- Penelope purpurascens
Identification
72–91 cm (28¼-35¾ in); This species often gives a very dark impression
In pefect light, the white speckling becomes more noticeable
- Dark brown
- Bushy crest is only raised part of the time
- Bare blue grey skin around eye
- Red wattle
- White spotted neck and breast
- Rufous rump and belly
- Long red legs
- Broad, long tail
- Sexes similar
- Juvenile - black vermiculations and ochre specks on body
Similar species
In most areas the largest Guan present, but may be mistaken for Highland Guan or Baudo Guan.
Distribution
South America: found from Mexico (southern 2/3) through Central America and South America to western Ecuador and northern Venezuela.
Taxonomy
Subspecies
Three subspecies are recognized[1]:
- P. p. purpurascens:
- P. p. aequatorialis:
- P. p. brunnescens:
- Northern Colombia to eastern Venezuela
Habitat
Lowlands up to 1000 m, rarely to 1800 or even 2500 m; everywhere found in forested areas including edges.
Behaviour
Usually foraging in canopy or subcanopy, occurring singly, in pairs, or in small groups.
Diet
They mostly eat fruits such as berries and figs, either on the tree or those that have fallen to the ground.
Breeding
They build a large nest from twigs which is lined with leaves. The 2-3 large, rough, white eggs are incubated by the female.
Vocalisation
Call: plee or quonk.
Song: keLEEEErrrr
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2023) Crested Guan. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 4 December 2023 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Crested_Guan
