Cannaphila insularis (Gray-waisted Skimmer)

The Cannaphila genus species are commonly known as Convict Skimmers, somewhat curiously. There are three species in Costa Rica which:

… all have a white face and a strongly striped thorax, and all change appearance with maturity.

I’m wondering if it’s the strongly striped thorax which gives rise to the convict name. Just a thought.

My male specimens of C. insularis were found commonly at the Tirimbina reserve. The females were on the road to the Laguna del Lagarto Eco Lodge.

male

female