Great curassow

The only massive and heaviest species of its family living in Neotropical rain forests that is easily vulnerable to hurricanes

Drew Avery


Great curassow

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The only massive and heaviest species of its family living in Neotropical rain forests that is easily vulnerable to hurricanes

Population <50,000

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

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No