Snowcap (Microchera albocoronata parvirostris) - male

26 January 2009, Rancho Naturalista, Costa Rica This is a tiny active hummingbird. It is endemic to Central America and a specialty of Ranch Naturalista. The combination of immaculate white crown contrasting with the dark body is a photographic challenge. Unfortunately I was never able to get a photo in really good light. This photo was taken in company of Bird-pixer par excellence, Nancy Bell, whom we meet serendipitously at dinner at the lodge. A photo of the two of us waiting for the rain to let up is posted at the Bird-Pixer Hall of Fame: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birds-pix/files/Birds-Pixer-Hall-of-Fame/ Two subspecies are recognized. This is M. a. parvirostris which is said to be brighter on the underparts cf. to the nominate race in adjacent Panama. Panasonic Lumix LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)