TNLB Costa Rica Edition
Resplendent Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal is an unforgettable sight, with shimmering plumage of metallic blues, greens, and reds. Males also have a crest of bristly golden-green feathers and during breeding season, grow elongated uppertail feathers that form a long, flowing train. This spectacular species belongs to the trogon family, a group of colorful, fruit-eating birds found in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Other family members include the Golden-headed Quetzal and Haiti's national bird, the Hispaniolan Trogon.
Great Green Macaw
The Great Green Macaw is one of the largest macaws in the world (second only to the Hyacinth Macaw). It's also known as the Buffon's or Great Military Macaw and in fact was previously considered a subspecies of the smaller, closely-related Military Macaw.
Numbers of this majestic macaw have dropped by more than 50 percent over the past 10 years due to extensive habitat loss throughout the species' Central and South American range. It was listed as an endangered species by the United States in 2015.
Unsustainable logging, conversion of land for agriculture and cattle pasture, and mining have severely diminished available habitat for the Great Green Macaw. Unfortunately, farmers sometimes shoot the birds, believing that they are a crop pest. The birds are also captured for the pet trade and for their feathers.
Northern emerald toucanet
Medium-sized, grass-green toucan of humid tropical forest in foothills and highlands; also very locally in lowlands. Usually in pairs or small groups, moving through the canopy or feeding at fruiting trees. Nothing similar in its range. Note the rusty tail tips, best seen from below. Pattern of black and yellow on bill varies from region to region.
Baltimore Oriole
The common oriole in the eastern U.S., wintering to northern South America. Adult males are stunning: bright orange with a black head and bold white wingbar. Females vary from yellowish to bright orange below, often with blotchy black on the head. Breeds in deciduous trees in open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, riversides, parks, and backyards. Listen for rich whistled song. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Females can be very difficult to distinguish from Bullock's Oriole, and hybrids do occur. Baltimore is usually brightest on the breast, not the face.
Striped-tailed Hummingbird
Distinctive, medium-sized hummingbird found in foothills and highlands. Favors humid evergreen forests and shade-coffee plantations. Mainly feeds at low to middle levels, darting quickly among flowers and flashing open its tail to reveal white stripes. Both sexes have a bright rusty panel in the wings, which appears as a blur when hovering. Male is brilliant green overall. Female is pale gray below and has less white in the tail.
Green Crowned brilliant Hummingbird
Fairly large hummingbird, sleek and long-tailed with straight bill. Male is entirely emerald green with small blue throat patch only visible at some angles. Female has spotted green breast; note conspicuous white mustache stripe and white spot behind eye. Found in forested habitats and edges; visits feeders
.
Rufous Motmot
Large forest-dweller that likes to sit motionless. Head and breast rufous-orange with black mask and breast spot. Green back and long tail. Most similar to smaller Broad-billed Motmot; note larger size, rufous chin, and more extensive rufous on belly. Often found singly or in pairs inside forest, usually below canopy. Listen for deep hooting call, “woo-doop”, sometimes given as a single call or sometimes as ongoing hooting laughter.
