Species profile · Published: · Reviewed:

Black-capped tinamou

Crypturellus atrocapillus

Bird of the family Tinamidae.

*Crypturellus atrocapillus* is a humid forest tinamou, recognizable by its dark crown and the contrast between the dark gray breast and the cinnamon to buff underparts.

How to identify it

At a glance

Essentials

Size
Measures approximately 28 to 30 cm in length. The range may vary with age, sex and population.
Distribution
Found in southeastern Peru and northern Bolivia.
Habitat
Lowland humid forests in tropical and subtropical regions; recorded up to 900 m in altitude.
Diet
Consumes primarily fruits fallen to the ground; also seeds, floral shoots, young leaves, roots, and invertebrates.

Observation guide

What to look for

  1. 01

    The dark crown contrasts with the brown upperparts, which are spotted or barred with dark markings; the throat and neck are reddish, and the breast is dark gray.

  2. 02

    The underparts are cinnamon to buff. Females show more distinct barring on the upperparts.

An important limitation

Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.

Ecology

Description and characteristics

This tinamou inhabits lowland tropical and subtropical humid forests. Its plumage combines dark-spotted brown tones on the upperparts, reddish throat and neck, dark gray breast, and cinnamon or buff underparts. It feeds primarily on fallen fruits and also consumes seeds, shoots, young leaves, roots, and invertebrates. In reproduction, the male incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks.

Sources

View methodology

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