Chilean Tinamou

Chilesteißhuhn ( Nothoprocta perdicaria )

The Chilesteißhuhn ( Nothoprocta perdicaria ) is a species of bird in the family of Tinamou ( Tinamidae ). In addition to the nominate Nothoprocta perdicaria perdicaria from the north-central Chile, the subspecies Nothoprocta perdicaria sanborni is distinguished from the south-central Chile. A population of the nominate form was introduced in 1885 on Easter Island, where it still exists today.

Features

The Chilesteißhuhn reached a size 29.5 to 32 centimeters. The wing-coverts and secondaries show the cinnamon-colored napkins. The breast is gray. The throat is whitish. The juvenile birds look similar to the adult birds. The chest is brownish but with black spots. The breed Nothoprocta perdicaria sanborni is much darker with a weaker gray coloration on the breast. The chicks have a strong black and brown stripe pattern.

Habitat

The Chilesteißhuhn inhabits semi-arid grasslands, savannahs, scrublands and grain fields, which are often located next to roads.

Way of life

The Chilesteißhuhn is usually observed in small groups. It is probably true location. About the food behavior, there is no information. The breeding season is in December. The nest is built of grass and is located under bushes or tufts of grass. The nest consists of five to eight (rarely twelve) chocolate brown eggs.

Inventory and risk

Information about the population size of the Chilesteißhuhns are not available. From BirdLife International is listed as not at risk ( least concern ).