Penelope argyrotis
The Band-tailed Guan (Penelope argyrotis) is a striking Neotropical gamebird, characterized by its glossy olive-brown to blackish plumage, often appearing darkest on the back and wings. Its most distinctive feature is the fine white scaling or streaking adorning its neck, breast, and mantle, creating a 'frosted' appearance. Measuring approximately 61-69 cm (24-27 inches) in length and weighing around 800-1100 grams (1.7-2.4 lbs), it possesses a long, broad tail that occasionally displays a su...
Primarily inhabits humid tropical and subtropical evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, including cloud forests, from lowlands up to approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) in elevation.
Omnivorous, primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, seeds, flowers, and leaves; also feeds on some insects and other invertebrates. Forages by plucking items directly from branches or gleaning from the ground.
Band-tailed Guans are diurnal, often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, and typically roost communally in tall forest trees. They forage both arboreally, moving deliberately through branches to pluck fruits, and terrestrially, gleaning fallen items from the forest floor. Hig...
The Band-tailed Guan is endemic to northern South America, primarily found in Colombia and Venezuela, where it is a resident species showing no significant migratory movements. Its range extends along the northern Andes, from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia, eastward through...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the 'band' on the tail can be quite subtle or even absent in some individuals, often making it an unreliable field mark for identification. - Its vibrant red gular pouch is not just for show; it is used in complex communication and display, particularly during the breeding sea...