Tawny-breasted Tinamou

Overview

The tawny-breasted tinamou (Nothocercus julius) is a type of ground bird found in montane moist forests. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, it has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 110,000 km².

Identification

• Brown upperparts barred with black, with buff spots on the wings.
• Bright chestnut head with a white throat, and olivaceous brown breast and flanks.
• Bright rufous underparts on the rest of the body.
• Measures 35.5–38 cm (14.0–15.0 in) in length.

Habitat

This species inhabits montane moist forest between 880 and 2,350 m (2,890–7,710 ft) altitude. Its range is restricted to the Andes in far western Venezuela, central Colombia, Ecuador, and southern Peru.

Diet

The tawny-breasted tinamou forages for fruit on the ground or on low-lying bushes, supplemented by small amounts of invertebrates, flower buds, tender leaves, seeds, and roots.

Did you know?

The male incubates eggs that may come from as many as four different females and then raises them alone for 2–3 weeks until they are ready to be on their own.