Tinamidae Tinamous

Rarely seen but frequently heard, the elusive tinamous make their presence known through their whistled calls—sounds that are part of the daily chorus of just about every terrestrial habitat in the Neotropics. Tinamou nests, which often contain eggs laid by multiple females, are tended solely by males. The eggs are like hidden treasures, with each species having a different color, ranging from sky blue, purple, or olive, to deep brown or dark gray, and all having the shiny luster of fine porcelain. Unlike their other relatives in the Struthioniformes, tinamous are capable of flight, though they are labored and reluctant fliers.