Buff-throated Saltator(Saltator maximus)
23 January 2009, Rancho Naturalista, Costa Rica
The relationships of the Saltators are unclear. They have traditionally
been placed with Cardinals and Grosbeaks, but recent research indicates
that they are unrelated to those birds. Pending further research the South
American Checklist Committee has placed them as Incertae Sedis between the
Tanagers and Sparrows (Emberizidae).
This is an adult. Immatures have less black on the crown.
Panasonic Lumix LZ5 / Nikon Fieldscope 3 / 30X WA / hand-held (no adapter)