Undulated tinamou
Scientific name: Crypturellus undulatus
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Small bird with grayish-brown to rufous plumage and subtle wave patterning. Minimal sexual dimorphism; females are slightly larger than males.
Size and weight
Weight 240–330 g; body length 23–26 cm, females averaging 2–3 % larger.
Habitat
Inhabits dense understory and humid forest from lowland to approximately 1500 m elevation. Prefers areas with thick vegetation cover and moist ground.
Distribution
Widespread across tropical and subtropical South America from Venezuela to Paraguay. Resident in lowland forests and humid woodland east of the Andes.
Diet
Primarily seeds, insects, and small invertebrates gleaned from the forest floor. Forages by scratching leaf litter and soil, with seasonal variation.
Behaviour
Active at dawn and dusk; ground-forager that runs rather than flies when disturbed. Calls regularly at low light with a distinctive whistled phrase.
Hunting tips
Easily located by quiet forest walking at first light; small droppings and scratch marks indicate presence. Follow damp trails and listen for the bird's characteristic calls; once heard nearby, advance slowly and carefully through dense cover, as birds readily flee on foot rather than taking flight.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 4 countries in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.