The Berlepsch's Tinamou Crypturellus berlepschi is a type of ground bird found in moist forest in northwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. This bird is named after Hans von Berlepsch to commemorate him.

Description

Berlepsch's Tinamou is greyish-brown in color with reddish tinge to the crown and nape.

Range and habitat

This Tinamou lives in lowland moist forest in sub-tropical regions. It has also proven that it can survive in forests that have been logged. Its range is northwestern Colombia to northwestern Ecuador.

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.

Etymology

Crypturellus is formed from three Latin or Greek words. kruptos meaning covered or hidden, oura meaning tail, and ellus meaning diminutive. Therefore Crypturellus means small hidden tail. berlepschi comes form the Latin form of Berlepsch to commemorate Hans von Berlepsch.

Behavior

Like other Tinamous, the Berlepsch's 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 as many as 4 different females, and then will raise them until they are ready to be on their own, usually 2-3 weeks. The nest is located on the ground in dense brush or between raised root buttresses.

Conservation

The IUCN classifies the Berlepshch's Tinamou as Least Concern, and it has an occurrence range of 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi).