Costa Rica Hummingbird ID (1 Viewer)

lassa8 · Jun 15, 2006

I recently found this photo at Surfbirds.com (World Birding Rarities page) labeled as Green-fronted Lancebill taken in Monteverde. I noticed that it looked strikingly similar to a photograph I took about a year ago and had labeled as a Fiery-throated Hummingbird (which I've attached two of in this post...also taken in Monteverde). Any comments on these?

tomjenner · Jun 15, 2006

I´ve still never seen a Green-fronted Lancebill, but it certainly seems to fit the description well. I am more familiar with Fiery-throated Hummingbird (though I haven't seen one for a few years now) and I don't think that it is one. They have a slightly forked tail, whereas the Lancebill has a rounded one like in your picture. Stiles and Skutch also comment on the slightly upturned bill and deep blue upper tail coverts of the Lancebill, both of which can be seen in your photo.

Tom

schiffornis · Jun 15, 2006

lassa8 said:
I recently found this photo at Surfbirds.com (World Birding Rarities page) labeled as Green-fronted Lancebill taken in Monteverde. I noticed that it looked strikingly similar to a photograph I took about a year ago and had labeled as a Fiery-throated Hummingbird (which I've attached two of in this post...also taken in Monteverde). Any comments on these?

Hi

Your original ID was correct, both of your images are Fiery-throated Hummingbird, as too is the one on the Surfbirds gallery, note the red base to the lower mandible visible (just) on all photos. General dumpy appearance also.

Attached is a picture of Green-fronted Lancebill taken a couple of years ago.

Cheers

ANDY

Steve Lister · Jun 15, 2006

I have only ever seen one Green-fronted Lancebill but it had a much longer and finer bill than any of the photographs included in this thread, even the one from Schiffornis which looks more like a Green-crowned Brilliant to me.

What do more people with more experience think?

Steve

Larry Sweetland · Jun 15, 2006

Steve Lister said:
I have only ever seen one Green-fronted Lancebill but it had a much longer and finer bill than any of the photographs included in this thread, even the one from Schiffornis which looks more like a Green-crowned Brilliant to me.

What do more people with more experience think?

Steve

I agree with Steve, including the last photo, although it has been a long time since I have seen one. The bill should also be more noticeably upcurved.

Rasmus Boegh · Jun 15, 2006

I've seen a fair number of Green-fronted Lancebills and must agree that the individual on the photo in post #3 looks more like Green-crowned Brilliant. The Green-fronted Lancebill is actually quite dull with greyish-dusky underparts that are tinged brownish-olive (with a very slight green tinge only; never clear dark green) and its white post-ocular spot is quite tiny. Here are two photos (note also the bronzy tinge to the nape & hindcrown, which result in the green frontlet being even more conspicious):

http://www.tandayapa.com/hummers/lancebill.htm

Anyway, I do agree that the bird on the first photo in this thread "just" show a Fiery-throated Hummingbird with an abnormal bill.

Edward woodwood · Jun 15, 2006

Saw both the Lancebill and the FT hummer this year and would agree with the id's suggested...

the Lancebills are crackers, feeding right in waterfall spray

Tim

Motmot · Jun 15, 2006

Hi everyone! My opinions:
Agree on Fiery-throated Hummingbird for two first pics.
Andy´s pic is a Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens spectabilis) imo. Some violet visible on its crown, long thickish bill,big postocular spot, fairly long tail (shorter on Lancebill) non colorful underparts, sides and back of head black.
Saludos

Check this one taken from the net:

http://www.focusonnature.com/Mfhb1.jpg

schiffornis · Jun 15, 2006

Motmot said:
Hi everyone! My opinions:
Agree on Fiery-throated Hummingbird for two first pics.
Andy´s pic is a Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fugens spectabilis) imo. Some violet visible on its crown, long thickish bill,big postocular spot, fairly long tail (shorter on Lancebill) non colorful underparts, sides and back of head black.
Saludos

Check this one taken from the net:

http://www.focusonnature.com/Mfhb1.jpg

That looks better!

Cheers Eduardo, shame about the football result!

Costa Rica Hummingbird ID (1 Viewer)

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lassa8

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tomjenner

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schiffornis

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Steve Lister

Senior Birder, ex County Recorder, Garden Moths.

Larry Sweetland

Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'

Rasmus Boegh

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Edward woodwood

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Motmot

Eduardo Amengual

schiffornis

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