Patagonian Tinamou
Tinamotis ingoufi
Large, cryptically patterned chickenlike bird of Patagonian grasslands with bushes and low shrubs. Scarce and rarely encountered. Like related tinamous of open habitats, most often in trios or family groups (males take care of the young). Runs strongly in preference to flying (in flight note bright rusty wings). Striped head (without a crest) and spotted upperparts are diagnostic plumage features; only other tinamou in its range is the rather different Elegant Crested-Tinamou. Loud haunting whistles carry well, but the sound is easily whipped away in the wind.
Identification
The Patagonian tinamou is approximately 35 cm (14 in) in length. Its upper parts are grey spotted with black, its throat is white, its breast is rufous and its belly is cinnamon.
Taxonomy
The Patagonian tinamou is a monotypic species. 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.
- Scientific name
- Tinamotis ingoufi
- Authority
- Oustalet, 1890
- Order
- Tinamiformes
- Family
- Tinamidae
- Genus
- Tinamotis
Range and habitat
The Patagonian tinamou inhabits temperate grassland habitats at altitude 200 to 800 m (660–2,620 ft). It can also be found on savannah and brushland. Its range is southern Chile and southwestern Argentina.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Like other tinamous, the ornate tinamou 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 as many as 4 different females, and then will raise them until they are ready to be on their own, usually 2–3 weeks. The nest is located on the ground in dense brush or between raised root buttresses.
Conservation
The IUCN list this species as Least Concern, with an occurrence range of 400,000 km2 (150,000 sq mi).
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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