The dwarf tinamou, also known as the least tinamou, is a small, superficially partridge-like bird with short tail and wings, found only in Brazil. This tinamou is the only member of the genus Taoniscus and it is considered an endangered species.
Region
Brazilian Cerrado
Typical Environment
Occurs in open Cerrado habitats, especially natural grasslands (campo limpo and campo sujo) with scattered shrubs and tussock grasses. It uses seasonally wet meadows, edges of gallery forests, and lightly shrubby savannas on sandy or well-drained soils. Recently burned areas are sometimes used for foraging when fresh growth and invertebrates are abundant. The species avoids dense closed-canopy forest and heavily cultivated or intensively grazed land.
Altitude Range
200–1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dwarf tinamou is the sole member of the genus Taoniscus and one of the smallest tinamous. Exceptionally secretive and ground-dwelling, it relies on cryptic plumage to remain undetected in tall grasses. It inhabits the Brazilian Cerrado and is threatened by agricultural expansion, frequent burning, and habitat fragmentation. Males, as in other tinamous, take the lead in incubating eggs and caring for chicks.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, explosive flushes when disturbed
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, keeping to dense grass cover. Nests are shallow ground scrapes concealed in vegetation. As typical for tinamous, males perform most incubation and chick-rearing, potentially caring for broods from multiple females. Breeding is thought to be timed with rains when food is most available.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, mournful series of clear whistled notes, often delivered from cover. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and dusk and can carry some distance across open grassland.
