Red-legged Tinamou

Overview

The Crypturellus erythropus is a ground-dwelling bird found in the tropics and lower subtropics of northern South America. It is superficially similar to a quail, although it is not related, and belongs to the order Paleognathae.

Identification

• Total length of 27 to 32 cm (11–13 in).
• Brownish upperparts with a grey chest and buff belly; back and wings are barred, but faint in males.
• Distinguished from other tinamous in its range by its rosy-red legs.
• A whistling voice is the primary field mark, as the bird is otherwise recorded infrequently.

Habitat

The species inhabits Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, Venezuela, and northeastern Brazil, as well as Margarita Island, with a possible presence in French Guiana. It prefers dry forest, though it is also found in moist forest, lower elevation shrubland, and grasslands below 1,300 m (4,300 ft).

Diet

This tinamou feeds on seeds, berries, snails, and insects.

Did you know?

The eggs of the Crypturellus erythropus are described as a glossy pale greyish-lavender with a variable amount of pink suffusion.