Red-winged Tinamou

Identification

The red-winged tinamou is a medium-sized ground-dwelling bird measuring 39–42.5 cm in length. Males weigh 700–920 g, while females are slightly heavier at 815–1,040 g. The species' common name refers to its most distinctive field mark: bright rufous primaries that are particularly visible in flight. The bird has a black crown, light gray to brown underparts, and may display black bars on the flanks, abdomen, and vent. The throat is whitish, while the foreneck and breast are cinnamon-coloured. Its curved bill is horn-coloured with a blackish culmen. Juveniles are noticeably duller than adults, making age determination straightforward in the field.

Range & Habitat

The red-winged tinamou is found across central and eastern South America, with its range spanning southeastern, northeastern and central Brazil, eastern Paraguay, southeastern Peru, Bolivia, and eastern Argentina. Three subspecies are recognized across this vast distribution. At lower elevations up to 1,000 m, the species favours seasonally flooded marshy grasslands and forest edges, while at higher elevations up to 2,500 m it frequents arid shrubland, pastures, and grain fields. Overall, the species shows a preference for dry savanna habitats.

Behaviour & Diet

The red-winged tinamou is most active during the hottest parts of the day. Males are notably vocal, producing a distinctive long ringing single whistle followed by shorter, sad-sounding whistles; females do not call. The species' diet is highly seasonal: in summer it feeds on insects and other small animals, including small mammals, but switches to vegetable matter such as fruits, shoots, tubers, and bulbs during winter. It can become an agricultural pest by feeding on cereals, rice, and peanuts, and interestingly also preys on poisonous snakes and will jump into the air to snatch insects from vegetation.

Best Time & Places to See It

Travellers seeking the red-winged tinamou should focus on the species' core range in central and eastern South America, particularly in suitable savanna and grassland habitats. The bird is most active during the hottest parts of the day, making midday observations potentially productive. The species' presence in both lowland grasslands and higher-elevation arid shrublands means habitat selection is key to locating it. While the species remains widespread and not threatened overall, local populations may vary depending on human density and land-use patterns.

Photography Tips

Photographing the red-winged tinamou presents both challenges and rewards. The rufous primaries—the species' most striking field mark—are best captured when the bird is in flight, so patience and anticipation are essential. Ground-level or low-angle perspectives will be most effective for this ground-dwelling species. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the contrast between the black crown and cinnamon breast. The bird's preference for activity during the hottest parts of the day means photographers should be prepared for harsh midday sun; consider positioning yourself with the light behind the bird to silhouette its distinctive wing coloration during flight shots.