The variegated tinamou a type of tinamou commonly found in moist forest lowlands in subtropical and tropical regions of northern South America.
Region
Amazon Basin, northern South America
Typical Environment
Inhabits humid lowland rainforest, especially terra firme forest with dense understory and abundant leaf litter. Occurs along forest edges, in secondary growth, and near riverine forest but typically avoids open areas. Often keeps to shaded interior forest where cover is thick. Uses natural gaps and fruiting areas on the forest floor for foraging.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The variegated tinamou is a shy, ground-dwelling bird of Amazonian lowland forests, relying on mottled plumage to vanish into leaf litter. Like other tinamous, the male incubates a clutch that may include eggs from multiple females and then leads the chicks. It flies only in short, explosive bursts, preferring to run when disturbed. Its melancholy, far-carrying whistles are often the only clue to its presence.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small family groups. Males incubate and brood precocial young, often from a clutch laid by multiple females. Nests are simple ground scrapes concealed in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, plaintive whistles that carry far through the forest, often given at dawn and dusk. Phrases are clear, spaced notes that may accelerate slightly. Calls include soft clucks and whistles used for contact at close range.
Plumage
Heavily mottled and barred brown to olive-brown upperparts with fine vermiculations; underparts buffy to cinnamon with darker barring on flanks.
Diet
Feeds on fallen fruits, seeds, and a variety of invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and small snails. Will opportunistically take tender shoots and small plant matter. Diet shifts with seasonal fruit abundance, with more invertebrates taken when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages quietly on the forest floor, picking items from leaf litter and along trails and natural openings. Prefers dense cover near fruiting trees and along edges of thickets where concealment is available.
