Nothura maculosa (Temminck, 1815)

Common Name and Length

Nothura maculosa, commonly called the spotted nothura, measures approximately 24 to 25.5 cm (9.4–10.0 in) in total length.

Upper Body Coloration

Its upper body is brown, marked with buff streaks.

Underparts Markings

The underparts are buff, with black and brown streaking across the breast, and barring on the flanks.

Head Markings

The species has a black crown streaked with buff, and a white throat.

Color Variation Cause

The overall color hue of the spotted nothura varies widely across its distribution range; this variation is partially caused by differences in local soil conditions.

Primary Feather Barring

Along with its close relative the Chaco nothura (N. chacoensis), this species is one of only two nothuras that have barring on both webs of the primary feathers.

Leg Color

Its legs are a dull yellowish-grey or brown color.

Geographic Range

This species occurs in eastern and southern Brazil, excluding the Mata Atlântica region and the planalto uplands along the Brazilian coast, as well as in Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Habitat and Elevation

It inhabits dry savanna up to 2,300 m (7,500 ft) in elevation, temperate grassland, and pasture land.

Reproductive Rate

The spotted nothura is capable of reproducing rapidly: females reach sexual maturity within 2 months and can produce five to six broods each year, while males mature more slowly.

Parental Care

Males are responsible for incubating the eggs and raising the resulting chicks.

Egg Shell Texture

Like most tinamous, this species produces eggs with a distinctive glossy, porcelain-like shell.

Egg Shell Color

In the spotted nothura, this shell is colored a rich maroon or chocolate brown.

Clutch Size

Clutches contain 4 to 6 eggs.