Black-backed quail

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Black-backed quail
Black-backed quail

Black-backed quail

Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Chicken birds (Galliformes)
Family : Toothed quail (Odontophoridae)
Genre : Odontophorus
Type : Black-backed quail
Scientific name
Odontophorus melanonotus
Gould , 1860

The black- backed quail ( Odontophorus melanonotus ) is a little researched bird species from the family of toothed quail (Odontophoridae). It occurs in Ecuador and Colombia .

features

The black-backed quail reaches a size of 24 to 27 cm. The weight of the males is 226 grams, that of the females 220 grams. The plumage is predominantly brownish-black in color. Throat and chest are reddish chestnut in color. The color becomes darker towards the abdomen. There is a brownish-black eye ring around the iris. The crown, sides of the head, back, rump and belly are brownish-black with a fine chestnut-colored wave pattern. The beak is black, the legs are brownish-black. The sexes look the same. The immature birds are dull-brown with a reddish beak and greenish-gray legs. The vocalizations consist of a loud three-phase chant, which is often performed by the entire family association.

Habitat and occurrence

The black-backed quail lives in subtropical rainforests at altitudes between 1,100 and 1,900 m. The distribution area extends to the regions Esmeraldas, Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha and Cotopaxi in northwestern Ecuador and to Nariño in southwestern Colombia.

Way of life

The way of life of the black-backed quail has not yet been adequately researched. Presumably it leaves the dense forest when looking for food. Evidence is also available from secondary forests with dense undergrowth and from relatively open deciduous forest areas on steep slopes. The black-backed quail can usually be seen in groups of two to ten individuals. Newly hatched young were observed between July and August. The diet consists of invertebrates and fruits.

status

The IUCN classifies the species in the category "endangered" ( vulnerable ). Habitat destruction through deforestation and hunting for food represent the greatest danger for the black-backed quail. The population is estimated at 10,000 to 20,000 specimens.

literature

  • Josep del Hoyo , Andrew Elliott & Jordi Sargatal (eds.): Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 2: New World Vultures to Guineafowl. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona 1994, ISBN 84-87334-15-6 .

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