Large black-and-white guan with a red dewlap. Subspecies vary in the size of the dewlap and in the amount of white on the crest. Other piping-guans have a different face pattern and/or dewlap color. Largely arboreal, but may descend to the ground. Occurs in forests, especially riverine forests, where sometimes encountered in flocks of up to 30 individuals. Gives a rising series of clear whistles, and at dawn produces a wing-whirring display.