Curve-billed Tinamou Nothoprocta curvirostris Scientific name definitions

This is a small-sized tinamou endemic to the high Andes of Ecuador, northern Peru, and extreme southern Colombia. It is found primarily between 2,800 and 3,900 m above sea level, with some records reaching 4,050 m. The Curve-billed Tinamou occurs in humid and semi-arid paramo and puna, characterized by evergreen scrub with bunch grasses, and is occasionally found in slash-and-burn cultivation. It is well named for its relatively long curved bill. The sexes are much alike in plumage, presenting dark brown upperparts spotted with black and streaked buffy white, and a white throat grading to tawny rufous over the breast and becoming marginally paler over the rest of the underparts. Two geographically isolated subspecies are recognized. The nominate subspecies, curvirostris, is slightly larger and darker and occurs in the Andes from southern Colombia, through Ecuador and northern Peru, south to the Huancabamba depression. The southern subspecies, peruviana, appears paler, with predominantly whitish streaks, and is endemic to north and central Peru. In certain areas, this species overlaps with the Andean Tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii), which is marginally smaller, paler above, less heavily marked below, and lacks reddish pigmentation in the wings.

As with most tinamous, the life history of the Curve-billed Tinamou remains poorly understood. It is known to be a relatively common species in its range, although it is rarely observed. The behavioral patterns of this species remain largely unstudied. It is primarily observed on the ground and is most frequently encountered when flushed, calling, and flying in a straight line. It breeds between December and August, and the eggs are chocolate-brown, but very few other data are available concerning this high-elevation tinamou. The diet of the species is variable and appears to be opportunistic, with a preference for foraging on the ground. Plants and invertebrates are among the items consumed. The culpeo or Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) is a predator of this species. This tinamou is hunted with dogs in some local communities for its highly esteemed meat.