Black-crested Coquette (Lophornis helenae)
Sean has captured over thirty species of hummingbirds but this is now his favorite: the Black-crested Coquette (Lophornis helenae). It is about the size of a large bee, and it flies like one! They are a highland specialist that visits gardens as well as a wide variety of other habitats. They have a lion’s mane and a crown to go with their gorgeous plumage. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Costa Rica while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreGreen-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula)
Here is the Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula), a large hummingbird commonly found at higher elevations in Costa Rica. It can be seen on edge clearings and in the forest, protecting certain feeding plants. This is an adult male, as juveniles usually have a mix of green and white plumage with a orange gorget. It turns purple as it ages, and as you can see by the full purple gorget this is indeed an adult male. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Costa Rica while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of...
Read MoreRing-necked Duck Hiding
If you take a look at the center of this image you will find a drake with a black back and darker gray wings than those surrounding it. This is a Ring-necked Duck taking a snooze with Greater Scaup. Even sleeping ducks like these offer a lot of examination possibilities and some unexpected identifications. You could always find a few feathers out of place on one of their heads and come up with a Tufted Duck as well!
Read MoreWhite-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is one of the most uniquely colored hummingbird species in Central America. The adult males have this beautiful blue bib that has a splendid sheen to it. They can be found in many different habitat types making it an especially interesting species to study. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Costa Rica while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreBarred Antshrikes (Thamnophilus doliatus)
Zebra? Not quite. Here are the Barred Antshrikes (Thamnophilus doliatus) of Costa Rica including a female, juvenile male and male from left to right, photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global diversity project.
Read More
