Penelope marail
The Marail Guan (Penelope marail) is a striking, medium-sized cracid native to the humid forests of northeastern South America. Measuring approximately 65 cm (26 in) in length and weighing between 1.1-1.3 kg (2.4-2.9 lb), it exhibits a sleek, glossy blackish-brown plumage that can appear subtly iridescent in good light. A distinguishing field mark is its prominent, bushy crest of similar dark coloration and, most notably, a vibrant red gular patch or dewlap beneath its chin. Its robust, arbor...
Found primarily in humid lowland and submontane evergreen forests, including terra firme and várzea, along with secondary growth. Typically inhabits elevations from sea level up to around 1000 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, seeds, and flowers; also eats leaves and occasionally insects. Forages mainly in the forest canopy and sub-canopy.
Marail Guans are diurnal and predominantly arboreal, spending most of their time in the canopy or sub-canopy layers of the forest, though they occasionally descend to the ground to forage or dust-bathe. They are often observed singly or in small family groups of 2-4 individuals, typically a breed...
The Marail Guan is endemic to the Guiana Shield region of northeastern South America, maintaining a year-round resident status across its distribution. Its primary breeding and non-breeding range encompasses Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and extends into parts of northeastern Brazil (north of ...
Least Concern
- Despite their relatively large size, Marail Guans are remarkably agile climbers, navigating dense forest canopies with ease, using their strong legs and balancing with their long tails. - Their deep, resonant calls, often described as 'honking' or 'roaring,' can carry long distances through the...