Passerini's Tanager of Costa Rica

[Ely Teehankee]

At the Arenal Observatory Lodge I often see this male black bird with bright red feathers on its back. I learned that the male Passerini's Tanager (Pamphocelus passerine) 6 inches, is virtually similar to the Cherrie's Tanager. It is the female Cherrie's Tanager that is distinctly different because of the bright orange breast and rump. Since the female that I saw is Passerini's Tanager, no bright orange, I am assuming the male is also the Passerini's Tanager and not the Cherrie's Tanager.



Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon EF 300mm
f/2.8L IS USM. Gitzo GT3530LS tripod, Wimberley WH200 head. Manual exposure in available light.



This is the male Passerini's Tanager with the bright red feathers on its back waiting for his mate.
1/500 sec., f/4, ISO 1600 with 1.4X TC




The female arrives and seems to be scolding her mate. I wonder what she is telling him.
1/400 sec., f/5.6, ISO 800 with 2X TC




She seems to be really upset as she moves towards the male. The male is surprised by her actions but remains calm.
1/400 sec., f/5.6, ISO 800 with 2X TC




She calms down and the male tries to appease her by his gentle manner.
400 sec., f/5.6, ISO 800 with 2X TC




She is now calm and compose.
1/160 sec., f/5.6, ISO 800 with 2X TC




He looks much happier, perhaps all is well.
1/50 sec., f/5.6, ISO 800 with 2X TC

[Juan Manuel C. Del Prado]

Hahahaha!!!...Even birds do it...nag, that is.

[Edwin Matias]

Sir Ely,

Another great set, esp the photo with interactions

Regards,
Edwin

[Ely Teehankee]

Jan 16, 2013 0:18:40 GMT Juan Manuel C. Del Prado said:

Hahahaha!!!...Even birds do it...nag, that is.

When I saw these pictures after I took them I was laughing at the facial expression of these birds.

[Ely Teehankee]

Jan 16, 2013 1:48:46 GMT Edwin Matias said:

Sir Ely,

Another great set, esp the photo with interactions

Regards,
Edwin

Thank you Edwin. To have been able to catch the moment really gives me a great satisfaction.