Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #6) – Costa Rica’s national motto and tourism slogan, “La Pura Vida” loosely translates to Live Life or Enjoy Life. With over 900 bird species recorded here, there is certainly lots to enjoy! Join with me as I guide you through the scenic wonderland that is Costa Rica. From the slow-moving waters of the Coastal Mangrove Wetlands to the heights of the Talamanca Páramo, over 300 species of birds will be featured in this blog series. **Some of this Blog Series photos (all taken by me) may have been taken in other nearby countries.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
BIRDS & BIRDING IN COSTA RICA WEBSITE LINK: Crested Guan
The Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) is a Near Threatened bird species found in an ancient group of birds known as the family Cracidae. It inhabits a range from central Mexico through Central America and extends into Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The Crested Guan’s estimated population of 50,000 to 500,000 mature individuals is believed to be decreasing.
OBSERVATION ANECDOTES
A fairly common ground dwelling AND arboreal member of the Cracidae family, I missed this bird in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, but was able to see many in Costa Rica. We saw our first for the trip while at the La Selva Biological Station outside of Sarapiqui and then again, many at Arenal Volcano National Park.
PHOTO GALLERY
View the three most recent Birds & Birding in Costa Rica series blog posts below.
- A Streak-headed Woodcreeper Feeds its Offspring Near the Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica
- PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
- SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
- HOFFMANN’S WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
- BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
Reflections of the Natural World 
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