On the prowl in search of ants and termites, a furry Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) uses its long snout to explore what appears to be the dried husk of a large coconut (below). These photographs of the anteater were taken on a hike from Serena to Carate in 2010, not far from the beach that lines the Pacific shore of the Corcovado National Park. Northern Tamanduas consume an average of 9,000 insects each day.
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This species of poison-dart frog (Dendrobates granuliferus) is sympatric with the species traditionally called the “Blue Jeans Frog” (Dendrobates pumilio), meaning the two are essentially the same. This particular variation, with granularity of the skin and jade-colored limbs, is found in the southwest lowlands of Costa Rica, where there is a population in the Golfo Dulce region. The specimen here was photographed near La Tarde. Since I’m not sure what the common name for this amphibian might be, I’ve decided “Green Jeans Frog” is as good a moniker as any. “Red Hoodie Frog” might be even better!
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Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri oerstedii) are the smallest of the four primates that can be found in Costa Rica. They live exclusively in the southwest Pacific region. Often seen in a troop, the tiny monkeys travel quickly in a single file line, following the same route from branch to branch and tree to tree. This one, about to leap after the monkey before it, paused long enough to get its picture near the road leading into Carate.
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This Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis) is eating an eel alive. The writhing creature didn’t stand a chance against the otter’s dexterous paws and sharp teeth, but it made a terrific holiday feast on a muddy bank of the Sarapiqui River. This photograph was taken on Christmas Day in 2010.
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Common Pauraques (Nyctidromus albicollis) prefer to stay close to the ground, and make their nests on the earth or dead leaves in open, but shady places. This well-camouflaged Pauraque was photographed in March 2010, while it was nesting in some sparse brush just off of the beach near Serena. As their large eyes suggest, Common Pauraques rest by day, and hunt for beetles, moths, and other insects at night.
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Although Great Curassows (Crax rubra) once lived in both the Caribbean and Pacific lowlands of Costa Rica, populations are now predominately in a few of the country’s most protected wildlife areas. These females of the species were photographed near Bosque del Cabo on the Osa Peninsula. I have also seen these large birds at Serena, in the heart of the Corcovado National Park. Male Great Curassows are almost entirely black.
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At the lodge in Selva Verde, the staff keep some feeding platforms stocked with fresh fruit to lure the birds where they can easily be seen by visitors. One morning, ripe bananas were on the menu, and these Collared Aracaris (Pteroglossus torquatus) had a feast. They use their long, sharp beaks to break open the peels, tear off a piece of banana, toss it in the air, and gulp it down. I could watch them for hours.
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The Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima) is one of the most common butterflies in Costa Rica, and likes fluttering in sunny open areas like pastures and riverbanks. The males of the species are territorial, so if a Banded Peacock seems to be chasing you, it probably is. But not because it likes you!
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In the low light of a very rainy day in Selve Verde, these Blue-gray Tanagers (Thraupis episcopus) look a little more lilac than sky blue. This species is one of the most common Tanagers in Costa Rica, and lives all over the country. By the look of this pair, I think somebody is getting scolded!
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Tricolored Herons (Egretta tricolor) often frequent marshy habitats, slowly stalking prey like small fishes. This one was lurking about in the tall grasses around the lagoon near Carate.
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