Lesser Violetear Hummingbird: Paraiso Quetzel Lodge, Costa Rica — the Lesser Violetear Hummingbird is a dominant species from the lowlands to at least 10,000 feet in the mountains. It attempts to dominate and protect any food source. In the lowlands other hummers sometimes struggle to get to the feeders. In the highlands, both the Talamanca (a much larger bird) and the Fiery-throat (equally as aggressive) contest its dominant attitude, and the conflict between species makes for a much more fluid dynamic which allows other hummers access to the feeders (and is a lot more fun to watch). At 10,000 feet at the Paraiso Quetzel Lodge, there are more Fiery-throats than Lesser Violetears, which is also a unique experience. The violetear, is like a gorget, in that the feathers can be raised to show aggression. Sony Rx10iv at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Pixelmator Photo and Apple Photos. ISO 500, 1000, and 320 @ f4 @ 1/500th.