Eudromia elegans I.Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1832

Taxonomy and General Form

The elegant-crested tinamou (Eudromia elegans I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1832) is a partridge-shaped bird with rounded wings.

Plumage Markings

Its base plumage is olive-brown, marked with extensive black and white vermiculations. It has a long off-white stripe that starts above the eye and runs down the side of the neck.

Beak and Limbs

Its short beak ends in a sharp, upright point, and its short, strong legs and feet are adapted for running; both the legs and feet are whitish-grey.

Adult Size

Adults of the species average 39 to 41 cm (15–16 in) in length.

Social Behavior and Detection

Elegant-crested tinamous form flocks of around 5 to 10 birds, and they are most often detected by their whistle calls.

Avoided Habitats

This species avoids tall, dense grasses and very thick stands of brush.

Preferred Habitats

Its preferred habitats include dry arid grasslands, open thicket, dry savanna, exposed hills with outlying patches of bushes, and cultivated farmlands.

Native Range

It occurs across a wide elevation range, from sea level up to 2,500 m (8,200 ft), and is native throughout Argentina and Chile.

Introduction Attempt

In 1970, an attempted introduction of 89 individuals near Benkelman, Nebraska was unsuccessful.