#tinamous

Ostriches, kiwis, emus, and cassowaries all have one thing in common: they can't fly. For that reason alone, they must be awfully jealous of their cousins the tinamous! These birds are the only members of the infraclass Palaeognathae that are still able to fly, likely because they are quite a bit smaller and lighter than their relatives.

Photo: Sylvère Corre

"A furtive, ‘tail-less’ gamebird that lives on the ground in tropical woodland and forest. Rarely seen (sometimes crosses quiet roads or trails), but haunting whistled song is often heard, especially early and late in the day. Note distinct pale barring on upperparts and bright reddish legs. Birds in West Mexico are paler and grayer overall, those in East Mexico and Central America have a rusty-colored breast and belly."

Photo: Doug Greenberg

"Furtive, almost tailless small game bird that lives on the ground in humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge and dense secondary growth rather than forest interior. When disturbed runs rather than flies. Very rarely seen (sometimes crosses quiet roads or trails), but tremulous whistles are often heard, especially early and late in the day."