Black Guan
NameBlack Guan
Common NameBlack Guan
Scientific NameChamaepetes unicolor
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)72
Length (cm)65.5
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsEntirely glossy black plumage, often appearing with a subtle greenish or purplish sheen in good light. It has distinctive bare blue skin around the eye, a pale blue bill with a black tip, and a red iris.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, far-carrying 'whistle-squeak' or 'squeaky-whistle' call, often given at dawn or dusk. It also produces a characteristic wing-whirring sound during display flights.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Talamanca mountain range, found in humid montane forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy black plumage, Bare blue facial skin around the eye, Pale blue bill with black tip, Red iris, Large size
Description
The Black Guan is a large, dark-plumaged bird endemic to the montane forests of Costa Rica and Panama. It is typically found foraging on the ground or in low vegetation, primarily consuming fruits and seeds.
