Grey Tinamou

Overview

The grey tinamou (Tinamus tao) is a ground-dwelling bird native to South America and believed to be the largest species within its family. Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species is the closest living relative of prehistoric flying birds known as ratites.

Identification

• Mostly grey plumage with blackish barring on the head and back, and white spotting extending down the neck.
• Cinnamon-colored vent.
• Large size with a total length ranging from 41.5 to 49 cm, though possibly reaching 53 cm.
• Song is commonly heard but the bird is shy and infrequently seen.

Habitat

Found throughout western and northern Brazil, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, Colombia east of the Andes, northern Venezuela, northern Bolivia, and Guyana. It primarily inhabits humid lowland forests, though it occurs in montane forests in the northern and far western parts of its range and can utilize areas cleared by logging.

Diet

The grey tinamou feeds on fruit and seeds found on the ground and in bushes that are close to the ground.

Did you know?

The male is solely responsible for incubating the eggs in a nest located in heavy ground brush and subsequently raising the young until they are ready to fend for themselves.