Tinamiformes generally hold one single family known as nine genera. The family has about 47 species in total. Tinamiformes are very restricted to the Neotropics. This is where they actually occupy a wide variety range of habitats. Some of these birds generally dwell in the scrubby woodlands and tropical rain forests. Others have spread and they occupy the forest edges, semiarid or arid scrubs as well as the grasslands. All the same, the Tinamiformes have been breeding highly and they are giving in high numbers of the bird’s population in their respective habitats.

Tinamiformes actually are chicken-like when it comes to comparing their appearance. Their color has a diversified range of colors. This is from light or dark brown while others are gray in color. They have dark spots on the body with some barred patterns. The Tinamiformes is not much different in these respective features in both males and females. They almost look alike. However, the females have a slightly larger size that has a pronounced plumage kind of patterning.

To the Tinamiformes physical characteristics, they are unique and some of them have not been featured in any other type of bird. These characteristics include long slender neck, small head, thin curved bill, heavy body that weighs approximately 150g-2kg, have a length of approximately 15-50cm, hold short wings as well as the tail and long legs. The birds also have 3 front toes that are short. They have a toe that is backward pointing and that is strategically placed separate from the others.

The Tinamiformes forage is great. The bird can dig for food items deeply because it has a long strong bill. Most of its diet comprise of fruits, seeds, roots and arthropods including termites, ticks, insects and spiders. However, some species from this group of birds feed on small vertebrates including frogs, mice and lizards. This bird has been threatened to extinction because it has many predators. The population has reduced drastically because many birds have been killed. Some of the predators include armadillos, humans, foxes, and skunks.

The Tinamiformes breeds of birds are actually polygynandrous in nature. When it comes to breeding season, the male birds establish some good and well located defend territories. They use this in guarding the females who undergo the incubation process. The females at times form coalitions making up a group of many females together in the same niche and in the reproduction process. The coalition consists of approximately four female birds. The whole concept of the coalition is to go out hunting for males.

The mating process occurs strategically when the respective females locate a male mate. The males mate for a progressive period with the females of the coalition and in the end, each female lays an egg. Other females can lay two or more eggs at once depending on their capacity. This is what gives the respective bird type and advantage when it comes to reproduction and increase in large numbers.