The red-faced guan is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is found in Argentina and Bolivia.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical montane and cloud forests of the Southern Andean Yungas in southern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. It favors mature evergreen forests with dense canopy and abundant fruiting trees, often near ravines and along humid slopes. Birds use forest edges and secondary growth but are most frequent in relatively undisturbed tracts. They roost and forage high in trees, descending occasionally to lower strata when fruit is plentiful.
Altitude Range
800–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy guan inhabits the humid Yungas forests of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, where it plays an important role as a seed disperser for many native trees. It spends most of its time in the mid- to upper canopy and often goes undetected despite its size. Hunting and forest loss are the main pressures on local populations. It typically moves in pairs or small family groups and can make sudden, powerful flights between trees when disturbed.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes loosely associating with other frugivores at fruiting trees. Nests are simple platforms placed in trees; the female typically incubates 2–3 eggs. Outside the breeding season, small groups may roost communally in dense canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include low, resonant hoots and grunts delivered from concealed perches. During displays it may produce a distinctive wing-whirr or rushing sound as it takes flight.
