The Huayco Tinamou, Rhynchotus maculicollis, is a type of Tinamou found on grassy mountain ridges in the Andes of Bolivia and Argentina.

Taxonomy

All Tinamou are from the family Tinamidae, and in the larger scheme are also Ratites. Unlike other Ratites, Tinamous can fly, although in general, they are not strong fliers. All ratites evolved from prehistoric flying birds, and Tinamous are the closest living relative of these birds.

Previously, it was considered a subspecies of the Red-winged Tinamou, but it has a different song, and slightly different coloring. The SACC split this species and the IUCN followed suit in 2006.

Description

The Huayco Tinamou has a black streaked and spotted head and neck.

Behavior

Like other Tinamous, the Grey-legged Tinamou eats fruit off the ground or low-lying bushes. They also eat small amounts of invertebrates, flower buds, tender leaves, seeds, and roots. The male incubates the eggs which may come from different females, and then will raise them until they are ready to be on their own. The nest is located on the ground in dense brush or between raised root buttresses.

Range and habitat

The Huayco Tinamou lives in the Andes of northwestern Argentina and Bolivia from 1,000"?3,000 m (3,300"?9,800 ft). It prefers semi-arid scrub and cereal fields.

Conservation

The IUCN classifies this Tinamou as Least Concern, with an occurrence range of 114,000 km2 (44,000 sq mi).