Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #21) – Costa Rica’s national motto and tourism slogan, “La Pura Vida” loosely translates to Live Life or Enjoy Life. With over 900 bird species recorded here, there is certainly lots to enjoy! Join with me as I guide you through the scenic wonderland that is Costa Rica. From the slow-moving waters of the Coastal Mangrove Wetlands to the heights of the Talamanca Páramo, over 300 species of birds will be featured in this blog series. **Some of this Blog Series photos (all taken by me) may have been taken in other nearby countries.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
BIRDS & BIRDING IN COSTA RICA WEBSITE LINK: Lesser Nighthawk
The Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) is a nightjar found throughout a large part of the Americas. Adults exhibit dark gray to brownish-gray plumage with mottling in black, grayish white, or buff on the upperparts and breast. Their long upperwings are black and display a white bar during flight. In Central America, this species is present as a resident breeder, inhabiting various habitats such as open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands. It can be challenging to distinguish from the similar Common Nighthawk, but key field marks include the shape of the wing tips (pointy in Common, less pointy in Lesser) and the placement of the white wing band.
OBSERVATION ANECDOTES
One of the most expected nightjars in Costa Rica, the Lesser Nighthawk can be observed from the Central US south to Northern South America. We saw them at the Tárcoles River Mouth, but they may be found throughout the mid-elevation to low elevation forests. I have observed them in the US, Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.
PHOTO GALLERY
View the three most recent Birds & Birding in Costa Rica series blog posts below.
- A Streak-headed Woodcreeper Feeds its Offspring Near the Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica
- PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
- SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
- HOFFMANN’S WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
- BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER – Pura Vida Birds and Birding
Reflections of the Natural World 