upper back, with a cleaner pale grey coloration on the crown and nape.
Females Multi-lang
Females are notably duller overall, with the brilliant violet iridescence on the upperparts reduced, more muted, or replaced by brownish-olive tones, and the crown showing less pure grey.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Deep violet and brown dorsal coloration provides excellent camouflage amidst the shifting shadows and decaying leaf litter of the dim forest floor.
Features robust leg musculature optimized for continuous walking, scratching, and foraging through thick forest debris rather than prolonged aerial travel.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by severe habitat fragmentation and loss driven by logging, widespread conversion of pristine rainforests into pastures, and vulnerability to ground-level feral predators like domestic cats and dogs.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Like many quail-doves, it is a highly secretive species that is rarely seen in the open; when surprised, it is more likely to freeze or run like a quail into the undergrowth rather than take flight.