A striking bird that stands out even among its more colorful and unusual relatives in the curassow family. Native to the lush rainforests of South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru, this bird is easy to spot thanks to its sleek black feathers that shine with a bluish tint in sunlight. But its most unique feature — and the one that gives it its name — is the bright red, laterally compressed bill that looks a bit like a parrot’s beak crossed with a butter knife. This unusual beak isn’t just for show; it’s strong enough to crush seeds and fruits, making it a handy tool for a diet heavy on forest fruits, seeds, and the occasional small insect.

Unlike some of its louder relatives, the razor-billed curassow has a soft, low-pitched call that sounds like a deep, throaty “boop-boop,” often heard during early morning hours. It prefers to live in lowland tropical forests and is typically found walking quietly along the forest floor, in pairs or small family groups, instead of flying high in the canopy. What makes it stand out from other curassows is this ground-dwelling habit, combined with a more secretive, shy personality. While many curassows have elaborate courtship displays and flashy crests, the razor-billed curassow tends to keep things a bit more low-key, often blending into the shadows of the forest with its dark plumage.

One of the coolest things about the razor-billed curassow is how vital it is for the rainforest ecosystem. Because it eats so many fruits and seeds, it plays a big role in spreading seeds across the forest floor. This helps new trees and plants grow, making the curassow a kind of feathered forest gardener.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bolivia

2021

Brazil

2021

Colombia

2021

Peru

2021