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Tinamiformes - Tinamous

 

Classification

 Phylum: Chordata
 Class: Aves
 Order: Tinamiformes

Greater RheaThere are 47 species of birds in this order in a single family. Tinamous are chicken-like birds and are found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. They are ground-dwelling birds and are found in dense tropical forests, open scrublands, and in forest edges.

Tinamous are brown or grayish-brown and usually have spots or bars. They have a plump body; short, rounded wings; and a small head. They are weak fliers and spend most of their time on the ground. Tinamous have four toes on their feet, three toes face forward and one toe faces backwards.

Tinamous forage on the ground for eat seeds, roots, berries, and insects. Males mate with 3-4 females. The females lay their eggs in the same nest. The male incubates the eggs for 17-20 days and cares for the chicks for about a month.

galleryTinamiformes Photo Gallery

  Families

arrow  Tinamidae (Tinamous)