Moustached Turca

Pteroptochos megapodius

The Moustached Turca (Pteroptochos megapodius) is a large, ground-dwelling bird found in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile. With a distinctive moustache-like streak of feathers on its face, this bird is known for its secretive nature and elusive behavior. It forages for insects and small invertebrates on the forest floor, using its strong legs and bill to probe the leaf litter. The Moustached Turca is a monogamous species, and pairs defend territories within their dense forest habitat. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the population of the Moustached Turca is declining, and it is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Habitat: Temperate rainforests of southern Chile