A smallish, chunky, ground-dwelling species of dense woodlands with thick leaf litter; prefers drier habitats. Secretive but not shy; sometimes detected by the rustling of leaves it is strolling through. The rather similar Bridled Quail-Dove is dull brown rather than reddish or purple on the upper back and it has iridescent turquoise on the sides of its neck. Ruddy Quail-Doves have less contrast in facial markings and the males have an entirely rusty back; some also sport a vertical white shoulder stripe. The Blue-headed Quail-Dove has a blue crown and bib. This species’ song is a soft, low plaintive “hooooooo,” given at a single pitch, but growing gradually louder before dropping off abruptly at the end.