Highland Tinamou

Overview

The highland tinamou, also known as Bonaparte's tinamou (Nothocercus bonapartei), is a type of ground bird found in montane moist forests. It belongs to the family Tinamidae and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Mottled or barred black and cinnamon plumage on the back and wings, with a rufous throat.
• Averages 38.5 cm in length and weighs approximately 925 g.
• The male produces a repetitive, loud, and hollow call.

Habitat

Found in the Andes of Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northern Peru, western Venezuela, and the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. It frequents montane forest above 1,500 m altitude, preferring damp areas, ravines, and bamboo thickets.

Diet

This bird forages by eating fruit from the ground or hanging from low plants. It occasionally consumes insects as part of its diet.

Did you know?

During the breeding season, the male is responsible for incubating eggs that may originate from multiple females, with clutches ranging from 4 to 12 eggs, and subsequently cares for the chicks alone.