Photo by Reini
Photographed: Costa Rica, February 2005
This species often gives a very dark impression
Photographed: Costa Rica, February 2005
This species often gives a very dark impression
- Penelope purpurascens
Identification
86cm
- 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, either on the tree or those that have fallen to the ground.
Breeding
It builds a large nest from twigs and it 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, JF. 2010. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2010. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/Clements%206.5.xls/view
- Wikipedia
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Crested Guan. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 29 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Crested_Guan
