The rare gorgeted wood quail is a small ground-dwelling bird. This tiny member of the New World quail family has been found in the larger oak forest remnants in the eastern Cordillera section of Colombia.
Region
Eastern Andes, Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and submontane forest, especially in oak (Quercus humboldtii) stands and adjacent secondary growth. Prefers dense understory with abundant leaf litter for foraging and cover. Survives in forest fragments and along edges when contiguous habitat is scarce, but relies on nearby mature forest. Often keeps to steep slopes, ravines, and quiet forest trails where disturbance is lower.
Altitude Range
1200–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The gorgeted wood quail is a secretive, ground-dwelling quail confined to remnant oak-dominated forests of Colombia’s Eastern Andes. It typically moves in small coveys and is easiest to detect by its loud, antiphonal duet. Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation have driven it to the brink, making it one of the most threatened New World quails. Protection of mature oak forest and connected secondary growth is critical for its survival.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
explosive, low flight with short rapid wingbeats; prefers to run rather than fly
Social Behavior
Usually found in small coveys of 4–8 birds that keep close contact while foraging on the forest floor. Nests on the ground in concealed sites within dense understory. Likely forms monogamous pairs within coveys and maintains small home ranges. Breeding activity coincides with wetter periods when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, far-carrying series of clear, whistled notes often delivered as an antiphonal duet between members of a pair. Calls are repeated in rhythmic phrases at dawn and dusk and can be the best clue to its presence in dense forest.
Plumage
Rich rufous-brown body with fine dark mottling and subtle barring on flanks; dark head contrasting with a bold white throat bib bordered by a dark collar. Underparts are warm chestnut with faint vermiculation; upperparts dusky-brown with scalloping.
Diet
Forages by scratching in leaf litter for seeds, fallen fruits, and tender plant matter. Also consumes a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, and larvae, especially during breeding. Diet composition shifts seasonally with fruit and invertebrate availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the shaded forest floor, along quiet trails, and near thickets and ravines that provide cover. Will use secondary growth and forest edges if close to mature forest.
