The spotted wood quail is a small ground-dwelling bird in the New World quail family. It is a resident breeder in the mountains of Central America from southern Mexico to western Panama.
Region
Central American highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and into western Panama. Prefers humid montane and foothill forests, including primary cloud forest and well-structured secondary growth with dense understory. Frequently uses forest edges, shaded coffee plantations adjoining forest, and streamside thickets. It keeps close to cover and spends most time on the forest floor.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive ground-dwelling quail of humid mountain forests, it lives in small family coveys that slip quietly through dense understory. Its far-carrying, whistled duets are often the best clue to its presence. It forages by scratching leaf litter for seeds, fallen fruit, and invertebrates, and rarely flies except in short, explosive bursts when flushed.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive flush with short rapid wingbeats, then low glides
Social Behavior
Usually travels in small coveys of 5–10 birds that keep close contact through soft calls. Nests are on the ground, well concealed in dense vegetation, with a simple leaf-lined scrape. Pairs form within coveys during the breeding season, and both adults tend the downy chicks, which are precocial and follow parents soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, far-carrying whistled notes, often given antiphonally by a pair, creating a ringing duet. Calls can rise and fall in pitch and are used to maintain contact within dense forest. Soft clucks and whistles keep coveys coordinated while foraging.
Plumage
Rich brown body heavily spotted and scalloped with buff and whitish markings; underparts show bold spotting on breast and flanks. Crown and nape often rufous to chestnut, with a dusky face that can show pale speckling. Upperparts are darker and mottled, aiding camouflage in leaf litter.
Diet
Consumes a mix of fallen seeds and fruits, tender shoots, and a variety of invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and small snails. Forages by scratching and flicking leaf litter to uncover hidden food items. Opportunistically takes berries and mast during seasonal abundance.
Preferred Environment
Feeds almost exclusively on the forest floor in dense understory, along trails, and near fallen logs. Also uses forest edges and shaded agroforestry (e.g., coffee) where cover remains intact.
