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Photo: © Andrew Spencer eBird S27897459 Macaulay Library ML 49398041
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Curve-billed Tinamou

Nothoprocta curvirostris
Tinamú Piquicurvo
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Song

Curve-billed Tinamou

Appearance: The Curved-billed Tinamou is a medium-sized bird with a robust body and a distinctly curved bill. Its plumage is a warm brown color, with intricate patterns that include slight barring and spots, aiding in camouflage within its habitat. The underparts are lighter, providing a contrast to its darker back. Its legs are short, and it has a rounded tail.
Habitat: This species is found in humid tropical forests along the edges and in clearings. It prefers areas with dense understory vegetation, which provides cover and foraging opportunities. The Curved-billed Tinamou is commonly found at elevations ranging from lowland areas to montane forests.
Behavior: The Curved-billed Tinamou is a secretive and shy bird, often spending most of its time on or near the ground. It is solitary or found in small family groups. This bird is elusive and prefers to remain concealed in dense foliage, making it difficult to spot. It is a forager, feeding on plant material, seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. The bird is also known for its low, booming vocalizations during the breeding season.
Breeding: Breeding behaviors in the Curved-billed Tinamou occur during the rainy season. Males attract females through vocal displays and perform courtship rituals. The female lays a clutch of 2-4 eggs directly on the forest floor, and the male takes on the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Conservation Status: The Curved-billed Tinamou is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

The Curve-billed Tinamou inhabits high-altitude regions in the South of the country.

Taxonomy

The Curve-billed Tinamou (Nothoprocta curvirostris)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Tinamiformes
  • Family: Tinamidae
  • Genus: Nothoprocta
  • Species: Nothoprocta curvirostris

Vocalization

Courting Calls: Males often emit a series of low-frequency calls during the breeding season to attract females. These calls can be rhythmic and may increase in frequency and intensity as part of courtship displays.
Territorial Calls: The deep, booming calls also play a role in establishing and maintaining territory. Males use vocalizations to communicate their presence to other males and establish dominance over a particular area.
Communication Calls: Beyond reproduction and territorial display, the tinamou uses various vocalizations to communicate with other members of its family group or to respond to potential threats.