Small-billed Tinamou
Crypturellus parvirostris
Small unobtrusive tinamou, which can be locally common in grasslands, savanna, and agricultural areas. Striking red bill and legs are its most notable features, otherwise largely gray with a brown back and scalloped vent. Similar Tataupa Tinamou has purple legs. The song is a long, descending trill of “trii” notes that finishes with a low “truuu truuu truuu” which can be heard all day. Sometimes just the last notes are sung.
Identification
The small-billed tinamou is approximately 22 cm (8.7 in) in length. Its upperparts are dark brown, with grey to brownish under parts and head. Its bill and legs are red.
Taxonomy
The small-billed 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
- Crypturellus parvirostris
- Authority
- (Wagler, 1827)
- Order
- Tinamiformes
- Family
- Tinamidae
- Genus
- Crypturellus
Range and habitat
The small-billed tinamou prefers dry savanna, but will also reside in lowland shrubland. Its range is Amazonian South America; Brazil except for the southeastern portion, northeastern Peru, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Like other tinamous, the small-billed 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 classifies this tinamou as Least Concern, with an occurrence range of 6,700,000 km2 (2,600,000 sq mi).
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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