Pava Moñuda
Crested Guan
Penelope purpurascens
Song
Crested Guan
Appearance: The Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) is a large bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a mostly black plumage with a long tail and a prominent crest on its head. The crest is composed of elongated feathers that can be raised or lowered. Crested guans have red or orange bare skin around the eyes and base of the bill. They also have a bright red dewlap that hangs from their throat area.
Habitat: Crested Guans are found in tropical and subtropical forests in Central and South America, including Colombia. They prefer dense, humid forests at different elevations, from lowland rainforests to mountainous regions. These birds spend most of their time in the canopy, foraging for food and moving through the tree branches.
Behavior: Crested Guans are primarily arboreal, spending much of their time in trees. They are known to be shy and elusive birds, often staying hidden in the dense vegetation. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, leaves, and insects. They use their strong beaks to break open nuts and seeds.
Breeding: Crested Guans are monogamous birds that form long-term pair bonds. They build their nests in tall trees, where the female lays eggs and incubates them. Both parents participate in caring for the young birds, feeding them and protecting the nest from predators. The chicks are born precocial, with their eyes open and covered in down feathers.
Conservation Status: The Crested Guan is classified as a species of Least Concern in terms of conservation status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
The Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) has a specific distribution in Colombia. The Andean region: This includes the Central Andes, Eastern Andes, and Western Andes. The Crested Guan inhabits the mountainous forests of these regions.
The Caribbean region: The Crested Guan can also be found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a coastal mountain range in northern Colombia. This area provides suitable habitat for the bird.
The Pacific region: Parts of the Chocó region, characterized by its lush rainforests, also serve as a habitat for the crested guan.
Taxonomy
The Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Cracidae
- Genus: Penelope
- Species: Penelope purpurascens
Vocalization
Hooting Calls: The Crested Guan is known for its loud hooting calls that are often heard in the early morning or late afternoon. These calls are used by individuals to communicate with other members of their group, establish territory boundaries, and attract mates.
Whistling Calls: The Crested Guan also produces whistling calls that can vary in pitch and duration. These calls are used in a variety of contexts, such as signaling danger, alerting others to the presence of predators, and maintaining contact with other group members.
Squawking Calls: When alarmed or agitated, the Crested Guan may emit squawking calls that are sharp and abrupt. These calls serve as warning signals to other members of the group and can help coordinate responses to potential threats.
