Like other quail-doves, Chirquis spend most of their time on the ground. This species is found in mountain forests in Panama and Costa Rica. Though a number were hatched in a California private collection in the 1950s, it had become very rare in captivity when two pairs from Panama were received by the DWA in 2008. Breeding commenced soon after arrival, and many have hatched since. They are displayed in several places in the facility.