Perdiz Katia
Tacarcuna Wood-quail
Odontophorus dialeucos
Song
Tacarcuna Wood-quail
Appearance: The Tacarcuna Wood-quail is a medium-sized bird, about 26-28 cm (10-11 inches) long. It has a striking appearance with a black head, white nape, and a rufous (reddish-brown) throat and breast. The upperparts are dark brown with white or buff speckling, providing excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. Both males and females have similar plumage, but males may have more prominent markings or coloration.
Habitat: This species is primarily found in cloud forests and dense undergrowth of montane forests at higher elevations, ranging from 1500 to 2200 meters above sea level. The Tacarcuna Wood-quail prefers rugged terrain with thick vegetation and ample cover for foraging and nesting.
Behavior: Tacarcuna Wood-quails are secretive and elusive birds, often remaining hidden in dense vegetation and only occasionally coming out into more open areas. They are primarily ground-dwellers, foraging for seeds, fruits, and insects on the forest floor. These quails are known to form pairs or small family groups and can be vocal, communicating through various calls and vocalizations.
Breeding: Breeding behaviors of the Tacarcuna Wood-quail are not extensively documented, but nests are typically constructed on the ground, hidden amidst vegetation. Females lay a clutch of eggs, typically ranging from 2 to 4 eggs, and both parents likely participate in incubation and raising the young.
Conservation Status: The Tacarcuna Wood-quail is categorized as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Distribution
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: The Tacarcuna Wood-Quail is known to occur in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range in northern Colombia. Within this region, the quail can be found in cloud forests and dense undergrowth, typically at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level. The rugged terrain and rich vegetation of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta provide suitable habitat for this species.
Taxonomy
The Tacarcuna Wood-quail (Odontophorus dialeucos)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Odontophoridae
- Genus: Odontophorus
- Species: Odontophorus dialeucos
Vocalization
Calls and Vocalizations: The Tacarcuna Wood-quail is known to produce a variety of vocalizations, including calls, whistles, and other sounds. Their vocalizations are typically described as melodic, clear, and often resonant in the forest environment.
Contact Calls: Tacarcuna Wood-quails may use contact calls to communicate with each other while foraging or moving through their habitat. These calls help individuals stay in touch and maintain group cohesion, especially in the dense vegetation where visual contact may be limited.
Alarm Calls: When startled or sensing danger, Tacarcuna Wood-Quails are likely to emit alarm calls to alert others in the group of potential threats. Alarm calls can vary in intensity and pitch, serving as a warning signal for the group to take cover or remain vigilant.
Breeding Calls: During the breeding season, Tacarcuna Wood-quails may use specific vocalizations to attract mates or establish their territory. These calls could be more elaborate and prolonged, serving as a display of fitness and readiness for breeding.
Territorial Calls: Tacarcuna Wood-quails may use vocalizations to delineate and defend their territories from intruders, signaling ownership and dominance in their habitat. Territorial calls may be repeated and louder, intended to establish boundaries and deter rival individuals or groups.
