Adult © Luke Seitz
Adult © Jack Bushong
Adult and juvenile © Ezra Staengl
Adult © Livia Santana

Dark-backed Wood-Quail Odontophorus melanonotus

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Distinctive within very limited range in northwest Ecuador and extreme southwestern Colombia. Approximately the size and shape of a large, lumpy grapefruit. Upperparts are the color of dark chocolate, with a contrasting rufous breast. Compare with Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail, which occurs at lower elevations and has a much different head pattern. Very difficult to see away from Refugio Paz de las Aves in Ecuador, where a small party often visits feeders. Otherwise remains on the ground in dense understory, but can occasionally be seen on forest trails, especially at dawn or dusk. Listen for rollicking song.

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