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Photo: © Michiel Oversteegen eBird S57841020 Macaulay Library ML 166630761
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Crested Bobwhite

Colinus cristatus

Perdiz Chilindra
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Song

Crested Bobwhite

Appearance: The Crested Bobwhite is a small bird with a characteristic crest on its head. It has a notable white plumage with black markings on the back and face. Both males and females exhibit similar color patterns. 
Habitat: The Crested Bobwhite is native to grasslands, savannas, and open woodland habitats. These birds are found in regions characterized by suitable grassland and shrubby habitats. 
Behavior: Crested Bobwhites are known for their secretive and elusive nature, often relying on camouflage to avoid detection.- They are ground-dwelling birds, foraging for seeds, insects, and vegetation. 
Breeding: During the breeding season, Crested Bobwhites form monogamous pairs. Nests are usually ground-scrapes concealed among vegetation where the female lays a clutch of eggs. Incubation lasts around 23 days, with both parents caring for the young. 
Conservation Status: The Crested Bobwhite is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN.

Distribution

Llanos Orientales: The eastern plains region of Colombia, known as the Llanos Orientales, provides extensive grasslands and savannas where Crested Bobwhites can be found. 
Meta Department: Within the Llanos Orientales, the Meta Department is one of the areas where the Crested Bobwhite is commonly observed due to its grassy habitats.
Casanare Department: Another important region within the Llanos Orientales where the Crested Bobwhite is known to exist, especially in grasslands and savanna areas.
Arauca Department: This region, located in the northeast of Colombia, also provides suitable habitats for the Crested Bobwhite.
Vichada Department: The Vichada Department, bordering Venezuela, is another region where the Crested Bobwhite has been recorded.
Other grassland and savanna areas: Crested Bobwhites may also inhabit other grassland and savanna regions within Colombia where the environmental conditions are favorable for their survival.

Taxonomy

The Crested Bobwhite (Colinus cristatus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Galliformes
  • Family: Odontophoridae
  • Genus: Colinus
  • Species: Colinus cristatus

Vocalization

Whistled Calls: Crested Bobwhites are known for their whistled calls. The vocalizations of the male and female birds can vary slightly. The whistled calls are often used for communication between mates, family members, and members of the same covey.
Advertising Calls: Male Crested Bobwhites may vocalize to advertise their presence and territory to other males and potential mates. Advertising calls can be a way to establish dominance and attract females during the breeding season.
Contact Calls: Crested Bobwhites may use softer contact calls to maintain contact with other members of their group, especially when foraging or moving together. Contact calls help them stay connected and coordinate movements within their covey.
Alarm Calls: When Crested Bobwhites sense danger or perceive a threat, they may emit alarm calls. Alarm calls serve to alert other members of the group to potential dangers and prompt them to take evasive action.
Nesting Calls: During the breeding season, Crested Bobwhites may also exhibit specific vocalizations associated with nesting activities. These calls can include signals related to courtship, pair bonding, and territorial defense near the nest site.