Undulated Tinamou
NameUndulated Tinamou
Common NameUndulated Tinamou
Scientific NameCrypturellus undulatus
FamilyTinamidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is generally dull brown to grayish-brown overall, with fine dark barring or 'undulations' across the back, wings, and upper breast, providing excellent camouflage. The belly is paler, often buffy or whitish, and the head and neck are typically plain grayish-brown.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, mournful, often two-noted whistle, typically described as 'woo-woo' or 'hoo-hoo,' which is repeated and can sometimes accelerate into a series of notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the Amazon basin and adjacent regions of South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Identifying FeaturesPlump, quail-like body with a very short tail, Cryptic brown plumage with fine dark barring/undulations, Relatively small head and short, slender bill, Ground-dwelling behavior, Distinctive mournful whistle call
Description
The Undulated Tinamou is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird with a plump body and short tail, well-camouflaged by its cryptic plumage. It is typically found foraging quietly among the leaf litter of humid lowland forests, often heard more than seen.
