Dominical: Part 2 - The Passerines

There weren't actually as many passerines as I was expecting in Dominical, probably due to the slightly more developed and de-forested landscape. The lowlands are meant to have the highest diversity of birds in Costa Rica. However, despite this I did see a nice little selection. The highlight was probably seeing my first wild Scarlet Macaw. The toucans were also exciting to see, with Chestnut-mandibled Toucan and Fiery-billed Aracari both seen. Below are a selection of photos.

Scarlet Macaw - despite seeing this within the first hour of arriving, this was the only individual seen throughout the whole weekend.

Fiery-billed Aracari - two birds were attending a nest by the side of the river.

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan - one of five birds sat together in a tree along the beach front.

Inca Dove - one of the prettiest doves in the world.

Northern Waterthrush - a great little species, seen bobbing about along the edge of the river.

Grey-breasted Martin (left), Mangrove Swallow (right) - the Mangrove Swallow looks remarkably similar to the House Martin in Europe, sharing a white rump and glossy green/blue plumage.

Black-cowled Oriole - until recently, this species was restricted to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, however it's range has now spread to the Pacific coast where it is becoming more abundant.

Rufous-napped Wren

Orange-chinned Parakeet - sporting a very inconspicuous orange chin.

Black-hooded Antshrike

Tropical Gnatcatcher (fem)

Blue-black Grassquit - male (top) and presumably an immature male (bottom).

Variable Seedeater

Plain Xenops

Streak-crowned Woodcreeper