(2) Abundance and ease of study: Many species
have large populations and occur close to the ground,
making them easy to study. In the cloud forest on calm
days, the sounds of hummingbird wing beats or call
notes are rarely out of earshot, an indication of the
ubiquity and research opportunities of species such as
the Green Hermit and Purple-throated Mountaingem
(Feinsinger et al. 1986, 1991a). Disturbed habitats in
the community are alive with the calls of Brown Jays,
House Wrens, and Golden-browed Chlorophonias, all
of which have inspired in-depth studies (Sargent 1994,
Williams et al. 1994, Young 1996).
(3) Changes in avifauna across small spatial scales:
A striking feature of Monteverde is the turnover of fau-
nas from one life zone (sensu Holdridge 1967) to the
next, many of which are just a few hundred meters
across (Powell 1977a, Young et al. 1998). In a short walk,
one can pass through the different avian communities
associated with the six life zones in Monteverde (Fig.
1.5). In genera such as nightingale-thrushes (Catharus),
tropical wood-warblers (Basileuterus), and redstarts
Figure 6.2. Male Three-wattled Bellbird
calling from a display perch on an emergent
tree. Photograph by Gregory Dimijian.(Myioborus), species occur in one or two life zones and
are replaced by congeners in adjacent life zones, pro-
viding the opportunity to study patterns of species re-
placement (Shopland 1985).
(4) Dramatic coloration: The aesthetic appeal of
birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Emerald
Toucanet, the Blue-hooded Euphonia, and the Golden-
browed Chlorophonia has inspired research on these
species. The colorful plumages can enliven a semi-
nar or improve the visual appeal of a scientific jour-
nal (e.g., McDonald and Potts 1994).
(5) Alluring setting: The agreeable climate, spec-
tacular views, and bilingual local populace of Costa
Ricans and international expatriates that welcomes
biologists draw ornithologists to Monteverde. With
the local arts community and fresh dairy products
available, Monteverde offers more attractions than
other tropical research sites.These factors have promoted attention to Monte-
verde's avifauna in the 30 years since its "discovery"181 Birds