The horned curassow, or southern helmeted curassow, is a species of bird in the family Cracidae found in humid tropical and subtropical forests. It was first described by James Bond and Rodolphe Meyer de Schauensee in 1939 from a specimen collected in Bolivia, and further birds that were described from Peru in 1971 were thought to be a new subspecies. However, the taxonomical position of the birds found in Peru in 1971 is unclear. The horned curassow as originally described is endemic to Bolivia. It is a large, predominantly black bird with a distinctive casque on its forehead. It is an uncommon bird with a limited range and is suffering from habitat loss, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being "critically endangered".
Region
Bolivian Yungas and eastern Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary evergreen forests on the east Andean slopes. Prefers undisturbed, humid ravines, ridge forests, and riverine terraces with dense understory and abundant fruiting trees. Mostly terrestrial, it forages along forest floor trails and at forest edges but retreats to dense cover when disturbed. It avoids heavily degraded or fragmented habitats and is usually absent near settlements.
Altitude Range
300–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the southern helmeted curassow, it is a large, ground-dwelling cracid with a distinctive bluish horn-like casque on the forehead. It is confined to humid foothill forests of Bolivia, with a controversial Peruvian taxon (often treated as the separate Sira curassow). The species is highly sensitive to habitat loss and hunting pressure, making it difficult to observe. As a major consumer of fruits, it is an important seed disperser in its ecosystem.
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, maintaining discreet territories in dense forest. Likely monogamous, nesting off the ground in trees with a small clutch. Activity is mostly on the forest floor, where birds walk quietly and freeze or slip into cover when alarmed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are deep, resonant booming notes, often given at dawn and dusk and carrying far through the forest. Also produces low grunts and soft whistles during close contact.
