Pava Negra
Wattled Guan
Aburria aburri
Song
Wattled Guan
Appearance: The Wattled Guan is a large, turkey-like bird with a body length of around 76 cm. It has a dark plumage with a glossy greenish-black color. The most outstanding feature is the bright red, fleshy wattle that hangs from its throat. Wattled Guans also have a long, broad tail and strong legs adapted for perching and walking in the forest canopy.
Habitat: Wattled Guans are found in humid montane forests and cloud forests in the Andes mountains. They prefer dense, high-altitude forests with a thick canopy and abundant fruiting trees for foraging.
Behavior: Wattled Guans are shy and elusive birds that are often heard calling in the forest but can be challenging to spot due to their cryptic plumage. They are primarily arboreal, spending much of their time foraging in the canopy for fruits, seeds, and insects. These birds are known for their raucous calls, especially during the breeding season, to establish territories and attract mates.
Breeding: Wattled Guans form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Breeding occurs in the early rainy season when food resources are abundant. Females lay 1–2 eggs in a nest located high in a tree, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
Conservation Status: The Wattled Guan is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN.
Distribution
Central Andes: Includes the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindio, and Tolima that are key strongholds for the Wattled Guan. These areas provide suitable habitat with the necessary vegetation and altitude preferences for the species.
Western Andes: It encompasses the departments of Antioquia and Chocó, also supports populations of Wattled Guans. This area is characterized by lush forests and cloud forests, which are vital for the species' survival.
Northern Andes: It includes areas within Santander and Norte de Santander departments where there are sightings of Wattled Guans. The mountainous terrain and diverse habitats in this region offer proper conditions for the species.
Southern Andes: Wattled Guans have been reported in the southern Andes region that includes departments of Cauca and Nariño. The species utilizes the montane forests and cloud forests present in this area for foraging and breeding. While the Wattled Guan's distribution is associated with the Andean regions mentioned above, it is important to note that their range may vary within specific altitudinal zones and microhabitats based on factors such as food availability, nesting sites, and forest structure.
Taxonomy
The Wattled Guan (Aburria aburri)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Cracidae
- Genus: Aburria
- Species: Aburria aburri
Vocalization
Calls: The Wattled Guan produces a variety of calls that serve different purposes. These calls are essential for territorial defense, mate attraction, and establishing contact between individuals within the group.
Hooting Call: The vocalization of the Wattled Guan is a deep, resonant hooting call that can carry over long distances through the forest. This call is often used to announce the presence of the bird and to communicate with other individuals in the area.
Long Calls: During the breeding season, Wattled Guans are known to engage in prolonged calling bouts. These calls are usually more intense and frequent as individuals defend their territories or attempt to attract potential mates.
Alarm Calls: Wattled Guans also have specific alarm calls that are used to alert others in the group of potential threats or predators in the vicinity. These high-pitched calls help mobilize the group for a coordinated response to danger.
Duetting: In some cases, Wattled Guan pairs engage in duetting, where the male and female take turns vocalizing or produce overlapping calls. Duetting is often associated with pair bonding and strengthening the relationship between mates.
Early Morning and Dusk Calls: Wattled Guans are more vocal during the early morning and dusk periods, which coincide with peak activity times for many bird species. These calls may serve to establish territories, communicate within the group, or coordinate activities.
