The endemic Chilean Tinamou (Nothoprocta perdicaria) is commonly found in high elevation shrubland in subtropical regions of central Chile. The word tinamou comes from the Carib South American word for these birds, tinamu. Though not flightless, they will often avoid flight in favour of hiding or running away from danger. Crypturellus is formed from three Latin or Greek words: kruptos (meaning covered or hidden), oura (meaning tail) and ellus (meaning diminutive). Therefore, Crypturellus translates loosely to "small, hidden tail".
