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Photo: © Martin Brooks eBird S43340159 Macaulay Library ML 88991431
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Salvin's Curassow

Mitu salvini
Paujil Culiblanco
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Song

Salvin's Curassow

Appearance: Salvin’s Curassow is a striking bird with a black body, white abdomen, and distinctive blue around the eyes. Males are larger than females, typically measuring around 35 inches (89 cm) in length. 
Habitat: Salvin’s Curassow inhabits the dense tropical rainforests of Colombia, where it prefers lowland regions and These birds are mainly found in humid forests with thick vegetation. They occur in both terra firme and várzea, and seem to prefer areas near water. 
Behavior: Salvin’s Curassows are mainly ground-dwelling birds that forage for fruits, seeds, and insects. They are generally shy and elusive, making them challenging to spot in the wild. 
Breeding: Breeding habits of Salvin’s Curassows include forming monogamous pairs during the breeding season. The female typically lays a clutch of eggs in a well-hidden nest on the forest floor. 
Conservation Status: Salvin’s Curassow is considered to be Least Concern. 

Distribution

Amazon Region: Which includes parts of the departments of Putumayo, Meta, Caquetá, and Amazonas, Salvin's Curassow are present. The extensive rainforests in the Amazon basin offer ideal habitat for this bird species.

Taxonomy

The Salvin's Curassow (Mitu salvini)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Galliformes
  • Family: Cracidae
  • Genus: Mitu
  • Species: Mitu salvini

Vocalization

Booming Calls: One of the most characteristic vocalizations of Salvin's Curassow is the booming call. This deep, resonant call is often performed by males and serves as a means of territorial advertisement and attracting females.
Alarm Calls: Salvin's Curassow also has specific alarm calls that alert others in the vicinity to potential threats or danger. These alarm calls help warn other members of the group about predators or disturbances in the environment.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males may produce elaborate and vocal mating displays to attract females. These calls can be loud, distinctive, and play a significant role in courtship behavior.
Group Communication: In group settings, Salvin's Curassows use a combination of vocalizations to maintain contact with one another, coordinate movements, and stay connected within their social structure.