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Photo: © Photo: © Brayan Coral Jaramillo eBird S28582951 Macaulay Library ML 26233561
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Black Tinamou

Tinamus osgoodi
Tinamú Negro
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Song

Black Tinamou

Appearance: The Black Tinamou is a medium-sized bird with predominantly black plumage. It has a small, rounded head with a thin pale line above the eye.The throat and upper chest are often lighter in color compared to the rest of the body. Bill is dusty yellow. Legs are yellowish gray. 
Habitat: The Black Tinamou inhabits a variety of forested habitats, including primary and secondary tropical and subtropical forests. 800-2000 m. It can be found in lowland regions as well as slightly higher elevations in Colombia.
Behavior: The Black Tinamou is a shy and elusive bird that prefers to stay hidden in dense vegetation. It feeds on fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small vertebrates found on the forest floor.Its secretive nature and cryptic plumage make it challenging to observe in the wild.
Breeding: Black Tinamous are monogamous and typically form long-term pair bonds.They construct simple ground nests in hidden locations on the forest floor.Females usually lay around 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for several weeks before hatching.
Conservation Status: The Black Tinamou faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, logging, and agricultural expansion in Colombia. In some areas, hunting and trapping for food constitute additional pressures on the species. The conservation status of the Black Tinamou in Colombia is considered Near Threatened due to these ongoing threats to its habitat and population.

Distribution

The Black Tinamou (Tinamus osgoodi) is a species known to have a limited distribution within Colombia. This bird is primarily found in specific regions within the country, mainly in the western and central parts of Colombia. The known distribution of the Black Tinamou in Colombia includes:
  1. Western Andes: The Black Tinamou occurs in areas along the western slopes of the Andes mountain range in Colombia, including regions such as the Chocó and western Valle del Cauca. 
  2. Central Andes: The species is also found in certain regions within the central Andes of Colombia, including parts of Quindío, Risaralda, Caldas, and Tolima departments. 
  3. Northern Colombia: Some populations of the Black Tinamou are reported in specific areas in northern Colombia, such as parts of Antioquia and Córdoba departments.
The Black Tinamou typically inhabits dense tropical and subtropical forests at various elevations within its known distribution range in Colombia. These forests provide the necessary cover and food resources for the species to thrive. Habitat loss due to deforestation, logging, and human activities poses a significant threat to the Black Tinamou's populations in Colombia, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts in protecting the remaining suitable habitats within its range. Scientific research and monitoring are essential to better understand the distribution, population trends, and specific habitat requirements of the Black Tinamou in Colombia.

Taxonomy

The Black Tinamou (Tinamus osgoodi)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Tinamiformes
  • Family: Tinamidae
  • Genus: Tinamus
  • Species: Tinamus osgoodi

Vocalization

Whistled Calls: Black Tinamous are known to produce a series of melodious, flute-like whistles that are often described as clear and far-carrying. These whistled calls are typically used by individuals to establish territories, communicate with mates, and signal their presence to other birds in the vicinity.
Calls: The Black Tinamou also utilizes soft, low-pitched contact calls to maintain contact with other individuals within its social group. These calls are important for maintaining cohesion among family members or signaling the presence of potential threats or predators.
Drumming Sounds: During courtship displays, male Black Tinamous may produce drumming sounds by rapidly beating their wings against their bodies. This drumming display is a visual and auditory signal that serves to attract females and establish dominance among competing males.
Alarm Calls: When threatened or disturbed, Black Tinamous may emit loud, repetitive alarm calls to warn others in the area about potential dangers. These alarm calls help alert nearby individuals to take evasive action and remain vigilant.The vocalizations of the Black Tinamou serve various functions in their daily interactions, from maintaining social bonds to defending territories and attracting mates.
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