The Blue-Headed Quail-Dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala) is a bird that is endemic to Cuba. The fact that it also has the common name of Blue-Headed Partridge-Dove gives you a clue that people have not been all that confident about what sort of bird it is - although there is consensus that it has a blue head!
This bird has a mainly cinnamon-brown body with a bright blue crown, black eye stripe, and a white facial stripe. This species lives mainly on the forest floor where it feeds on seeds, berries, and snails.
Some sources suggest "It is generally found in pairs" - but I think there were more than two of these birds around the feeders in Rocio's Gardens - Los Hondones, Cuba.
Some recent taxonomic work has been done on this species, and the study concludes that 'this dove is not closely related to species in Australia or the Americas. Instead, it stands apart from all known doves and pigeons'. (The reference to Australia may surprise some people, but in the past it had been suggested that some of the birds features were more similar to some Australian species than to broadly American species)
The study further concludes that “This species is even more evolutionarily distinct than the dodo was".
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. SM
They are certainly beautiful, and even more now I understand how unique they are!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, that's a claim to fame, if that striking headwear wasn't already! YAM xx
Another new to me and beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteWill read the summary (so thanks for linking it) as I feel I don't know enough about the dodo either....just that we killed them all.
ReplyDeleteNew to me also and a very interesting bird Stewart. Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteThe body resembles our Mourning Dove but the head is a stand-out. Amazing how they can look similar but be so different.
ReplyDeleteAmazing birds, Awesome clicks
ReplyDeleteWow, a beautiful new bird to me! Thank you, Stewart
ReplyDeleteStriking appearance!
ReplyDelete