The Sira curassow is a species of bird in the family Cracidae. It is found in the Cerros del Sira in central Peru. Its natural habitat is tropical, moist, montane cloud forest.
Region
Central Peruvian Andes (Cerros del Sira)
Typical Environment
This species is confined to humid, montane cloud forests on the isolated Cerros del Sira ridge. It favors mature primary forest with tall canopy, dense midstory, and abundant fruiting trees. Birds often use steep slopes and ridge crests and may descend to forage at forest edges or along streams. It requires relatively undisturbed habitat and is rarely seen near settlements.
Altitude Range
1100–1450 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sira curassow is a large, little-known cracid restricted to the Cerros del Sira in central Peru and is named in honor of ornithologist Maria Koepcke. It bears a distinctive bluish frontal casque (horn) on the forehead. Its tiny range and sensitivity to hunting and habitat loss have made it one of the most threatened Neotropical gamebirds.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Likely monogamous with low reproductive output, nesting off the ground on sturdy branches or tree crotches. Territorial and secretive, moving quietly through dense understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are deep, resonant booming notes that carry through the forest at dawn, often given in slow sequences. Also emits low grunts and soft clucking calls during close contact.
Plumage
Mostly glossy black with a contrasting white belly and white tips to the tail; feathers are sleek with a short, bushy crest on the crown.
Diet
Primarily consumes fallen and canopy fruits and seeds from a variety of native trees and shrubs. It supplements this with buds, young leaves, and occasional invertebrates. By swallowing fruits whole and defecating seeds intact, it acts as an important seed disperser.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest floor and lower strata, especially along ridges, fruiting trees, and streamside trails. Frequently visits areas with seasonally abundant fruit and quiet, undisturbed patches of primary forest.
