White-winged guan

The white-winged guan is a bird in the chachalaca, guan and curassow family Cracidae. It is endemic to northwestern Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Tumbesian region (northwestern Peru)

Typical Environment

Occupies seasonally dry deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, thorny scrub, and steep ravines with tall trees. Prefers mosaic landscapes with remnant forest patches, wooded valleys, and areas near watercourses. Often uses mid to upper canopy for foraging and roosting, descending to lower strata to feed when fruit is abundant. It persists in some protected areas and community reserves where hunting pressure is lower.

Altitude Range

300–1450 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size70–80 cm

Wing Span90–100 cm

Male Weight1.5 kg

Female Weight1.3 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Once thought extinct, the white-winged guan was rediscovered in 1977 in northwestern Peru. It plays a key role as a seed disperser in Tumbesian dry forests. The bold white wing patch is striking in flight and helps with identification even at a distance. Conservation programs include habitat protection and reintroductions at sites like Chaparrí Ecological Reserve.

Gallery

White-winged Guan

White-winged Guan showing its wings

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and shy

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats followed by glides

Social Behavior

Typically found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes up to half a dozen birds. Roosts communally in tall trees on steep slopes for safety. Breeds during the wetter months; nests are platform-like structures placed in trees and both parents guard the site.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include low, booming calls and harsh grunts, especially at dawn. Males perform display flights and wing-whirring sounds that carry across the valley.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

White-winged magpie

The white-winged magpie or Hainan magpie is a passerine bird of the crow family, Corvidae. It is unusual among the members of its genus in that it is black and white, lacking the blue plumage other Urocissa magpies have. Thus, it is sometimes placed in its own monotypic genus, Cissopica, though it appears to have sufficient features to remain in the genus Urocissa. There are two subspecies, the nominate whiteheadi being found in Hainan and xanthomelana found in southern China, northern Vietnam, and north and central Laos. The two subspecies are distinctive and may merit specific status; further research is needed.

White-winged parakeet

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