White-crested Guan
Penelope pileata
Large guan. Has a dark brown back contrasting with rich rufous-chestnut underparts and neck. Note the broad white cap. Occurs in dense humid forest, where it mostly forages in trees but may descend to the ground.
Identification
The white-crested guan is a large bird and grows to a length of about 80 centimetres (31 in). It has a long crest of white feathers which gives it its name, bluish cheeks, black upper parts glossed with green, dark reddish-brown underparts and a long black tail. The voice is a raucous cackle, "eh-uh" or "u u u u u".
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Penelope pileata
- Authority
- Wagler, 1830
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Cracidae
- Genus
- Penelope
Range and habitat
The white-crested guan is endemic to Brazil. Its range is limited to the south-central and southeastern parts of the Amazon basin, although it just extends across the Rio Araguaia into the Cerrado ecoregion. Its habitat is tropical forest, mostly dense, solid-ground forest, but it sometimes also occurs in seasonally-flooded areas.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Larus argentatus
A large gull found throughout northern Europe. Adults have a fairly pale gray back, pale eye, and dull pinkish legs. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Extremely variable plumage can make identification a challenge. Adults can normally be identified by a combination of their large size and pale-gray back. Usually shows a dull pinkish base to the bill by the first winter, and develops a pale eye by the second winter. Some immature birds can fade to almost white, especially in their first or second summer, but they always show darker wingtips. Occurs inland and along the coast, frequenting fishing boats, beaches, lakes, and landfills. Often forms large flocks with other gulls.
Spot-throated Woodcreeper
Certhiasomus stictolaemus
A small and difficult to identify woodcreeper, widespread but often rare and seldom encountered. Smaller than most other woodcreeper species in range (slightly larger than Olivaceous Woodcreeper), with a relatively short, straight bill and weakly marked brown plumage. Note the faint pale streaking on the head and spots on the throat. Best found and identified by voice, a fast, even trill lasting between 1-2 seconds and usually heard at dawn.
Aldabra Fody
Foudia aldabrana
A sparrow-like weaver. The mostly scarlet, yellow-bellied breeding males are distinctive, but females and non-breeding males are drab. Found in scrub, mangroves, and woodland on the island of Aldabra in the Seychelles. Similar to Red Fody, which recently reached Aldabra, and they have hybridized. Breeding males easily separated by their yellow belly. Females and non-breeding males very similar to those plumages of Red Fody, but can be cautiously separated by a stronger yellow wash, especially on the underparts and head. Calls are high, silvery notes, given in long series as a song.
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