It would appear as if by magic, not making a sound or flash. It would grab its prey (sizable at that) and poof, be gone! The Golden-bellied Flycatcher of the Andean Highlands of Ecuador was a delight to watch. In the world of green, you could pick it out as it made its way in. It would perch and watch and then, when ready, strike with great speed, capturing its prey. I watched and marveled at this gorgeous bird all week, and would always be on the lookout for it to get more time watching. I was smitten by golden.

Just how big, or small, is a bird in a photograph? This is really hard to determine unless you know birds to start with. Even if you know birds, you still can be left wondering, like with this Glissening-green Tanager, an inhabitant of the Andean Highlands of Ecuador. You might know the Summer or Western Tanager and assume the Glissening-green is about the same size. You might be surprised when you scroll down the page to see just how tiny they are! Yeah, the size of about a couple of grapes. They’re pretty small, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in color. When that kiss of flash touches them, you can see why they are called Glissening-green. And with the grapes, you know the answer to how big is a Glissening-green Tanager?

Yes, it is a “hummingbird bird and no, it’s not part of its name, but after that, it’s still all hummer! The Booted Racket-Tail is another of those rare hummers living in a small niche in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador. It’s why I went down there, to see, watch, and if possible, photograph this little dynamo. From the tip of its elaborate tail to the tip of the bill, we’re talking five inches. They be small! But when it comes to either moving off another male or trying to attract a female, they show their mettle. In the lower photo (a challenge to get), they curve their body, flare their “boots,” and fly right in the face of the other hummer. I did not come back with the photos I wanted from what I witnessed, only hints of it. That means I’ll be going back as I want more of that five inches of attitude!