23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - FLAME COLOURED TANAGER (MALE) (Piranga bidentata)

The Flame-colored Tanager, Piranga bidentata, is a medium-sized songbird of vibrant plumage. Males are adorned with a striking red-orange hue, while females exhibit a more subdued yellowish-orange. This species, once known as the stripe-backed tanager, belongs to the family Cardinalidae.

The Flame-colored Tanager, Piranga bidentata, is a medium-sized songbird of vibrant plumage. Males are adorned with a striking red-orange hue, while females exhibit a more subdued yellowish-orange. This species, once known as the stripe-backed tanager, belongs to the family Cardinalidae.

Adult males are characterized by their red-orange head and underparts, transitioning to a yellower tone near the vent. A distinctive brown patch is present below the eye, extending from the bill to behind the eye. The mantle and back are dusky orange with an olive tint, and the rump is paler with minimal streaking. Females share a similar pattern but with a yellow head and underparts, and an olive back marked with black streaks.

The Flame-colored Tanager is typically found in the canopy of humid montane forests, as well as in large trees within non-forested areas such as pastures, coffee plantations, and gardens. It also frequents open oak and pine-oak woodlands and is generally a bird of the mountains, although it can be found at sea level in Guatemala.

This species ranges from Mexico through Central America to northern Panama. It is occasionally sighted in the United States, with rare nesting occurrences. The four recognized subspecies have distinct geographical distributions within this range.

The Flame-colored Tanager is largely resident, though it may move to lower elevations during winter. It typically forages alone or in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks. It is known to sally out for flying insects and descend to the ground for fruit.

The song of the Flame-colored Tanager resembles that of a vireo, described as a rich, musical series of notes. Its call is noted as "per-dick" or "chi-dick".

Nesting occurs in dense foliage or isolated trees and shrubs in more open areas. The nest is an open cup made of coarse material lined with fine grass. Breeding has been documented in the spring months.

The diet consists of small arthropods and various berries. This tanager has been observed ambushing swarms of army ants to feed on the insects they carry.

The IUCN has classified the Flame-colored Tanager as Least Concern. It is found in several protected areas and is less sensitive to environmental disturbance compared to many other species.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - FLAME COLOURED TANAGER (FEMALE) (Piranga bidentata)

The Flame-colored Tanager, Piranga bidentata, is a medium-sized songbird of vibrant plumage. Males are adorned with a striking red-orange hue, while females exhibit a more subdued yellowish-orange. This species, once known as the stripe-backed tanager, belongs to the family Cardinalidae.

Adult males are characterized by their red-orange head and underparts, transitioning to a yellower tone near the vent. A distinctive brown patch is present below the eye, extending from the bill to behind the eye. The mantle and back are dusky orange with an olive tint, and the rump is paler with minimal streaking. Females share a similar pattern but with a yellow head and underparts, and an olive back marked with black streaks.

The Flame-colored Tanager is typically found in the canopy of humid montane forests, as well as in large trees within non-forested areas such as pastures, coffee plantations, and gardens. It also frequents open oak and pine-oak woodlands and is generally a bird of the mountains, although it can be found at sea level in Guatemala.

This species ranges from Mexico through Central America to northern Panama. It is occasionally sighted in the United States, with rare nesting occurrences. The four recognized subspecies have distinct geographical distributions within this range.

The Flame-colored Tanager is largely resident, though it may move to lower elevations during winter. It typically forages alone or in pairs and may join mixed-species flocks. It is known to sally out for flying insects and descend to the ground for fruit.

The song of the Flame-colored Tanager resembles that of a vireo, described as a rich, musical series of notes. Its call is noted as "per-dick" or "chi-dick".

Nesting occurs in dense foliage or isolated trees and shrubs in more open areas. The nest is an open cup made of coarse material lined with fine grass. Breeding has been documented in the spring months.

The diet consists of small arthropods and various berries. This tanager has been observed ambushing swarms of army ants to feed on the insects they carry.

The IUCN has classified the Flame-colored Tanager as Least Concern. It is found in several protected areas and is less sensitive to environmental disturbance compared to many other species.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/9915-Piranga-rubra

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)

The variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides ) is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, southern Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Fifteen subspecies are recognised. It is a common squirrel and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it a "least-concern species". Variegated squirrels kept as pets in Germany have been implicated in the transmission of a bornavirus to humans from which three people have died.

Variegated squirrels are medium-sized tree squirrels. The are several subspecies recognised which differ in appearance. There is even often a considerable variation between the appearances of individuals in the same population. The dorsal colouration varies between dark brown to yellowish grey. The neck tends to be darker than other parts and there is often a paler patch behind the ears. The underparts are usually some shade of cinnamon. The tail is long and densely bushy; in Mexico it is black, sometimes with white tips to the hairs giving it a frosted appearance. In Nicaragua and Costa Rica, some individuals have pale underparts and tails.

Variegated squirrels are native to Central America. Their range extends from Mexico southwards through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Habitats in which these squirrels occur include both dry deciduous forest and evergreen forest, secondary growth, and plantations.

Variegated squirrels are solitary and diurnal animals. They seldom descend to the ground and spend the night in a nest. Sometimes they build nests in a hole in a tree but more often construct them of leaves and build in the fork of a branch close to the trunk. These squirrels don't hibernate and spend most of their time in the trees. They are very agile and leap from one branch to another with ease. When threatened Variegated squirrels make chucking sounds and sometimes produce harsh chatter.

Little information is known about the mating habits in Variegated squirrels. The breeding season occurs in April-May. Females build nests high up in the trees where they give birth to 2-8 kittens. The gestation period lasts around 33-46 days. Young are born blind and naked. Fur starts growing after 2 weeks and in 30-32 days kittens open their eyes. Young stay in the nest within 6 weeks and become weaned at 10 weeks after birth. They are independent after 15 weeks and reach reproductive maturity between 12 and 15 weeks of age.

There are no major threats to Variegated squirrels at present.

According to IUCN, the Variegated squirrel is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - LARGE FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis)

The Large-footed Finch, Pezopetes capitalis, is a robust, terrestrial bird, notable for its impressive stature among its kin. Adults measure around 20 cm in length and weigh approximately 56 grams, making them one of the heaviest in the Passerellidae family. They exhibit a slate grey head, with the throat, forehead, and crown sides transitioning to black. The upper parts are a dark olive, while the wings and tail are black with olive fringes. The underparts are a vivid olive, with a brownish hue on the flanks and lower belly.

When identifying the Large-footed Finch, look for its slender bill, modestly sized tail, and particularly its very large and powerful feet and legs. The adult's coloration is distinct, with the contrast between the slate grey head and the black throat area being quite prominent. Juveniles can be recognized by their streaked dark olive head, blackish scaling on the upperparts, and buff-olive underparts.

This species thrives in the undergrowth of mountain forests, second growth, and bamboo clumps. It is also found in scrubby pastures and the scrubby páramo, at altitudes ranging from 2150 meters to 3350 meters.

Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, the Large-footed Finch is a common sight in locations such as Cerro de la Muerte.

Typically observed in pairs, the Large-footed Finch is a ground-dweller. It is known for its powerful double scratches when foraging, capable of sending debris up to 30 cm away. This bird is also known to pick berries from low bushes.

The male Large-footed Finch serenades with a song composed of whistles, warbles, chatter, and mimicry, often performed from the ground or a low perch. Additionally, the species emits a thin 'seet' call.

The female constructs a large, loose cup-shaped nest from plant material, usually situated less than 2 meters above ground in bamboo or a dense shrub. The typical clutch consists of one or two brown-marked white or blue-white eggs. The female incubates these eggs alone for a period of 12 to 14 days before they hatch.

The diet of the Large-footed Finch includes insects, spiders, and seeds, which it extracts from the leaf litter. It also consumes berries, which it gathers from low-growing vegetation.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - CLAY COLOURED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)

The Clay-colored Thrush, Turdus grayi, is a bird of modest plumage, its feathers a subtle palette of brown hues, lighter on the flanks and faintly streaked on the throat. This bird, similar in size to the American Robin, measures approximately 23 to 27 centimeters in length and weighs between 74 to 76 grams. The young are distinguished by a faint mottling on their backs and underparts. Notable identification features include a greenish-yellow bill with a dark base, pinkish or flesh-colored legs, and reddish irises.

The song of the Clay-colored Thrush is a series of slurred musical phrases, often repeated irregularly at a slow, steady tempo. Its flight call is a harsher version of the American Robin's "tock." During the dry season, its mating call varies significantly across regions.

When identifying the Clay-colored Thrush, look for its brownish plumage, which is lighter below and lightest on the flanks. The throat bears faint streaks, and the bird's bill is greenish-yellow with a dark base. The legs are pinkish or flesh-colored, and the irises are a distinctive reddish color. Juveniles may exhibit faint mottling on their back and underparts.

The Clay-colored Thrush is a familiar sight in yards and gardens, much like its relatives the American Robin, the Eurasian Blackbird, and the Song Thrush. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from South Texas to northern Colombia, often found in human-altered landscapes where fruiting trees are present.

This bird's range extends from South Texas, where it is expanding its territory, to northern Colombia. It is predominantly found on the Atlantic slope west and north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, with an isolated population around Oaxaca City, Mexico.

The Clay-colored Thrush is known to forage on the ground or near it, usually alone or in pairs, though it may gather in flocks in fruiting trees. It is also known to follow army ants to capture small prey disturbed by the ants' movement.

The breeding season for the Clay-colored Thrush spans from March to July. It constructs a sturdy cup nest from grass, moss, feathers, leaves, and mud, often utilizing human structures for support. The female lays 2 to 4 pale blue eggs adorned with red-brown and gray markings and may produce two broods per season. The species is known for its aggressive defense of its nest, even against large raptors.

The Clay-colored Thrush may be confused with other Turdus species, but its unique coloration, reddish irises, and regional song variations help distinguish it from its relatives.

This thrush primarily feeds on fruit and invertebrates, foraging on the ground or in trees. It is opportunistic, sometimes taking advantage of disturbances caused by army ants to find prey.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Clay-colored Thrush as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.

23-3-2017 TROGON LODGE COSTA RICA - EMERALD SWIFT LIZARD (FEMALE) (Sceloporus malachiticus)

Sceloporus malachiticus, the emerald swift or green spiny lizard, is a species of small lizard in the Phrynosomatidae family, native to Central America.

Sceloporus malachiticus, the emerald swift or green spiny lizard, is a species of small lizard in the Phrynosomatidae family, native to Central America.

Emerald swifts are distinctly bright green in color, with males typically being more striking than females, having bright blue patches on either side of the belly. They grow from 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in length. Like other species in the genus Sceloporus, their scales tend to be fairly stiff and heavily keeled, giving them a spiny texture.

Emerald swifts are diurnal, arboreal lizards. In the early morning, they forage for insects, and then spend much of the day basking in the sun. They will retreat to a burrow, or under a rock or log if the temperature becomes too high or to sleep. Their life spans are believed to be between three and five years. Unlike most iguanid lizards, emerald swifts are ovoviviparous, giving birth to six to fifteen young yearly.

The emerald swift is found from Mexico's Yucatan region, to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

The species was, for a time, considered to be a subspecies of the Mexican emerald spiny lizard, Sceloporus formosus, but more modern research has returned it to full species status, though some sources still refer to it as a subspecies.

Emerald swifts are frequently found in the exotic pet trade. Their striking coloration and ease of care make them popular captives. They feed readily on commercially available crickets and can be maintained in a relatively small vivarium, though they do require adequate UV lighting.

23-3-2017 TROGON LODGE COSTA RICA - PURPLE THROATED MOUNTAIN GEM HUMMINGBIRD

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - COMMON BASILISK (Basiliscus basiliscus)

The Common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a type of lizard that lives in Central America and South America. It is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard for its ability to run on the surface of the water.

The Common basilisk can be distinguished from similar species within its range by its large size and the high fin-like crest along its back. Most common basilisks are brown and cream in color. Males also have high crests on the head and tail. Both sexes are brown to olive, and have a white, cream, or yellow stripe on the upper lip and a second stripe along either side of the body; these stripes have higher contrast in juveniles and fade as the lizards age. The common basilisk has a large mouth with saw-like teeth on the inner sides of the jaw. While it is most known for its ability to run on water, it is also an excellent climber and swimmer, and has been known to stay underwater for up to half an hour.

Common basilisks are found throughout Central America and in northwestern South America. They range from southwestern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia on the Pacific side, and from central Panama to northwestern Venezuela on the Atlantic side. In Costa Rica, they are mostly found on the Pacific side of the country. Common basilisks inhabit tropical dry lowland forests, and wet and moist forests near streams, lakes, and rivers.

28-4-2017 SIMAT, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)

The Social Flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis, is a passerine bird belonging to the vast Tyrant Flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. This species is sometimes divided, with Myiozetetes texensis ranging from Costa Rica to Mexico, and Myiozetetes similis proper found from southwest Costa Rica across South America.

Adult Social Flycatchers measure 16–18 cm in length and weigh between 24–27 grams. They exhibit a dark grey head with a striking white eyestripe and an often hidden orange to vermilion crown stripe. Their upperparts are olive-brown, while the wings and tail are brown with faint rufous fringes. The underparts are a vibrant yellow, and the throat is white. Juveniles can be identified by a paler eye mask, a less pronounced crown stripe, and chestnut fringes on their wing and tail feathers. Their call is a sharp "peeurrr," and their dawn song resembles a "chips-k’-cheery."

These birds are found in a variety of open habitats, including plantations, pastures with trees, and open woodlands.

The Social Flycatcher is a common and widespread species, with a range extending from northwestern Mexico to northeastern Peru, southern Brazil, and northwestern Argentina.

Social Flycatchers are known for perching openly on trees, from where they launch to catch insects mid-flight using a range of aerobatic maneuvers. They also hover and glean prey, consume small berries, and may forage on the ground or in shallow waters for aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and occasionally small fish. They have been observed foraging alongside common marmosets, possibly cooperating to flush out prey.

The Social Flycatcher's call is a distinctive "peeurrr," and its dawn song is a cheerful "chips-k’-cheery."

The female constructs a large, roofed nest made of stems and straw in a bush, tree, or on a building, often near protective wasp, bee, or ant nests. The typical clutch consists of two to four cream or white eggs, blotched with brown or lilac, laid between February and June.

This bird is similar in appearance to its closest living relative, the Rusty-margined Flycatcher, as well as the White-bearded Flycatcher, White-ringed Flycatcher, and Lesser Kiskadee. However, these species are difficult to distinguish based solely on appearance.

The diet of the Social Flycatcher includes insects, small berries from trees like the gumbo-limbo, and occasionally aquatic prey. They are adept at catching insects in flight and are also known to glean insects from leaves and branches.

The IUCN lists the Social Flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently threatened.

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)

The black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a passerine bird in the tyrant-flycatcher family. It breeds from southwest Oregon and California south through Central and South America. It occurs year-round throughout most of its range and migrates less than the other birds in its genus, though its northern populations are partially migratory. Six subspecies are commonly recognized, although two are occasionally combined as a separate species, the white-winged phoebe.

The black phoebe has predominantly black plumage, with a white belly and undertail coverts. The sexes are identical in color, and juveniles have brown feather tips and brown wing-bars. Its song is a repeated tee-hee, tee ho. It lives in a variety of habitats but is always near water. It is mainly insectivorous and waits on a perch before sallying out and catching its prey in the air. It makes an open cup nest which is placed under a cliff or a bridge and cemented in its place with mud.

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)

The torrent tyrannulet, Serpophaga cinerea, is a diminutive member of the tyrant flycatcher family. This sprightly bird measures a mere 10 to 11.4 centimeters in length and tips the scales at approximately 8 grams. The male is distinguished by its pale grey upperparts and a greyish white underbelly, transitioning to pure white at the throat and lower belly. A striking feature is the black cap above the eye level, which conceals a secret white crown patch, while the wings and tail exhibit a blackish hue adorned with two slender grey-white wing bars. The female mirrors the male in plumage, albeit with a greyer head and a smaller or sometimes absent crown patch. Juveniles can be recognized by their browner cap, a brownish wash over the upperparts, and broader, more yellowish wing bars.

When attempting to identify the torrent tyrannulet, look for its pale grey and white plumage, the concealed white crown patch on the males, and the characteristic wing bars. The bird's small size and agile movements are also key identification features.

The torrent tyrannulet is an inhabitant of rocky mountain streams, thriving at elevations ranging from 300 to 2200 meters. It is less frequently encountered at lower altitudes where the water currents are gentler. Notably, there has been a nesting record in Costa Rica at an elevation as low as 35 meters, potentially due to displacement by hydroelectric projects along the Sarapiquí River.

23-3-2017 TROGON LODGE COSTA RICA - EMERALD SWIFT LIZARD (MALE) (Sceloporus malachiticus)

Sceloporus malachiticus, the emerald swift or green spiny lizard, is a species of small lizard in the Phrynosomatidae family, native to Central America.

Sceloporus malachiticus, the emerald swift or green spiny lizard, is a species of small lizard in the Phrynosomatidae family, native to Central America.

Emerald swifts are distinctly bright green in color, with males typically being more striking than females, having bright blue patches on either side of the belly. They grow from 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in length. Like other species in the genus Sceloporus, their scales tend to be fairly stiff and heavily keeled, giving them a spiny texture.

Emerald swifts are diurnal, arboreal lizards. In the early morning, they forage for insects, and then spend much of the day basking in the sun. They will retreat to a burrow, or under a rock or log if the temperature becomes too high or to sleep. Their life spans are believed to be between three and five years. Unlike most iguanid lizards, emerald swifts are ovoviviparous, giving birth to six to fifteen young yearly.

24-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - RUFOUS TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)

24-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)

The Montezuma oropendola, Psarocolius montezuma, is a strikingly dimorphic bird, with males significantly larger than females. Adult males boast a chestnut body contrasted by a blackish head and rump, and a vivid yellow tail save for two central dark feathers. Their facial features include a bare blue cheek patch and a pink wattle, with a brown iris and a long bill that is black at the base and red at the tip. Females are similar in plumage but are smaller with a less prominent wattle. Juveniles appear duller with a paler bill. This species is known for its remarkable sexual size dimorphism, with males being twice the body mass of females.

When identifying the Montezuma oropendola, look for the male's large size, about 50 cm in length, and the bright yellow tail with dark central feathers. Females are notably smaller, measuring 38 cm. The distinctive blue cheek patch, pink wattle, and two-toned bill are key features to observe.

This tropical bird inhabits the forest canopy, edges, and old plantations, preferring the Caribbean coastal lowlands and some Pacific slopes.

The Montezuma oropendola ranges from southeastern Mexico to central Panama, with notable absences in El Salvador and southern Guatemala. It is also found in Nicaragua, Honduras, and parts of Costa Rica.

Males exhibit a female-defence mating system, where the dominant male mates with most females in a colony after an elaborate bowing display. They are known to be aggressive in defending receptive females from other males. Females forage on thinner branches, while males prefer thicker branches, likely due to their size difference.

The male's song is an "unforgettable" series of bubbling and gurgling sounds, ending in a loud gluuuuu. Both sexes emit loud cack and crrrk calls. Males at breeding sites may alter the lowest peak frequency of their song to out-compete rivals.

Montezuma oropendolas are colonial breeders, with females constructing the nests. These woven nests hang from trees and can be up to 180 cm in length. The dominant male in the colony mates with most females. Females lay two dark-spotted eggs, incubating them for 15 days, with fledging occurring in 30 days.

The chestnut-headed oropendola shares some of its range but is smaller, mainly black with a chestnut head, and lacks the colored facial patches, making confusion unlikely.

Omnivorous, these birds forage for small vertebrates, large insects, nectar, and various fruits, including bananas and Cecropia spikes. They are often seen in flocks outside the breeding season, indicating some mobility and seasonal movements.

The Montezuma oropendola is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant threats.