Bearded Guan
Penelope barbata
The bearded guan is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_guan
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Galliformes
Family
Cracidae
Genus
Penelope
Bearded Guan belongs to the family Cracidae, order Galliformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The bearded guan is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is found in Ecuador and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
The Bearded Guan faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its range in the cloud forests of the Andes. Hunting pressure for subsistence and commercial purposes has further reduced populations, while the species' restricted range and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits humid montane cloud forests and elfin forests on the eastern slopes of the Andes, typically between 1,500-3,000 meters elevation. Prefers dense, moss-covered forests with thick canopy cover and high humidity levels characteristic of cloud forest ecosystems.
Threats
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
Climate change affecting cloud forest ecosystems
Hunting pressure
Small population size and restricted range
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Bearded Guan (Penelope barbata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bearded-guan