A Bird from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Could Become a Species Exclusive to Colombia

The Cauca guan, a bird that inhabits the dry forests of the Cauca Valley, shares similarities with the 'Colombian' guan of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM). These similarities include a long tail, white stripes on the chest, and intense orange-red skin beneath its bare head. The 'Colombian' guan of the SNSM is being considered for a taxonomic upgrade, potentially becoming a species exclusive to Colombia.

Researchers have identified various distinct features that differentiate the two. The 'Colombian' guan has a dark brown iris, wider and blunt crown feathers, bluish facial skin with bright silvery-white stripes, reddish chestnut tail tips, and bright red tarsi. In contrast, the 'Colombian' guan from the SNSM has a golden ivory iris, thinner and pointed crown feathers, gray facial skin, dull ash-gray stripes, beige-white lateral edges on its nape and mantle, shorter wings with darker tail tips, and brighter red tarsi.

Additionally, the 'Colombian' guan produces distinct wingbeats compared to the SNSM guan. The researchers, including Juan I. Areta and Pamela C. Rasmussen, propose that the 'Colombian' guan of the SNSM is a distinct species due to these significant differences in appearance and vocalizations. The proposal must undergo evaluation by the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithological Society.

If approved, this would add a new endemic bird species to Colombia within the Sierra Nevada region, which is already home to 36 recorded species.