The chestnut-bellied guan is a species of bird in the family Cracidae. It is found only in Brazil. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical swampland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Central Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland gallery forests, seasonally flooded woodlands, and swamp-edge thickets within the Cerrado and Pantanal. It favors dense riverine corridors, palm-dominated stands, and forest islands in savanna mosaics. The species will use secondary growth and forest fragments when cover and fruit resources are available. It generally avoids open savanna away from wooded refuges.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This shy forest guan is a vital seed disperser in Brazil’s riverine and seasonally flooded forests, helping regenerate native trees. It often goes unnoticed, moving quietly through canopy and mid-story but can flush noisily when disturbed. Habitat loss and hunting have reduced its numbers, and several populations are now isolated.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties, moving cautiously through mid-story and canopy. Roosts in trees and may descend to the ground to feed along forest edges. Nests are platform-like structures placed in dense vegetation; clutch size is small and both parents are believed to attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include low booming and gruff clucking notes, often delivered at dawn. Displays may include a resonant call series and noisy wing-whirring when flushed. Calls carry through riverine forests but are infrequent outside early morning.
