This Great Kiskadee had a meal when we spotted it along a stream at Las Orquideas Resort, Costa Rica. Standing on a rock, it was trying to figure out how to swallow a large cicada, wings and all. Great Kiskadees are common throughout Costa Rica and the rest of Central and South America. They are…
This Long-tailed Tyrant sat still for our tour while perched on a post at Mistico Park near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Its black plumage, white crown, and exceptionally long tail made it easy to identify. Long-tailed Tyrants range from southern Mexico through Central America and much of tropical South America. Interestingly, the amount of white…
Vancouver’s north shore is one of the most rewarding mountain birding regions in British Columbia. Thanks to its coastal rainforest, mountain streams, subalpine forests and varied elevations, birders can experience a wide range of species within a short distance of Vancouver. Whether you’re visiting or local, these five Vancouver North Shore birding hotspots are worth…
While birding Costa Rica, this Dusky-capped Flycatcher perched on a wire fence in the front yard of a farmhouse near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Its grayish head, pale throat, and bright yellow belly made it easy to pick out against the surrounding greenery. Dusky-capped Flycatchers often hunted from exposed perches, watching carefully before flying out…
A Great Kiskadee perched in the open at Arenal Observatory Lodge, where forest edges and clearings provide perfect hunting grounds for this widespread flycatcher. The bold black-and-white head pattern, bright yellow belly, and rich chestnut wings make it one of Costa Rica’s easiest birds to identify. The Great Kiskadees is an opportunistic hunters, catching insects…
The Tropical Kingbird is one of Tamarindo’s most familiar flycatchers, and we watched this individual was calling from an exposed perch outside the Zulu Surf Hotel. Loud, rolling calls help pairs stay in contact while defending their breeding territory, and this bird appeared determined to get its mate’s attention. Look for the gray head, olive-green…
This Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) was seen from the upper patio of the Zulu Surf Hotel in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. The bird would make short flights using the exposed perches to hunt insects. This species can be identified by its bright yellow belly, gray head, heavier bill, and deeply notched tail. This tail helps separate…
A Western Kingbird was flycatching along the road from Chase to Kamloops. This is a place where open grasslands, fence lines, and scattered shrubs created ideal habitat for this flycatcher. The pale gray head, clean white throat, olive-brown back, and bright yellow belly stood out clearly. Western Kingbirds are often confused with Tropical Kingbirds. Where…
The Great Kiskadee is a bold, medium-sized flycatcher often found near water, open woods, and towns from Texas to Argentina. You can easily recognize it by its bright yellow belly, rust-colored wings, and striking black-and-white head pattern. The bird’s clear call—often described as sounding like its name—makes it one of the more noticeable voices in…
The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is a small passerine commonly found in open areas of southern Texas. We found this wonderful male in Los Fresnos in the pastureland. This species prefers pastureland, fence lines, and scattered shrubs where it can perch and scan for insects. Males are bright red with dark brown wings and tail,…
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