Helmeted Curassow, Paujil Copete-de-piedra (Pauxi pauxi) 2

occurs in west Venezuela and north Colombia. Nominate pauxi was formerly common from the Cordillera de la Costa west to the Cordillera de Mérida, Venezuela, and on the north-eastern slopes of the East Andes in Colombia (Norte de Santander, Boyacá and Arauca) and adjacent Venezuela (south-west Táchira). It is also known from three mountain ranges in Falcón, Venezuela, but may have recently disappeared from one (in Morrocoy National Park)1. It might once have occurred as far east as Monagas1. The population has declined considerably, and the species is now generally rare and occurs at low densities1,4. In Venezuela, there is a strong correlation between its current distribution and national parks1. Race gilliardi from the Sierra de Perijá on the Colombian-Venezuelan border is also believed to be declining.
Comments from P. Salaman in litt and C. Sharpe in litt indicate that the population fell below 2,500 individuals during 2007.

It is restricted to subtropical cloud-forest in steep, mountainous regions at 500 to 2,200 m (mostly 1,000-1,500 m), where it favours humid gorges with dense undergrowth. It tends to avoid forest edges. Nests are built in March, and young hatch around mid-May. Pairs or family parties forage, mainly terrestrially, for fallen fruit, seeds, tender leaves, grasses and buds1. It may make some seasonal altitudinal movements2

Its decline results from long-term destruction, fragmentation and modication of its habitat. The Sierra de Perijá is being progressively deforested in both countries for cattle-ranching at lower altitudes and for narcotics cultivation higher up6. Hunting continues (even in protected areas such as Henri Pittier National Park5) for food and, at least formerly, for traditional jewellery.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Helmeted Curassow
• Paujil Copete-de-piedra
• Pauxi pauxi
• birds of colombia