Yucatan Bobwhite

Overview

The Yucatan bobwhite, also known as the black-throated bobwhite (Colinus nigrogularis), is a compact, ground-dwelling bird in the family Odontophoridae. It is native to Central America, with an extensive range extending from the Yucatan Peninsula southwards to Honduras and Nicaragua.

Identification

• Approximately 20 cm in length, appearing compact and ground-dwelling.
• Males feature a black throat edged with white, a white forehead, and a black eyestripe and crown.
• Male upper neck, mantle, and flanks are reddish-brown speckled with white, while underparts are scalloped with white feathers edged in black.
• Females are similar but possess a buff throat, black hind neck and mantle with paler speckling, and white breast and belly barred with reddish-brown and black.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, coastal mangroves, and heavily degraded former forests. It is specifically found in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua, with notable occurrences in the Petenes mangroves of the Yucatan.