Penelope is a genus of craciform birds, which contains fifteen species. The group is found in Central and South America, where it inhabits forest areas. In Brazil, they receive the popular name of jacu or cujá; in the United States of America for guans, and in the Spanish-speaking countries for pava. Seven species occur in Brazil. Jacus are large birds, which can reach 85 cm in length. The tail is long and rounded, as are the wings. The neck is relatively long and ends in a small head. The skin around the eyes is exposed and bluish in most species. The guans have a red and prominent crop in the throat area. The plumage is uniform and dark, usually black and with a scaly appearance. This effect is produced by the back and chest feathers, which are trimmed in white. Most guans have reddish feet.
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