Sira Curassow (Pauxi koepckeae)

Identification & Behavior: ~90 cm (35.4 in). The Sira Curassow is all black with iridescent blue feathers, white terminal tail band, and white lower belly and vent areas. This curassow is unique in having a blue knob as a crest. The Sira Curassow may overlap with similar Razor-billed Curassow.

Status: The Sira Curassow is Known to occur only in a few isolated mountain ridges at elevations ranging from 900 to 1200 m. The only known locations for this species are Cerros del Sira and similar mountain chain in Puno.

Name in Spanish: Paujil del Sira.

Sub-species: Sira Curassow (Pauxi koepckeae) Weske & Terborgh, 1971.

Meaning of Name: Pauxi: Spanish, pauji= word used by early Spanish for a variety of large game birds. koepckeae: After German Ornithologist and student of the birds of Peru Maria Koepcke.

See more of the Family Cracidae