May 23th 2025

Bioparc Fuengirola welcomes the enigmatic Jamaican partridge-dove: a winged treasure of the Caribbean forests

In Jamaica, the Jamaican quail-dove is known locally as the "Mountain Witch." This nickname reflects its elusive nature and mysterious song. It is considered one of the country's thirty most difficult-to-find endemic birds.

Bioparc Fuengirola is proud to announce the arrival of a fascinating new resident: the Jamaican quail-dove (Geotrygon versicolor), a species endemic to Jamaica that stands out for its unique beauty and reserved behavior.

Known for its iridescent plumage and distinctive crest, this bird inhabits the humid forests of Jamaica's Blue Mountains, where it moves stealthily through leaf litter in search of fallen seeds and fruit. Its elusive nature and soft song make it an almost mythical presence in its natural environment.

The addition of the Jamaican Quail-Dove to Bioparc Fuengirola not only enriches the diversity of the park, but also strengthens its commitment to the conservation of endangered species. Classified as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its population is affected by habitat loss and human activity.

The Malaga animal park invites you to discover this winged jewel and learn more about the conservation efforts Bioparc Fuengirola carries out to protect the biodiversity of our planet.

These three specimens will be available to visitors in the new 14-meter-high, 1.100-square-meter aviary, part of the recent expansion dedicated to the ecosystems of Central and South America. This space recreates the lush tropical rainforest of Yucatán, offering an immersive experience where more than twenty different species coexist, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

In Jamaica, the Jamaican quail-pigeon is known locally as the “Mountain Witch.” This nickname reflects its elusive nature and mysterious song, which is rarely heard and even less seen, which has fueled its enigmatic aura among local residents. It is considered one of the thirty most difficult-to-find endemic birds in the country.

Their presence in humid forests, areas rich in biodiversity, reinforces their special status among the local fauna. Protecting their habitat is crucial not only for their conservation but also for preserving the traditions and cultural heritage associated with this unique species.

BIOPARC Fuengirola is a leading center for the conservation of endangered tropical species, protecting emblematic species of these habitats: the Bornean orangutan, the western lowland gorilla, the Sumatran tiger, and the Komodo dragon, as well as other lesser-known but equally valuable species such as the axolotl, the golden-cheeked gibbon, the Edwards' pheasant, and the Malayan tapir. This conservation park is a true journey through the world's tropical rainforests: Madagascar, equatorial Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and, as a recent addition, Central and South America. This area offers a new immersive experience that connects with the history of the first circumnavigation of the globe, the Magellan and Elcano expedition.

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