A forest-dwelling spectacle, this turkey-sized bird with its distinctive curly crest is a sight to behold in Central and South American rainforests.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Great Curassow is a large, ground-dwelling bird with striking sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly black with a distinctive yellow knob on their bill and a curly crest of feathers on their head. They have a white belly and undertail coverts.

Females exhibit two colour morphs: barred and rufous. Barred females have black and white striped bodies, while rufous females are reddish-brown. Both female types have black-and-white crests and lack the yellow bill knob.

Juvenile males initially resemble the darker-coloured female but soon change to the black of the adult male. They do not, however, feature the yellow knob on the bill of the adult. Juvenile females have similar morphs to adult females.

Size

Length

84cm to 92cm

Wingspan

100cm to 120cm

Weight

3kg to 4.8kg

Colours

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Yellow

Beak Colour

Yellow

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Great Curassows inhabit tropical and subtropical rainforests from eastern Mexico through Central America to western Colombia and Ecuador. They prefer undisturbed, mature forests with a dense canopy and open understory.

While primarily found in lowland forests, they can occur at elevations up to 1,900 meters.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,900 meters

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

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Resident

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 65
Strength 70
Adaptability 60
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 75

Diet

Great Curassows are omnivorous, with a diet consisting primarily of fallen fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates. They use their strong beaks to crack open hard seeds and nuts. When opportunities arise, these birds also consume small reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally rodents.

Behaviour

Great Curassows are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time foraging on the forest floor. They move with a slow, deliberate gait, scratching the ground for food.

These birds are typically found in pairs or small family groups and are known for their cautious nature. They often freeze or flee when disturbed.

Vocalisation

The Great Curassow's call is a deep, resonant booming sound, often described as a low-pitched 'oon' or 'moo.' Males produce this call during the breeding season to attract mates and establish territory. Females and young birds make softer, whistling calls for communication within family groups.

Nesting & Breeding

Great Curassows form monogamous pairs and breed during the dry season, typically from December to May. Males attract females with deep, booming calls and elaborate displays, including puffing up their plumage and strutting.

Nests are usually built 3-5 meters above ground in trees, constructed of sticks and lined with leaves. Females typically lay two large, white eggs per clutch.

Incubation lasts about 30-36 days, primarily by the female. Chicks are precocial, able to leave the nest shortly after hatching, but remain with their parents for several months.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 20 - 24 years
0
7
13
20
26

years

The Great Curassow typically lives for 20 to 24 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Vulnerable [1]

The Great Curassow is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting pressure. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining rainforest habitats and implementing sustainable hunting practices in areas where the species occurs. Captive breeding programs also contribute to conservation efforts.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

50,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Great Curassows in the early morning or late afternoon when they're most active.
  • Listen for their deep, booming calls, which can help locate them in dense forests.
  • Search near fruiting trees, where they often feed.
  • Be patient and move quietly, as they're easily startled.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Mexican Curassow

Family:

Cracidae

Predators

Major predators include large cats like jaguars and ocelots, as well as eagles and large snakes.

Did You Know?

  1. Great Curassows can live up to 24 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived ground-dwelling birds.
  2. They play a crucial role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers.
  3. The species exhibits unique 'anting' behaviour, using ants to clean their feathers of parasites.

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References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Crax rubra. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22678521A178001922.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2016: Tracewski et al.