Pale-browed Tinamou
Crypturellus transfasciatus
Secretive chickenlike bird that walks on the ground inside forest. Very plump; looks tailless. A distinctive tinamou of dry forests, can even be detected as it noisily runs through dry leaf litter. Visually striking with bright coral-red legs and heavily barred back and wings (more prominent on females). Also note pale eyebrow. Otherwise grayish-brown overall. Fairly common within limited range in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Occurs in dry scrubby forests and second-growth, usually with fairly thick understory. More often heard than seen; listen for its explosive rising whistle.
Identification
The pale-browed tinamou is approximately 28 cm (11 in) in length. It is recognized by its greyish-brown upper coat which is finely vermiculated with black, and a white throat, with the remainder of its underparts greyish to buffy. Its flanks are barred, and it has a very brown crown, and a prominent white supercilium. Its legs are pink.
Taxonomy
This 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
- Crypturellus transfasciatus
- Authority
- (Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1878)
- Order
- Tinamiformes
- Family
- Tinamidae
- Genus
- Crypturellus
Range and habitat
The pale-browed tinamou is found in subtropical and tropical arid forests up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) altitude. This species is native to western Ecuador; southern Manabí, Guayas, coastal and extreme western El Oro, and extreme northwestern Loja, and northwestern Peru; Tumbes and western (except coastal) Piura.It inhabits the Ecuadorian dry forests and Tumbes–Piura dry forests ecoregions.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Like other tinamous, the pale-browed tinamou eats fruit off the ground or low-lying bushes, and small amounts of invertebrates, flower buds, tender leaves, seeds, and roots. The male incubates the eggs which may come from as many as 5 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 the pale-browed tinamou as Near Threatened, as their numbers are decreasing. It is currently threatened by widespread deforestation and habitat degradation caused by livestock overgrazing, and also logging. This species is also threatened by people hunting it for food. It also is suffering losses due to farming, however this is the least of the threats. The occurrence range of this species is 41,900 km2 (16,200 sq mi).
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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