Spix's guan is a species of bird in the family Cracidae. It is "the prototypical cracid of the Amazonian lowlands." The common name commemorates the German naturalist Johann Baptist von Spix (1782-1826).
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland rainforests of the western and central Amazon, including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. It uses both terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests, and often forages along forest edges and in secondary growth. Spix's guan tolerates moderately disturbed habitats if fruiting trees remain available. It roosts in trees and spends most time in the midstory to canopy, occasionally descending to the ground to feed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A prototypical cracid of the Amazonian lowlands, Spix's guan is an important seed disperser that helps regenerate tropical forests. The species is named for the German naturalist Johann Baptist von Spix. At dawn it often performs display flights with loud wing-whirring, and its deep booming calls carry far through the forest.
Temperament
wary and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups moving quietly through the canopy. Nests are placed in trees, and the clutch is small; both adults attend the brood after hatching. Displays include wing-whirring and posturing from elevated perches during early morning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are deep, resonant booms and low clucks that carry through dense forest. During displays, non-vocal wing-whirring adds a loud mechanical sound, especially at dawn.
Plumage
Mostly dark brown to blackish with fine whitish scaling on the neck and breast; body feathers often show a subtly scaly pattern. Undertail coverts are rufous, and a slight crest is usually visible on the crown.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits and berries from a variety of native trees and lianas, acting as a key seed disperser. Also takes seeds, tender leaves, and flowers. Occasionally consumes invertebrates, especially when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory and canopy, moving along fruiting branches and edges where fruit is abundant. Will descend to the ground to pick fallen fruit, especially along trails and river margins.
