Wattled curassow

The wattled curassow is a rare and endangered bird species found deep within the rainforests of the western Amazon basin in South America and is a member of the Cracidae family. Male wattled curassows are easily recognizable by their striking black feathers, white underparts, curly head feathers, and bright red bill ornaments and wattles. Females and juveniles resemble the males but lack the red bill decorations.

These birds primarily consume fruits but also feed on invertebrates and small animals when available. When breeding, wattled curassows construct nests from sticks and leaves, typically laying two eggs.

Regrettably, the wattled curassow population is declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting. This decrease has led the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify the species as "Endangered." Wattled curassows measure about 82–89 cm in length and weigh around 2.5 kg. They are typically found in gallery forests and seasonally flooded forests, often foraging on the ground in small groups. Their range extends from Brazil to Bolivia, predominantly near major rivers in the Amazon basin.

First described in 1825, the wattled curassow is one of the oldest lineages among the southern Crax curassows, with a genetic history tracing back to the Late Miocene. These birds favor habitats such as gallery forests, seasonally flooded forests, and várzea (floodplain) areas. During the breeding season, they engage in courtship displays, construct nests, and care for their young.

The wattled curassow faces severe threats from habitat destruction and hunting, resulting in a considerable population decline. The IUCN initially classified the species as Vulnerable but elevated it to Endangered in 2010 due to ongoing population declines. To prevent this species from becoming extinct, it is crucial to focus on conserving their habitats and mitigating hunting pressures.