The white-bellied nothura is a species of tinamou found in dry shrublands in northeastern Bolivia, western Paraguay, and northeastern Brazil.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry shrublands and open grasslands of northeastern Brazil, extending into western Paraguay and northeastern Bolivia. It favors semi-arid habitats such as caatinga, thorn scrub, and dry savanna mosaics with scattered cover. The species adapts to lightly grazed pastures and fallow agricultural fields where ground cover remains. It typically keeps close to low shrubs or tussocks for concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The white-bellied nothura is a ground-dwelling tinamou, part of the ancient palaeognath lineage that also includes ostriches and emus, though tinamous can fly short distances. Males incubate the eggs—often from multiple females—and lead the chicks after hatching. Its cryptic plumage makes it difficult to spot in dry scrub and grassland.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, explosive flushes
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes in small loose groups outside the breeding season. Nests are simple ground scrapes hidden under vegetation. Males perform all incubation and chick-rearing, often with clutches laid by multiple females.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers soft, whistled notes that carry at dawn and dusk. The call is a clear, mournful series of piping whistles, often repeated at intervals.
