The chestnut wood quail is a bird species in the family Odontophoridae, the New World quail. It is found only in Colombia.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Endemic to Colombia’s montane cloud forests, mainly along the Western and Central Cordilleras. It inhabits mature and well-regenerated secondary forest with dense understory, especially in areas with bamboo thickets (Chusquea). The species keeps close to the forest floor, using ravines, ridges, and thickets for cover and foraging. It avoids extensive open areas and rarely ventures far from dense vegetation.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy, ground-dwelling quail is far more often heard than seen; its resonant, whistled duet carries through Andean cloud forests at dawn and dusk. It typically moves in small family coveys that slip quietly through dense understory and bamboo. Habitat loss and local hunting pressure can affect populations, and as a forest floor forager it likely helps disperse seeds and control invertebrates.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in small coveys or family groups that keep close contact with soft calls. Nests are on the ground, concealed in dense vegetation; pairs likely form strong bonds during the breeding period. When disturbed, birds prefer to run; they flush only at close range and quickly dive back into cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A far-carrying series of clear, whistled notes, often given antiphonally by pairs. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and dusk and is the primary way the species is detected in dense forest.
Plumage
Overall rich chestnut on head, breast, and underparts with darker crown; throat and upper breast often flecked or mottled black-and-white; mantle and back can show dusky or grayish tones with subtle barring.
Diet
Forages on the forest floor for fallen seeds, fruits, and berries, supplemented with insects and other small invertebrates. It scratches through leaf litter and probes among roots and bamboo litter. Seasonal availability of fruits and bamboo seeds may influence diet composition.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory within humid montane forest, especially near bamboo thickets, forest edges, and along quiet trails. Uses shaded ravines and thickets for both feeding and cover.
