Black-capped Tinamou

Overview

The black-capped tinamou (Crypturellus atrocapillus) is a type of tinamou commonly found in the moist forest lowlands of subtropical and tropical regions. This species belongs to the family Tinamidae and is rated as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Approximately 28 to 30 cm in length with a blackish cap.
• Upper-parts are brown, mottled, and barred blackish, while the throat and neck are rufescent.
• Breast is dark grey, and the remainder of the underparts range from cinnamon to buff.
• Legs may be pale red or bright red, with females exhibiting heavier barring on the upper parts.

Habitat

Native to southeastern Peru and northern Bolivia, this species inhabits moist forest lowlands up to 900 m altitude. It has also been recently recorded in Brazil.

Diet

The black-capped tinamou forages for fruit on the ground or from low-lying bushes. It also consumes small amounts of invertebrates, flower buds, tender leaves, seeds, and roots.

Did you know?

The male is solely responsible for incubating the eggs, which may originate from up to four different females. He then raises the chicks until they are independent, a process that usually takes two to three weeks.