Salvin's Curassow

Overview

Salvin's curassow (Mitu salvini) is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is currently assessed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A large bird measuring 75 to 89 cm in length and weighing approximately 3,100 g.
• Mostly black plumage with little gloss, featuring a white belly and white ends to the tail feathers.
• Possesses an erectile crest that is usually carried flat.
• Emits a 'booming' song rendered as 'mmm mmmMMMM ... BMM’mmmm-mmmm', primarily sung by males at dawn and night, while females produce a huskier version.

Habitat

Found east of the Andes in southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northern Peru, the species inhabits humid terra firme and várzea, preferring primary forest. It typically ranges up to about 400 m in Ecuador and 600 m in Colombia, though historically it has been recorded at elevations up to 900 m.

Diet

Foraging mostly on the ground singly, in pairs, or in family groups, its diet consists of approximately 70% fruits, 10% seeds, and 20% flowers, leaves, invertebrates, and other items. It consumes sand and small stones to aid digestion and has been observed scavenging animal remains.

Did you know?

Males construct several different nests during the breeding season, allowing the female to choose the single nest that will be used for the clutch of two eggs.