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)