A large, pheasant-like bird that is native to the neotropical rainforests of Central and South America. They are part of the Cracidae family, often called the “royalty” of the game birds due to their size and stately appearance. They play a significant role in their ecosystems as seed dispersers and are a key species in maintaining the health of their habitat.

Males are primarily black with a distinctive curly crest and a bright yellow knob on their bill. Females, on the other hand, are more variable in color and can be found in three morphs ranging from barred black and white to rufous, and with similar head crests. This sexual dimorphism is a striking feature of the species.

The Great curassow is a ground-dwelling bird that prefers to forage on the forest floor. They are omnivorous, eating a variety of fruits, seeds, leaves, small animals, and insects. Despite their size and ability to fly, they spend most of their time on land, but they roost in trees at night for protection from predators. When it comes to nesting, the females are responsible for building the nest, which is typically located in the lower branches of trees. The nests are relatively simple structures and usually contain two large eggs that are incubated exclusively by the female.

The species is known for its vocalizations, which include a variety of deep bellows and watery gurgles. These calls are important for communication between individuals, particularly during the mating season.

Curassows have been hunted for their flesh, which is considered a delicacy. This hunting, combined with habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion, has led to a dramatic decline in their populations. The Great curassow is now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Belize

2020

Colombia

2020

Costa Rica

2020

Ecuador

2020

El Salvador

2020

Guatemala

2020

Honduras

2020

Mexico

2020

Nicaragua

2020

Panama

2020