Nothura minor
The Lesser Nothura (Nothura minor) is a small, elusive ground bird belonging to the ancient family Tinamidae, making it more closely related to ostriches than to chickens. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7.1-7.9 in) in length and weighing 154-205g, it is the smallest species within its genus. Its plumage offers superb camouflage, featuring dark brown upperparts mottled and barred with black, punctuated by buffy streaks, while its crown and nape are blackish, also streaked with buff. A whiti...
Found primarily in dry native grasslands and savannas of the Cerrado biome, also utilizing pasturelands and occasionally eucalyptus plantations. It occurs from sea level up to approximately 1100 meters elevation.
Primarily feeds on seeds, various insects (ants, termites, beetles, larvae), small fruits, and some green plant material, foraging by gleaning from the ground.
A shy and highly elusive species, the Lesser Nothura is predominantly diurnal but often most active during dawn and dusk. It forages by walking slowly and methodically, pecking at the ground for food. While generally seen in pairs or small family groups, tinamous, including this species, are know...
Endemic to South America, the Lesser Nothura's range is primarily concentrated in central and southeastern Brazil, spanning states such as Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Its distribution extends eastward into eastern Paraguay and southw...
Near Threatened
- Its genus name, 'Nothura', translates to 'false tail' from Greek, a nod to its exceptionally short, almost invisible tail. - Despite its plump, chicken-like appearance, the Lesser Nothura is part of an ancient lineage (Tinamidae) more closely related to ratites like ostriches and emus than to t...