Why do tinamou birds lay such colorful eggs?

This is the elegant crested tinamou (Eudromia elegans). Many bird species that are closely related will lay eggs that are similar in color. But tinamou birds, which live in habitats ranging from Mexico down through South America, lay eggs that come in a variety of colors. Image via Scott Hecker/ Flickr (CC BY 2.0).

Why do tinamou birds lay such colorful eggs?

The myriad egg colors that tinamou birds lay – which range from brilliant pinks and blues to rich purples and greens – have long fascinated scientists.