Crested Guan

The crested guan, a large gamebird and the most sizeable member of the Penelope genus, is a sight to behold. With a length ranging from 84 to 91.5 cm and an average weight of about 1,750 g, it is reminiscent of a turkey in stature. Its plumage is predominantly dark brown, adorned with white spotting on the neck and breast, and a rufous rump and belly. The head is crowned with a bushy crest, lending the species its name, and features blue-grey bare skin around the eye and a striking red dewlap. Both sexes share a similar appearance, while juveniles display black vermiculations and ochre specks.

Identification Tips

When identifying the crested guan, look for its long, strong red legs and long broad tail. The white spotting on the neck and breast, along with the rufous underparts, are key features. The bushy crest and red wattle are distinctive, and the bird's overall dark brown coloration can help differentiate it from other species.

Habitat

This arboreal species thrives in the forest, making its home in substantial twig nests built in trees or stumps, lined with leaves for comfort.

Distribution

The crested guan's range extends from the lowlands of southern Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula to the western reaches of Ecuador and southern Venezuela, at altitudes up to 1,850 meters.

Behaviour

A social creature, the crested guan is often spotted in pairs or small family groups, numbering 6–12. It ambles along branches in search of fruit and foliage, its primary diet, or may take flight with a heavy flap and glide reminiscent of the ani.

Song & Calls

The crested guan is far from silent, known for its loud "plee" or "quonk" calls, a whistled contact call, and a robust "keLEEEErrrr!" that resonates through the forest.

Breeding

The female crested guan lays two or three large, rough-shelled white eggs, undertaking the incubation duties on her own.

Similar Species

While there are no specific similar species mentioned, the crested guan's unique characteristics such as the bushy crest, red wattle, and specific coloration patterns make it distinguishable from other birds in its habitat.

Diet and Feeding

The crested guan is a frugivore, feeding primarily on fruit found in the trees, though it also consumes foliage as part of its diet.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the crested guan as "Near Threatened." Its range has contracted significantly outside of remote or protected forests due to deforestation and hunting pressures. However, it remains a relatively common species within its wide range.