The razor-billed curassow is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland rainforests of western Amazonia, including northern Bolivia, western and central Brazil, southeastern Colombia, and eastern Peru. Prefers extensive, mature terra firme forest but also uses seasonally flooded várzea and gallery forests. Often forages on the forest floor along quiet streams and in areas with abundant fruiting trees. Avoids heavily fragmented habitats and stays away from human-disturbed areas where hunting pressure is high.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A large, ground-dwelling cracid of the western Amazon, the razor-billed curassow plays an important role as a seed disperser for many rainforest trees. Its deep, booming calls carry over long distances at dawn. Though still relatively widespread, it is sensitive to hunting and forest disturbance and tends to be shy and elusive, retreating into dense cover.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that usually runs, but flies strongly to roost
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving quietly along the forest floor. Roosts high in trees at night and builds a platform nest above ground. Breeding typically coincides with the onset of the rainy season, and the clutch is small.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males give deep, resonant booming notes at dawn and dusk that carry through the forest. Also produces low grunts and soft whistles during close contact, and may perform wing-drumming displays.
