spixs-guan-2048-ebird
Photo: © Holger Teichmann eBird S67882934 Macaulay Library ML 227858531
spixs-guan-head_489f1c1e-47c5-4b13-818e-57399ebec0df

Spix's Guan

Penelope jacquacu
Pava Llanera
map-colombia-spixs-guan
bird-song-square

Song

Spix's Guan

Appearance: Spix's Guan is a medium-sized bird with a dark plumage and a blue tinge, a red dewlap hanging from its throat, and a short, curved crest on its head. The bird has a long, slender neck and legs, as well as a robust bill adapted for feeding on fruits and seeds. 
Habitat: Spix's Guan inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, typically found in lowland and foothill regions. It prefers dense humid forests with an abundance of fruit-bearing trees and undergrowth for foraging and nesting. birds are often found in moist, montane forests and cloud forests. 
Behavior: Spix's Guan is arboreal, spending much of its time in the canopy of the forest searching for fruits, seeds, and insects. They are shy and elusive birds, often staying hidden among the foliage. They are known to forage in small groups or pairs and can be vocal with calls that echo through the forest. 
Breeding: During the breeding season, Spix's Guans build nests in trees constructing a platform of twigs and leaves high above the ground. Breeding pairs engage in courtship displays, vocalizations, and territorial behaviors to attract mates and defend their nesting sites. The female  lays a small clutch of eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and caring for the young. 
Conservation Status: The Spix's Guan is considered Vulnerable.

Distribution

Amazon Region: The Amazon region supports populations of Spix's Guan. This includes the eastern part of the country, near the border with Brazil and Peru, where the bird can be found in the rainforest and surrounding areas.
Andean Region: Spix's Guan occurs in the Andean region of Colombia, particularly in the foothills and lower elevations of the Andes Mountains. This area provides suitable habitat with the necessary forest cover and food resources for the guan to thrive.

Taxonomy

The Spix's Guan (Penelope jacquacu)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Galliformes
  • Family: Cracidae
  • Genus: Penelope
  • Species: Penelope jacquacu

Vocalization

Soft Clucks and Chirps: Spix's Guans often produce soft, low-pitched clucks and chirps as a form of communication within the group or between mating pairs. These sounds are gentle and calming, reflecting the understated nature of this bird species.
Contact Calls: Spix's Guans may use short, simple calls to maintain contact with group members while foraging or moving through the forest. These contact calls help individuals stay connected and coordinate their activities within their habitat.
Alarm Calls: When Spix's Guans sense danger or perceive a threat, they may emit sharper, more urgent alarm calls to alert others in the vicinity. These alarm calls serve as warning signals and can trigger a coordinated response from the group to evade potential threats.
Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, male Spix's Guans may engage in courtship displays that involve vocalizations to attract mates and establish their presence in the territory. These courtship calls can be more elaborate and expressive compared to their usual vocalizations.