Darwin's Nothura
Nothura darwinii
Quail-like tinamou found in a variety of open habitats including grassland, farmland, and steppe. It occupies high elevations in the northern part of its range, but can be found down to near sea level at its southern limit. Small size (compared to most tinamous) and buff belly and streaks help to identify it. Very similar to Spotted Nothura, and in the area of overlap it is usually not possible to separate them in the field; in this region Darwin’s Nothura tends to be found at higher elevations. Vocalizations include a long, ringing trill and a slow series of piping notes.
Taxonomy
All tinamou are from the family Tinamidae, and in the larger scheme are also ratites. Unlike other ratites, tinamous can fly, although in general, they are not strong fliers. All ratites evolved from prehistoric flying birds, and tinamous are the closest living relative of these birds.<p>The Darwin's nothura is approximately 26 cm (10 in) in length. It is similar to spotted nothura but more rufous with broader streaking below. Its upper parts are brown and streaked with buff, its lower parts are streaked with chestnut and it is black on its breast Its flanks are barred, and its crown is black with buff streaks, and its throat is white.
- Scientific name
- Nothura darwinii
- Authority
- Gray, GR, 1867
- Order
- Tinamiformes
- Family
- Tinamidae
- Genus
- Nothura
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Like other tinamous, the Darwin's nothura eats fruit off the ground or low-lying bushes. They also eat small amounts of invertebrates, flower buds, tender leaves, seeds, and roots. The male incubates the eggs which may come from different females, and then will raise them until they are ready to be on their own. The nest is located on the ground in dense brush or between raised root buttresses.
Conservation
The IUCN classifies this tinamou as Least Concern, with an occurrence range of 1,100,000 km2 (420,000 sq mi).
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Bay-breasted Warbler
Setophaga castanea
Breeding males are distinctive with dark reddish-brown cap and sides, along with buffy nape. Two bold white wingbars. Females and fall birds are duller; most show at least some chestnut coloring on sides. Dullest birds are similar to Blackpoll and Pine Warblers; look for streaks on back, well-defined wingbars, and cleaner greenish-yellow head and neck. Prefers conifers during migration, but can be found in any woodland. Breeds in the boreal forest. In most of U.S. , only seen during migration. Winters in Central and South America. Listen carefully for extremely high-pitched, squeaky-wheel song, similar to a fast Black-and-white Warbler.
Transvolcanic Jay
Aphelocoma ultramarina
Rather large, blue-and-gray jay of highland pine and pine-oak forest endemic to highlands of central Mexico; occurs in transvolcanic belt from Volcánes de Colima in the west to Volcán Orizaba in the east. Typically travels in wide-ranging flocks of 5–25 birds, mainly at middle to upper levels in trees. Appreciably larger and broader-winged than Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays, with plainer plumage (lacks dark mask, whitish eyebrow, and partial dark collar of Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay). Noisy calls carry well.
Jamaican Euphonia
Euphonia jamaica
A very small and active inhabitant of most wooded habitats and gardens where it forages mostly on fruits and flowers. Note this species’ short, stubby bill, and mostly gray head and underparts. The Orangequit is somewhat similar but is readily distinguished by its longer and slightly curved bill. Additionally, male Orangequits are darker gray and have an orange throat, while female Orangequits have brown upperparts. Song is rapid-fire jumble of squeaks, whistles, and buzzes. The call note is a sharp “tseet.” Jamaican Euphonias also give a scratchy, squeaky “bao,” which is given singly, in series, or interjected into songs.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.