The great tinamou is a species of tinamou ground bird native to Central and South America. There are several subspecies, mostly differentiated by their coloration.
Region
Central and South America (Neotropics)
Typical Environment
Occupies humid lowland and foothill forests from southern Mesoamerica through much of the northern and western Amazon Basin. Prefers mature evergreen rainforest with dense understory, but also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and gallery forests. Commonly forages on the forest floor, especially where fruiting trees drop abundant fruits. Sensitive to heavy hunting and extensive forest fragmentation, so most abundant in large, relatively undisturbed tracts.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Great tinamous are among the most ancient living lineages of birds (paleognaths), related to ostriches and emus but capable of short, strong flights. Males incubate and care for clutches that may contain eggs from multiple females. Their deep, booming whistles carry far through the forest, especially at dawn and dusk. As major seed dispersers, they play an important role in Neotropical forest regeneration.
Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive flush with short rapid wingbeats, low direct flight into cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense understory. Nests on the ground; the male incubates and raises the chicks. Clutches often contain eggs from multiple females, reflecting a polyandrous/polygynandrous system. Chicks are precocial and follow the male soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant, flute-like whistles that carry long distances through forest. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and can sound mournful or booming, often given in spaced intervals.
