Spotted Wood Quail

Overview

The spotted wood quail (Odontophorus guttatus) is a small, ground-dwelling bird belonging to the New World quail family. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though it has faced local population declines due to deforestation.

Identification

• A 25 cm long bird weighing approximately 300 g with dark brown upperparts featuring black and rufous flecking.
• An orange crest that is raised when the bird is excited, accompanied by white-spotted underparts that are typically olive brown but can appear rufous.
• A duet advertising call consisting of a clear whistled coowit CAWwit coowit COO, alongside clear chirps and peeps.

Habitat

Resident in the highlands of Central America from southern Mexico to western Panama, usually at altitudes of 1000 m or higher up to the timberline. It favours dense understory thickets and bamboo, though it may occasionally be seen on forest tracks.

Diet

Forages on the ground in groups of four to ten, scratching at the soil to find seeds, fallen fruit, and insects.

Did you know?

The nesting site remains undescribed, although the eggs are known to be creamy-white with brown spots.