Great Curassow
NameGreat Curassow
Common NameGreat Curassow
Scientific NameCrax rubra
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)120
Length (cm)89
Weight (g)4200
Plumage DetailsMales are predominantly glossy black with a contrasting white belly and undertail coverts. They possess a prominent, forward-curling crest of black feathers and a large, bright yellow, waxy knob on the upper mandible of their bill. Females are typically rufous or barred brown and white, lacking the yellow knob.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include deep, booming 'hooo-hooo-hooo' calls, often heard at dawn and dusk, which can carry long distances through the forest. They also produce various clucking, whistling, and grunting sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound in humid evergreen forests from eastern Mexico through Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) to western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Prominent curly crest, Bright yellow waxy knob on male's bill, Glossy black plumage with white belly (male), Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Great Curassow is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to tropical forests. Males are striking with their glossy black plumage, curly crest, and distinctive bright yellow waxy knob on the bill, while females exhibit rufous or barred patterns. They forage on the forest floor for fruits and seeds, often moving in small groups.
