Elegant Crested Tinamous, found mostly in Argentina, are football shaped ground birds with fancy hats. Tinamous are usually shy and elusive birds. When it comes time to breed the female will lay her shiny green eggs in a ground nest under the shelter of a bush. It is then the males’ job to incubate the eggs and care for the chicks.
Vividly colored Tinamou eggs
Our breeding pair of Tinamous here at the Houston Zoo, located in the Fischer Bird Gardens, has successfully provided us with an abundance of fertile eggs. Since the male has not yet shown interest in incubating them, our bird department team took over and placed the eggs in an incubator.
This past July 2 chicks hatched and almost immediately began exploring the world (inside their brooder box that is). Tinamou chicks hatch looking remarkably similar to the adults, and even have a starter crest.
Adult female
Hatched chick on day 2
To hand raise the chicks we are feeding them a combination of pheasant starter pellets, chopped fruits, egg and insects. As a keeper, it’s our job to provide the food and clean accommodations, but the chicks are able to feed themselves almost from day one.
By day 10 it's crest has nearly doubled in length!
These birds always make me think of something from Dr. Seuss… Can you see it? Tell me in the comments below!
Written by Samantha Montgomery
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Oh no, that’s too cute. I nominate these guys for Official Mascot status.
Omg Dr. Seuss birds are so cute! Want one!