Aves da Pátria da Leari - Sociedade Brasileira de Ornitologia

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INAMIFORMES ORDER
Família Tinamidae
Crypturellus parvirostris (Wagler, 1827)
Small-billed Tinamou
Aves da Pátria da Leari
This is a small species with a short beak that measures less than 20 centimeters. The bird occurs at forest
edges, disturbed fields and in savannas, where it seeks its food and reproduces. It’s a skittish bird that is difficult
to see. More commonly the species is identified through vocalization and its song is more likely to be
heard at daybreak or dusk. Its pale red coloring also makes it difficult to sight in its habitat. Often it has the
effect of startling someone if unexpectedly come upon as it flies off noisily at ground level. When it feels the
presence of a potential predator, the small-billed tinamou crouches and raises its tail feathers, which gives it
the appearance of a flower in bloom. It is a bird much coveted by local hunters.
Crypturellus tatuapa lepidotus (Swainson, 1837)
Tatuapa Tinamou
Very similar in appearance to the small-billed tinamou, the species is nonetheless slightly bigger. The beak is
bright red in the females and the males have a dark spot on the end of their beaks. It’s an extremely skittish
bird and when it perceives a possible predator, it raises its tail feathers to give the appearance of a flower in
bloom. The species can occur within dense caatinga or at the edge of forests.
Crypturellus noctivagus noctivagus (Wied, 1820)
Yellow-legged Tinamou
This species can occur both inside forests or open fields. It is a more robust species than the previous one
described and can weigh more than 800 grams. Its song is melancholic and consists of two low notes. The
torso of the species is yellow and the plumage grayish-brown. The back is shiny and has a superciliar yellow
streak. The yellow-legged tinamou is a skittish, ground bird whose coloration makes it perfectly camouflaged.
Due to habitat loss and relentless hunting, the species is currently listed as in danger of extinction. In an area
of savanna, we have witnessed a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) stalk a bird of this species that was
nesting during the night.
Nothura boraquira (Spix, 1825)
White -bellied Nothura
This is a species typical of northeastern Brazil and occurs both in Caatinga (brushwood forests) and savanna
habitats. Its forelock is black and its feet an intense yellow color. The species’ song consists of small sharp
chirps. It measures some 25 centimeters. The bird roosts in close proximity to the red-winged tinamou. Its
nest is a small cavity in the soil and its eggs are the color of clear chocolate. As with other members of this
family, they are extremely difficult to see. Excessive hunting is one of the principal factors contributing to the
shrinking of the population.