Great Tinamou
NameGreat Tinamou
Common NameGreat Tinamou
Scientific NameTinamus major
FamilyTinamidae
Wingspan (cm)51
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsPlumage is generally dull olive-brown to grayish-brown, often with fine black barring or mottling on the back and wings. The head and neck are typically grayish, contrasting slightly with the body, and the belly is paler.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, deep, mournful, and often three-note whistle, 'woo-woo-woo,' which carries far through the dense forest.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico south through Central America to northern Colombia, Venezuela, and parts of the Amazon basin in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesStocky, ground-dwelling build, Dull brownish plumage with grayish head/neck, Short, stout bill, Distinctive mournful whistle, Prefers dense forest undergrowth
Description
The Great Tinamou is a large, ground-dwelling bird with a stocky body and a small head. It is known for its shy nature, preferring to walk or run through dense forest undergrowth rather than take flight.
