Britannica Sources used in this answer

How do male and female cracids differ in plumage?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A peacock stands with its vibrant green and blue tail feathers fully fanned out in display, showing eye-like patterns across the plumage. — Galliform Blue, or Indian, peacock (*Pavo cristatus*) displaying its resplendent feathers.

Within the family Cracidae, plumage differences between males and females vary by group:

Curassows: These birds exhibit clear sexual dimorphism. Males are typically glossy black, often featuring a white belly, a curled crest of feathers, and a brightly colored bill ornament. Females are smaller and brownish, and they lack the bill ornament found on the males.1
General Family Characteristics: Across the family, the plumage is generally black or brown, and it is typically duller in the female.2
Guans: Unlike curassows, the sexes in guans look alike.1

While many male galliforms possess elaborate ornamental plumage or fleshy head ornaments—such as the knobs or casques found on some male curassows and guans—the specific degree of difference in coloration and structure depends on the particular species within the family.3