Bartlett’s Tinamou

Identification

Bartlett's tinamou is a small bird, measuring approximately 27 cm (11 inches) in length. It has distinctive plumage with brown upperparts barred with black, a blackish crown, and white throat and belly. The remainder of the underparts are rufous, while the flanks are barred with black. This combination of features makes it recognizable among the tinamou family, though sighting this uncommon species remains a challenge for most birdwatchers.

Range & Habitat

This monotypic species is native to western Amazonian Brazil, northern Bolivia, eastern Peru, and eastern Ecuador, where it inhabits swamp and lowland forests in subtropical and tropical regions at elevations up to 500 m (1,600 ft). Across its range, which covers approximately 1,990,000 km² (770,000 sq mi), Bartlett's tinamou is considered uncommon, making it a sought-after sighting for dedicated birders exploring South American lowland forests.

Behaviour & Diet

Like other tinamous, Bartlett's tinamou forages on or near the ground, feeding primarily on fallen fruit from low-lying bushes. Its diet is supplemented with small amounts of invertebrates, flower buds, tender leaves, seeds, and roots. The species exhibits an unusual breeding system in which males incubate eggs that may come from as many as four different females. After hatching, the male raises the chicks until they are independent, typically around 2–3 weeks of age. Nests are simple structures built on the ground in dense brush or nestled between raised root buttresses of forest trees.

Best Time & Places to See It

Travelers seeking Bartlett's tinamou should focus their efforts on lowland forest regions of the western Amazon basin, particularly in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil. Given the species' uncommon status throughout its range, patience and early morning searches—when the bird is most active—offer the best chances of encounter. Hiring a local guide familiar with tinamou calls and behavior significantly improves sighting prospects in these remote habitats.

Photography Tips

Photographing this elusive ground-dweller requires patience, a telephoto lens, and the ability to move quietly through dense forest understory. Since Bartlett's tinamou forages on or near the ground among dense vegetation, approach slowly and look carefully at the forest floor and low brush. Early morning light is preferable for capturing the subtle barring and rufous tones of the plumage. Be prepared for challenging lighting conditions in the shadowy lowland forest environment, and have high ISO settings ready to compensate.