The Northern helmeted curassow is a large ground-based black curassow originating from South America. They have a small head with a large bluish grey casque on their forehead, red bill, white-tipped tail feathers, greenish glossed mantle and breast feathers, and white below.

They can grow up to 100cm in length.

This bird has an interesting call, making a prolonged, low-pitch grunting or groaning sound.

There are less than 2,500 individuals left in the wild.

Where in the world?

Helmeted curassow are native to west Venezuela and north Colombia.

Threats in the wild

• Destruction of habitat
• Hunting and pet trade

Habitat

These curassow are found in subtropical cloud-forests in  steep, mountainous regions up to 2,200m. Here they favour humid gorges with dense undergrowth. They are nearly always on the ground, only flying to trees to nest or roost for the night.

Diet

Pairs or family parties forage for fallen fruit, seeds, tender leaves, grasses and buds. They will also eat insects, small rodents and reptiles. Their diet here at Harewood consists of various chopped fruits, greens, seeds and grains.

Lifecycle

This bird tends to be monogamous. The female lays two large, cream-coloured eggs that she incubates for approximately 30 days.