Birds Life History
FoodThe White-winged Guan feeds on vegetable material (fruits, flowers, seeds and leaves) from at least 34 species of trees and bushes of the dry forest (Ortiz and Diaz 1997, Lerner et al. 2003). The most important species in the diet of the White-winged Guan are the fig "Higuerón" (Ficus spp.) and "Overo" (Cordia lutea), since both are available most of the year.
Other species that form part of the diet of the White-winged Guan are shown in the following table:
Some plants in the diet of the White-winged Guan
Spanish name
Latin name
Part consumed
Hierba santa Cestrum auriculatum Fruits
Palo blanco Celtis iguanea Flowers and leaves
Tuple, Luchaj Acnistus arborescens Fruits
Overo Cordia lutea Flowers, fruits and leaves
Lipe Scutia spicata Fruits
Higuerón Ficus spp. Fruits
Frejolillo Erythrina smithiana Flowers
Faique Acacia macracantha Fruits
Angolo Pithecellobium multiflorum Fruits and leaves
Chaquiro Pithecellobium excelsum Fruits and seeds
Cerecillo Muntingia calabura Flowers, fruits and leaves
Café* Coffea arabica Fruits
Angolo Pithecellobium multiflorum Fruits and leaves
Almendro Geoffroya striata Flowers and fruits
* Cultivated species
Behavior
White-winged Guan follows a regular daily routine. Calling may begin as early as 04:00, and active movement starts at dawn, between 05:00 and 05:30 am. At first light, they move to feeding trees, where they spend part of the morning until 08:00 or 09:00. Later, they drink water and remain grooming or resting under shade for the rest of the day until 16:30-17:00, when they start again looking for food and water, before they head to a tree where they roost overnight.
Territoriality
The White-winged Guan is a territorial bird and is usually found in pairs or family groups of 3 to 5 individuals, mostly formed by the parents and offspring of the previous breeding season. Chicks remain with the parents until they reach the age of one year. Once a couple is formed, White-winged Guan stay together throughout the year, and over successive years.
Territorial encounters between White-winged Guans are frequent. The territory of a couple is demarcated by landmarks, that can be rocks, trees or any place of remarkable features. Males fight aggressively to defend their territories. Territoriality during the dry season is much more pronounced than in the rainy season, because resources (water, food and cover) become scarce.
Sexual Behavior
There is no sexual dimorphism in the White-winged Guan, but some differences can be detected in behavior. Males are more aggressive and during breeding season, whereas females spend more time with chicks while males are alert and defending the territory.
Courtship behavior consists in the male chasing female with the tail up and opened, with the wings spread, showing the white patches, and with the head down. The female runs and flies until she is reached by the male, who steps upon the female when copulation occurs. This lasts a few seconds and can be repeated several times a day.
Social and interspecific behavior
The White-winged Guan is found mostly in territorial pairs. Pairs remain together throughout the whole year, and in successive years. After the breeding season, guans are in family groups of 3 to 5 individuals. Sometimes, immatures of different ages can be found together.
During the breeding season, it is common to find several couples or family groups (up to 12-15 birds), feeding on the same fruiting trees, mostly large Ficus trees.
Predation
There is basically three types of predation on the White-winged Guan: on the adult or fully grown birds; on chicks; and on eggs. The following table shows the known predators of the wild White-winged Guans:
Predators of the White-winged Guan
English Name Scientific Name Type of predation
Solitary Eagle Harpyhaliaetus solitarius Adults, chicks
Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma Chicks
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus Adults, chicks
Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Adults, chicks
White-tailed Jay Cyanocorax mystacalis Eggs
Sechura Fox Pseudalopex sechurae Adults, chicks
Guayaquil Squirrel Sciurus stramineus Eggs
Pampas Cat Leopardus colocolo Adults, chicks
Tayra Eira barbara Adults, chicks, eggs
Black-eared Opossum Didelphis marsupialis Chicks, eggs
Macanche Boa constrictor ortonii Chicks, eggs
The list above are the natural predators of the species. But the worst predator of this guan is the human.
Reproduction
The breeding season of White-winged Guan normally occurs between November and May. This overlaps with the rainy season, when the supply of resources (cover, food, and water) is much greater than in the dry season. Pairs typically have one clutch (exceptionally two) per year. In very dry years, pairs may not breed at all.
The nest is constructed about 2.5 m above ground in a vine-covered trees and is about 30 cm across and about 20-25 cm deep (Williams 1980). It is composed of twigs and leaves (Williams 1980).
Typical clutch size is of two eggs, but can be of one or three. Eggs are white or whitish, with no marks. Mean dimensions of the eggs are 7.6 x 5.2 cm. Incubation lasts 30-31 days, and is done almost exclusively by females.
Populations and Demography
The total White-winged Guan population to date is 135 individuals, and the populationestimation is of 200, based on observations made in the field that include size and quality of surveyed ravines.
The number of guans found in the northern population is 95 birds (70% of the total wildpopulation), with 45 birds in the southern population. Of the total population, 22 wildbirds were in a protected area (Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge) located in the southern part of the distribution.
The distribution area extends over some 1553 km2 (155,300 ha), of them 1206 km2 (78%) in the northern part of the distribution, and 347 km2 (22%) in the southern part (Angulo 2008).
