The black-eared wood quail is a bird species in the order Galliformes. Until recently, the species was thought to be part of the family Phasianidae however DNA-DNA hybridization results determined that black-eared wood quail are only distantly related to Old World quail. As a result, black-eared wood quail have been placed in the family Odontophoridae and more specifically, in the category of wood quail.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen lowland and foothill forests, favoring dense understory with tangles, palms, bamboo, and Heliconia thickets. It keeps to the shaded forest floor and nearby edges, using leaf litter for cover. Found in both primary and well-developed secondary forest, especially along gullies, streams, and quiet trails. It avoids open areas and is highly sensitive to fragmentation and disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive forest quail of the family Odontophoridae, the black-eared wood quail lives on the dim forest floor and is more often heard than seen. Pairs or small coveys give resonant, far-carrying duets at dawn and dusk. Its presence is often an indicator of relatively intact, undisturbed lowland and foothill rainforest.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fast dashes; prefers running to flying
Social Behavior
Typically found in small coveys of 3–8 birds that move single-file along the forest floor. Pairs likely form strong bonds, and nesting occurs on the ground in concealed leaf-litter cups under dense cover. Coveys communicate with soft contact notes and freeze or slip away silently when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant hoots and booming notes, often in antiphonal duets between pair members. Vocalizations carry far through the understory at dawn and dusk and are the best way to detect the species.
Plumage
Stocky, ground-dwelling quail with warm brown upperparts and finely mottled or barred underparts. Head shows rich rufous to chestnut tones with a contrasting dark auricular (ear) patch. Back and wings are dark brown with subtle spotting; flanks show buff barring. Tail is short and often held low.
Diet
Forages by scratching in leaf litter for fallen seeds and small fruits. Also consumes insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, taking advantage of seasonally abundant food pulses. Will glean along quiet forest paths and near fruiting shrubs, swallowing small items whole.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the shaded forest floor within dense understory, especially near thickets, stream edges, and fallen logs. Often stays close to cover, emerging briefly into small openings before retreating back into vegetation.
