Crested Guan

 

(Penelope Purpuranscens)

Spanish: Cojolito

 

The crested guan is a member of an ancient group of birds of the family Cracidae, which also includes chachalacas and curassows. They have a passing resemblance to turkeys and junglefowl, but are distantly related. This is a social bird, often seen in pairs or family groups of 6–12. The crested guan walks along branches seeking the fruit and foliage on which it feeds, or flies off with a heavy ani-like flap and glide.

The range of this species has declined outside of remote or protected forests due to deforestation and hunting (it is a game species), but it has a very wide range and is a relatively common species so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being “Near Threatened.”

Fun Facts

• The crested guan is a noisy bird with a loud “plee” or “quonk” call, a whistling call, and a loud and powerful honking call they often make high up in the trees at dawn and dusk
• The different types of guans are the black guan, white-crested guan, Panama crested guan and horned guan. 
• Female crested guan is comparatively more aggressive and noisy than their male counterparts.
• Their signature crest is flattened most of the time, and is usually raised when they are excited, agitated, or curious.

Belize Zoo Trivia

Penny serves as an ambassador for her species at The Belize Zoo. Crested guan, and other game bird species, are protected by law and it is illegal to hunt them from February to July.