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Gorgeted Wood Quail (Odontophorus strophium)

Gorgeted Wood Quail

Odontophorus strophium

Vulnerable

Overview

The gorgeted wood quail (Odontophorus strophium) is a rare, small ground-dwelling bird belonging to the New World quail family. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, having been downlisted from Endangered status in 2018.

Habitat

Found exclusively in the eastern Cordillera of Colombia within the Serrania de Yariguies and NorAndino Oak Forest Corridor, the species inhabits humid subtropical and temperate forests dominated by oak and laurel trees. While currently sighted between 1,750–2,050 m altitude, it is believed to occupy a broader elevational range of 1,500–2,500 m, utilising both primary and degraded secondary forests.

Diet

This species forages for fruit, seeds, and arthropods, with a diet particularly rich in insects and nuts during the summer. Unlike many other birds, it requires a high-protein diet to sustain itself.

Did you know?

Although formerly classified as Critically Endangered, new research has demonstrated that the species is not as rare as previously believed, leading to its improved conservation status.

Sources