|
This relatively small cracid has been less devastated by human pressures, perhaps
because it is generally found at higher elevations, which in Panama are generally more sparsely
farmed and habitated than the lowlands. As of the most recent revision of The Birds of Panama
it was only known from as far east as El Copé, in western Coclé Province. So the discovery in recent
years that this arboreal species is resident at Cerro Gaital, in eastern Coclé, was an exciting find, and indicates a range extension.
Black Guan is by no means common at Cerro Gaital (I've yet to see it), but is found with some regularity. I suspect it will be found somewhere
around Altos del Maria; any such sighting would be a first for Panamá Province, and an easternmost record, and as such should
be carefully documented.
Guans continue to be found with some regularity around Cerro Gaital, particularly in the rainy season; I enjoyed a feeding pair in the company of
the Travis (TX) Audubon Society on June 9th, 2007. Small groups and solo birders seem to have the best luck spotting this species, as the
Gaital Black Guans seem particularly shy and wary.
|
|
