What is guira?

The Guira cuckoo (Guira guira) is a bird species found in South America, primarily in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It belongs to the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) and is known for its distinctive appearance and vocalizations.

Guira cuckoos have a long and slender body with a long, curved tail. They have a black crest on their head, bright yellow eyes, and a greyish-brown plumage with black and white stripes on their undersides. They are typically around 34-37 cm in length.

These birds are social and often seen in small groups, foraging for insects, fruits, and seeds in open grasslands, savannas, and forest edges. They are also known to feed on small reptiles and birds' eggs.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Guira cuckoo is its loud and melodious calls, often described as a series of "guira guira" sounds. These vocalizations are used for communication within the group and during courtship displays.

Guira cuckoos are known to breed cooperatively, with multiple individuals helping to raise the young. They build shallow cup-shaped nests made of twigs and grass, usually in thorny bushes or trees. The female lays around 4-7 eggs, which are incubated by all group members.

Overall, the Guira cuckoo is a fascinating bird species with unique behaviors and vocalizations that make it a popular sight for birdwatchers in South America.