Perdiz Corcovada
Marbled Wood-quail
Odontophorus gujanensis
Song
Marbled Wood-quail
Appearance: Measures about 25-30 cm. Rich brown, rufous, and white mixed plumage with streaked underparts for camouflage
Habitat: Often located in humid tropical forests with dense underbrush. Prefers lower elevations in the western Andes of Colombia.
Behavior: Ground-dwelling forager of seeds, fruits, and insects, typically in pairs or small groups. Distinctive calls of hoots and whistles, especially during breeding season for mate communication.
Breeding: Breeds mainly in the rainy season; nests are concealed on the ground. Lays 4-6 eggs, incubated by the female.
Conservation Status: Classified as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN due to population decline and habitat degradation.
Distribution
Eastern Andes: The Marbled Wood-Quail is known to occur in the Eastern Andes of Colombia, particularly in the foothills and montane forests of this region. It can be found in areas with suitable habitat characterized by dense vegetation, undergrowth, and adequate cover for foraging and nesting.
Central Andes: This species is also present in the Central Andes of Colombia, where it inhabits humid forests and cloud forests at mid to high elevations. In the Central Andes, the Marbled Wood-Quail may be found in areas with a mix of vegetation types and diverse plant species.
Western Andes and Pacific Region: The Marbled Wood-Quail has been recorded in parts of the Western Andes and the Pacific region of Colombia, including areas with suitable forest habitat and undergrowth. In these regions, the species may be found in damp, hilly terrain with lush vegetation and rich biodiversity.
Northern Andes: Distribution records also suggest that the Marbled Wood-Quail occurs in some areas of the Northern Andes in Colombia, where it inhabits forested habitats with dense vegetation and adequate shelter.
Taxonomy
The Name of Bird (Odontophorus gujanensis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Odontophoridae
- Genus: Odontophorus
- Species: Odontophorus gujanensis
Vocalization
Advertising Calls:Male Marbled Wood-Quails often make advertising calls to establish territories and attract mates. These calls are typically loud, repetitive, and can be heard throughout the day.
Whistling Calls: The Marbled Wood-Quail produces whistling calls that can vary in pitch and duration. These calls serve as contact calls between individuals within a group or pair.
Duetting: During the breeding season, male and female Marbled Wood-Quails engage in duetting, where they vocalize together in coordinated patterns. This behavior helps strengthen the pair bond and defend their territory.
Alarm Calls: When sensing danger or detecting predators, Marbled Wood-Quails emit sharp, loud alarm calls to alert other members of the group and seek refuge in dense vegetation.
Soft Chirps and Chuckles: In addition to vocalizations used for territorial and breeding purposes, Marbled Wood-Quails also make soft chirps and chuckles while foraging or moving through the forest understory.
