Great Curassow – Arenal, CR

The Great Curassow was one of our target birds while in Costa Rica. We found them at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Seeing this impressive male stride into the clearing made the wait worthwhile. Despite its turkey-like size, Great Curassows can slip through the rainforest surprisingly quiet. This one seemed perfectly comfortable collecting fruit near the lodge. Once widespread across Central America, the species has declined because of habitat loss and hunting. It is now listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, making protected areas like Arenal National Park increasingly important for its future. Males are unmistakable with their glossy black plumage, curled crest, bright yellow bill knob, and crisp white belly. Females occur in several color forms with barring evident on most. An exciting day below the Costa Rican Volcano.