Guans Curassows and Chachalacas: Cracidae - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Plain Chachalaca (ortalis Vetula): Species Accounts, Black Guan (chamaepetes Unicolor): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, GUANS CURASSOWS CH
cracids threatened percent twenty
These birds are found in south Texas through tropical South America as far as central Argentina. United States is home to only one species, whereas Colombia and Brazil harbor twenty-four and twenty-two species, respectively.
Cracids live in tropical forest regions, plantations, and forested areas where there is a second, lighter growth of vegetation. Although most species prefer the warmth of lowlands, some do live in mountain forests of altitudes above 9,800 feet (3,000 meters).
Though mainly plant eaters, cracids also feed on insects and other small animals. They enjoy berries and small fruits whole, but will bite into bigger fruit such as guavas and mangoes. They also eat seeds, soft leaves, and buds. Unlike other Galliformes, cracids won't scratch the forest floor for their food.
Hunters in Latin America value cracids as a rich protein source. However, because the reproduction rate of cracids is so slow, the population cannot withstand intensive hunting pressure. Cracids are greatly affected by habitat destruction. Native tribes use tail and wing feathers for ornamentation.
Cracids are more threatened than any other bird family in the Americas. Twenty-three of the fifty species are threatened with extinction, or close to being threatened with extinction, including 64 percent of curassows (nine species) and 16 percent of the chachalacas (two species). About 50 percent of guans are threatened (twelve species). Primary threats are overhunting and habitat loss.
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We don't know much about cracid life because they are such shy birds. They seem to live socially in small groups or flocks, and their nests are found in groups. They are vocal birds whose calls are loud and cacophonous (having an unpleasant sound). Some of the mountain forest-dwelling species migrate to lower altitudes during the colder months. Cracids build their nests in trees or bushes. …
Physical characteristics: The plain chachalaca weighs 15.5 to 28 ounces (440 to 794 grams) and measures 19 to 22.8 inches (48 to 58 centimeters) long. Coloration is olive-brown. Geographic range: This species is found in Texas, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Habitat: Plain chachalacas live in lowland forests as well as forests at the base of mountains in Central America. They also dwell in scrub and tall…
Physical characteristics: Black guans weigh 2.4 to 2.6 pounds (1.1 to 1.2 kilograms) and measure 24 to 27 inches (62 to 67 centimeters) long. The male is entirely black except for a bare blue patch on his face. Geographic range: Found in western Panama and in Costa Rica. Habitat: Black guans are found in mountain forests above 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) in southern Central America. Diet: They eat m…
Physical characteristics: This curassow weighs about 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) and measures 32.2 to 35 inches (82 to 89 centime-ters) long. The male is black with a white belly and a red globe-like ornamentation above and below the bill. The female has reddish brown belly feathers and a red fleshy area between the beak and face. Geographic range: The wattled curassow is found from Colombia and we…
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