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A view out over the coastal town of Tela, home of the beautiful and birdy Lancetilla Botanical Gardens. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Another excellent trip to Honduras. Again this year we broke the three hundred species mark, which makes this a very birdy tour indeed! Highlights from the group included the very flashy Turquoise-browed Motmot, our most memorable experience in the Cantarranas Valley where nearly on cue it showed us why it is the king of motmots! The Honduran Emerald also took top honors for its threatened status, unique habitat, and the experience of getting to the Aguan Valley to see it (no small feat!). Honorable mentions included Lovely Cotinga, Resplendent Quetzal (a striking male in the moist cloud forest above El Rosario), Wine-throated Hummingbird (diminutive songsters!), and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron (do you remember why they call them "tiger-herons"?).
I want to thank our driver, Fernando, who did a great job. Thanks to a fun group and I hope to see you all again soon.
--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) – Heard along the north coast at Pico Bonito, where one client also saw one on the grounds.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – A few large flocks in flight at Lake Yojoa.
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor) – Close to a thousand individuals on Lake Yojoa.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – One flying over the Rio Platano (Tela).
AMERICAN WIGEON (Anas americana) – Lake Yojoa.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – Lake Yojoa.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – Fifteen or so seen on Lake Yojoa. This is a rare wintering duck to northern Central America, but even less common on Caribbean slope.
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – A few flocks on the deeper part of Lake Yojoa.
RUDDY DUCK (Oxyura jamaicensis) – One on Lake Yojoa.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
PLAIN CHACHALACA (Ortalis vetula) – Common throughout tour including at La Tigra NP.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) [*]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BUFFY-CROWNED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx leucophrys) – Several seen nicely along the trails at La Tigra (El Rosario side).
CRESTED BOBWHITE (SPOT-BELLIED) (Colinus cristatus leucopogon) – A covey flushed just in front of us while birding the Cantarranas Valley. Unfortunately, none saw them well.
SINGING QUAIL (Dactylortyx thoracicus) – Heard by all, seen by a few at the front of the line. La Tigra NP.
TAWNY-FACED QUAIL (Rhynchortyx cinctus) [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – A pair soaring on the drive north to Lago Yojoa and another soaring in the Aguan Valley.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – Several in the Lago Yojoa area.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) – One was along the shores of Lake Yojoa. The other long-legged waders were quite common at this site.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – One adult was soaring above us while we birded the Aguan Valley.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Singles over Lake Yojoa.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – One in the Aguan Valley seemed a bit out of place.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Singles on each day at La Tigra NP.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Numerous and quite common this year at Lake Yojoa. Their numbers must fluctuate with lake levels and snail populations.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – One soaring over the forest at Lancetilla.
NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) – The gray ghost was seen over the dry forest in the Aguan Valley.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (WHITE-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus chionogaster) – One distant soaring bird was seen over the forest at La Tigra (El Rosario).
COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii) – One female in the Aguan Valley.
COMMON BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus) – One adult was soaring over the watershed forest at Lancetilla.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (WHITE-SHOULDERED) (Pseudastur albicollis costaricensis) – Two were seen over the forest at Pico Bonito.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – Just one at La Tigra NP. This is a common wintering forest raptor in northern Central America.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – This used to be Gray Hawk, which has now been split. This species is common in Honduras.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Singles on a few days; most were light morphs.
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – One briefly at Lancetilla.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUDDY CRAKE (Laterallus ruber) – Three miraculously appeared in the marsh vegetation near our hotel at Lake Yojoa. A nice experience and we saw them well in the scope.
Honduras has just one endemic bird, the gorgeous Honduran Emerald. It's a long trek into the arid Aguan Valley where it lives, but with views like this, it's worth the effort. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
SORA (Porzana carolina) – A few were seen well along the shores of Lake Yojoa. This species winters in northern Central America.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – Lake Yojoa.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Lake Yojoa.
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – Thousands wintering on Lake Yojoa.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – One was seen swimming in the placid waters of Embalse de Yure. A lifer for several folks in the group.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Quite common along the edge of Lake Yojoa. Their calls are quite distinctive.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – Singles at Lake Yojoa.
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata) – One was on the beach at Tela.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – Lake Yojoa.
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – A couple on the beach in Tela.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Seen well once we reached the north coast, especially around Tela.
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – New for me on this tour. We had a pair perched in a tree at Punta Izopo.
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris) – Fairly common throughout the tour.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – In the highlands at La Tigra NP (Jutiapa side).
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) [*]
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina) – Fairly common in the Aguan Valley, our only ones on the trip.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassini) – Heard a few times, a pair seen well at Pico Bonito on the trail.
WHITE-FACED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon albifacies) – A few seen pretty well on the trails around the lodge at La Tigra.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
LESSER GROUND-CUCKOO (Morococcyx erythropygus) – This was a nice surprise. Russ spotted this guy sitting quietly in a bush above us while birding in the dry forest scrub in the Cantarranas Valley. Fantastic!
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Strigidae (Owls)
VERMICULATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops guatemalae) – One of the fastest owl responses I have ever had. I hadn't finished playing the call when one shot in and perched in front of us behind the Pico Bonito lodge.
CENTRAL AMERICAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium griseiceps) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Heard a few times, but we found one on a day roost at Cerro Azul-Meamber that was even better.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) – Seen well at dusk while birding along the entrance road to Finca Las Glorias.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – One seen during the day at Embalse de Yure.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – Day roosting bird at Pico Bonito on the final morning!
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – Common around the feeders at Pico Bonito.
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris) – Fairly common in the forest on the north coast.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens) – One was seen at La Tigra.
GREEN-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis sybillae) – This near endemic was seen several times well at La Tigra NP.
GARNET-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lamprolaima rhami) – One was seen at La Tigra NP (El Rosario side).
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris)
WINE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Atthis ellioti) – This NCA endemic was around in good numbers at La Tigra (El Rosario side) where we heard and saw many males singing.
CANIVET'S EMERALD (SALVIN'S) (Chlorostilbon canivetii salvini) – Good numbers in the Aguan Valley.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – One was singing along the trail behind Pico Bonito lodge.
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii) – A pair singing in the taller forest edge at Lancetilla.
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD (Amazilia candida) – A regular to the feeders at PANACAM above Lago Yojoa.
HONDURAN EMERALD (Amazilia luciae) – One of our target birds for the trip. We saw at least 10 individuals in the hot Aguan Valley. A nice morning, however, despite the long drive. [E]
AZURE-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanocephala) – Several seen in our two days around La Tigra.
BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia beryllina devillei) – One in the Cantarranas Valley where we also had a Blue-tailed Hummingbird. I have seen this sort of mixing before between the two species and in some places (like in eastern El Salvador and central Guatemala) some birds show intermediate characteristics.
BLUE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanura) – A big surprise for Jesse. This species was seen well in the Cantarranas Valley in the humid stream crossing just before entering the dry forest scrub. A good bird and quite local in its distribution.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis leucotis)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – One spectacular male (with long streamers) gave us a good show in the cloud forest above El Rosario.
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena) – This species was seen well in the forest at Pico Bonito. Overall, this is a good trogon trip (we saw 6 species including quetzal!)/
Honduras is arguably the best place to see the rare and local Keel-billed Motmot, probably the toughest of the motmots to find. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
MOUNTAIN TROGON (Trogon mexicanus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (LESSON'S) (Momotus coeruliceps lessonii)
KEEL-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron carinatum) – Another important bird for us. Seen by a few at PANACAM, we later had excellent looks at it in the deeper forest behind Pico Bonito. Rare and local in its distribution through Central America.
TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa) – My favorite of the motmots! ;-)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) – One was in the parking lot at La Tigra NP (Jutiapa side).
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) – A couple seen on the north coast. Our first at Lancetilla.
GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (EAST MEXICO) (Melanerpes aurifrons santacruzi) – Numerous and common throughout all areas on this trip. Pay attention to these subspecies. Splits in the future.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Our first was at Zambrano and singles later in the trip.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – A pair near dusk flew over Finca Las Glorias.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (Aratinga nana) – The common Aratinga on the north coast.
ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga canicularis) – One seen in the Cantarranas Valley.
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis) [*]
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons) – Fairly common throughout the trip.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – The common large Amazon starting at Lake Yojoa, but seen a number of other times on the north coast.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – One at Lancetilla showed pretty well.
WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – One also along the entrance road to Lancetilla. It was hanging out in the vine tangles below the canopy. Sounds a lot like a Barred Antshrike.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – At least three in a mixed-species flock at Pico Bonito.
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis guatimalensis) – One seen well at La Tigra and again at PANACAM.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – Great looks at this ground skulker during our birding at Pico Bonito.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla anabatina)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
IVORY-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus flavigaster) [*]
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis)
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – We called one in close while birding the steep trails at PANACAM (Lake Yojoa).
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Ornithion semiflavum) – This small canopy flycatcher was seen well on the trails at Pico Bonito.
NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe) – One in the Cantarranas Valley and heard again in the Aguan Valley.
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
NORTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma cinereigulare)
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia) – A pair was seen close in the scrubby edge habitat at Embalse de Yure.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) [*]
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) [*]
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris)
LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus)
HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER (Empidonax hammondii)
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [*]
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – A couple of individuals seen in the Aguan Valley.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis)
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) – One seen on the north coast flying over Lancetilla was quite noteworthy. They are usually seen in the interior of NCA.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
LOVELY COTINGA (Cotinga amabilis) – One of the highlights of staying at Pico Bonito. This species is a regular visitor to the fruiting trees on the grounds. Peggy lucked out and spotted it close to her cabin, the rest of us more distantly from the tower.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Pipra mentalis) – A responsive male was seen on the trails behind the lodge at Pico Bonito.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus) – Common on the north coast as a wintering bird, however the biggest surprise was finding one in the Cantarranas Valley on the Pacific slope where it is very rare. Only one record for El Salvador, for example.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
PLUMBEOUS VIREO (Vireo plumbeus) – The resident subspecies is montanus and Jesse was pleased to find it in the pine savannah in Zambrano. Possible split in the future.
BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps)
LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus)
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – Only briefly seen, but heard well on the higher portions of the trail at Pico Bonito. Peter Peter Peter!
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa) – One in the Cantarranas Valley. This species is only found on the Pacific slope.
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
BUSHY-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax melanocyaneus) – A NCA endemic. The subspecies we saw at La Tigra are all black below unlike more northern populations which are blue below.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
Signs for Denny's, Burger King, and Pizza Hut tell you you're in America; the tropical vegetation and red tile roofs clarify that this is Middle America! A view over the capital city of Tegucigalpa. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
TREE SWALLOW (Tachycineta bicolor) – Good numbers over Lake Yojoa.
BARN SWALLOW (AMERICAN) (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
RUFOUS-BROWED WREN (Troglodytes rufociliatus) – This NCA endemic was seen at La Tigra. Appearance like a Winter Wren.
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) – One in the Cantarranas Valley and again at Lake Yojoa (a disjunct population); though the two groups appear similar.
SPOT-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius maculipectus)
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) [*]
PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus)
WHITE-BELLIED WREN (Uropsila leucogastra) – In the Aguan Valley.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
WHITE-LORED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila albiloris)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea) – One at Lancetilla Botanical Gardens.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
EASTERN BLUEBIRD (Sialia sialis) [*]
SLATE-COLORED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes unicolor) – Seen around La Tigra, but one was also heard on the north coast at Pico Bonito.
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – Seen at La Tigra (El Rosario) and again at Lancetilla. A common NCA wintering and migrant species.
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)
BLUE-AND-WHITE MOCKINGBIRD (Melanotis hypoleucus) – This NCA endemic was seen on the Jutiapa side at La Tigra NP.
Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)
OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla)
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora cyanoptera) – One was along the forest edge at Embalse de Yure.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER (Oreothlypis superciliosa)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa)
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)
HOODED WARBLER (Setophaga citrina)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia)
YELLOW WARBLER (NORTHERN) (Setophaga petechia aestiva)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Setophaga dominica) – One was visiting the restaurant patio for scraps of spiny lobster(?!) at our hotel in Tela.
GRACE'S WARBLER (Setophaga graciae) – Three individuals were seen well in the pine forest at Zambrano.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons delattrii)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio aurantius) – One perched for a long time allowing us to get great looks. The Lodge at Pico Bonito.
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
YELLOW-WINGED TANAGER (Thraupis abbas)
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus) – One female was in a large mixed species flock near the cabins at Pico Bonito. She had the yellow legs and streaking on the chest.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CINNAMON-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa baritula) – One in the canopy at La Tigra (Jutiapa side). A lifer for Russ.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus funereus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Singles at La Tigra NP.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) [*]
GREEN-BACKED SPARROW (Arremonops chloronotus) – A pair were seen well at Embalse de Yure. Only found in southern Mexico to western Honduras.
A young Margay after a painful encounter with a porcupine at Pico Bonito. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha fuscipygius)
RUSTY SPARROW (Aimophila rufescens) – Two were seen in the grass at Zambrano.
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava) – Two males seen in the pines at Zambrano.
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes poliogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
BLUE BUNTING (Cyanocompsa parellina) – One male seen all too briefly in the Aguan Valley.
BLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea) – Cantarranas Valley.
INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea) – Cantarranas Valley.
PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris) – Several (including males) in the Cantarrans Valley.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
BLACK-VENTED ORIOLE (Icterus wagleri) – Seen at La Tigra NP.
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater) – One of my favorite dawn choruses. We heard it well at La Tigra NP.
STREAK-BACKED ORIOLE (STREAK-BACKED) (Icterus pustulatus sclateri)
SPOT-BREASTED ORIOLE (Icterus pectoralis) – Two were seen in the Cantarranas Valley, but also again at Los Naranjos along Lake Yojoa.
ALTAMIRA ORIOLE (Icterus gularis)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – Seen in the Melastone tree on the grounds at Pico Bonito.
BLUE-CROWNED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia occipitalis) [*]
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) – Heard in the mangrove forest along the Rio Platano (Tela). [*]
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) – A cottontail dashed in front of our vehicle on the first morning at La Tigra. Was it this species?
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides) – Fairly common around Lake Yojoa and on the north coast.
DEPPE'S SQUIRREL (Sciurus deppei) – La Tigra NP.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata) – Pico Bonito Lodge.
LONG-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela frenata) – We saw this species crossing the road in front of the bus.
MARGAY (Felis wiedii) – One young cat had become somewhat habituated to living around the cabins at Pico Bonito. It also followed clients around and got a bit too curious with a porcupine during our stay (!).
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other critters included:
1) Swordtail Fish (Xiphophorus sp.) - seen in the small pools at Lancetilla and identified by Walter. While some species have been introduced to various parts of the world (and become exotic pests), there are native species to Central America. They are also popular aquarium fish.
2) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
3) Honduran Paleate Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura melanosterna) - the large endemic lizard we saw in the Aguan Valley. It is found ONLY in the Aguan Valley.
Totals for the tour: 301 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa