[4] The lesser nothura inhabits dry grassland habitats of tropical regions at an altitude range of 200 to 1,000 m (660–3,280 ft).

[1] The lesser nothura is found in parts of southeastern Brazil[3] and recently in one location in east-central Paraguay.

Its face is buff, shades of yellow on its throat and dark brown spots turning to streaks at its breast.

[5] The habitats inhabited by lesser nothura are being rapidly destroyed by mechanised agriculture, intensive cattle-ranching, afforestation, invasive grasses, excessive use of pesticides and annual burning.

It was also proposed to identify other unprotected areas of suitable habitat in north-eastern Paraguay, north and west Minas Gerais, and Goiás.