Dark-backed Wood-quail
Odontophorus melanonotus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="odontophorus-melanonotus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized New World quail (~320 g) of family Odontophoridae, with a dark brown back and rufous underparts. Inhabits humid forest on both slopes of the Andes in western Ecuador and Colombia below 1,500 m elevation. Forages on the forest floor for seeds, invertebrates, and fallen fruits. Least Concern; found in Chocó and western Andean forests, relatively tolerant of some disturbance.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 25.9 cm | 10.2 in |
| Weight | 322.0 g | 11.36 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark blackish-brown on back and wings with fine buff streaking; throat and face rufous-buff; underparts paler rufous-brown with dark barring; bare reddish eye-ring; darker backed than most congeners.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident in the Pacific Andes of Ecuador and northern Peru at 600-1,800 m. Found in humid foothill and montane forest.
Diet & Feeding
Forages on forest floor for seeds, invertebrates, and small fruits in Pacific slope forests of Colombia and Ecuador.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Resonant, low-pitched 'pow-POW-ow' duet song; second note highest, third trailing off. Usually delivered at dawn. Flushes with explosive wing clatter and sharp alarm chips.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Odontophoridae (New World Quail) |
| Genus | Odontophorus |
| Species | Odontophorus melanonotus |
Distribution
Dark-backed Wood-quail has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Dark-backed Wood-quail eat?
Where does the Dark-backed Wood-quail live?
Is the Dark-backed Wood-quail endangered?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Odontophoridae family