Nothura

Nothura is a genus of small tinamous that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. The group is part of the family Tinamidae, which includes around 60 species of ground-dwelling birds found throughout the Americas. Nothura species are often referred to as pygmy tinamous, and they are among the smallest members of the tinamou family.

The most common species in this genus is Nothura minor, the red-legged tinamou, which is found in the lowland forests and savanna patches of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and the Orinoco Basin. Another species, Nothura maculosa, known as the yellow-legged tinamou, occurs in semi-arid grasslands and scrublands across Argentina and Paraguay. Both species share a plump, compact body shape and a relatively short tail, adaptations that aid their ground-dwelling habits. Their plumage is generally mottled brown and tan, providing effective camouflage among leaf litter and underbrush.

Nothura birds are shy and mostly solitary, spending most of their time foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. They have a distinctive call—a rapid series of whistles—that is often heard at dawn and dusk. Despite being ground predators, they are relatively benign to humans and are not a major food source for indigenous peoples or local communities.

Conservation-wise, the IUCN Red List classifies several Nothura species as Least Concern, though their populations can be locally threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. Efforts to preserve open forest and grassland ecosystems are essential for maintaining healthy Nothura populations.