• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a small range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be moderately small to large, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The species is commonly observed (Renjifo et al. 2014, eBird 2022). In the wet season (March-June), it is considered that 1 km² supports c.2-3 groups, probably a minimum of 2-3 pairs in total (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999). Under the assumption that this density is representative and that 50% of forests within the range are occupied (i.e., 2,300 km²; Global Forest Watch 2022), the global population may number 4,600-6,900 pairs. This equates to 9,200-13,800 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been quantified. Tree cover loss within the range is very low (2% over three generations; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Apart from mature forests, the species is also found in secondary growth, tangled shrubby undergrowth and open-canopy forest (Renjifo et al. 2014, Carroll et al. 2020); consequently, the current rate of tree cover loss may not be affecting the population. The species may however be subject to hunting (Carroll et al. 2020); even though its impact on the population size has not been quantified it is here precautionarily suspected that hunting is driving a slow population decline, not exceeding 10% over three generations (14.1 years).

Odontophorus melanonotus occurs on the western slope of the Andes in north-west Ecuador (Esmeraldas, Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha and Cotopaxi) and south-west Colombia (Nariño).

The species occurs in wet montane forest. Apart from primary forest, it has also been recorded in secondary forest with dense and tangled understorey and fairly open canopy on steep slopes (J. F. Freile in litt. 2000, D. F. Cisneros-Heredia in litt. 2003, Renjifo et al. 2014). It is typically found in groups of 2-10 individuals, which are particularly vocal at dawn during the wet season. Recent hatchlings have been recorded in July and August. It feeds on terrestrial invertebrates and fruit (N. Krabbe in litt. 1999).

The species is threatened by the loss of forests through expansion of settlements, road building, conversion for cattle pastures and extensive logging (McGowan et al. 1995). Rates of deforestation are however currently low within the range (Global Forest Watch 2022). The species may also be hunted (Carroll et al. 2020).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout its range. It is listed as Endangered at the national level in Colombia (Renjifo et al. 2014) and as Vulnerable in Ecuador (Freile et al. 2019).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct a complete distributional survey to determine its range and numbers more accurately. Quantify the impact of hunting on the population size. Monitor the population trend.

25-28 cm. Dark, forest partridge with chestnut breast. Largely nondescript. Overall uniformly dark brownish with indistinct rufous vermiculations. Only distinctive feature is rich rufous-chestnut throat and upper breast. Dusky feet and bare ocular area. Voice Loud three-phrase rollicking song often heard as duet by entire family group. Hints Listen for family groups early in the morning.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Cisneros-Heredia, D.F., Freile, J., Keane, A., Krabbe, N., Salaman, P.G.W., Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Dark-backed Wood-quail Odontophorus melanonotus. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/dark-backed-wood-quail-odontophorus-melanonotus on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.