Found in dense, lowland, moist forest away from human settlement. It appears to prefer mature primary forest (Parry et al. 2007) with a closed canopy (Michalski et al. 2015). Surveys in Guyana found higher densities in forest subject to reduced-impact logging than in unlogged forest (Bicknell and Peres 2010), whilst other survey have found that the species is sensitive to logging and associated forest degradation (Thiollay 1992, Laufer et al. 2015). Occurs in polyandrous groups that feed predominantly on ripe fruit on the forest floor, but will also take arthropods and small vertebrates such as snakes. Breeds during December-June in the Guianas, presumed to breed during the wet season throughout range. Nest is placed at height in an elevated unroofed cavity.

The nominate occurs from extreme SE Colombia east through southern and eastern Venezuela, south into Brazil east of the Rio Negro, and east into Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname. P. c. napensis occurs from southeastern Colombia, south through eastern Ecuador and northeastern Peru, north of the Río Marañón and Amazon, and east into northwestern Brazil, north of the Río Solimões. It is typically found well away from human settlement.

Conservation and research actions underway
Individuals are held in captivity. The species is listed as nationally Near Threatened in Ecuador (Freile et al. 2018). It occurs in protected areas throughout its range.

Conservation and research actions proposed
Research the species's population size and trends. Monitor trends in hunting of the species. Monitor habitat loss and degradation across the range.

Expand the protected area network. Effectively resource and manage existing and new protected areas to prevent logging and hunting. Conservation on private lands, through expanding market pressures for sound land management and preventing forest clearance on lands unsuitable for agriculture, is also essential (Soares-Filho et al. 2006). Ensure that hunting does not exceed sustainable levels.