Elegant crested tinamou

Scientific name: Eudromia elegans

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Small, compact tinamou with a distinctive raised crest on the crown. Plumage is grey-brown with fine barring; females tend slightly warmer rufous tones. Males average 26–28 cm, females 24–26 cm.

Size and weight

Males 400–450 g; females 350–400 g. Body length 24–28 cm.

Habitat

Occupies arid and semi-arid scrubland, grassland, and open woodland in Patagonia and central Argentina, typically between 500–2,500 m elevation. Prefers areas with sparse vegetation and rocky or sandy substrate.

Distribution

Endemic to Argentina, primarily in Patagonia (Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut provinces) and central arid zones. Restricted to open scrub and grassland habitats away from dense forest.

Diet

Forages on ground for seeds, berries, insects, and small invertebrates; shifts to more seed-eating in winter months.

Behaviour

Primarily crepuscular and diurnal, active in early morning and late afternoon. Usually solitary or in pairs; runs swiftly when flushed but prefers to crouch and hide. Moves cautiously through cover.

Hunting tips

Look for fine three-toed tracks in dust and sand, and scattered droppings near rocky outcrops and sparse shrubs. Approach from downwind in early dawn or dusk, moving slowly through open ground to flush birds from cover. Listen for sharp calls to locate birds, then stalk carefully as they run ahead rather than fly.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.