Chilean tinamou

The Chilean tinamou is a type of tinamou commonly found in high elevation shrubland in subtropical regions of central Chile.

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Distribution

Region

Central Chile

Typical Environment

Occurs in Mediterranean-type shrubland (matorral), open scrub, grassy hillsides, and edges of agricultural fields. It favors dry, brushy slopes with scattered shrubs and patches of grass for cover. In cultivated landscapes it uses fallow fields, vineyard margins, and hedgerows. Though often associated with foothills and higher terraces, it may also be found in lower valleys where cover persists.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size28–32 cm

Wing Span45–50 cm

Male Weight0.35 kg

Female Weight0.4 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This ground-dwelling tinamou is endemic to central Chile’s matorral and farmlands and typically bursts into a short, explosive flight only when flushed. Males incubate and raise the brood, often from a clutch laid by multiple females. Its cryptic, vermiculated plumage makes it difficult to spot among dry shrubs and grasses.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and cryptic

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush; prefers to run

Social Behavior

Often seen singly, in pairs, or small coveys outside the breeding season. Nests on the ground in concealed scrapes. Males incubate and rear chicks, commonly caring for mixed clutches from several females.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives mellow, whistled, flute-like notes, often carrying over distance in early morning and late afternoon. Calls are simple, repeated phrases used for contact and territorial advertisement.

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Identification

Leg Coloryellowish-brown

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Densely vermiculated and mottled brown to gray-brown with fine barring; underparts paler with subtle barring on the flanks.

Feeding Habits

Diet

An opportunistic omnivore feeding on seeds, green shoots, bulbs, and fallen fruits. It also takes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles and ants, especially in the breeding season. Foraging is mostly by walking and gleaning from the ground and low vegetation.

Preferred Environment

Feeds along shrub edges, grassy openings, and field margins where cover is close by. In agricultural areas it uses stubble, orchards, and vineyard borders, retreating to dense shrubs when disturbed.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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