Crested Guan

Description:

The Crested Guan, Penelope purpurascens, is a member of an ancient group of birds of the Cracidae family, which are related to the Australasian mound builders. It breeds in lowlands from south Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula to western Ecuador and southern Venezuela at up to 1850 m altitude. This is a large gamebird, with a length varying from 84 to 91.5 cm (33 to 36.0 in). These birds commonly weigh around 1,750 g (3.86 lb) This is a social bird, often seen in pairs or family groups of 6–12. It walks along branches seeking the fruit and foliage on which it feeds, or flies off with a heavy ani-like flap and glide.

Habitat:

The Crested Guan is an arboreal forest species. The substantial twig nest is built in a tree or stump and lined with leaves.