Great Curassow
Crax rubra
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
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Great Curassow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Great Curassow displays moderate agility. Whilst primarily terrestrial, they can fly short distances and navigate through dense forest understory. Their ability to build nests 3-5 metres above ground suggests some arboreal capability, though they're not known for swift or acrobatic movements.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large ground-dwelling bird weighing up to 4.8 kg, the Great Curassow possesses considerable strength. Their powerful beaks can crack open hard seeds and nuts, indicating robust musculature in the head and neck region.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Great Curassows show moderate adaptability. They can inhabit areas from sea level to 1,900 metres and have an omnivorous diet. However, their reliance on undisturbed, mature forests and vulnerability to habitat loss suggest limitations in adapting to significant environmental changes.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These birds are generally not aggressive. Their cautious nature, tendency to freeze or flee when disturbed, and monogamous breeding behaviour indicate a relatively peaceful disposition. However, males may display some territorial behaviour during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Great Curassows demonstrate good endurance. Their ability to forage extensively on the forest floor, combined with a lifespan of up to 24 years in the wild, suggests robust stamina. Their size and ground-dwelling habits also imply sustained energy for daily activities and potential predator evasion.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Predators
Did You Know?
- Great Curassows can live up to 24 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived ground-dwelling birds.
- They play a crucial role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers.
- The species exhibits unique 'anting' behaviour, using ants to clean their feathers of parasites.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Crax rubra. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22678521A178001922.
View source - 3
report, 2016: Tracewski et al.
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