Tinamú Variegado
Variegated Tinamou
Crypturellus variegatus
Song
Variegated Tinamou
The Variegated Tinamou (Crypturellus variegatus). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The Variegated Tinamou is a small bird, typically measuring around 25-30 cm - 13 inches in length. Its plumage is predominantly shades of brown, with intricate patterns of darker and lighter colors that provide effective camouflage in its forest habitat. This tinamou species has a short crest on its head and a small blackish patch around its eye. Its bill is relatively short and dark in color, suited for its omnivorous diet.
Habitat: The Variegated Tinamou prefers to inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, dense thickets, shrublands, and undergrowth with ample cover and vegetation. They are primarily ground-dwelling birds, foraging and nesting on the forest floor.
Behavior: Being shy and elusive in nature, Variegated Tinamous are more often heard rather than seen due to their cryptic plumage and secretive behavior. They make distinct whistling calls and drumming sounds, especially during breeding season and territorial displays. Their diet consists of a variety of plant matter like fruits, seeds, and invertebrates which they forage for by scratching the forest floor with their strong legs.
Breeding: Variegated Tinamous typically build their nests on the ground, hidden among vegetation to ensure safety from predators. Females lay between 3 to 4 eggs which they incubate alone. Males might help in protecting the nest and offspring once hatched. The chicks are precocial, meaning they are born in a more developed state and can follow the mother shortly after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Variegated Tinamou is categorized as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Distribution
The Variegated Tinamou (Crypturellus variegatus)
Central Andes Region: Within the central parts of the Colombian Andes, in regions like Risaralda, Quindío, Tolima, and Caldas, the Variegated Tinamou is also known to inhabit forested areas and dense vegetation.
Eastern Andes Region: While less common compared to the western and central regions, the Variegated Tinamou can also be found in parts of the eastern slopes of the Andes in Colombia, including areas in Meta and Boyacá.
Amazon Region: In the southern regions of Colombia, particularly in the Amazon basin, the Variegated Tinamou can be found in forested areas and dense undergrowth, contributing to the biodiversity of the Amazon region.Magdalena Valley Region: Some populations of Variegated Tinamous are also reported in the Magdalena Valley region of Colombia, which provides suitable habitat with its forested areas and diverse vegetation.
Taxonomy
The Variegated Tinamou (Crypturellus variegatus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Tinamiformes
- Family: Tinamidae
- Genus: Crypturellus
- Species: Crypturellus variegatus
Vocalization
The Variegated Tinamou (Crypturellus variegatus)
Whistled Calls: Variegated Tinamous are known for their melodious, whistled calls that can vary in pitch and tone. These whistles are used for communication between individuals and may serve to maintain contact in dense forest habitats where visual communication is limited.
Drumming Sounds: During the breeding season and territorial displays, Variegated Tinamous are known to produce drumming sounds. These drumming displays typically involve rapid and repetitive thumping noises created by the bird beating its wings against its body or on a log or other surface.
Contact Calls: Variegated Tinamous may use soft, murmuring calls as contact calls between mates or family members. These calls help individuals stay in touch and coordinate movements within their habitat.
Alarm Calls: When disturbed or threatened, Variegated Tinamous may emit sharp, alarm calls to alert others in the area of potential danger. These calls serve as a warning signal and can help individuals in the group respond and take evasive action if needed.
Territorial Calls: Variegated Tinamous use a variety of vocalizations to establish and defend their territories against intruders. These calls can include long, sustained notes or sequences of calls that indicate ownership of a particular area within their habitat.
