Costa Rica Photo Gallery

Birds and Wildlife at Rancho Naturalista

January 2009 -- Digiscoped images by Joseph Morlan

Crimson-collared Tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus apricus)
23 January 2009, Rancho Naturalista, Costa Rica Males and females are alike in this striking tanager which seemed to visit the feeders only when fresh bananas were put out. Most field guide authors (e.g. Stiles & Skutch, Howell, Ridgely) place this bird in its own genus, Phlogothraupis on the basis of its different bill shape, plumage sequence, voice and behavior. E.g. the Crimson-collared Tanager is usually seen in pairs while other members of the genus are normally found in small groups. This is a Central American endemic ranging along the Caribbean slope from S. Mexico to Panama. Two races are recognized. This is the slightly smaller, more southerly R. s. apricus. Panasonic Lumix LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)
Joseph Morlan