Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)

29 January 2009, Savegre Mountain Hotel, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica These swallows were fairly common around the lodge, but seldom perched, and when they did, they made sure the light was bad. I believe they were deliberately trying to thwart my photo attempts. They closely resemble the familiar Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) of North America, but have dark undertail coverts and very different vocalizations. Most authors place this bird in the genus Notiochelidon, but the AOU uses Pygochelidon. Three races are recognized differing in size and in extent of black on the undertail coverts. This is the most northerly, nominate race, intermediate in size and with extensive black undertail coverts. Males and females are alike. Panasonic DMC-LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)