My life list of Costa Rican birds is gradually expanding. After being able to add the Aplomado Falcon last week, I accompanied Steven Aguilar, an accomplished bird guide, and his father on a trip to San Pablo de Pacuare near Tres Equis on the road from Turrialba to Siquirres. Here we found, among other excellent species, a soaring Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea).

Plumbeous Kite in flight; photo by courtesy of Billy Irías Rosales and the Asociación Ornitológica de Costa Rica

I’m sure I would not have made the identification without Steven’s help as this is a very uncommon species in our area, where are very few reported sightings on the eBird database. Fortunately, the main field mark, rufous on the primaries when seen from below, was distinguishable, though not seen with the clarity of Billy´s file photo.