- Oreophasis derbianus
Identification
An endangered species, this bird is extremely rare and difficult to find.
It is an 85cm long, turkey-like bird with glossed black upperpart plumage, red legs, white iris, yellow bill and a red horn on top of head. White breast and upper belly, long tail feathers are black with white band near base. Both sexes are similar. The young is duller with smaller horn, and has brown tail and wings.
Distribution
Southeast Mexico and Guatemala.
Taxonomy
The Horned Guan is often placed into a distinct subfamily, the Oreophasinae. Alternatively, it might be included in a large Cracinae with curassows and chachalacas.
Habitat
Humid mountain forests.
Behaviour
Its diet consists mainly of fruits, green leaves and invertebrates. The female usually lays up to two eggs.
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Horned Guan. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 4 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Horned_Guan
