Order: Gruiformes, Family: Psophiidae
Pale-winged Trumpeter
Psophia leucoptera
A large, ground-dwelling bird with a hunchbacked appearance, long legs, and a short tail. They are known for their loud, trumpeting calls and social behavior in large flocks.
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Plumage & appearance
Mainly black plumage with soft velvet-like feathers on the head and neck. It is named for the conspicuous white or pale ochre patch on the lower back and wings. Sexes are similar in appearance.
Key field marks
Humped back, long pale legs, black body with distinct white or pale wing-coverts on the lower half of the bird.
Size & weight
Length: 45-52 cm; Weight: approx 1.1-1.4 kg.
Voice — call & song
Loud, low-pitched booming or grunting sounds used for territorial defense and group cohesion.
Diet & foraging
Omnivorous; primarily eats fallen fruit, but also consumes insects, spiders, and small vertebrates found in leaf litter.
Habitat
Lowland tropical rainforests and terra firme forests.
Migration & movement
Resident; non-migratory and highly territorial.
Nesting & breeding
Cooperatively breeding groups; they nest in tree cavities or high forks, usually laying 2-4 eggs. Multiple group members help raise the young.
Similar species
Gray-winged Trumpeter (has gray back) and Green-winged Trumpeter (has dark green back). Distinguishable by the bright white/pale wing patch.
Ecological significance
Key seed dispersers in tropical rainforests; they forage on the forest floor and help maintain forest plant diversity.
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN); population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Observation tips
Look for them on the forest floor in undisturbed primary rainforests. They are often detected first by their loud, booming vocalizations.
Interesting facts
They are often kept by indigenous people as 'watch-dogs' because they are highly territorial and give loud alarm calls when predators or strangers approach.
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