Nothura boraquira
The White-bellied Nothura (Nothura boraquira) is a small, cryptic ground-dwelling bird belonging to the family Tinamidae, an ancient lineage considered basal to all other extant birds. Measuring approximately 20-27 cm (7.9-10.6 in) in length and weighing 170-220 g (6-7.8 oz), it is one of the smaller members of the Nothura genus. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage, featuring a streaked reddish-brown back and crown, subtly contrasting with a diagnostic pale, often whitish or buffy, bel...
This species primarily inhabits dry grasslands, open scrubland, and chaco woodlands with scattered bushes and tall grasses, typically found at low to moderate elevations.
The diet consists predominantly of seeds from various grasses and forbs, supplemented with insects such as ants, beetles, and termites, and other small invertebrates, all gleaned from the ground.
The White-bellied Nothura is a notoriously secretive, largely diurnal bird, spending most of its time hidden within dense ground cover. They forage by walking slowly, gleaning seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates from the ground and low vegetation. When disturbed, their primary defense i...
The White-bellied Nothura is widely distributed across central South America, primarily inhabiting southern Bolivia, western Paraguay, northeastern and central Argentina, and west-central and southeastern Brazil. Its extensive range encompasses the distinct ecoregions of the Gran Chaco and the Ce...
Least Concern
- The White-bellied Nothura is one of the smallest species within the ancient tinamou family, often dwarfed by its larger relatives in South America. - True to many tinamous, the male of this species takes on all incubation duties and cares for the precocial chicks entirely alone. - Their eggs ar...