Andean Guan vs Crested Guan

In short

The Andean Guan and Crested Guan are both large, arboreal birds of the Cracidae family, but they can be distinguished by their head and neck features. The Andean Guan has a distinctive red face and throat, while the Crested Guan sports a prominent crest and lacks the red facial skin.

Identification tips

1. Look for the red face and throat on the Andean Guan. 2. Observe the presence of a crest on the Crested Guan. 3. Note the habitat: both species are found in forested areas, but the Crested Guan may be more approachable in protected areas. 4. Listen for vocal activity, which may be more pronounced in Crested Guan.

Size

Both species are similar in size, being large and robust guans.

Plumage

The Andean Guan has a red face and throat, contrasting with its otherwise dark plumage. The Crested Guan has a more uniformly dark plumage with a noticeable crest and lacks the red facial skin.

Behaviour

Both species forage in small family groups in the middle and upper strata of fruiting trees.

Habitat

Both species inhabit forested areas, often in protected regions where they are less disturbed by hunting.

Voice

The Crested Guan is known to be more vocal, especially in areas where it is not heavily hunted, while the Andean Guan's vocalizations are less frequently noted.