Crested Guan

Penelope purpurascens

eBird describes the Crested Guan in this way:  Very large, long-tailed game bird of tropical and subtropical forest. Often seen high in trees or flying through the forest canopy; usually not seen in areas near people except in some protected areas due to hunting pressure. Typically in pairs or small groups and wary. Plumage dark overall (often looks blackish) with bright red throat wattle; white streaking on body visible at closer range. Crest is bushy and usually not a striking feature.

The Birds of the World website gives this introductory information about this bird:  Loud honking and yelping cries, or a crashing sound in the subcanopy, often is the first indication of the presence of the large arboreal Crested Guan. The northernmost member of the genus Penelope, Crested Guan ranges from Mexico to south to western Ecuador and to northern Venezuela. Several other species of guans appear very similar and are best separated by range and vocalizations. In protected areas where hunting is not allowed, the species can be quite approachable and even tame, but throughout much of its range Crested Guan is heavily hunted.

I saw my first Crested Guan on the late afternoon of Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the La Selva Biological Research Station in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica.  Our tour group watched a group of three Guans at the edge of the lower parking lot past the Gift Shop.  These large birds were fun to watch!  To see my blog post about my Costa Rican trip that includes my visit to La Selva, look here.  I hope you enjoy my photos.