New World Quails

Order: GALLIFORMES - Family: ODONTOPHORIDAE

35 Species currently existing - 10 in region

New World Quails are a diverse group of small to medium-sized birds native to the Americas. Read in Spanish

Physical Description: New World quails vary in size and coloration. They typically have compact bodies, short legs, and round wings. Many species exhibit mottled or spotted plumage, providing effective camouflage in their natural habitats. Some species have distinctive crests or plumes on their heads.

Habitat: New World quails are found in a range of habitats, including grasslands, scrublands, forests, and desert areas. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth for cover and nesting.

Behavior: New World quails are primarily ground-dwelling birds, foraging for seeds, insects, and vegetation. They are known for their secretive behavior, often running or freezing in place when disturbed to avoid detection. Some species form coveys or groups for feeding and protection.

Breeding: New World quails typically form pairs or small family groups for breeding. Nests are usually constructed on the ground, hidden among vegetation. Females lay clutch sizes varying from a few to several eggs, depending on the species.

Crested Bobwhite

Colinus cristatus
Spanish name: Perdiz Chilindra

Size: 9 in | 23 cm
Habitat: Native to grasslands, savannas, desert scrubs and open woodland habitats.
Height: <2500 m

Photo: © Michiel Oversteegen eBird S57841020 Macaulay Library ML 166630761

Marbled Wood-quail

Odontophorus gujanensis
Spanish name: Perdiz Corcovada

Size: 11 in | 29 cm
Habitat: Dense, humid forests with thick undergrowth and dense vegetation in the lowlands and foothills.
Height: <1500 m

Photo: © Luiz Matos eBird S92935103 Macaulay Library ML 359841711

Black-eared Wood-quail

Odontophorus melanotis
Spanish name: Perdiz Orejinegra

Size: 10 in | 25 cm
Habitat: Humid and forested areas
Height: 300-1100 m

Photo: © Jorge Gabriel Campos eBird S35295255 Macaulay Library ML 121911051

Rufous-fronted Wood-quail

Odontophorus erythrops
Spanish name: Perdiz Collareja

Size: 11 in | 28 cm
Habitat: Humid and wet lowland and foothill
Height: <1600 m

Photo: © Madeleine Sandefur eBird S35752572 Macaulay Library ML 55202971

Black-fronted Wood-quail

Odontophorus atrifrons
Spanish name: Perdiz Carinegra

Size: 11 in | 28 cm
Habitat: Humid montane forest
Height: 700-3100 m

Photo: © Dušan Brinkhuizen eBird S64750575 Macaulay Library ML 204884721

Chestnut Wood-quail

Odontophorus hyperythrus
Spanish name: Perdiz Colorada

Size: 10.5 in | 27 cm
Habitat: Cloud and montane forest
Height: 1600-2800 m

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

Dark-backed Wood-quail

Odontophorus melanonotos
Spanish name: Perdiz de Nariño

Size: 10 in | 25 cm
Habitat: Humid and wet montane forest
Height: 1100-2200 m

Photo: © Eduardo Lago V.

Rufous-breasted Wood-quail

Odontophorus speciosus
Spanish name: Perdiz Pechirrufo

Size: 10 in | 25 cm
Habitat: Humid and wet montane forest
Height: 800-2000 m

Tacarcuna Wood-quail

Odontophorus dialeucos
Spanish name: Perdiz Katia

Size: 9 in | 23 cm
Habitat: high-altitude cloud forests, of difficult access
Height: 1050-1450 m

Gorgeted Wood-quail

Odontophorus strophium
Spanish name: Perdiz Santandereana

Size: 10 in | 25 cm
Habitat: Montane forest, dense understory vegetation, humid and wet forest habitats
Height: 1600-2050 m

Tawny-faced Quail

Rhynchortyx cinctus
Spanish name: Perdiz Selvática

Size: 7.5 in | 19 cm
Habitat: Grassy plains, savannas, and meadows, humid and wet lowland and foothill forest
Height: <1000 m