The TATAUPA (_Crypturus Tataupa_) represents a division of the above birds
recognisable by their powerful body, short pigeon-like neck, moderately
large head, and slender, slightly-curved beak, which exceeds the head in
length, and is much flattened towards the lower part of the culmen. The
first quill in the short wing is very small, and the fourth longer than
the rest; the tail-feathers are entirely wanting, and the foot, which
is of moderate height, has the hinder toe but slightly developed. The
rich, dark plumage is grey upon the head, throat, and breast, whilst the
back, wings, and tail-covers are reddish brown, and the rump-feathers
black or deep brown edged with white and yellow. The eye is reddish light
brown, the beak coral-red, and the foot flesh-brown. The length of this
species is nine inches and a half, and its breadth fifteen inches; the
wing measures four inches and three-quarters. The female bird is scarcely
distinguishable from her mate in the coloration of her plumage, whilst
the young are at once recognisable by the dull brownish grey feathers on
their head, throat, and under side, and the deep greyish yellow hue of the
belly, which is distinctly spotted with a darker shade. The Tataupa is met
with in portions of Eastern Brazil, and is especially numerous in some
parts of Bahia. According to the Prince von Wied it prefers open quarters
to forest land, and runs with great rapidity over the ground. Towards
evening it utters a very peculiar cry, consisting of two long-sustained
notes, followed by six or eight of the same tone, but short and quickly
repeated. In their other habits they resemble the Tinamous. The nest is
made on the ground, the eggs are about the size of those of a Pigeon, and,
according to Brehm, of a glossy, pale-chocolate hue. The flesh of the
Tataupa is much esteemed as an article of food; when cooked it is white
and almost without fat.