Cracidae

This Neotropical family of medium to large, chicken-like birds, sometimes known collectively as cracids, is the most arboreal of the Galliformes. Two subfamilies are typically recognized: the Penelopinae (chachalacas and guans, 36 species) and the Cracinae (currasows, 14 species). 

Additional information

Many species have an elongated and looped trachea, which enables them to produce booming or trumpeting calls. Guans and chachalacas have a distensible esophagus to store food prior to digestion, while currasows have at rue crop. All have a gizzard, but the extent of development varies between species.

Cracids are gregarious, occurring in pairs or family groups; chachalacas are commonly found in larger flocks. The birds are primarily diurnal, but foraging has been reported before sunrise, after sunset, or during a full moon. During the day, they spend long periods maintaining their feathers by preening, sunning, and dustbathing. They roost in trees; some species, espacially chachalacas, roost communally. Cracids fly well but rarely for long distances. Instead, they use their wings and tail to maneuver to a treetop, then launch themselves off and glide to their destination.

The breeding season occurs at times of peak food availability. The birds perform their courtship displays during of before twilight. Nocturnal Curassows sing on moonless nights. Displays are performed by males only or by both sexes. Of the species that have been studied, most are monogamous with a strong pair bond, and pairs defend their breeding territory. Some currasows are believed to be polygynous; males display at a lek and pair with several females.

Taxonomy 

Number of genera: 11

Number of species: 50

A list of all species can be found here.