The rusty tinamou or short-billed tinamou is a type of tinamou commonly found in swamp forest in tropical regions of South America.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland Amazonia, favoring swamp forest, seasonally flooded várzea and igapó, palm swamps, and dense secondary growth near wetlands. It also uses terra firme forest with thick understory, especially along streams and forest edges. Birds keep close to cover and often follow fruiting trees where fallen fruit accumulates. The species is patchy but widespread in suitable habitat in Brazil and adjoining Amazonian countries.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rusty tinamou, also called the short-billed tinamou, is a shy ground-dweller of Amazonian swamp and flooded forests. It is more often heard than seen, giving low, mournful whistles from dense understory. Like other tinamous, males incubate clutches that may include eggs from multiple females and then lead the chicks. When flushed, it explodes into brief, whirring flight before dropping back to cover.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush, then quick drop to cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes small family groups. Nests on the ground in concealed sites within dense vegetation. The male performs all incubation and chick-rearing, often of a mixed clutch from multiple females. Chicks are precocial and follow the male soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives low, mournful, whistled notes, often in a series that carries far through forest. Vocalizations are typically given at dawn and dusk and can be used to map territories.
