Birds
Elegant Crested-tinamou
Eudromia elegans · also called Martineta tinamou
Sporting a thin crest that curves forward over its head, an elegant crested-tinamou ranks among the most familiar ground birds of the Patagonian steppe, trusting camouflage and a quick dash over a hasty flight whenever danger approaches.
Overview
The elegant crested-tinamou, Eudromia elegans, is a Least Concern bird native to grassland and desert habitat across the Patagonian steppe and central Argentina. Its distinctive forward-curving crest, status as one of the most commonly encountered tinamou species in the region, and strong preference for running over flying make it one of the more recognisable and ecologically successful ground birds found anywhere in southern South America.
A crest that curves the wrong way
Unlike the crests of most birds, which sweep backward, the elegant crested-tinamou’s thin plume arches forward over its head, an unusual and immediately recognisable feature among the ground birds sharing its Patagonian steppe habitat.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable steppe and scrubland habitat in Patagonia and central Argentina.
Elegant Crested-tinamou: common questions
Why is it called the elegant crested-tinamou?
This species has a thin, forward-curving crest of feathers on its head, a distinctive feature that gives the species its common name and sets it apart from other tinamou species.
How common is the elegant crested-tinamou?
This species is among the most commonly encountered ground birds across the Patagonian steppe, more widespread than several other tinamou species found in the same region.
Does the elegant crested-tinamou prefer to fly or run from danger?
This species prefers to run or freeze in place rather than fly when threatened, taking to short, low flights only as a last resort.
Does the elegant crested-tinamou live alone or in groups?
This species often gathers in small coveys outside the breeding season, moving together across open ground in search of food.