For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
The emblematic Fiery-billed Aracari is the namesake of Los Cusingos, the former home of Alexander Skutch. This small toucan is only found in Costa Rica and Panama. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Costa Rica. You say those two words and most birders start to drool over the possibilities of colorful tanagers, dizzying arrays of hummingbirds, regal trogons, and brilliant macaws. On this Costa Rica Edges trip, we focused on the southern portions of the country and visited many locales not often visited by most birding itineraries. The result was a species-rich trip that touched on many different habitats and elevations. Despite some stormy predictions, we were all pleasantly surprised by the lack of rain and the downright pleasant weather that made it all the more enjoyable!
It didn’t take long to get started; we birded right near the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea where we saw a few species not seen anywhere else on the trip. Sightings included the large Rufous-naped Wren, the more secretive Cabanis’s Wren (a recent split from Plain Wren), Inca Dove, swarms of Crimson-fronted Parakeets, and even a pair of Yellow-naped Parrots perched out back.
Heading south to Cartago, we made a quick stop at some grasslands and scored a few Eastern Meadowlarks, a few seedeaters, and even the rustling of a Sedge Wren. Higher up into the highlands, we enjoyed a new suite of specialties at Paraiso Quetzal like Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, the odd Large-footed and Yellow-thighed finches, the hook-billed Slaty Flowerpiercer, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and some very tame Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatchers. Farther along, a stop at Bosque del Tolomuco had us chasing an incredible variety of hummingbirds including Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, a tame Magenta-throated Woodstar, the big and bold Violet Sabrewings, and even a White-throated Mountain-gem. In fact, we ended up seeing 16 species of hummingbirds on our first full day of birding!
Our visit to the Talari Mountain Lodge was filled with dazzling feeder birds like Speckled Tanager, Fiery-billed Aracari, Green Honeycreeper, Red-crowned Woodpeckers, and many more. Birding along the river there provided more chances to find things like Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Riverside Wren, and an impressive array of hummingbirds visiting the flowering trees including the rare White-crested Coquette. Our visit to the nearby Los Cusingos, the former home of Alexander Skutch, was highlighted by one of the mythical ant swarms! We set up camp by the swarm and saw things like Bicolored Antbird, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Black-hooded Antshrike, White-throated Thrush, and more.
We continued south and found ourselves at the lush Wilson Botanical Garden which is part of the Las Cruces Biological Station. Almost like a playground for birds and birders, we enjoyed numerous new species like Masked Tityra, Orange-billed Sparrow, Black Hawk-Eagle, Crested Guans, multiple species of euphonias and saltators at the fruit feeders, a Mottled Owl one morning, and the always graceful Swallow-tailed Kites overhead. Additionally, some nearby birding netted us some fabulous finds like the “Chiriqui” race of Masked Yellowthroat, a couple of Bran-colored Flycatchers, a responsive Isthmian Wren (a result from the Plain Wren split), and a pair of Olivaceous Piculets at a nest hole.
Before long, it was time to head down the mountains and into the lowlands. The birding around Coto 47 yielded a dizzying array of new shorebirds, waterbirds, and even a rare Snail Kite! The agricultural fields nearby hosted the still-rare Savanna Hawk, a few Southern Lapwings, and a mixed cowbird flock including the very large Giant Cowbirds. Elsewhere near Coto 47, we even saw an adorable Veraguan Mango on a nest (on a power line, no less!).
We spent the final three nights at the lush Esquinas Rainforest Lodge where we sampled yet another new suite of birds, this time lowland specialties. The grounds there hosted the gigantic Great Curassow, Black-faced Antthrush, Ruddy Quail-Dove, and even the Costa Rican endemic Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager (finally!). An early-morning trip to the Rio Rincon bridge delivered what may have been our birdiest morning yet; a whopping 100+ species in just a matter of hours. The rare and endangered Yellow-billed Cotingas, as well as a Tiny Hawk, put on a great show. The good birds kept coming and we enjoyed numerous species of trogons, toucans, and even a Crane Hawk. However, voted the highlight of the trip, the Scarlet Macaws were especially vibrant. The birdy road between Golfito and La Gamba eventually yielded its gems and we saw species like White-throated Shrike-Tanager, White Hawk, and a very out-of-place Elegant Euphonia. At night, we were successful in finding multiple Striped Owls as well!
In closing, Tom and I thoroughly enjoyed showing you the southern portions of the country and we sincerely hope you enjoyed your time as well. I’d like to thank those of you who brought an expertise in herps as that was a fun and added bonus to the trip. A major thanks goes out to our driver, Wilson, for his patience, meticulous upkeep of the van, careful driving, and willingness to go the extra mile... literally (even when it meant late-night owling!). Costa Rica really is a wonderful country and we hope you’ll remember this sliver of paradise for years to come.
Good birding to "owl" of you,
--Cory
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) – We heard our first at Los Cusingos but went on to hear them again at Wilson Botanical Garden and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (where Sam caught a glimpse of one). This species is rather secretive and is more often heard than seen.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – We heard this tiny, terrestrial tinamou at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and again at the Rio Rincón bridge. [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – We enjoyed watching huge flocks of these striking ducks in the Pacific lowlands around Coto 47.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Although often kept in captivity, we found a wild-looking Muscovy mixed in with the waterfowl in the flooded fields of Coto 47.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – There were a few of these small dabblers mixed in with the waterfowl in the flooded fields of Coto 47 in the Pacific lowlands. [b]
This Charming Hummingbird put on a great show. It was... charming! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – We heard and saw this garrulous species at both the Talari Mountain Lodge and from the patio at Wilson Botanical Garden. Many will remember the great scope views of a flock across the river at Talari Mountain Lodge.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) – It'd be hard to forget the sight of these large, arboreal birds flopping from tree to tree at the Wilson Botanical Garden. What a prehistoric-looking critter!
GREAT CURASSOW (Crax rubra) – What is surely one of the most impressive birds of the Central American rainforest, we came face-to-face with this imposing species on the grounds of Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. We could even hear the low-pitched booming calls from the male!
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) – Very lucky indeed were the few folks who saw a number of these skulky quail run across the trail at Wilson Botanical Garden! For most, however, it was heard only (but heard very well!)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – We snagged this tiny waterbird just in the nick of time! One was in a small, roadside pond on our drive back north along the coast.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – We had amazing looks of this striking, black-and-white giant in the lowlands around Coto 47. In particular, they were fond of a flooded ditch where we watched dozens foraging.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – These tropical seabirds were seen soaring effortlessly overhead from the Rio Rincón bridge. With feathers that weigh more than their skeletons, these truly are masters of the air.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – We spied a few of these cormorants early on in the trip but caught up to more at the Rio Rincón bridge.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – It wasn't until the Coto 47 lowlands that we caught up with this "snakebird". A fair flyer, this species was also seen soaring overhead with distinctively-long tails and necks.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – A good clue of our proximity to the ocean at the Rio Rincón bridge was a flock of these seen soaring in formation high overhead.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – We first crossed paths with this impressive, tropical heron in a roadside ditch in Coto 47. However, it'd be hard to forget the show these put on for us at the Rio Rincón bridge!
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – This familiar heron was seen well at the Coto 47 flooded fields as well as the Rio Rincón bridge and the Río Tárcoles. [b]
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – A large and elegant heron, this white wader was a familiar sight once we arrived in the humid lowlands around Coto 47.
Bare-throated Tiger-Herons put in several appearances including this one from the Rio Rincon bridge. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – We spied the "golden slippers" on this dainty heron first around Coto 47 and then several times thereafter.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Not all Little Blue Herons are blue! We saw a white youngster in the river at the Talari Mountain Lodge. This species then remained fairly common throughout the rest of the trip.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – This small, white heron was a familiar sight in pastures, especially around cattle, throughout our trips through the countryside.
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – We spotted a few of these small, dark herons in ditches and wetlands around Coto 47. They remained fairly common from then on.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) – This was the only large, white bird with a reddish bill. We saw these foraging in fields and wetlands at Coto 47, the Río Rincón bridge, and the fields near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – What a gorgeous wetland species! We watched as a few of these flew in to the flooded fields at Coto 47.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – This short-tailed vulture was a common mainstay throughout our trip.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – We saw this common species on every day of tour except our first evening at Hotel Bougainvillea.
The Broad-winged Hawk breeds in North America but spends the winter in the tropics. Not a bad way to do it! Guide Tom Johnson snapped this photo at one of our lunch stops.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We saw this fish-eating raptor first at Coto 47 and then again from the Río Rincón bridge. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – We enjoyed seeing this graceful raptor on our first birding outing at the Hotel Bougainvillea. Although it dropped down for prey, it didn't look like it caught anything.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – We all enjoyed watching these smooth flyers floating through the skies overhead Wilson Botanical Garden!
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Ranked as one of the highlights of the trip, this regal raptor was seen overhead at the Wilson Botanical Garden. Those on the canopy tower got great views of it flying and even distantly perched.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – This was a shocker! Although this tropical species is almost never found in this part of the country, we watched as one of these snail-eating specialists flew overhead at Coto 47.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – A few of these were seen on tour but always in flight! Our best views came from Wilson Botanical Garden and the Río Rincón bridge.
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) – We couldn't believe our eyes when this tiny accipiter flew in and landed near the Río Rincón bridge! This hawk, using its small size and maneuverability, specializes in catching hummingbirds. In fact, Tom captured a photo of this hawk going after just that, a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatus) – Some folks got looks at this small accipiter harassing the Black Hawk-Eagle at Wilson Botanical Garden.
This Crane Hawk found us, not the other way around! This was one of many excellent finds at the Rio Rincon bridge. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – Lucky indeed were we when this spectacular raptor found us near the Río Rincón bridge! Not only did it perch within view, glaring at us with those red eyes, but then it took off and flew directly overhead. Wow!
COMMON BLACK HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus subtilis) – Although once thought to be its own species, the "subtilis" subspecies has been relumped with Common Black Hawk. We saw (and heard) one of these overhead near the Río Rincón bridge. The broad, white tail band was especially evident.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Although quite rare and limited in Costa Rica, we spied this long-legged hawk perched up in a dead tree in the agricultural fields near Coto 47. This species has been a recent arrival from Panama and the fields around Coto 47 remain the best place to hope to see this species.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Abundant and easy-to-see, this species remained true to its name and was the most commonly seen hawk along roadsides throughout the tour.
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis) – Although our first sighting of this was barely a white speck in the sky, we later caught up with more and had great looks at a perched youngster and two adults on the road between Golfito and and La Gamba.
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus) – This beautifully-barred raptor gave us a great show as it perched on a power line on our last day.
We're not sure how it happened, but this Tiny Hawk showed up at the Rio Rincon bridge! A hard bird to see, especially hunting, guide Tom Johnson somehow managed to capture this one chasing its favorite food prey: hummingbirds.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – This wintering migrant species from the US and Canada was fairly common throughout the trip but we had especially good looks at one during our lunch stop at Mirador La Torre. [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – We first spied this small buteo overhead at Los Cusingos. We went on to see both the light and dark morphs of this tropical hawk at places like Wilson Botanical Garden, Coto 47, and the Río Rincón bridge.
RED-TAILED HAWK (COSTARICENSIS) (Buteo jamaicensis costaricensis) – This race of Red-tailed Hawk is limited from Honduras south to Panama and, lucky for us, we found this species in the highlands of Cerro de la Muerte on our first full day of tour.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) – You'd need a marsh rake to find a crake! But still, we all got to hear one churring away in the airport marsh in San Vito and then again near Esquinas. [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Gray-necked Wood-Rail was recently split into two species: Gray-cowled and Russet-naped. We had several good looks at the southern counterpart, the Gray-cowled. One particular bird was very fond of Tom's laser dot near Esquinas!
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – This attractive rail, one of the most colorful on earth, was seen first at the airport marsh in San Vito and then again in the wetlands around Coto 47.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus) – This spindly, black-and-white shorebird inhabits wetlands with shallow water. We saw many in the flooded fields at Coto 47.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – This shorebird has spread north into Costa Rica in recent years and we caught up to a couple in the agricultural fields of Coto 47.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – A quick detour to the beach (never a bad thing!) at Playa Bejuco netted us this last-minute addition.
WILSON'S PLOVER (Charadrius wilsonia) – A nice find on our drive north, we spotted a couple of these heavy-billed plovers at the sandy inlet of Playa Bejuco.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) – Although we wouldn't have pegged the Río Rincón bridge as a hotspot for shorebirds, we managed to scope a couple of these arctic-breeding shorebirds using the sandbars upstream. [b]
The red rump on Red-rumped Woodpeckers is often hard to see in the field. However, this photo by guide Tom Johnson actually shows a bit of the characteristic rump color.
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – In the same field as the Wilson's Snipe, this familiar plover was standing around amongst the cattle.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa) – We saw more than 50 of these lanky marshbirds in the wetlands of Coto 47. The long toes of this species, besides helping them stay afloat on vegetation, are completely crazy looking!
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – This species of curlew breeds in the arctic and some winter in the warm climes of the tropics. We crossed paths with a couple at Playa Bejuco as they roamed the sand beaches. [b]
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – A few of these pale shorebirds were seen running about near the surf at Playa Bejuco. This species evolved to have no hind toe due to its lifestyle of running. [b]
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) – We all enjoyed watching these tiny shorebirds with yellow legs from above at the Río Rincón bridge. This is the smallest shorebird species in the world. [b]
WILSON'S SNIPE (Gallinago delicata) – A few of the fields along the entrance road to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge were damp which provided us with chances to add a few uncommon shorebirds. This squat, long-billed shorebird was sitting still out among the egrets and cattle. [b]
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – We saw this tail-bobbing species several times including at the river at Talari Mountain Lodge, Coto 47, and especially well from the Río Rincón bridge. [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – We flushed up a solitary Solitary Sandpiper in the wet fields near Esquinas. This is a small relative of yellowlegs that's often found in freshwater marshes, not sandy shorelines. [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – We found one of these mixed in with the shorebirds at Coto 47 and this ended up being our only sighting of the trip. [b]
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata) – This stocky shorebird was upstream at the Río Rincón bridge but later flew under the bridge right below us giving us a great look at the black-and-white patterning in the wings. This particular one was a "Western" Willet (T. s. inornatus). [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – Once we made it to the coast in Golfito, we spied a few of these gulls resting on buoys. [b]
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus) – Like the previous species, we found this coastal tern in Golfito resting on buoys.
The Snowy-bellied Hummingbird was first spotted at Bosque del Tolomuco. Thankfully they turned out to be more numerous later in the tour. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – This familiar species was common in urban areas. [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – A few of these pigeons were perched on a fence near the mango nest in Coto 47. We went on to see more of this lowland species at the Río Rincón bridge and La Gamba.
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris) – These dark pigeons were perched across the road from the Hotel Bougainvillea on our first afternoon.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – The only sighting of this highland species was one that flew by at Bosque del Tolomuco.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – The highland counterpart to the following species, one of these perched out briefly at Bosque del Tolomuco.
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) – Although more often heard than seen, we detected this species fairly regularly in areas lower in elevation than Ruddy Pigeons. Sightings came from Wilson Botanical Garden, Río Rincón bridge, and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca) – Although this species favors the dry areas in northwestern Costa Rica, they are now found in the central valley. We crossed paths with a few near the Hotel Bougainvillea.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – This is the most-expected small dove and they proved to be common through much of our trip.
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – This attractive species proved to be rather shy and difficult to see. However, a few of us had brief views at the Río Rincón bridge and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
One of the stars of the show was this Brown-billed Scythebill! The trail below Wilson Botanical Garden turned magical when this amazing woodcreeper flew in. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – We were fortunate indeed to have scope views of this skulky species (well, at least its head) as it sat motionless on the forest floor at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. What an awesome sighting for our last morning of birding!
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Although somewhat shy, this plump forest dove was actually quite common. We heard/saw them most days at Talari Mountain Lodge, Los Cusingos, Esquinas, and the Río Rincón bridge.
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii) – A member of the Leptotila genus, along with the preceding species, one of these was spotted near the compost pile at Talari Mountain Lodge. It differs from the White-tipped Dove in having a rusty-tinged nape.
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica) – The grounds at Hotel Bougainvillea were thick with this recent colonizer from the northwest.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Through much of the trip, this was the only ani present, often in grassy habitats. Our first sightings came from Talari Mountain Lodge where we scoped them from across the river.
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – We snagged this northern counterpart of the preceding species on our final day of birding as we drove north. Specifically, we bumped into a few in a grassy area along the entrance road to Playa Bejuco.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Seen and/or heard on a majority of our days, this distinctive cuckoo was always a welcome sight. We caught several glimpses from the dining hall patio at Talari Mountain Lodge.
Strigidae (Owls)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Our only encounter with this medium-sized owl was predawn at the Wilson Botanical Garden. Although we could hear them hooting in the early morning from our rooms, only a few folks were lucky to see it in the spotlight for a moment or two.
STRIPED OWL (Pseudoscops clamator) – Our spotlighting sessions near Esquinas proved successful; we found several and it'd be hard to forget the awesome scope views we all had. This species often roosts in oil palm plantations.
The Striped Owl can be a tricky critter to see. However, we were lucky to find a few near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – This nightjar is a widespread species and we saw several during our nighttime explorations. At Talari Mountain Lodge, one hung out on the road next to the dining hall.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – Our only sighting of this bizarre night bird came during a spotlighting drive near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – Although fast and overhead, a few of these were spotted at the Talari Mountain Lodge. Later in the trip, we had a few more fly over the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – One of the largest swifts in the world, this distinctive aerial insectivore was seen several times but first at Wilson Botanical Garden.
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi) – This small swift was seen overhead at Talari Mountain Lodge where it was the only expected Chaetura species.
COSTA RICAN SWIFT (Chaetura fumosa) – This species is limited to southern Costa Rica and western Panama. Lucky for us, we had great looks at these pale-rumped swifts near Esquinas several times.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – Our only looks at this split-tailed species was at dusk along the river at Talari Mountain Lodge.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – Although tough to nail down for everyone, this distinctive hummer was seen several times. Locations included Talari Mountain Lodge, Wilson Botanical Garden, Esquinas Mountain Lodge, and the Rio Rincón bridge.
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri) – On our last morning of birding, we had great looks at these (including an incubating adult!) from the road between La Gamba and Golfito. It was especially interesting finding a different nest that was actively being built. [N]
This Band-tailed Barbthroat sure didn't look comfortable as it sat in its nest -- can you see its head and bill pointing straight up? What a remarkable structure though. Photo by guide Cory Gregory
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Strangely, this large hummer was heard more often than seen! However, we got quick looks as two squabbled right in the trail at Wilson Botanical Garden.
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris) – Is it named Long-billed or Long-tailed?! This long hummer was seen fairly well from the dining hall at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. We had other quick glimpses from the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – Wilson Botanical Garden proved to be the only spot where we'd see this unobtrusive forest species.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – We encountered this highland species at the feeders at Paraiso Quetzal. Green Violetear was split recently into two species; Lesser (present in Costa Rica) and Mexican (found farther north).
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – This species preferred to feed at flowers instead of at feeders and so our glimpses were quick. Sightings came from Los Cusingos and Wilson Botanical Garden.
VERAGUAN MANGO (Anthracothorax veraguensis) – Wow, how cool was the adult sitting in a nest... on a power line in Coto 47! This is a rare species still in Costa Rica, only recently invading from the south. [N]
WHITE-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis adorabilis) – An excellent and exciting find! There were at least 2 females that were feeding at the yellow, flowering tree at Talari Mountain Lodge. Later in the trip, Bill got a glimpse of a nice male as well.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) – A few of these big, green, brutes visited the feeders at Bosque del Tolomuco on our first full day of birding. This species prefers middle elevations and our route spent only a little time in the proper zone.
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens) – This hummer, a very long-billed species of the highlands, was spotted only at the Paraiso Quetzal feeders.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – Our first look at this uncommon hummingbird was at the feeders at Bosque del Tolomuco but we later saw another at Talari Mountain Lodge.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis) – Wow, there was no shortage of these feisty fireballs at Paraiso Quetzal. Seeing the front of this bird when the angle is just right is one heck of a view!
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus) – A cinnamon-fronted female was a surprise visitor at the Paraiso Quetzal feeders on our first full day.
WHITE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis castaneoventris) – Not often seen on this tour, this hummingbird was at Bosque del Tolomuco. We were excited (and lucky) to find this uncommon species here.
MAGENTA-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox bryantae) – It was incredible watching this uncommon hummingbird feeding mere feet away at the Bosque del Tolomuco flowers.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris) – We saw a couple of these familiar hummers early in the trip; one at Hotel Bougainvillea and one at Talari Mountain Lodge. Who knows, maybe one of the ones we saw will return to your feeder in the US! [b]
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula) – Paraiso Quetzal hosted a couple of these at the feeders. This is a highland specialist (only found more than a mile high) but we didn't find ourselves in that elevational range for very long.
The super-feisty Fiery-throated Hummingbirds were a force of nature at the Paraiso Quetzal feeders! This highland species is endemic to Costa Rica/Panama. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
SCINTILLANT HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus scintilla) – Some folks had brief looks of this Selasphorus at Bosque del Tolomuco but, sadly, it didn't stick around.
GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis) – This hummer was a tough one to get a good look at. We saw a female at Talari Mountain Lodge a few times and then another at Wilson Botanical Garden.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – The flowers on the grounds of Esquinas Rainforest Lodge proved to be a reliable spot to see this hummer. You'll remember this little species by the elevated tail and post-ocular white spot.
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii) – What this species lacks in bright colors, it makes up with its constant and rather loud songs! They were abundant at Talari Mountain Lodge and Los Cusingos.
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus) – Big and flashy, this gorgeous hummingbird was visiting the feeders at Bosque del Tolomuco.
STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa eximia) – This uncommon species is found at middle elevations and our only sighting came from Bosque del Tolomuco.
WHITE-TAILED EMERALD (Elvira chionura) – We had a couple of glimpses of this small species, an endemic to Costa Rica and Panama, at Bosque del Tolomuco and at Wilson Botanical Garden.
CHARMING HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia decora) – Our first looks at this Costa Rica/Panama endemic was at the flowering tree behind our rooms at Wilson Botanical Garden. However, we would find them common at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward) – Bosque del Tolomuco was hosting at least one but glimpses were fleeting. Thankfully we would catch up to more at Talari Mountain Lodge and Wilson Botanical Garden.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – We saw this abundant species on more days than any other hummer.
This Magenta-throated Woodstar was the center of our attention as it fed mere feet away at Bosque del Tolomuco. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena) – We found this lowland species first at the Rio Rincón bridge but then again around Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. The all-dark underside of the tail was pretty distinctive!
BAIRD'S TROGON (Trogon bairdii) – Like the previous species, we found this red-bellied trogon in lowland areas such as the Rio Rincón bridge and the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) – Sometimes it seemed that trogons WANTED to be seen. That was the case when a gorgeous male Gartered Trogon decided to land on the power lines right above our heads on the Rio Rincón bridge! This is the only trogon in Costa Rica with a yellow orbital ring around the eye.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) – A calling bird was heard from the Esquinas area but not seen. [*]
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Wilson Botanical Garden was the only location we had this species.
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii) – In 2016, the Blue-crowned Motmot was split into many different species. The Lesson's was the only motmot in range for much of our trip. Some saw one at the Hotel Bougainvillea but we went on to see more at Talari Mountain Lodge where one preferred the fruit at the feeders.
The Veraguan Mango is still a hard-to-find species in Costa Rica. However, we had intel on this fabulous nesting adult near Coto 47. It's especially fascinating to see that the nest is still "camouflaged" with lichens. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – This wide-ranging kingfisher was first seen along the river at Talari Mountain Lodge. We would see more at Coto 47 and the Rio Rincón bridge.
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – A last-minute sighting, we spotted this winter resident on our drive north during our final day. [b]
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – This was our most-commonly seen kingfisher and our first looks came from the river at Talari Mountain Lodge.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – A small, green kingfisher that we caught up with at the Rio Rincón bridge.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – We watched one of these sit-and-wait predators snag a cicada and, well, dispose of it! The trails at Wilson Botanical Garden provided us our only sighting.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
FIERY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus frantzii) – We couldn't have gotten better views of the friendly aracaris at the Talari Mountain Lodge. These colorful toucans are found only in southwestern Costa Rica and western Panama.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – Large and flashy, these beautiful toucans were first spotted at Wilson Botanical Garden where they were rather common.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus) – This tiny woodpecker was seen first at Bosque del Tolomuco but our best views were of a pair at a nest hole near Agua Buena. [N]
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus) – The most-expected Melanerpes through much of our trip, this woodpecker was seen reliably at Talari Mountain Lodge as well as Coto 47, the Rio Rincón bridge, and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii) – We had beautiful looks at this species across the road from the Hotel Bougainvillea on our first day. Interestingly, this was our only chance at seeing this woodpecker on this itinerary.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus) – A relatively plain and uncommon species, this woodpecker was spotted only a few times including once at Los Cusingos and again at Wilson Botanical Garden.
Some of the Black-hooded Antshrikes didn't cooperate... but some did! A smart-looking species, to be sure. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (COSTA RICAN) (Picoides villosus extimus) – Although still the same species as the Hairy Woodpeckers we have in the US/Canada, the P. v. extimus subspecies found in Costa Rica/Panama is darker overall. Our only brief encounter came from the road to Paraiso Quetzal.
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii) – We had superb looks as two foraged above us in a tree near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. Within Costa Rica, this species is limited to the south.
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex) – It took a little bit of patience but we eventually had glimpses of this canopy species near the entrance to Esquinas Mountain Lodge. We would go on to see another on the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Wilson Botanical Garden was the only spot we found this fairly common (but attractive!) woodpecker.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – This large woodpecker with stripes on the head was seen a few times including near Talari Mountain Lodge, Coto 47 (across the soccer field), the Rio Rincón bridge, and at the entrance road to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – This species has the habit of vocalizing quite a bit in the predawn hours and we heard its distant yelping from the patio at Wilson Botanical Garden. [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) – Similar to the previous species, we heard this secretive raptor calling predawn at Wilson Botanical Garden. [*]
You know a day has started right when there is a Laughing Falcon perched within view of the breakfast table! We enjoyed long looks at this snake-eating specialist at Wilson Botanical Garden. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) – A familiar bird of prey on tour, this species was seen most days and most often in open habitats.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Another common raptor, this species was seen most days including looks of a perched one at Talari Mountain Lodge.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – It's hard to go wrong with watching a perched Laughing Falcon from the breakfast table! That was the case one morning at Wilson Botanical Garden. Sometimes called the "Snake Hawk", this species specializes in catching snakes.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – We spied this impressive falcon high overhead at Coto 47 while we were scoping the flooded fields. [b]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) – This little parakeet was fairly common around Talari Mountain Lodge and Los Cusingos. However, the orange chin was very difficult to see in the field!
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – This small Pionus species is limited to southern and eastern Costa Rica. Thankfully we had looks at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and at the Rio Rincón bridge.
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis) – Fairly common through much of our trip, the first came from the Cartago area when we spied two perched up in a treetop near the meadowlark/wren field.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – This chunky Amazon gave splendid looks as it flew over us on the Rio Rincón bridge. We found more around Esquinas and the La Gamba/Golfito road.
YELLOW-NAPED PARROT (Amazona auropalliata) – Not seen every year on this tour, two were perched in a tree out back at the Hotel Bougainvillea on our first evening.
Not only the birds were colorful! This stunner is a Tiger Heliconian, a common but flashy butterfly we saw several times. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons) – On this tour, this small Amazon can only be hoped for around the Hotel Bougainvillea. Luckily for us, we saw a couple flying around on our walks across the street from the hotel.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Although similar to the Red-lored Parrot, this large species lacks any red on the forehead. Our only sightings came from the Rio Rincón bridge where they were repeatedly flying overhead.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax) – A recent invader from Panama, this species is now sometimes found in extreme southern Costa Rica. We chanced into some in Coto 47 when scoping a Lineated Woodpecker!
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – Voted the most popular species of the trip, this colorful and emblematic parrot was seen well from the Rio Rincón bridge and again at the Río Tárcoles.
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi) – This was one of a few species we saw every day on tour! Noisy flocks came in to roost around the Hotel Bougainvillea on our very first outing.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-HOODED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bridgesi) – This forest species, all dark with white spots on the shoulders, has a large, hooked bill. We saw our first on the trail at Los Cusingos and then again around Esquinas and La Gamba/Golfito.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – Near the Black-hooded Antshrike at Los Cusingos, this rufous-colored antshrike also put in an appearance.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – We bumped into this species both times on the trail down to the river at Wilson Botanical Garden.
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – Similar to the larger Dusky Antbird, these antwrens are smaller and have shorter tails. We found a pair working an edge at Wilson Botanical Garden.
The White-throated Shrike-Tanager is an interesting flock-leader that we finally found on the road between La Gamba and Golfito. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – Our only sighting was of two birds at Los Cusingos. This is another dark "ant bird" but one with white corners in the tail.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) – Although usually heard more often than seen, this species was seen sneaking in the undergrowth near the Río Rincón bridge. We later had another couple near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor bicolor) – Thank goodness for the ant swarm at Los Cusingos! This species was the dominate antbird attending that swarm and we had great looks at them on the trail in front of us. This attractive antbird ranges from Honduras to Ecuador.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – Sneaky little devils! Although easy to hear, this denizen of forest floors can be tough to see. We had partial looks in the forest at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge as one strolled about many layers back in.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – A woodcreeper with a short bill and a grayish head, this species was seen well on the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden.
TAWNY-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla anabatina) – A few of these were attending the ant swarm at Los Cusingos as this species is known to do. Within Costa Rica, this is a southern specialty.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The diminutive bill on this species was a good fieldmark as we watched two from the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden.
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – What a bird! This large woodcreeper performed well near the Rio Rincón bridge and this turned out to be our only sighting.
Although the name doesn't do them any favors, it was still fun watching the Paltry Tyrannulets. This particular bird exhibited some cool behavor; it wiped a mistletoe seed on the branch! Nature's planters. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) – A chunky woodcreeper with a stout, straight bill, this species was first seen on our trip at Los Cusingos. We went on to see more at the Rio Rincón bridge, Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, and the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – We saw this uncommon but attractive species once along the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – This woodcreeper has a straight, stout bill along with a buffy eyering. We saw three of these on the river trail at Wilson Botanical Garden.
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – A Costa Rican highlight for sure! The incredibly-long bill of this woodcreeper is used for probing hard-to-access bromeliads. We had smashing looks on the river trail at Wilson Botanical Garden.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – This thin-billed species was first seen at Talari Mountain Lodge but we all had even better views of a vocal pair from the patio at Wilson Botanical Garden.
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – Although similar to the preceding species, there is very little range overlap. We heard one of these on the walk down to Paraiso Quetzal but looks eluded us. [*]
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – This miniature furnariid popped into view a couple of times on tour; first at Los Cusingos and then again on the La Gamba/Golfito road. Xenops are distinctive for their small size and short, upturned bills.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (EXSERTUS) (Automolus ochrolaemus exsertus) – It took some patience but we were eventually rewarded with views of this tricky-to-see ovenbird from the trail at Wilson Botanical Garden. Unlike some of the woodcreepers, this species tended to stay at mid-height and did less of the classic creeping.
RUDDY TREERUNNER (Margarornis rubiginosus) – Our only glimpse of this highland species came from Paraiso Quetzal where we had a pair.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) – We first heard and then saw this spinetail in the grassy area where we saw the Masked Yellowthroat and Bran-colored Flycatcher. This is a a snazzy bird though and a speciality of southern Costa Rica.
The Bran-colored Flycatcher is found in a small area of southern Costa Rica. It took a couple of tries but we were eventually rewarded with great looks at this local species. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – Within Costa Rica, this species is limited to the southern regions. Although more often heard than seen, we eventually got views at Talari Mountain Lodge and Esquinas.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – We bumped into a small group of these flycatchers on the entrance road to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. They were staying low in an open-field before eventually working their way over to taller vegetation.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – The burry, down-slurred "wheeer" call note was commonly heard but we didn't get a smashing look until we birded the entrance road to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii) – The only place we found this highland species was at Paraiso Quetzal. Unlike the Yellow-bellied Elaenia, this species has less of a bushy crest.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – We found this species on back-to-back days; first along the entrance road to Paraiso Quetzal and then the following day at Los Cusingos. This middle-elevation species has a distinct, post-ocular white spot.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – This somewhat-plain flycatcher has a buffy belly. We had an interesting interaction with one that was foraging down inside a drainage ditch near the yellowthroat field (maybe nesting in there?).
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – The only time we had this fairly-common species was on our hike down towards the river at Wilson Botanical Garden.
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus) – It wasn't long before we were all familiar with this widespread and easily-heard flycatcher. Although we saw some almost every day, we especially enjoyed watching one wipe a mistletoe seed off its bill at Wilson Botanical Garden.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – This tiny but distinctive flycatcher was a great addition on our hike down to the river at Wilson Botanical Garden. The rust-colored crown feathers are obvious even when they're not raised.
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia) – Although relatively common in the lowlands, we only heard this species at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. Despite us trying to bring it out, this particular bird decided to stay hidden. [*]
One of the stars from the Rio Rincon bridge was the rare and endangered Yellow-billed Cotinga. Due to deforestation, the population of this species has plummeted in recent years and scientists estimate that there might be as few as 250 of these left. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – We were surprised that we didn't see more of this common and widespread species. Still, we managed to see it at Talari Mountain Lodge, Wilson Botanical Garden, and the Rio Rincón bridge.
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – Other than the bold, white eyering, this species is rather plain. We finally found one on the road between La Gamba and Golfito and we even enjoyed scope views of this uncommon flycatcher.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – We had this pale-eyed species twice; first up the road from Talari Mountain Lodge and then again at Wilson Botanical Garden.
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – The insect-like song of this species was heard while we were birding at Los Cusingos. However, it wasn't interested in giving us views. [*]
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (NORTHERN) (Onychorhynchus coronatus mexicanus) – What an exciting (but brief) encounter! One of these rare flycatchers distracted us from looking for ant-tanagers along the trail at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge on our last full day of birding.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – We found this tiny flycatcher along the trails at Los Cusingos but it stayed rather high and unfortunately not everyone caught a glimpse.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus) – This distinctive species was seen once on the road between La Gamba and Golfito. Sadly, it didn't stick around for long.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – Within Costa Rica, this species is limited to intermontane regions in the south. Thankfully, we caught up with this southern specialty at a grassy roadside area along with Masked Yellowthroat.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Although this Contopus species passes through Costa Rica in numbers during migration, it's fairly rare during the winter season. We saw one of these "vested" flycatchers perched up at Los Cusingos. [b]
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus) – Although related to the pewees we're familiar with from North America, the Tropical has pale lores and a slightly darker crown. We found one on the way to Golfito which ended up being our only sighting of the trip.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – This empid breeds in North America but is quite widespread in the lowlands and middle elevations of Costa Rica during the winter. Our first sighting was at Los Cusingos but we would go on to see several more throughout the trip. [b]
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps) – This distinctive empid (is that really possible?!) was seen high on a power line as we walked down towards Paraiso Quetzal. This species is only found in Costa Rica and Panama.
This Gray-headed Tanager was catching some rays at the Talari Mountain Lodge. Earlier we had played tag with a decidedly skulky one attending an ant swarm at Los Cusingos. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – We saw this water-loving species near the river at Talari Mountain Lodge more than once.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – A familiar sound through the latter half of our trip, this species can be difficult to see well. Our best views came from a responsive bird on the trail below Wilson Botanical Garden.
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra) – This easy-to-hear but hard-to-see species was somewhat common at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. They are remarkably similar-looking to Rufous Piha!
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – Our most commonly-encountered Myiarchus flycatcher of the trip.
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) – We heard the distinctive "WHEEEEP!" call of this winter resident at the Rio Rincón bridge. [b*]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – An abundant and striking flycatcher, this black, white, and yellow species was seen every day of the trip.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – We had great looks at this kiskadee look-alike at Talari Mountain Lodge. The white superciliaries do not quite meet on the back of the head (unlike the kiskadee).
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – This uncommon species is found in the lowlands around La Gamba/Golfito and we chanced into a very responsive pair on the entrance road to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. We had a great opportunity to listen to the distinctive call notes that help differentiate it from the very-similar Social Flycatcher.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – A common and widespread species of Costa Rica, this "miniature kiskadee" was seen nearly every day.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) – Although similar to the Social Flycatcher, this species has a grayer cap and a pale eye. We saw our first at Coto 47 near the heron-filled ditch.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – A well-named species! We had a cooperative bird in the gardens at Los Cusingos.
The only spot to see Rufous-naped Wren on this tour was around the San Jose area. Luckily for us, we spotted this handsome wren near the Hotel Bouganvillea. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Although heard a few times, our only views were of one perched high in a bare tree at the Rio Rincón bridge. This species breeds in Costa Rica and then migrates south to South America.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – The most common and widespread flycatcher in most parts of Costa Rica; we saw several every day of our tour.
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) – A nice addition on our drive north at the end of the trip! A stunning bird and always a treat to see. [b]
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Another of the long-tailed flycatchers, these graceful denizens of open country were seen several times including at Coto 47 and the fields around Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
TURQUOISE COTINGA (Cotinga ridgwayi) – Whew! After an all-too-brief sighting from Los Cusingos, we caught up with a female at the Rio Rincón bridge. This species is found only in southern Costa Rica and western Panama.
RUFOUS PIHA (Lipaugus unirufus) – Although bland in color (all brown), this species makes up for it with its familiar and explosive song. We saw a few including ones at Los Cusingos, Wilson Botanical Garden, and along the road to Golfito.
YELLOW-BILLED COTINGA (Carpodectes antoniae) – Wow, we had great luck with this endangered and showy species at the Rio Rincón bridge! This species hasn't been doing well due to deforestation and most estimates put the world population at fewer than a 1000.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – We only saw a couple of these manakins and both were at Wilson Botanical Garden.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – This fruit-eater was seen twice; once at Los Cusingos and again at Wilson Botanical Garden.
ORANGE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus aurantiacus) – This is the southern counterpart of the White-collared Manakin. We saw this fairly-common lowland resident at Talari Mountain Lodge and again near La Gamba.
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis) – A fairly common species that prefers wet mature forest. Not surprisingly, our sightings came from that habitat; first at Los Cusingos and again from along the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
As is typical of wrens, the Riverside Wrens were more often heard than seen. This one came out briefly though to have a look around. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – We chanced into this tityra, which is less common than Masked, at the Rio Rincón bridge and around Esquinas.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – The more common of the two tityras, this species was seen first at Talari Mountain Lodge. The red orbital skin on the face is quite striking!
ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae) – Our best views came from the trails below Wilson Botanical Garden where we had a pair. The males in Costa Rica don't have rose throats!
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – This species is notoriously tricky to see despite their tendency to sing nonstop! We did hear one at Wilson Botanical Garden though. [*]
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes) – We heard one of these vocalizing near La Gamba but couldn't pull it out into view. [*]
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – This species is known for being difficult to see and we found this out firsthand. Although we could clearly hear the songster along the road to Golfito, we never managed to see this leaf-colored bird amongst the leaves. [*]
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata) – We saw this species daily once we arrived at Wilson Botanical Garden. The lowlands around Esquinas was an especially good area.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – A few of these were bopping around at Talari Mountain Lodge and Wilson Botanical Garden. This familiar species from the eastern U.S. spends the winter in the tropics. [b]
YELLOW-WINGED VIREO (Vireo carmioli) – Our only encounter with this Costa Rica/Panama endemic was in the highlands near Paraiso Quetzal. Because this species is found above 4900 ft, we were not in the preferred range for very long.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) – A fairly widespread migrant in Costa Rica, this species was seen multiple times near the river at Talari Mountain Lodge. [b]
The Northern Barred-Woodcreeper remained elusive until we found this one near the Rio Rincon bridge. It's an impressive woodcreeper and is nearly the size of a flicker. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio) – A roving flock was seen from the patio at Talari Mountain Lodge from time to time. These jays are very large, much larger than the jays we're used to North America.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – This familiar swallow was the most-commonly seen swallow at middle elevations (but absent in the lowlands). The distinctive black undertail coverts were especially easy to see.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – A somewhat bland swallow with a pale rump patch, this species was first spotted at the Talari Mountain Lodge.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Substantially larger than the previous species, these martins were seen on power lines and flying overhead especially at Coto 47 and the Rio Rincón bridge.
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea) – Once we saw our first in Coto 47 at the mango nest location, sightings became more numerous. We saw quite a few from the Rio Rincón bridge, for example.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – We saw a flock of these foraging above some fields near the Talari Mountain Lodge. This ended up being our only sighting of the trip. [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – This was our default wren and it was seen on the majority of our birding days.
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus) – A close relative to the House Wren, this species is a warmer cinnamon color. Additionally, it is typically found at higher elevations than the previous species. Our only sighting came from the entrance road to Paraiso Quetzal where we watched one climbing up through a cluster of vines.
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni) – A true highland specialist, this species is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama. We had a very trusting individual on a side road up at Cerro de la Muerte.
SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis) – A local and furtive denizen of wet fields near Cartago. As is typical for this species, it stayed mostly out of view and only a few of us caught short glimpses of it.
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) – The only sightings on this trip were right around the Hotel Bougainvillea. This large species shares the Campylorhynchus genus with our Cactus Wren from North America.
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) – This skulky species is notoriously hard to see. We were lucky to hear a few singing near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge though. [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus) – Sharing some of the same habitat and range as the Riverside Wren, this species is distinctively patterned with a rufous breast and a black cheek with pale speckles. We saw this sneaky species mostly around Talari Mountain Lodge and again at Wilson Botanical Garden.
CABANIS'S WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) – The Plain Wren was recently split into three species: Cabanis's, Canebrake, and Isthmian. The one found around San Jose is the Cabanis's Wren and we were successful in seeing them across the road from the Hotel Bougainvillea.
The Plain Wren was recently split into 3 species; Cabanis's, Isthmian, and Canebrake. Our tour was in range for two of those and we successfully found both. This is an Isthmian Wren captured by guide Tom Johnson.
ISTHMIAN WREN (Cantorchilus elutus) – One of the three resulting species from the Plain Wren split, this wren was seen well as we were looking for Masked Yellowthroats near Agua Buena.
RIVERSIDE WREN (Cantorchilus semibadius) – This streaked wren turned out to be fairly common and we encountered them around Talari Mountain Lodge, Los Cusingos, and Esquinas.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – This sneaky but widespread wren of the lowlands was heard at Wilson Botanical Garden but stayed well hidden. [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – The highland counterpart to the previous species, this wren was only seen at Paraiso Quetzal.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – Although not many got on the first one at Los Cusingos, I think we all caught up with the one at Wilson Botanical Garden. The long bill of this species helps it reach areas in thick tangles that otherwise would be out of reach.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea) – This is the only gnatcatcher present in the southern regions of Costa Rica and we saw one at Talari Mountain Lodge near the Cecropia tree.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris) – Our only sighting came from the entrance road to Paraiso Quetzal. This is a highland species that we were unlikely to see anywhere else.
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) – We played tag with this sneaky songster at Talari Mountain Lodge a couple of times; first by the river and then uphill by the tennis courts.
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus) – We saw half a dozen of these highland thrushes near Paraiso Quetzal. Because of their high elevation range, this was our only day with this species.
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – This is Costa Rica's most widespread thrush and it's also their national bird! We saw this species every day of tour.
WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis) – This handsome thrush was first seen at the ant swarm at Los Cusingos but another was seen later along the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) – Although still considered uncommon, this species has become much more widespread in recent years. We saw several at various points while driving including one between Talari and Los Cusingos.
It's hard to go wrong with a blue species with red legs! This Red-legged Honeycreeper posed briefly at the Talari Mountain Lodge. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Phainoptila melanoxantha) – Normally a tough bird to see well, this rotund species was seen point-blank near the feeders at Paraiso Quetzal! We couldn't believe our eyes. Amazing looks.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – This is a North American breeder that winters in the tropics. We caught up with this tail-bobbing warbler at the Rio Rincón bridge and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. [b]
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – This attractive warbler was seen three straight days; at Los Cusingos, Talari Mountain Lodge, and Wilson Botanical Garden. [b]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) – Our first sightings of this limb-creeping specialist came from the Talari Mountain Lodge area. We would go on to see several more at Wilson Botanical Garden. [b]
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) – A last-minute sighting, this bright yellow warbler was spotted on our last day at the Rio Tarcoles bridge. [b]
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) – One of the most widespread and commonly seen warblers on this trip; they were seen daily up until the last day. [b]
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (CHIRIQUI) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis chiriquensis) – This was a really special sighting near Agua Buena. On our second attempt, we found this highly-localized warbler in a grassy area along with the Bran-colored Flycatcher. This subspecies is endemic to a small area of Costa Rica/Panama and could someday be given species status.
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia) – We lucked into this secretive warbler on our first morning walk across from the Hotel Bougainvillea. Later in the trip, another was seen across the pond at Agua Buena. [b]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – This North American breeder is considered uncommon in Costa Rica as a winter resident. We chanced into one at Talari Mountain Lodge one morning. [b]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Although we heard this warbler more than we saw it, we did finally connect with one along the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – Our only sighting came from Wilson Botanical Garden. I was a little surprised we didn't see more of this common winter resident. [b]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – We saw this widespread species nearly every day. All of our sightings were of the migrant populations however, not the resident mangrove race. [b]
The "Chiriqui" race of Masked Yellowthroat present in Costa Rica is extremely range-restricted. In fact, it may represent a future split but time will tell. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) – A common winter resident through much of the country. [b]
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) – This warbler prefers middle and higher elevations for its wintering range. We saw two at Bosque del Tolomuco on our first full day of birding. [b]
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons) – Spotted by Bill and Joe, one of these handsome warblers was slinking through some undergrowth as we searched for yellowthroats near Agua Buena.
BLACK-CHEEKED WARBLER (Basileuterus melanogenys) – Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, this warbler was seen only along the entrance road to Paraiso Quetzal.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus) – Our only sighting came from the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden. I'm a little surprised we didn't see more of this Basileuterus warbler.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – This distinctive warbler, which is often found near or on the ground, was spotted by Ronna along the entrance road to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla) – We tallied about five of these familiar warblers as we birded the Paraiso Quetzal area. Turns out, these would be our only ones for the trip. [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – This warbler was fairly common at Wilson Botanical Garden. Interestingly, these redstarts in Costa Rica are yellowish below instead of the reddish color found on redstarts farther north.
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus) – This highland specialist put in a brief appearance at the Paraiso Quetzal feeder area. This species is limited to Costa Rica/western Panama and is always a treat to see.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata) – This somewhat-dull tanager has a knack for following ant swarms and that's exactly where we first saw it, following the swarm at Los Cusingos. However, we had an even better view as one sunbathed at Talari Mountain Lodge.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – A handsome black tanager with white in the wing, this species was spotted only twice; first by Bill and Joe at Wilson Botanical Garden and then again on the road between La Gamba and Golfito.
WHITE-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio leucothorax) – Success! We worked hard to find this species and it finally paid off along the Golfito Road. This is a cunning, flock leader that will sometimes "cry wolf" in order to alarm other birds... just to grab the prey it wants. Tsk tsk, how deceptive.
CHERRIE'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus costaricensis) – An abundant and familiar species throughout the trip. A former part of the Scarlet-rumped complex.
It's hard to pick a favorite but the Speckled Tanager is probably right up there for some people. This stunning species was seen well at Talari Mountain Lodge. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – This was the most common tanager of the trip, sometimes seen at point blank distances.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Although always less numerous than the brighter Blue-gray Tanager, this species was still seen most days.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) – Oh man, what a distinctive bird! We saw these handsome tanagers first around Talari Mountain Lodge and they would remain common throughout much of our trip.
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata) – A truly stunning tanager that's nearly covered head to toe with fine, black markings. We saw this species at close range at Talari Mountain Lodge, sometimes even coming into the feeders there.
SPANGLE-CHEEKED TANAGER (Tangara dowii) – This tanager is a highland species that we found near Paraiso Quetzal. Because of the high elevations this species is found at, that day was our only sighting for the trip.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – We had a few sightings sprinkled throughout our trip; first at the feeders at Los Cusingos (they liked our bananas!), at Wilson Botanical Garden, and again between La Gamba and Golfito.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – These attractive tanagers were waiting for us en force at the Bosque del Tolomuco feeders!
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Although considered uncommon, we were lucky to see this species several times including at Los Cusingos, Talari Mountain Lodge, and the Rio Rincón bridge.
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus) – Both the males and females of this honeycreeper have bright yellow legs. We saw these exceptionally well at the fruit feeders at Los Cusingos.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – Somewhat similar to the previous species, this common garden bird has brilliant red legs. We had amazing looks from the feeders at Talari Mountain Lodge.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Generally the most commonly-seen honeycreeper on our trip, the male is a brilliant turquoise bird with a black cap.
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea) – This odd bird is a slate-gray tanager with a hooked bill. Because of its mid-to-high elevational range, our only encounter with this Costa Rican/Panama endemic came from the Paraiso Quetzal area.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – A denizen of brushy fields and tall grass, this species was seen at our first stop in Cartago.
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea) – Some target birding to grassy areas near La Gamba produced this uncommon seed-finch. A sharp-looking bird, both males and females were seen just outside of town.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina) – There are two races of this species in Costa Rica. The race we had on this trip, the Pacific race, has a thin white collar and a black throat. This was a common species and one we encountered nearly every day.
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola) – Although always less numerous than the previous species, a few of these were seen at our Cartago stop for Sedge Wren. The females are buffy with bold wingbars (lacking on Variable).
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – The grassy area outside of La Gamba produced a female seedeater that looked good for Yellow-bellied. Sadly, it didn't stick around for everyone to get a look.
The Sooty-capped Chlorospingus is a highland specialty limited to Costa Rica and Panama. We saw some near Paraiso Quetzal including this one that perched out for a bit. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – One of the most familiar birds, this species was seen nearly daily at flowers and feeders.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus) – A mid-elevation species that's common in grassy areas. Our first sighting was in Cartago on our first full day of birding when a sharp male perched up in the field.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – The most widespread of the saltators on tour, this heavy-billed species was seen nearly every day. Sometimes visits fruit feeders.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – The only location to see this species on this particular tour is around the San Jose area. Thankfully, we found one just outside of the Hotel Bougainvillea.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus) – Within Costa Rica, this species is limited to the southern Pacific slope. We found it first at Talari Mountain Lodge and then several more at Wilson Botanical Garden.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus) – Found generally above 6600 feet, this highland specialist was seen near Paraiso Quetzal on our first full day of birding. Unlike the Common Chlorospingus found farther downhill, this species has a jagged, white supercilium.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – Surprisingly, we only saw a few of these around Wilson Botanical Garden. This species has a white triangle behind the eye which gives it a fairly distinctive look.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris) – We all enjoyed watching a pair of these sharply-marked sparrows along the entrance road to Esquinas. One even sang a song or two from the bush next to us. This sparrow is in the same genus as the Olive Sparrow (a species that reaches south Texas).
COSTA RICAN BRUSHFINCH (Arremon costaricensis) – Try as we might, we could not pull one of these shy skulkers into view. We heard a couple though including one at Talari Mountain Lodge (up by the tennis courts) and again along the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden. [*]
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – Although a common bird of forest understories, several of the ones we tried to see were rather skulky. Our first was in the gardens at Wilson Botanical Garden and subsequent sightings were around Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – This familiar sparrow was common especially around the Hotel Bougainvillea.
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis) – Our only sighting of this highland specialty was at Paraiso Quetzal. This species is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama.
YELLOW-THIGHED FINCH (Pselliophorus tibialis) – This distinctive species is another highland specialty that we saw only around Paraiso Quetzal. The yellow leg tufts really stood out against the black plumage of the bird!
Although common, the Rufous-collared Sparrow is still a sharp-looking bird. This one was near the Hotel Bougainvillea. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – These were common and widespread throughout our trip. This species breeds in the U.S. and then migrates to the tropics to spend the winter. [b]
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata) – Better bring a fire extinguisher for this one! These flashy tanagers prefer higher elevations and our only encounter was at Bosque del Tolomuco where a fabulous male was visiting the fruit feeder.
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – We had a brief encounter with a female on the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden. Unfortunately, it didn't stick around long.
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – This dullish ant-tanager was attending the ant swarm at Los Cusingos. We would go on to see a few more at Talari Mountain Lodge and Wilson Botanical Garden.
BLACK-CHEEKED ANT-TANAGER (Habia atrimaxillaris) – Whew, finally! We were starting to sweat when this Costa Rican endemic wasn't willing to show itself along the road to Golfito. Thankfully, we all saw it from the trail at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge on our last day! [E]
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – A fairly common winter resident, this familiar U.S. breeder spends the winter months in the tropics. We saw this species at Bosque del Tolomuco and Talari Mountain Lodge. [b]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus) – This species sticks to the northern half of Costa Rica. However, a few of these flew overhead at the Rio Tarcoles on our final day of birding. We'll take it!
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna) – Our first stop in Cartago provided a bush full of these grassland breeders.
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris) – It wasn't until Coto 47 and Esquinas that we found fields with this colorful species. Although in the same genus as the meadowlarks from North America, this species has brilliant red underparts!
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives) – Although this species has spread rapidly through the country since it was first found in 1987, most of our encounters were around the Hotel Bougainvillea.
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus) – An abundant and widespread species that we saw daily.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Of all the recent invaders into Costa Rica, the spread of the Shiny Cowbird in just the past few years has been remarkable. We saw a few of these glossy cowbirds just south of Ciudad Neily mixed with the next two species.
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus) – Not as shiny as the previous species, this dull-black bird has red eyes, a thick neck, and somewhat glossy wings. We saw a few in the mixed cowbird flock near Ciudad Neily.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – What beasts! These giant birds rivaled the size of Great-tailed Grackles in the mixed cowbird flock south of Ciudad Neily.
How big is a Giant Cowbird? Big! We were amazed to see this species perched next to the grackles and be of comparable size! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) – A common and widespread wintering species, they were seen every day of tour. [b]
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) – We lucked into this species on our last day of birding at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. However, the scarlet rump was mostly concealed (which is typical).
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – A recent arrival from Panama. We had a couple of brief views; first a flyby at Wilson Botanical Garden and then another flyby near Coto 47.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – This was the euphonia we saw most often at Talari Mountain Lodge. At times, a female even came into the fruit feeder.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – A good field mark for this species was the yellow going all the way up the throat. These euphonias came into the fruit feeders at Wilson Botanical Garden every morning.
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima) – What a bizarre sighting! This attractive species is typically found above 3900 feet in the highlands. However, we found and photographed one 3000 feet lower than that on the road to Golfito!
SPOT-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia imitans) – Together with the Thick-billed Euphonia, this species came into the fruit feeders at the Wilson Botanical Garden. Unlike the Thick-billed, this species has a dark throat.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – Our only sighting of this small, black-and-yellow finch was at the San Vito airport where a few were perching on the fence.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – This familiar, introduced species was seen most often in urban areas. [I]
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – Seen near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge late in our trip.
GREATER WHITE-LINED BAT (Saccopteryx bilineata) – Anyone care for a bat sighting near the fridge? This species roosted in the kitchen area at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus) – We found a troop of these monkeys high in the trees below Wilson Botanical Garden.
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides) – These multi-colored squirrels were fairly common around the Hotel Bougainvillea and Talari Mountain Lodge.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – Another widespread squirrel, our first ones were at Bosque del Tolomuco in the highlands.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata) – An abundant and easy-to-see mammal around the gardens at Wilson.
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica) – We spied a few of these relatives of the raccoon on the trails at Wilson Botanical Garden and again near Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
Herps
SLENDER ANOLE (Anolis limifrons) – We saw this long-tailed species a couple of times including at the Talari Mountain Lodge area and again on our last day.
COMMON FOREST ANOLE (Anolis trachyderma) – This anole species was seen by only a few folks.
GHOST ANOLE (Norops lemurinus) – Seen at Wilson Botanical Garden.
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana) – We saw these giants daily once we arrived at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. We had especially good views at the "Iguana Cafe"!
COMMON BASILISK (Basiliscus basiliscus) – Among the several locations we spotted this basilisk, we watched as some youngsters ran across the water at the Rio Rincón bridge.
TROPICAL HOUSE GECKO (Hemidactylus mabouia) – A common sound from our various rooms and dining halls! They were especially friendly at Talari Mountain Lodge.
MUSSURANA (Clelia clelia) – One of these thrashed by quickly on our drive into Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. These impressive predators specialize in ophiophagy (eating snakes).
NORTHERN CAT-EYED SNAKE (Leptodeira septentrionalis) – Seen by a few folks at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
FER-DE-LANCE (Bothrops asper) – A few participants who went on the night herp hike at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge saw a couple of these vipers, albeit rather small ones.
AMERICAN CROCODILE (Crocodylus acutus) – From the safety of the bridge over the Rio Tarcoles, we watched as these behemoths jostled for position below us.
We couldn't have been happier to be safely up on a bridge as we watched the American Crocodiles down below us. The Rio Tarcoles bridge provided an amazing vantage point to see these giants. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus) – Our first sighting came from Coto 47 but we had better views once we arrived at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. We even found a few at night while spotlighting from the van!
RED-EYED LEAF FROG (Agalychnis callidryas) – Seen around Esquinas Rainforest Lodge late in the tour.
DRAB TREE FROG (Smilisca sordida) – Seen at the Talari Mountain Lodge area a few times.
ROSENBERG'S TREE FROG (Hypsiboas rosenbergi) – Identified around Esquinas Rainforest Lodge in the humid lowlands.
MESO-AMERICAN SLIDER (Trachemys venusta) – At least one of these was spotted on our final day as we drove northward.
LITTER TOAD (Rhaebo haematiticus) – On the second day of our trip, we were happy to see this cool herp.
CANE TOAD (Rhinella marina) – These were a familiar sight at places like Talari Mountain Lodge. Watch your step, they were common right around our rooms.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 334 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa