Small-billed Tinamou vs Red-winged Tinamou
Crypturellus parvirostris versus Rhynchotus rufescens
Play a quiz with Small-billed Tinamou and Red-winged Tinamou
Small-billed Tinamou
Red-winged Tinamou
In short
The Small-billed Tinamou and Red-winged Tinamou are both ground-dwelling birds from the Tinamidae family, but they differ significantly in size and bill structure. The Small-billed Tinamou is notably smaller with a stubbier, pale red bill, while the Red-winged Tinamou is larger with more robust features. Plumage differences are subtle and less reliable for identification.
Identification tips
1. Size and Structure: Use size as a primary indicator; the Small-billed Tinamou is noticeably smaller with a stubbier, pale red bill. 2. Habitat: Consider the habitat; the Small-billed Tinamou is more likely in cultivated fields, while the Red-winged Tinamou's range is broader but affected by habitat loss. 3. Plumage: Use plumage as a secondary check; differences are subtle and less reliable.
Size
The Small-billed Tinamou is smaller than the Red-winged Tinamou, which is generally larger and more robust.
Plumage
Plumage differences are slight; the Small-billed Tinamou has a more uniform coloration, while the Red-winged Tinamou may have a duller grayish ground color. These differences are subtle and not the most reliable in the field.
Behaviour
Both species are ground-dwelling and secretive, often found in dense vegetation. Behavioral differences are not well-documented for field identification.
Habitat
The Small-billed Tinamou is found in a variety of habitats, including cultivated fields across interior Brazil and parts of Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. The Red-winged Tinamou is generally abundant over a large range but is affected by habitat loss due to burning.
Voice
Vocalization differences are not well-documented in the provided sources, making them unreliable for field identification.