Protective parent

A number of bare-faced currasows (Crax fasciolata) reside in the forests around our lodge. During the day, these birds spend most of their time walking along the ground in search of food. Currasows have a varied diet, which includes seeds, fruit, small vertebrates and invertebrates.
The female currasow has an ingenious way of protecting her young. As there are many creatures in the Pantanal who would delight at eating a young, defenseless currasow, the female currasow has resorted to fanning open her tail feathers whilst she walks. The chick walks beneath the tail, and thus remains both well hidden and close to its mum, who would endeavour to protect the chick should a predator approach...