Endemic to Colombia, the Chestnut Wood-Quail is found on subtropical forest of the Western and Central Andes from 1500 to 2700 meters. Also, on the southeast slope and upper Magdalena Valley in Huila.

Present at a plural number of localities such as Río Blanco, Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary and Cerro Montezuma, although it is a difficult bird to see. This image was taken at Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales.