Xenornis

Terry van Niekerk sent in this photo of a Magenta-throated Woodstar feeding a young Long-billed Starthroat at their Boquete garden. Photo taken February 16.

The following miscellaneous observations may be of interest. The first hummingbird I saw using my newly-installed feeder, on 3 September, was a Long-billed Starthroat. It has returned several times since, though Rufous-tailed now dominate. On one occasion the gorget showed clear lateral projections, befitting the name Starthroat better than the illustration in Angehr. On 12 October I saw a male Purple-throated Mountain-gem at Monte Azul, at about 1000m. Blue cap, purple gorget and white post-ocular stripe were all clear in direct sunlight. This extends the range stated by Angehr a little to the east. On 9 October, at Valle Bonito, five small birds foraging on or near the ground took to the trees on my approach, revealing yellow rumps and flanks. I could not get a definitive sighting but Yellow-rumped Warbler would appear to be only possible identification, in which case they were a full month earlier than the period stated by Angehr. Blackburnian Warbler have been more numerou...

These are the highlights of a 10-day Birding Trip. I led from March 5th to March 16th March 6th —Early afternoon 1.5 km walk north from Quebrada Juan Grande at Pipeline road. We spotted Spot-Crowned Antvireo (Male & female), Brownish Twistwing, Thrushlike Schiffornis and a Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher hidden in the foliage at a small pond. March 10th —We had a Green-crowned Woodnymph and Ornate Hawk-Eagle on flight at Narganá Forest Reserve. March 11th— Slate-throated Gnatcatcher and Sulphur-rumped Tanager on a mixed flock at Narganá Forest Reserve, a Bare-throated Tiger-Heron seen hidden in the grass at the Bayano River Bridge. March 12th— Pheasant Cuckoo and a Bat Falcon couple seen at the Escobal Road, 2 km before the Achiote Road turn off. Also a White-headed Wren and a Rufous-crested Coquette at a side trail 300 m from the first bridge at Achiote Road; Later that same day a...