Black Curassow
Crax alector
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<birdfyi-bird slug="crax-alector"></birdfyi-bird>The Black Curassow (Crax alector) is a bird species in the family Cracidae (chachalacas, guans & curassows), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 79 cm and a weight of 3.1 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A large cracid (~3.1 kg) of family Cracidae, males glossy black with a pale bill and curly frontal crest. Inhabits humid lowland forests in the Guianas, Venezuela, and northern Brazil. Forages on the forest floor and in the lower canopy for fruits, seeds, and invertebrates. Least Concern; relatively widespread in the Guiana region's large intact forest tracts.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 79.0 cm | 31.1 in |
| Weight | 3106.25 g | 109.57 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male is entirely glossy black except for white lower belly and undertail; curly black crest; pale bluish-white knob at bill base; no yellow tones. Female dark brownish-black, faintly barred, with small knob.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident in the Guiana region from Venezuela and the Guianas south into northern Brazil. Found in lowland terra firme rainforest.
Diet & Feeding
Frugivorous; eats large fallen fruits, seeds, and invertebrates on forest floor of Amazonian and Guianan lowland rainforests.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 30 days.
Clutch Size
2-3
Sound
Song
Produces a deep, resonant booming call and guttural contact notes. The male's powerful boom echoes through Amazonian and Guyanan lowland forest at dawn.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Cracidae (Chachalacas, Guans & Curassows) |
| Genus | Crax |
| Species | Crax alector |
Distribution
Black Curassow has been recorded in 3 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Black Curassow eat?
Where does the Black Curassow live?
Is the Black Curassow endangered?
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What does the Black Curassow sound like?
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What order and family does the Black Curassow belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Cracidae family