INSIGHTS INTO THE HABITS OF THE ELUSIVE NOCTURNAL CURASSOW (NOTHOCRAX URUMUTUM)

Abstract

· Nocturnal Curassows (Nothocrax urumutum) are enigmatic birds from South American rainforests. Their elusive habits and nocturnal vocal behavior have led to the generalized assumption that they are primarily nocturnal. Here, we compiled camera trap data from long-term projects in the Amazon rainforest and the Andes foothills to describe the temporal activity of Nocturnal Curassows. Based on an overall sampling effort of 68,838 camera-days (operated for 24-hour periods), we obtained 274 independent records of their activity. Results of this study showed that Nocturnal Curassows have diurnal habits and that their activity pattern resembles those of other cracids more than previously assumed. This study highlights the use of field technologies and collaborative research towards a better understanding of the natural history, ecology, and behavior of animals with cryptic behaviors, such as the Nocturnal Curassow.