FAUNA OF ATENAS PART ll....

Picking up where we left off....
Fiery billed Aracaris are toucans. They are another of the species of toucan we have her in Atenas, however not as common to spot as the Keel billed Toucans. They are smaller in size and are characterized by their bright yellow and red underbellies, and bills that are black and red. Flying in small flocks of up to 10 birds, they feed mostly on fruit, insects, lizards, and bird eggs. They are only found in the Pacific slopes of southern Costa Rica and Western Panama.
Green Iguanas are everywhere. Driving down a dirt road on a sunny day you can see them lounging, stretched out taking in the sun. Growing up in Florida, we have many lizards..well, the green iguana is a lizard on steroids. Found from Mexico, through out Central and South America, green iguanas come in an array of colors from bright blue, to pink, to orange and red. They adapt to their habitats quiet well. Green iguanas are often used as domesticated pets because of their calm demeanor. In the wild, they are arboreal feeding on a variety of leaves, flowers, fruit, and shoots, meaning they are herbivores. Often used as a food source in Central and South America, they are refereed to as "gallina de palo" or tree chickens..."Taste like chicken".
The Turquoise-browed Motmot is a common siting in these parts. Very easy to identify because of the bluish/turquoise color and the two long tail feathers that resemble pendulums. This particular birds do not build nests (traditional style), but rather roost in tunnels that are hollowed out on earth banks and hill sides. They like dry to dry humid forests and can be found from Mexico to South America. It is also the national bird of Nicaragua.
Of the Yellow-throated Euphonia, Karen wrote;"This male Yellow-throated Euphonia was so fun to watch with his little berry, shot from the deck and oh so close to me." Now Karen you should never say to a male that his berries are little!!! These little ones are found only in Central America. The male has a black back with bright yellow underside, and the female is light brown backed with yellow everywhere else.
The Masked Tityra is a curious looking bird because of the markings around it's eyes. Found mostly in Central and South America, but has shown up in the United States when it takes the wrong exit.
And last but not least, the elusive Licenced Realtor. Not commonly spotted in Costa Rica but with patience, calm and diligence you can spot one. Once you do, use them as you won't be sorry....Thanks to Frank and Karen Grayczk for all the wonderful photos. Karen has agreed to keep sending us photo of the beautiful nature we have here in Atenas, most of which they spot from their balcony. Who's your daddies? Did I hear Dennis and Gerardo from Pure Life Development?
Pura Vida,

Dennis