Darwin's Nothura

Overview

Darwin's nothura is a type of tinamou found in high-altitude grasslands of the southern Andes in South America. The species is named after the English naturalist Charles Darwin to commemorate him.

Identification

• Approximately 26 cm in length with brown upper parts streaked with buff.
• Lower parts are streaked with chestnut, featuring a black breast and barred flanks.
• The crown is black with buff streaks and the throat is white.

Habitat

Commonly found in high-altitude grasslands in the southern Andes of South America. Its range includes the Patagonian steppes of south-central Argentina, parts of Peru including the Urubamba Valley and the altiplano, and highlands in western Bolivia.

Diet

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 incubates the eggs, which may come from different females, and subsequently raises the offspring until they are independent. The nests are situated on the ground within dense brush or between raised root buttresses.