Spotted Wood-Quail
NameSpotted Wood-Quail
Common NameSpotted Wood-Quail
Scientific NameOdontophorus guttatus
FamilyOdontophoridae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is dark reddish-brown, heavily marked with prominent white spots, giving it a speckled appearance. The head is dark brown with a reddish-brown crown and nape, and a distinctive black throat. A faint white supercilium may be present.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, distinctive, and often repeated 'ko-KWA-ko' or 'ko-KWA-ko-ko' call, frequently given in duets or choruses by a covey, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central America, ranging from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, to western Panama.
Identifying FeaturesDark brown plumage with numerous white spots, Black throat, Reddish-brown crown and nape, Plump, quail-like body shape, Ground-dwelling behavior in dense forest undergrowth
Description
The Spotted Wood-Quail is a plump, ground-dwelling bird characterized by its cryptic brown plumage covered in numerous white spots. It typically forages in pairs or small coveys on the forest floor, often heard before it is seen. This species is known for its distinctive loud calls, especially at dawn and dusk.
