Male Black-throated Trogon

With feathers glistening in the dappled sunlight of the secondary rainforest, a male Black-throated Trogan proudly sits at attention.

With feathers glistening in the dappled sunlight of the secondary rainforest, a male Black-throated Trogan proudly sits at attention.

Of the ten Trogan species in Costa Rica, the Black-throated Trogon (Trogon rufus) is the one I’ve seen most frequently. Dimorphic, the male is easily identified by the brilliant green head, yellow belly, and, of course, its black throat. Trogons are generally sedentary, and like to sit still on branches. As long as they aren’t startled, these handsome birds can be observed for quite awhile. Their mates are typically nearby, but often out of view.

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Red-lored Parrots

Red-lored Parrots

Although the shadows on their faces make it difficult to see their red foreheads and light-colored upper beaks, I am fairly certain these are Red-lored Parrots (Amazona autumnalis). There is a chance, however, that they are Mealy Parrots (Amazona farinosa). Both species have wide, white orbital rings and stout, green bodies that make this parrot pair look like strange, inquisitive aliens climbing up a skinny branch.

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Green Page Moth

Green Page Moth

The Green Page Moth (Urania fulgens), also called Green Urania, is commonly mistaken for a butterfly, but it is actually a diurnal moth. Every four to eight years there is a massive migration of these moths from the Osa Peninsula in the southwest, over the central plateau, to the Caribbean lowlands. This one was photographed on the Pacific side, in the Corcovado National Park.

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Female Green Kingfisher

A female Green Kingfisher surveys the Claro River near Sirena.

A female Green Kingfisher surveys the Claro River near Sirena.

In some birds, the males and females of the species are dimorphic, meaning they have different features or markings. This female Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) lacks the rufous patch of breast feathers that distinguishes its male counterpart.

As their name implies, Green Kingfishers survive by fishing.

As their name implies, Green Kingfishers survive by fishing.

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Green Iguana

Fully exhibiting its prehistoric form, this iguana basks in the bright sun of the Pacific coast.

Fully exhibiting its prehistoric form, this handsome iguana basks in the bright sun of the Pacific coast.

I just discovered that there are a few different species of iguanas living in Costa Rica. I think this one is is a Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), based on the very large smooth scale in the lower head area. Solitary adult Green Iguanas are usually spotted in trees near the canopy, and live in lowland rain forests, often at the edges, and, in drier areas, near rivers.

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