The Yungas guan is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is found in the Andean foothills of Argentina and Bolivia.
Region
Southern Andean Yungas
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid montane forests (Yungas) of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. Prefers dense, subtropical cloud forests with abundant fruiting trees and bamboo thickets, often near ravines and along forested slopes. Frequently uses secondary growth and forest edges, especially where large fruit crops are available. Roosts in tall trees and forages from the understory to the canopy, occasionally descending to the ground along trails and clearings.
Altitude Range
400–2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A member of the Cracidae, the Yungas guan is an important seed disperser in Andean foothill forests. It is often shy and inconspicuous, moving quietly through mid-story and canopy layers. Hunting and habitat loss can locally affect numbers, but it remains fairly common in suitable habitat. Its presence is a good indicator of relatively intact subtropical montane forest.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; larger loose flocks may form at rich food sources. Nests are simple platforms of sticks and leaves placed in trees or dense vines. Both parents are attentive; clutches are typically small, often two eggs. Roosting often occurs communally in tall trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include low, booming notes and rough grunts, often given at dawn. Also produces a series of clucking and rasping calls when alarmed. In display, may accompany calls with audible wing-whirring.
Plumage
Dark brown to olive-brown plumage with pale edging that creates a scaled appearance on the neck and breast; long, broad tail with slightly rufous undertail coverts.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits from a variety of native trees and shrubs, including laurels and figs. Supplements diet with seeds, tender leaves, and buds when fruit is scarce. Occasionally takes invertebrates such as insects for additional protein. By swallowing fruits whole and dispersing seeds, it plays a key ecological role.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid-story and canopy at fruiting trees, often along forested ridges and ravines. Will also forage along edges, secondary growth, and sometimes on the ground along trails and clearings.
