Secretive chickenlike bird that walks on the ground inside forest. Very plump; looks tailless. A distinctive tinamou of dry forests, can even be detected as it noisily runs through dry leaf litter. Visually striking with bright coral-red legs and heavily barred back and wings (more prominent on females). Also note pale eyebrow. Otherwise grayish-brown overall. Fairly common within limited range in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Occurs in dry scrubby forests and second-growth, usually with fairly thick understory. More often heard than seen; listen for its explosive rising whistle.