Crax globulosa
The Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa) is a large and striking ground-dwelling bird, showcasing profound sexual dimorphism. Males are characterized by glossy black plumage, a distinctive shaggy crest, a prominent bright red to orange fleshy caruncle (knob) on the cere, and a matching wattle hanging from the base of the bill, contrasting with a white lower belly. Females, while also black-crested, typically have fine white barring on the wings and breast, a rufous undertail, and generally dulle...
This species primarily inhabits lowland primary humid rainforests, often favoring areas near rivers, oxbow lakes, and seasonally flooded várzea forests, typically at elevations below 300 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, the Wattled Curassow consumes a wide variety of fallen fruits and seeds gleaned from the forest floor, supplemented by leaves, flowers, and occasional invertebrates.
The Wattled Curassow is a diurnal bird, spending much of its active time foraging on the forest floor, though it roosts and often nests in the safety of trees. It is highly shy and elusive, relying on dense cover for concealment, typically running or flying clumsily into a tree when disturbed. Ma...
Historically, the Wattled Curassow was distributed across significant portions of the western and central Amazon basin. However, its current distribution is highly fragmented, existing in isolated pockets primarily within southeastern Colombia (notably Amazonas and Putumayo departments), eastern ...
Critically Endangered
- The male Wattled Curassow's vivid red-orange facial caruncles and wattle are unique among curassows, giving it an almost clown-like appearance. - It is classified as Critically Endangered, making it one of the most threatened galliform species globally. - Despite its large size, it is incredibl...