Highland Guan
NameHighland Guan
Common NameHighland Guan
Scientific NamePenelopina nigra
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)68
Length (cm)62
Weight (g)850
Plumage DetailsMales are entirely glossy black with a prominent bare red throat wattle and red orbital skin. Females are mottled brown with fine black barring on the body, a reddish-brown tail with black barring, and a smaller, duller red throat wattle and orbital skin.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, booming call, often described as a deep 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or a series of resonant hoots, typically given at dawn or dusk. They also produce alarm calls.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the highlands of southern Mexico (Chiapas) and Central America, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Identifying Featuressexual dimorphism (glossy black male, mottled brown female), red throat wattle, long, broad tail, arboreal habit, montane forest habitat
Description
The Highland Guan is a medium-sized, arboreal bird exhibiting strong sexual dimorphism. Males are glossy black with a prominent red throat wattle, while females are mottled brown with a reddish tail. They inhabit montane cloud forests, primarily feeding on fruits and seeds.
