The Puna Tinamou, Tinamotis pentlandii also known as Pentland's Tinamou is a member of the most ancient groups of bird families, the tinamous. This species is native to southern South America.

Taxonomy

All Tinamou are from the family Tinamidae, and in the larger scheme are also Ratites. Unlike other Ratites, Tinamous can fly, although in general, they are not strong fliers. All ratites evolved from prehistoric flying birds, and Tinamous are the closest living relative of these birds.

Etymology

The binomial name of the species commemorates the Irish natural scientist Joseph Barclay Pentland (1797-1873) by Nicholas Aylward Vigors in 1837.

Description

The Puna Tinamou is approximately 41 cm (16 in) in length. Its upper parts are brown spotted with white, and its breast is blue-grey, and its belly is rufous. Its head is white with black streaks.

Habitats

The Puna Tinamou inhabits high altitude grassland, and to a lesser extent, brushland at altitude 4,000"?4,700 m (13,000"?15,000 ft) of subtropical and tropical regions. Its range is Peru, northern Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina.

Conservation

The IUCN list this species as Least Concern, with an occurrence rang eof 590,000 km2 (230,000 sq mi).

Fame

The Puna Tinamou appeared on Argentine and Bolivian postage stamps.