The spot-bellied bobwhite is a ground-dwelling bird in the New World quail family. It is sometimes considered to be conspecific with the crested bobwhite, Colinus cristatus. As the latter species expands north into Costa Rica, it is likely that the two species will overlap in range in the future, but the Costa Rican subspecies of the spot-bellied is the least similar to the crested.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from parts of southern Central America, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama, primarily on the Pacific slope and in intermontane valleys. It inhabits brushy fields, savannas, dry forest edges, second-growth thickets, and weedy agricultural margins. The species favors a mosaic of grass, low shrubs, and scattered trees that provide both foraging grounds and quick cover. It is largely absent from dense interior forests and high, wet cloud forests. Local abundance can be higher in lightly grazed or recently disturbed landscapes that maintain low, patchy vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The spot-bellied bobwhite is a small, ground-dwelling New World quail that favors scrub, edges, and open country with patches of cover. It is sometimes treated as conspecific with the crested bobwhite (Colinus cristatus), and their ranges may approach or overlap in southern Central America. These birds form tight-knit coveys outside the breeding season and rely on camouflage and stillness to avoid predators. Their populations often benefit from patchy early-successional habitats and lightly managed agricultural mosaics.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush, then dropping quickly back to cover
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season they gather in small coveys that roost on the ground in tight circles for warmth and vigilance. Breeding pairs nest on the ground in concealed, grass-lined domes under tussocks or low shrubs. Both adults remain close to the brood and lead chicks to foraging sites soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear, whistled phrases given from low perches or from the ground, often a ringing two- or three-note call repeated at intervals. Soft clucks and contact notes keep covey members coordinated. Alarm calls are sharp and abrupt when flushed.
