Odontophorus melanonotus
The Dark-backed Wood Quail (Odontophorus melanonotus) is a strikingly plumaged and exceptionally elusive member of the New World Quail family. Measuring approximately 23-28 cm (9-11 inches) in length and weighing 270-350 g, this robust quail is characterized by its uniformly dark brown to blackish upperparts, contrasting sharply with rich rufous to chestnut underparts. Its head is largely blackish, often adorned with subtle white flecks or a faint malar stripe, and it possesses a heavy, dark ...
Found exclusively in humid montane cloud forests and subtropical moist montane forests, this species thrives in dense undergrowth and leaf litter, typically at elevations between 1,200 and 2,500 meters.
Their diet consists predominantly of seeds, fallen fruits (especially berries), and a variety of small invertebrates, all gleaned from the forest floor by scratching through leaf litter.
The Dark-backed Wood Quail is a highly secretive, terrestrial species, active primarily during dawn and dusk, though it can also be observed foraging during the day. It typically moves in small, cohesive coveys of 3-8 individuals, scratching vigorously through leaf litter to unearth food items. T...
The Dark-backed Wood Quail is endemic to the western slopes of the Andes, with its range primarily spanning southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. In Colombia, it is found in departments such as Cauca, Nariño, and Putumayo. Its distribution continues south into Ecuador, through provinces...
Near Threatened
- The name *Odontophorus* literally means 'tooth-bearer', referring to a small, tooth-like projection found on the bill of these quails, used for processing tough seeds. - Despite its striking plumage, the Dark-backed Wood Quail is notoriously difficult to observe, earning it the reputation of be...