Bird
Little Tinamou
Crypturellus souiAlso known as Pileated Tinamou, Little Forest Tinamou
Little tinamous are secretive, ground-dwelling birds of tropical forests that spend their days walking stealthily through thick underbrush rather than taking flight. Their presence is most often revealed by a haunting series of tremulous, rising whistled notes echoing at dawn and dusk. Males undertake the sole responsibility of incubating the glossy, wine-colored eggs and rearing the precocial chicks after courtship.
CrypticGround-dwellingForest Bird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFallen berries, Seeds, Insects
Predators
- Forest raptors
- Snakes
- Small wild cats
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and localized hunting
HabitatsDense lowland rainforest undergrowth, second growth, forest edges, and scrubby woodlands
Life span6–10 years
Classification
- FamilyTinamidae
- SpeciesCrypturellus soui
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen carefully: Their rising, mournful whistle at twilight is the most reliable way to detect them.
- Watch trails quietly: Sit motionless near dense forest edge trails where they occasionally cross in the open.
- Avoid flushing: They prefer to freeze or sneak away, taking off with explosive wingbeats only if cornered.
Same Family Patrick Coin (Patrick Coin) / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
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