Native to the humid forests in northeast South America, Capuchinbirds (Perissocephalus tricolor) are distinct for their bare, vulture-like head and dark, brown plumage. Odd looking and curious birds, they are also called Calf-birds, in reference to the noise they make that sounds like a cow mooing. Along with Cocks-of-the-rock and Umbrellabirds, Capuchinbirds are part of the Cotinga family.
For many years, they were not bred in captivity. We are really proud of our four babies that were hatched and raised this last year at The Dallas World Aquarium. All grown-up now, two of them are living at the San Diego Zoo for breeding purposes and the other two are on exhibit in “The Lek”, located across the rainforest bridge.
All babies were hand-raised by the nursery staff, since their (still new) parents had the tendency to break the eggs. Fortunately, we are really well-prepared for cases like this, with a special room and really nice set up for eggs and newborn babies, all behind the scenes.
Some people call them ugly, but for the nursery staff, they are the cutest babies (never tell a mom her baby is ugly)! And all that they have in looks, they also have in personality. Grouchy noises and bad moods are certainly a characteristic of these birds, but for us at the DWA, making them all the more special!
Please look for our Capuchinbirds on your next visit and join us in admiring these unique birds.
