Ornate Tinamou
NameOrnate Tinamou
Common NameOrnate Tinamou
Scientific NameNothoprocta ornata
FamilyTinamidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)410
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled brown and grey with intricate black and buff barring and spots, providing excellent camouflage. The head and long neck are finely spotted with black, and it possesses a distinctive short, spiky crest. Underparts are paler, buffy-white with some barring on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a series of mournful, whistling calls, often described as a 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'whee-whee-whee' that carries across its open habitat.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes of southern Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesCryptic mottled brown and grey plumage, Distinctive short, spiky crest, Long, slender neck with fine spotting, Small, dark bill, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Ornate Tinamou is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird with cryptic plumage, well-suited for camouflage in its high-altitude habitat. It typically walks deliberately while foraging for food on the ground, often remaining hidden among vegetation.
