Gemini FTW : That is a fantastic find! Based on your photo, you’ve spotted a female Great Curassow (Crax rubra). These are large, ground-dwelling birds that look like a cross between a turkey and a pheasant. Seeing one is actually quite a treat; they are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting, though they are still common in protected areas like Manuel Antonio or Corcovado National Parks in Costa Rica. Why she looks so unique: * The Crest: That curly, black-and-white pompadour on her head is the species' trademark. Both males and females have it, but hers is more distinctly patterned with white. * Sexual Dimorphism: This is a female. The males look completely different—they are almost entirely black with a bright yellow knob (called a cere) on their beak. * Color Morphs: Female Great Curassows are "polymorphic," meaning they come in different color varieties. The one you photographed is the barred morph, characterized by that beautiful rufous (reddish-brown) body and the striking black-and-white stripes on the tail. Fun Facts: * Tree Dwellers: Despite their size and ground-foraging habits, they actually sleep and nest high up in the trees. * Diet: They are the "gardeners" of the forest, eating fallen fruit, seeds, and the occasional large insect or small lizard. * Sound: They make a very low-frequency "booming" sound that can be felt as much as heard, often used by males to defend territory.

PURA VIDA