Elegant Crested Tinamou

Overview

The elegant crested tinamou, also known as the martineta tinamou (Eudromia elegans), is a medium-sized bird found in southern Chile and Argentina. It is characterised by its terrestrial habits and poor flying ability, typically inhabiting shrubland environments.

Identification

• A partridge-like bird averaging 39 to 41 cm in length, with an olive-brown body and plumage marked by black and white vermiculations.
• Features a long off-white stripe that begins above the eye and continues down the side of the neck.
• Possesses a short, sharp, upright beak and short, strong legs and feet that are whitish-grey in colour.
• Detected in the field by a loud, sad whistle call, often heard when the birds are in flocks of five to ten.

Habitat

Found throughout Argentina and southern Chile, from higher elevations of 2,500 m down to sea level. The species prefers dry arid grasslands, open thicket, dry savanna, exposed hills with outlying bushes, and cultivated farmlands, while avoiding tall dense grasses and very thick brush.

Diet

This omnivorous species forages by covering large distances across the ground. Its diet is seasonal, consisting mainly of plant grain, fruits, leaves, and buds in winter, and a high proportion of insects in summer.

Did you know?

In 1970, an attempt to introduce 89 birds near Benkelman, Nebraska, was made, but the relocation was unsuccessful.