The Andean guan is a gamefowl species of the family Cracidae, in which it belongs to the guan subfamily Penelopinae. This bird occurs in the highlands of the Andes, from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador and Peru south to Bolivia and perhaps northwesternmost Argentina.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs discontinuously along humid montane slopes from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia, possibly reaching extreme northwestern Argentina. It favors mature cloud forests, forest edges, and well-developed secondary growth. Birds often keep to midstory and canopy strata but may descend to the ground along trails and stream corridors. The species tolerates some disturbance where fruiting trees remain, but avoids heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
1000–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Andean guans are important seed dispersers in cloud forests, helping regenerate native trees by passing viable seeds. They are often shy and cryptic, relying on their scaly brown plumage to blend into dense foliage. In the breeding season, males perform audible wing-whirring displays at dawn. Although fairly widespread, the species is locally affected by hunting and habitat loss.
in Yanacocha Reserve, Ecuador
Guango Lodge, Ecuador
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups moving quietly along forested ridges. Likely monogamous, with nests placed in trees or dense vegetation. Clutch size is small, and both adults may guard dependent young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include mellow whistles and soft hoots, often given at dawn from concealed perches. Males also produce a distinctive non-vocal wing-whirring display that carries through the forest.
