Chordate Zoology - Textbook - Y. V. Tsaryk - 2013

Chapter 5. SUPERCLASS TETRAPODS (TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES) TETRAPODA, seu QUADRIPEDA.

ANAMNIOTES (ANAMNIA) AND AMNIOTES (AMNIOTA)

5.3. CLASS BIRDS AVES

5.3.3. Taxonomy and characteristics of representatives of the main orders of the class Aves

5.3.3.2. Superorder Typical, or Modern Birds Neognathae

5.3.3.2.5. Order Tinamous Tinamiformes

Terrestrial birds of South American forests and steppes, superficially resembling partridges. A total of 47 species. The Sternum features a well-developed keel, while the wing Skeleton and Pectoral Girdle are typically avian. The wings are short and broad. Short rectrices are concealed by upper tail coverts. Capable of active flight, though they take off reluctantly when escaping predators. They feed on a diverse diet of PLANT AND ANIMAL matter. Females lay 2–3 clutches, which are incubated by the males, who also tend to the broods. The chicks hatch precocial and downy, leaving the nest immediately to forage for themselves. Adult birds merely brood, protect the young, and assist them in finding food. A representative species of this order is the elegant crested tinamou Eudromia elegans (Fig. 5.45, 6)