Black Tinamou vs Cinereous Tinamou

In short

The Black Tinamou is primarily slaty gray with cinnamon undertail coverts, while the Cinereous Tinamou is dark ash brown to brownish gray, often paler below. Black Tinamou is found in humid forests at higher altitudes, whereas Cinereous Tinamou occupies lowland forests and is more adaptable to human disturbance.

Identification tips

1. Look for the cinnamon undertail coverts in Black Tinamou. 2. Check for habitat: Black Tinamou is in higher altitude forests, while Cinereous Tinamou is in lowland areas. 3. Listen for the Cinereous Tinamou's whistle, as Black Tinamou's calls are less known.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of tinamous, but specific size details are not well-documented.

Plumage

Black Tinamou has a uniform slaty gray plumage with conspicuous cinnamon-colored undertail coverts. In contrast, the Cinereous Tinamou is dark ash brown to brownish gray, often paler below, with some individuals appearing sooty brown. Immatures of the Cinereous Tinamou show cinnamon barring.

Behaviour

Cinereous Tinamou is more tolerant of human disturbance and can be found in second growth and plantations, unlike the Black Tinamou which is less frequently observed.

Habitat

Black Tinamou inhabits humid forests in tropical and subtropical zones at altitudes between 600 and 2100 m. Cinereous Tinamou is found in lowland regions, including dense second growth and savannas, from the Amazon to northern Bolivia and southern Venezuela.

Voice

Cinereous Tinamou has a distinctive one-second-long whistle repeated at frequent intervals, with the female's call slightly higher pitched. Vocalizations of Black Tinamou are not well-documented.