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The Solitary tinamou

Birdwatching requires a lot of attention and physical endurance from any birdwatcher who proposes to venture into REGUA. The hot and humid climate, characteristic of the Atlantic Forest, the winding and steep trails, added to the natural shyness of birds, makes this hobby a real challenge. Even the forest litter consisting of remains of plants and accumulation of living organic material at different stages of decomposition, can disturb this activity, because the noise treading in this material, denounces the presence of someone on the trails. One of the most difficult birds to spot is the Macuco (Tinamus lolitarius), a large terrestrial bird that was historically persecuted and highly prized by its meat. The Solitary tinamou is endemic of the Atlantic Forest, feeds mainly on insects and is classified as “almost threatened” by the red list of threatened IUCN species.

Although hunting has significantly diminished inside REGUA land and occasionally one can listen to the call of these birds in a forest corner, even so it is still quite difficult to see it. It is probably easier to find a nest on the ground with some turquoise green eggs than the birds themselves.

Adilei da Cunha in one of his forest walks reported back his enthusiasm to hear an adult vocalizing and, trying to localize and follow it, found only a chick trying to camouflage itself between the leaves. As it was well hidden, it was difficult to capture a clear image. It was a moment of joy to Adilei, as he rarely sees these birds in nature. This is a good sign that the efforts of the REGUA for the protection and conservation of forests are contributing to the increase of the population of many species of the local fauna.

A Solitary tinamou /Macuco chick camouflaged between the dried branches and leaves (© Nicholas Locke).

Data: 04/04/21

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