Crested Guan

Overview

The crested guan (Penelope purpurascens) is a Near Threatened species within the family Cracidae, an ancient group of birds related to Australasian megapodes. It is a large, turkey-like bird found across Central and South America.

Identification

• Size: 76 to 91.5 cm long with a weight of 1.6 to 2.4 kg, featuring long strong legs and a long broad tail.
• Plumage: Mostly dusky olive brown with a faint greenish or purplish iridescence; chestnut belly and crissum; breast and belly feathers edged in white; small red wattle on the throat.
• Features: Red iris, blackish bill, slaty black bare facial skin, and red legs and feet.
• Song: A powerful 'steam-whistle' dawn call ending in a low growl described as ku LEEErrr!, along with loud honking quonks and squawks.

Habitat

Found from central Mexico through Central America into Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It inhabits a variety of forested landscapes including tropical and subtropical evergreen and deciduous forest, cloud forest, gallery forest, and evergreen montane forest, typically in semi-humid to humid conditions.

Diet

Generally feeds on fruit, usually high in the canopy where it takes it directly from the tree, though it will feed at any level including on the ground. In some regions, such as Panama, its diet includes a high percentage of young leaves and significant insect consumption.

Did you know?

The species is related to the Australasian megapodes or mound builders, a group of birds known for their unique nesting habits on the other side of the world.