Large, cryptically patterned chickenlike bird of Patagonian grasslands with bushes and low shrubs. Scarce and rarely encountered. Like related tinamous of open habitats, most often in trios or family groups (males take care of the young). Runs strongly in preference to flying (in flight note bright rusty wings). Striped head (without a crest) and spotted upperparts are diagnostic plumage features; only other tinamou in its range is the rather different Elegant Crested-Tinamou. Loud haunting whistles carry well, but the sound is easily whipped away in the wind.