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Photo: © Jorge Gabriel Campos eBird S35295255 Macaulay Library ML 121911051
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Black-eared Wood-quail

Odontophorus melanotis
Perdiz Orejinegra
bird-song-square

Song

Black-eared Wood-quail

Appearance: The Black-eared Wood-quail is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 25 centimeters in length. It has a generally mottled brown plumage with distinct black ear patches, giving it its name. These quails have red legs, a red bill, and a reddish eye-ring, adding to their appearance. 
Habitat: The Black-eared Wood-quail is found in dense montane forests and cloud forests in the Andes mountain range in Colombia. They prefer habitats with thick undergrowth, bamboo thickets, and shrubby vegetation, usually at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,100 meters above sea level. 
Behavior: These wood-quails are shy and elusive birds, often remaining hidden in the understory of dense forests. They are ground-dwelling birds that forage for seeds, fruits, insects, and other invertebrates in the leaf litter and vegetation. 
Breeding: Black-eared Wood-quails are believed to be monogamous and form breeding pairs. They construct shallow ground nests lined with leaves and other materials to lay their small clutch of eggs. 
Conservation Status: The Black-eared Wood-quail, is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Distribution

Western Andes: The Black-eared Wood-quail is commonly found in the western slopes of the Colombian Andes, including departments such as Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindio. These regions are characterized by humid montane forests and cloud forests that provide suitable habitat for this species.
Central Andes: In the central part of the Colombian Andes, including departments like Tolima, Caldas, and Quindio, the Black-eared Wood-Quail can also be observed. These areas offer a mix of montane forests, páramo habitats, and cloud forests where this species is known to reside.
Nevado del Ruiz National Park: Located in the Central Andes of Colombia, Nevado del Ruiz National Park is a protected area known to harbor populations of the Black-eared Wood-quail. The park's diverse ecosystems and altitudinal gradient support a variety of bird species, including this elusive quail.
Other Montane Forests: Apart from the specific regions mentioned above, the Black-eared Wood-quail may also be found in other montane forests and cloud forests across the Andes mountain range in Colombia. These habitats are characterized by dense vegetation, mossy trees, and a rich diversity of plant and animal species that provide a suitable environment for the wood-quail to thrive.

Taxonomy

The Black-eared Wood-quail(Odontophorus melanotis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Galliformes
  • Family: Odontophoridae
  • Genus: Odontophorus 
  • Species: Odontophorus melanotis

Vocalization

Whistling Calls: Black-eared Wood-quails are recognized for their distinctive whistling calls that are often described as melodious and flute-like. Male Wood-quails use these calls to establish their presence in the territory, attract mates during the breeding season, and communicate with other members of the group.
Duetting Calls: During courtship and pair bonding, Black-eared Wood-quails engage in duetting calls where males and females participate in synchronized vocalizations. These duets involve elaborate exchanges of whistles and calls between mates, reinforcing their bond and signaling their commitment to each other.
Alarm Calls: When Black-eared Wood-quails sense danger or perceive a threat, they emit sharp, loud alarm calls to alert other members of the group and prompt a coordinated response. These alarm calls help the wood-quails to stay vigilant, identify potential predators, and take evasive action to ensure their safety.
Contact Calls: Within the family group or flock, Black-eared Wood-quails use soft contact calls to maintain communication, coordinate movements, and keep in touch with each other. These contact calls are gentle and serve to reinforce social bonds among group members while foraging or moving through the forest understory.
Territorial Calls: Male Black-eared Wood-quails often vocalize to defend their territories against intruders or rival males. These territorial calls are characterized by repetitive whistles and vocal displays that assert dominance, establish boundaries, and deter competitors from encroaching on their territory.