Trumpeters: Psophiidae

Physical characteristics: Common trumpeters are 18 to 20 inches (42 to 52 centimeters) in length and 2 to 3 pounds (1 to 1.5 kilograms) in weight. They are dark in color with a patch of light gray on the back. They have long legs and a long neck. Young common trumpeters are dark gray with reddish stripes.

Geographic range: Common trumpeters are found in northwestern Brazil as well as portions of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas.

Habitat: Common trumpeters are found in dense areas of tropical rainforest.

Diet: Common trumpeters eat fruit, mostly that which has been knocked to the ground by monkeys. They also eat some insects, particularly beetles, ants, and termites.

Behavior and reproduction: The common trumpeter is generally found in groups of three to twelve individuals. A single dominant female mates with as many as three dominant males. Three eggs are laid at a time, usually in a hole in a tree. Eggs hatch after approximately twenty-eight days. All adults in the group help in feeding and caring for the offspring.

Common trumpeters and people: Common trumpeters are sometimes hunted for food.

Conservation status: The common trumpeter is not considered threatened. However, populations have been declining due to the loss of tropical rainforest habitat as well as hunting. ∎