AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Tinamus major
Great Tinamou
(Gmelin, 1789)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, ground-dwelling bird with a chunky body, short tail, and grayish-brown to olive-brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage on the forest floor.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Tinamiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Tinamidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Tinamus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Gmelin, 1789)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits primary tropical rainforests and dense humid lowland forests across Central and South America, preferring undisturbed areas with a thick canopy.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Primarily terrestrial and solitary. It spends its day foraging quietly on the forest floor and roosts in trees at night to avoid ground predators. Known for its haunting, melodic tremolo whistle heard at dawn and dusk.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary outside of the breeding season. During mating, males maintain territories and call to attract multiple females to a single nest site.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial frugivore and granivore / omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Consumes seeds, fallen fruits, berries, and occasionally insects or small invertebrates. It is preyed upon by jaguars, pumas, large raptors (like Harpy Eagles), and large snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Exhibits a polyandrous breeding system where the male builds a ground nest, accepts eggs from multiple females, and takes sole responsibility for incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
40.0 - 47.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
700 g - 1.10 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 10
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
17 - 20
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males8 - 15 Years
Females8 - 15 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Cryptic plumage colors blend seamlessly with leaf litter, allowing it to remain undetected by predators when sitting still.
Possesses strong pectoral muscles for short, explosive bursts of flight to escape immediate danger, though it prefers to run.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation caused by deforestation and intense hunting pressure, as it is a prized game bird.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Lays spectacularly glossy, colorful eggs that resemble polished porcelain or glass, varying in color from bright blue to turquoise or purple.