Cryptically plumaged chickenlike bird of matorral shrubland, open scrub, and farmland; endemic to central Chile. Found as singles or small groups; most often seen along roadsides early and late in the day. Usually runs away, but if disturbed will flush explosively from underfoot with shrieking whistles. The only tinamou in its range, but compare with distinctively patterned California Quail, which often occurs in same areas. Song is a short, abrupt whistle; given irregularly and hard to trace.