While walking the dry pastures of the Argentine pampas behind elite pointing dogs, international upland hunters will encounter two distinct species of native ground birds: the ubiquitous Spotted Tinamou and its massive, highly prized cousin, the Martineta.
The Standard vs The Trophy
Both birds belong to the Tinamidae family, an ancient lineage of ground-dwelling birds native exclusively to Central and South America. They are not true partridges or quail, despite the local moniker "perdiz" (partridge). The Spotted Tinamou (*Nothura maculosa*) is the absolute backbone of the Argentine upland experience. Roughly the size of a Hungarian Partridge, it thrives in the dense alfalfa fields of Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos. The Martineta (*Eudromia elegans*), officially known as the Elegant Crested Tinamou, is significantly larger—approaching the size of a hen pheasant—and features a spectacular, sweeping crest of feathers on its head. The Martineta prefers the arid, harsh, brushy terrain of the western provinces (like La Pampa) and is considered a prestigious, rare trophy in the eastern agricultural basins.
| Species Profile | Spotted Tinamou (Standard Perdiz) | Martineta (Elegant Crested Tinamou) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | Small/Medium (Size of a Hun or Chukar). | Large (Size of a small hen Pheasant); distinct crest. |
| Habitat Preference | Dense alfalfa and wet, short-grass pastures. | Dry, arid scrubland and thorny bush (Monte). |
| Flushing Behavior | Explodes upward, flies fast and straight. | Runs relentlessly; very difficult to pin for a flush. |
| Bag Limits | Standard (Usually 6 to 10 per day). | Highly Restricted (Often 1 to 2 per day, if permitted). |
Tactical Execution over Dogs
Hunting the two species requires a completely different pace. The Spotted Tinamou will run, but it eventually trusts its camouflage and "holds tight" under the thick alfalfa canopy, allowing the German Shorthaired Pointer to lock into a beautiful, statuesque point. The Martineta is a marathon runner. It inhabits thinner, arid brush where it can see predators coming. A Martineta will run for hundreds of yards ahead of the dog, completely refusing to hold. The *perdicero* (dog handler) must push the dog into a dead sprint to physically cut off the Martineta's escape route, forcing an explosive, long-range flush. To drop a heavy Martineta, you must transition from a light #8 target load to a heavier #6 lead field load to ensure clean kinetic penetration.
Tactical Field Note: Always verify your target before pulling the trigger. Because the Martineta population is significantly lower and more fragile than the Spotted Tinamou, provincial game laws are incredibly strict. At operations like AWS Lodge, guides will explicitly inform you if Martinetas are in the area and clearly outline the strict harvest limits (often just 1 bird) before you load your shotgun.
Internal Connections
- Read the overarching strategy in Perdiz Hunting in Argentina: The Elite Upland Guide.
- See the dogs used to track them in German Shorthaired Pointers: The Kings of the Argentine Pampas.
- Understand the clothing required for this terrain in What to Wear Perdiz Hunting in Argentina.