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Bringing in the New Year with lots of birds and all of you was fantastic. Photo by participant Eileen Bruns.
It was a great way to bring in 2017 with a very fun group, some live music with bird artist / ex-Japan rocker, Robert Dean, plucking on his acoustic guitar, and a turkey dinner fit for a king. We laughed, sang, drank our wine and beers, and barely made it to bed by 8:15 pm. Indeed, we had birds to see the next morning, and this was only the first evening!
So, that was the pattern we set for ourselves. Up early to bird the moth cloth or patio, breakfast, bird, lunch, bird, dinner. Repeat. We had some nice highlights this trip: Semiplumbeous Hawk (the first time I had seen it on this tour), Ruddy Pigeon (just kidding), Mottled Owl (always good to see an owl), Common PaUraque (he was in my suitcase when I got home), Purple-crowned Fairy and Snowcaps (bathing in the hummingbird pools; follow the white laser pointer), Resplendent Quetzal (how did Cali spot that bird?), the moth cloth phenomenon (good looks at three species of woodcreeper, a wood-wren, warblers, flycatchers, and Orange-billed Sparrow), Social Flycatcher (I think we finally figured this guy out), SNOWY COTINGA, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, and Emerald Tanager (the last two for color). Yep, we saw some nice birds and a few of you doubled your life lists. We also convinced a couple of others to buy binoculars. ;-)
It was a great trip and I want to thank you for spending New Years in Costa Rica with Field Guides. I also want to thank the staff at Rancho (the chefs, Vinicio and Karla, and Lisa and Mario) and Harry, the local guide. Also, I couldn't have done it without my support staff, Cali Rodriguez and Vernon Campos. I think we make a great team.
Enjoy 2017 and I look forward to birding with y'all again in the future.
--Jesse (aka Motmot) from Lima, Peru
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) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
SLATY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Crypturellus boucardi) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – Good numbers at Birris Reservoir.
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – Birris Reservoir and again at Turire.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) – Seen by the group who did the upper trails.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – One was along the edge of the pond at CATIE.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Rare, but annual this far south as a winter resident.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) – Seen in the papyrus reeds at CATIE and again at Turire.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Several roosting in the bamboo island at CATIE.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Always good to find. We had several at EARTH and again at Turire.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Singles in San Jose and again at Turire.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – One soaring and calling over the EARTH canopy was a good find.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Always nice to see. We had singles on several days this tour.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – One doing a distant display flight at Tapanti was interesting behavior.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Two distant birds soaring over the Silent Mountain ridge.
COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii)
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps) – All adults: one soaring over the ridge at Silent Mountain and another pair soaring and calling at Tapanti.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
SEMIPLUMBEOUS HAWK (Leucopternis semiplumbeus) – A definite highlight of our trip to EARTH was this rare raptor. Perched in the scope for most folks.
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – The resident subspecies "costaricensis" was seen at Volcan Irazu.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – A trip bird for some folks? I think so. Seen well at La Mina, but let's forget the one foraging in the cow pasture.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris) – We determined that this was the species (formerly subspecies) seen at La Mina.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – We had a close encounter with this species at Lake Turire.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Nobody seemed interested in the "Ruddy" or "Pigeon" part of this species. ;-)
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) [*]
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
CENTRAL AMERICAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium griseiceps) [*]
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – A fun experience was searching and eventually finding this species on the grounds of Rancho.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) – A day roosting bird at EARTH was super cool.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – This species left a lasting impression on Jesse. It wanted to go home with him!
Apodidae (Swifts)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) – Not many tours find this species, so what a treat to see one bathing at the hummingbird pools.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – A female bathing at the hummingbird pools was memorable.
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – We eventually forgave Anne and Peggy for this one.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis)
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus)
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus)
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula)
GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis)
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris)
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – Follow the white laser dot...if you can. Fantastic looks at the hummingbirds pools of a male bathing, then later a pair of males visiting the verbina.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – Easily a trip bird for many folks. A pair were studied on the slopes of Volcan Irazu, including one male seen in the foggy mist from the vehicle. Nice spotting, Cali!
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Sometimes a heard only on this tour. We had great looks at one visiting Wayne's feeders. Wayne's House, Party Time!
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – Mark was happy to get the three kingfisher sweep.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – Always good day when you see a puffbird.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – The group that visited the lower trails had a pair in the scope.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – A female was seen and studied nicely at the Tapanti visitor's center.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) [*]
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius) – Always a good bird to find in CR. An immature was on the grounds at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex) – Our last new bird at EARTH.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – A recent colonizer to CR. We saw one at CATIE.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
MERLIN (Falco columbarius)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Our last new bird in downtown San Jose.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) [*]
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) [*]
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Good looks in the scope at EARTH.
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni) – Always a treat to see. A large flock of maybe 50 birds was scoped at Silent Mountain. Chiriqui Highland endemics.
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Eupsittula nana astec)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus)
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Sipia laemosticta)
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Hafferia zeledoni) – Brief looks at several individuals that were attending an unseen army ant swarm at Tapanti.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THICKET ANTPITTA (Hylopezus dives) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – One was visiting the moth cloth at Rancho. A rare visitor to the area.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) [*]
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – This was another regular visitor to the Rancho moth cloth.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
RUDDY TREERUNNER (Margarornis rubiginosus) – This Chiriqui Highland endemic was seen in a mixed-species flock on the slopes of Volcan Irazu.
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus) – A mistletoe obligate seen frequently on this tour.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – These tiny passerines were seen super close (usually a canopy species) in response to the Silver Bullet at CATIE.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
TAWNY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus capitalis)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris)
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) [*]
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – The next six species of "yellow bellied" flycatchers gave folks fits, but I think we eventually got them all sorted out!
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
GOLDEN-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes hemichrysus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – A displaying male at EARTH was a treat.
SNOWY COTINGA (Carpodectes nitidus) – WOW. Bird of the trip! Amazing lengthy views in the scope was something not experienced on many trips.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera)
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei) – Snap. Crackle. Pop.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata) – Did we finally learn this one? YES!
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) – This secretive species visited the bathing pools one evening and we had good looks at a normally difficult to see bird.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus)
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni) [*]
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) – Some folks got good photos of this bird at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis)
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus)
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – These guys stole the show at the Rancho moth cloth.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops) [*]
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris) – Awesome looks on the slopes of Volcan Irazu. Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) [*]
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – The National Bird of Costa Rica.
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Phainoptila melanoxantha) – This lovely species was seen feeding on berries at Volcan Irazu.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla)
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – Nice to see so many. CR seems to be in the heart of their wintering territory.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) – One was visiting the moth cloth at Rancho.
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – One was seen along the La Mina river foraging in the rocks (typical behavior of this species).
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – The ones in CR are yellow below, what do they look like in Guatemala or Northern Mexico? Time to find out!
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – This beauty wasn't seen enough! A couple of singles on different days at Rancho.
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii) – The males rump really shines! Yep, I just said that.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida) – Several folks enjoyed this species, but we had to work at it!
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – Did anyone ever see the scarlet thighs? We sure had enough birds to look at. Another casualty of the Silver Bullet.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – A Chiriqui Highland endemic that we saw in the mixed-species flocks at Silent Mountain.
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus) – A bird we saw well on the slopes of Volcan Irazu.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) [*]
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris) – Even in the shadows this bird shined. What a nice looking bird. Seen at Tapanti NP.
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani) – We saw the junco well at our picnic lunch spot on Irazu.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris) – Another recent colonizer to CR. Its bright red chest was easy to spot on a fence post at Turire Lake.
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus uropygialis) [*]
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – This tour is excellent for euphonias as we found out seeing 6 species!
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima) – A female was seen briefly at Tapanti NP.
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – These bats were seen roosting in the small open church at EARTH.
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
ALFARO'S PYGMY SQUIRREL (Microsciurus alfari) – The tiny squirrels seen at Tapanti NP.
DUSKY RICE RAT (Melanomys caliginosus) – Someone only came on the tour to see this critter. ;-)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
TAYRA (Eira barbara)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A few of you saw the following:
Watson's Climbing Rat (Tylomys watsoni) -- This species is endemic to Costa Rica and Panama.
Totals for the tour: 287 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa