This is a monotypic species.[3] All tinamou are from the family Tinamidae, and in the larger scheme are also ratites. Unlike other ratites, tinamous can fly, although in general, they are not strong fliers. All ratites evolved from prehistoric flying birds, and tinamous are the closest living relative of these birds.[4]
Habitats
The lesser nothura inhabits dry grassland habitats of tropical regions at an altitude range of 200 to 1,000 m (660–3,280 ft).[5] This tinamou can also be found in dry shrubland and savanna. It doesn't seem to like recently burned grasslands.[1]
The lesser nothura is approximately 18 to 20 cm (7.1–7.9 in) in length. The lesser nothura is rufescent with a chestnut crown and yellow mottling. Its face is buff, shades of yellow on its throat and dark brown spots turning to streaks at its breast. Its flanks have brown markings and its underparts are chestnut with rufous barring, its wings are rufous with dusky barring. Its legs are yellow, and its bill is black, and it has brown irises.[5]
Behavior
Its voice consists of long, high-pitched whistles. It probably breeds between October and February.[5]
Conservation
The IUCN has classified this species as vulnerable due to the fragmentation of its population and the loss of its primary habitat.[1] It has an occurrence range of 3,000 km2 (1,200 sq mi) and a 2000 estimate of adult birds placed it at around 9000, which may be a little liberal.[5]
The habitats inhabited by lesser nothura are being rapidly destroyed by mechanised agriculture, intensive cattle-ranching, afforestation, invasive grasses, excessive use of pesticides and annual burning. By 1993, two-thirds of the Cerrado region had been heavily or moderately altered, with most of the destruction having occurred since 1950. Farming, ranching, fires, and pesticide are the practices that have the most impact on this species.[5]
Clements, James (2007). The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World (6th ed.). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. ISBN978-0-8014-4501-9.
Davies, S.J.J.F. (2003). "Tinamous". In Hutchins, Michael (ed.). Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia. Vol. 8 Birds I Tinamous and Ratites to Hoatzins (2nd ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group. pp. 57–59. ISBN0-7876-5784-0.