Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica venusta)
26 January 2009, Rancho Naturalista, Costa Rica
This striking bird was the most common hummingbird at the feeders, but they
were maddeningly active and difficult to photograph. This is a male.
This species was called simply Crowned Woodnymph by earlier authors, but
has gone under a plethora different more recent names. Some discussion and
reasons for a proposal to go with Violet-crowned Woodnymph is at:
http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop303.html
This proposal passed the SACC.
Four races are recognized. This is T. c. venusta which is larger and
slightly brighter purple on the underparts and nape.
Panasonic DMC-LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)