The crestless curassow is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland rainforest from southern Venezuela and eastern Colombia through Guyana into northern Brazil. Prefers extensive terra firme forest but also uses seasonally flooded varzea, gallery forest, and river-edge thickets. It is most often encountered in remote, undisturbed areas with dense understory and abundant fruiting trees. Typically avoids heavily settled or logged forests, though it may persist where hunting pressure is low.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The crestless curassow is a large, secretive gamebird of lowland tropical forests and an important disperser of large-seeded rainforest trees. Unlike many curassows, it lacks a head crest, giving it a smooth, velvety-headed appearance. It is sensitive to hunting pressure and forest fragmentation, so it persists best in remote, undisturbed tracts. Pairs often duet at dawn with low, booming notes that carry far through the forest.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct flights; primarily terrestrial
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving quietly along the forest floor. Nests are placed in low to mid-level trees or dense shrubs, with both parents attentive to the brood. Courtship involves soft calls and mutual following in understory tangles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
At dawn and dusk, gives deep, resonant booming notes that travel long distances through the forest. Also emits low grunts and soft whistles during close contact and alarm situations.
