Andean Guan

Overview

The Andean guan (Penelope montagnii) is a medium-sized gamefowl in the family Cracidae that inhabits the highlands of the Andes. It is a slender bird similar in shape to turkeys but more elegant, ranging from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia and possibly northwestern Argentina.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird measuring 40–58 cm in length and weighing 500–840 g, with a long body, thin neck and small head.
• Overall brown plumage with whitish edging on the head, neck and chest.
• Possesses a red dewlap and reddish legs.

Habitat

Found in cloud forests at altitudes of 1,500 m and higher across the Andean highlands. The species is affected by habitat destruction and appears unable to cope with deforestation, though it remains in several protected areas such as the Cocora valley in Colombia and the Yanacocha Reserve in Ecuador.

Did you know?

Sightings of the Andean guan are often associated with migrations of army ants, which the bird usually follows. A rare hypopigmented specimen was found in the Conover Collection at the Field Museum, likely held in a cage to display its unusual appearance.