Odontophorus melanotis
The Black-eared Wood Quail (Odontophorus melanotis) is a striking, medium-sized galliform bird endemic to the humid montane forests of Central America. This species measures approximately 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in length and weighs around 290-340 grams (10-12 oz). Its plumage is predominantly a rich, mottled reddish-brown, often appearing darker on the back and paler, streaked buff on the underparts, offering excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. The most distinctive field mark is the ...
This species exclusively inhabits humid tropical and subtropical montane evergreen forests, preferring dense undergrowth and pristine conditions. It is typically found at elevations ranging from near sea level up to 1800 meters (5,900 feet).
The Black-eared Wood Quail feeds predominantly on a diverse array of seeds, fallen fruits, berries, and tubers, supplemented by a significant intake of small invertebrates, including insects and their larvae, foraged by scratching through the forest floor.
Black-eared Wood Quails are primarily diurnal, active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, foraging on the forest floor before retreating to communal roosts in dense vegetation or low branches for the night. Their foraging strategy involves diligently scratching through leaf litter ...
The Black-eared Wood Quail is a non-migratory resident species found exclusively in the humid lowlands and montane forests of Central America. Its distribution spans from the eastern highlands of Honduras, through eastern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and extends south into extreme northwestern Panama. ...
Least Concern
- Despite its striking appearance, the Black-eared Wood Quail is one of the most elusive and challenging birds to observe in its natural habitat, earning it the nickname "phantom of the forest. - Its genus, Odontophorus, translates to "tooth-bearer," referring to the small, serrated "teeth" on th...