The Bird That Lays Luminous Eggs

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

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Tinamous are ground-dwelling birds known for their striking, brightly coloured, and glossy eggs

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These eggs are laid in the forest floor by the female, with the male taking sole responsibility for incubation and chick rearing

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Tinamous resemble quails or partridges, with a chunky body, strong legs, and small heads

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They inhabit a variety of habitats, from dense rainforests to grasslands, and are primarily ground-dwelling

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Multiple females may lay eggs in the same nest, resulting in large clutches

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Their eggs are known for their vibrant colours, including blue-green, chocolate brown, violet, and light pink, with a glossy sheen

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Some theories suggest that the bright colours serve as a signal between females to locate nests, or to entice the male to incubate the eggs 

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The glossiness of the eggs is due to the nanostructure of the shell, not pigments

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