Grey-winged Trumpeter

By Marla Lise

Scientific Name: Psophia crepitans

Grey-winged Trumpeter are birds found in the Amazon forest. They can live in groups of up to 50 individuals. They have long necks and long legs and a small beak, much like that of a chicken. They eat mainly fruit, but also feed on insects.

They are weak fliers and are usually on the ground and prefer to run. They are also capable of swimming across rivers.

Grey-winged Trumpeter. Photo by Rhett A. Butler
They nest in holes in tree trunks or at the top of palms. They make a deep guttural noise when in danger to warn those around them and also to garner help in defending themselves.

The indigenous people of the Amazon forests use these birds much like ‘guard dogs’. Due to the sounds that they make when a snake or a predator is close by, they are able to warn people inside their houses that danger is abound.


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