The red-winged tinamou is a medium-sized ground-living bird from central and eastern South America. Other common names for the species include perdiz grande, rufous tinamou, and ynambu.
Region
Central and Eastern South America
Typical Environment
It inhabits open and semi-open habitats including native grasslands, Pampas, Cerrado savannas, scrublands, and agricultural mosaics across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. The species favors tall grasses and field edges that provide both foraging opportunities and cover. It tolerates modified landscapes, using pasturelands, stubble fields, and croplands when adequate refuge is available. Dense forests are generally avoided, but it will use shrubby thickets and hedgerows for shelter. It roosts and nests on the ground, often in well-concealed spots.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as perdiz grande, rufous tinamou, and ynambu, the red-winged tinamou is a robust ground-dweller of South American grasslands and savannas. Like other tinamous, males incubate clutches from multiple females and rear the chicks alone. It relies on cryptic plumage and sudden, explosive flights to evade predators, often running to cover before taking wing.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive takeoff, low and direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, forming small loose groups outside the breeding season. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden in dense grass or scrub. Males incubate eggs—often from multiple females—and lead the downy chicks soon after hatching. Territorial displays include vocalizations and posturing from concealed positions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, mournful, far-carrying whistle, often given as a series of clear two- to three-note phrases. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and can carry over long distances in open country.
Plumage
Coarsely mottled and barred brown and buff body with warm rufous wing panels; finely vermiculated upperparts provide strong camouflage.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, grains, green shoots, and fallen fruits, supplemented with insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It forages by walking and gleaning on the ground, occasionally scratching among leaf litter or stubble. In agricultural areas it readily takes spilled grain and crop residues, yet still seeks natural seeds and arthropods. Seasonal availability of fruits and insects influences diet composition.
Preferred Environment
Forages in tall or tussocky grasses, pasture edges, and field margins where cover is close by. It also uses croplands, fallows, and roadside verges, especially where native vegetation persists nearby.
