Chamaepetes unicolor
The Black Guan (*Chamaepetes unicolor*) is a striking, medium-sized cracid endemic to the humid montane cloud forests of Central America. Averaging 63-69 cm (25-27 inches) in length and weighing around 1.1-1.2 kg (2.4-2.6 lbs), its plumage is almost entirely a glossy, iridescent black, giving it a sleek and uniform appearance that inspired its species name. The most distinctive field mark is its bright red bare facial skin, encircling the eye and extending to the lores, complemented by equall...
This species inhabits humid subtropical and tropical montane cloud forests, primarily favoring the dense understory and mid-canopy strata. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 meters (occasionally down to 700m).
Black Guans are predominantly frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, especially those from laurels and palms, along with leaves, flowers, and some invertebrates. They forage both in the canopy and on the forest floor.
Black Guans are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in the forest canopy, but also descend to the forest floor to forage. They are shy and wary birds, often difficult to spot, and typically observed singly or in pairs, though small family groups can be seen. Their foraging strategy in...
The Black Guan is endemic to the humid montane cloud forests of Central America, specifically found in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. Its breeding range is effectively year-round residency across this limited geographical area. In Costa Rica, it is distributed along the central a...
Least Concern
- The "unicolor" in its scientific name, *Chamaepetes unicolor*, directly refers to its strikingly uniform, glossy black plumage. - Despite its size, the Black Guan is often incredibly difficult to spot due to its shy nature and preference for dense cloud forest habitats. - Males perform an aston...