The Cracidae family includes large, primarily arboreal birds such as chachalacas, guans, and curassows, found throughout Central and South America. These birds are part of the order Galliformes, which also includes pheasants and turkeys.
Cracids are typically forest dwellers and are known for their loud, often raucous vocalizations—especially at dawn. Despite their size and turkey-like appearance, they are agile in trees and often feed on fruits, leaves, and small invertebrates. Social and monogamous, they usually nest in trees and raise just a few chicks at a time.
Many cracid species are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, making them a conservation concern in several regions. As seed dispersers, they also play an important ecological role in tropical forest ecosystems.
Foto’s © Jan Dolphijn
Blauwknobbelhokko
Bruine hokko
Maskerhokko
Kleine chacalaca
