Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus guatimalensis)

26 January 2009, Rancho Naturalista, Costa Rica Although common and conspicuous, these showy flycatchers seldom sat still long enough for a decent photo. A few rain streaks are visible here. The yellow gape flange is interesting. I didn't find it in published descriptions but it appears in photos I took of this species in Texas (P. s. texanus) but not in photos I took in Trinidad (race P. s. trinitatis). It appears in both adults and immatures. Although this species closely resembles several other species, it is placed in its own genus. It has an unusual nest for a flycatcher, domed over with an entrance on the side. This is another open-country species that has expanded its range because of deforestation. It is widespread from Southern Texas to South America. About 10 subspecies are recognized but some of these are vaguely defined and probably invalid. This is P. s. guatimalensis which ranges from Southern Mexico to Panama. It is said to be slightly paler overall cf. populations in adjacent South America. Panasonic Lumix LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)