Aburria aburri
The Wattled Guan, *Aburria aburri*, is a striking, large cracid endemic to the humid montane forests of the northern Andes. Reaching an impressive length of 68-75 cm (27-30 in) and weighing around 1.2-1.5 kg (2.6-3.3 lbs), it is predominantly clad in glossy black plumage with iridescent blue-green sheens, contrasted distinctly by prominent white patches on its primary wing feathers, particularly noticeable in flight. Its most defining field mark is the fleshy, bright red wattle or dewlap hang...
Found in humid, evergreen montane cloud forests and submontane forests, typically at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters, occasionally lower or higher.
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, flowers, and leaves, foraged primarily from trees and shrubs in the forest canopy, occasionally supplemented by invertebrates found on the ground.
Wattled Guans are diurnal and primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in the canopy, often alone or in small family groups. They forage quietly among the branches, but will also descend to the forest floor to feed. Males engage in spectacular territorial and courtship displays, involving ...
The Wattled Guan is a resident species, found exclusively in the northern Andes of South America. Its distribution stretches from western Venezuela, through the three cordilleras of Colombia, into Ecuador, and south to northern Peru. Specific regions include the Serranía del Perijá and Mérida And...
Near Threatened
- The genus name *Aburria* is onomatopoeic, mimicking the species' distinctive 'ah-burr-REE-ah' call. - Its unique wing-whirring sound produced during display flights is generated by specially modified primary feathers, a characteristic shared with only a few other cracids. - The size and promine...