Grey-headed Chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Ortalis ("domestic hen") cinereiceps ("ash-grey foot")

Grey-headed Chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 490-540g  /  Length: 48-58cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A somewhat drab member of the cracidae found from Honduras to Colombia, with the exception of the orange primary feathers. They typically forage in small groups where the ysearch for fruits supplemented with leaves and invertebrates. Unlike most of the galliformes in Europe, they spend comparatively little of their time feeding on the ground, preferring rather to forage in bushes. In some areas their population is diminished due to hunting for food.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Galliformes
Family: Cracidae
Genus: Ortalis
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 

- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Chachalaca Cabecigris
A widespread resident.
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Great Curassow (Crax rubra)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Crax ("head") rubra ("red")

 

Female Great Curassow (Crax rubra) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: Crax rubra rubra
Weight: 3.1-4.8kg  /  Length: 78-100cm  /  Wingspan: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The heaviest and most Northerly of the currasows, they primarily feed by taking windfall fruit from the forest floor. They are a monogamous species which can live over 20 years in the wild althoguh are slow to reproduce. They can have a somewhat aggressive temprament, even having been known to attack humans, in which instance they target the eyes. These birds I saw had moved into the environs of Rescarte Wildlife Rescue Centre, seemingly lured by the prospect of easy food, if somewhat baffled by their counterparts in cages. 

Related Species: 
Order: Galliformes
Family: Cracidae
Genus: Crax
SUBSPECIES: C. r. rubra, C. r. griscomi
 
- Sighting Locations - 

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Paujil

A widespread but scarce resident of lowland forest
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Chamaepetes (?) unicolor ("uniform")

Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor) at San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 1.13kg  /  Length: 62-69cm  /  Wingspan: 120-140cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large galliform endemic to the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama, generally from an altitude of 1000m. It is primarily frugivorous where it feeds in trees, though also will take windfall from the ground at times. While considered not in immediate threat, it is hunted for food in parts of its range. 
 
Related Species: 
Order: Galliformes
Family: Cracidae
Genus: Chamaepetes
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Pava Negra ("Black Guan")
Resident of Central Highlands
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Two sightings at San Gerardo de Dota

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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