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Photo © Linda Rudolph eBird S47233559 Macaulay Library ML 107721751
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Rufous-breasted Wood-quail

Odonthophorus speciosus
Perdiz Pechirrufo
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Song

Rufous-breasted Wood-quail

Appearance: The Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail is a medium-sized bird, approximately 28-30 cm (11-12 in) long. It has a rufous or reddish-brown breast, contrasting with a black and white barred belly. The upperparts are brown with black vermiculations (fine wavy lines). It has a red eye ring, a black crown, and a chestnut nape. Both males and females have similar plumage. 
Habitat: The Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail typically inhabits the understory of humid montane forests, cloud forests, and dense wooded areas. This species prefers steep or mountainous terrain between 800 to 2000 m above sea level. 
Behavior: Rufous-breasted Wood-Quails are usually found in pairs or small family groups, foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits, and insects. They are secretive and shy birds, often difficult to spot due to their cryptic plumage.When disturbed, they prefer to walk or run away rather than fly. 
Breeding: The breeding behavior of the Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail is relatively unknown due to their elusive nature. However, they are known to build well-hidden nests on the forest floor, typically laying 2-4 eggs in a clutch. 
Conservation Status: The Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail is considered Near Threatened according to the IUCN.

Distribution

Central Andes: This region includes the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, Tolima, and parts of Valle del Cauca and Cauca. The Rufous-breasted Wood-quail is known to inhabit the cloud forests and montane forests of the Central Andes.
Western Andes: The Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail can also be found in the western part of the Andes, including areas of Chocó, Antioquia, and parts of Valle del Cauca. This region consists of diverse habitats where this species thrives.
Eastern Andes: The Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail  is present In the eastern region of the Andes, including parts of Boyacá, Santander, Norte de Santander, and Arauca.  It inhabits the montane forests and wooded areas in these parts of the country.
Southern Andes: This region includes parts of Huila, Cauca, and Nariño, where the Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail is found in patches amidst the rugged topography of the Andean mountain range.

Taxonomy

The Rufous-breasted Wood-quail (Odontophorus speciosus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Galliformes
  • Family: Odontophoridae
  • Genus: Odontophorus
  • Species: Odontophorus speciosus

Vocalization

Advertising Calls: Male quails often use advertising calls to establish their presence and attract mates. These calls are loud, repetitive, and distinctive, helping males to announce their territory and availability to potential mates.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, male quails produce complex and melodious calls to court females. These calls can vary in pitch, rhythm, and intensity, often designed to impress and woo females for mating.
Alarm Calls: Quails are known for their sharp and high-pitched alarm calls that signal danger or alert other members of the group about potential threats. These calls are crucial for the survival of the group, helping them to stay vigilant and respond to predators.
Contact Calls: Quails use contact calls to stay in touch with other members of their group, especially when foraging or moving through dense vegetation. These calls help maintain group cohesion and ensure that members can locate each other in their environment.
Aggressive Calls: In territorial disputes or conflicts with other quails, individuals may produce aggressive calls that are harsh, loud, and threatening. These calls are used to assert dominance, defend territory, or deter rivals.