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The Collared
Redstart is known in Costa Rica as "Amigo de Hombre" (Friend
of Man). We had a fine example of their "friendliness" along
Los Robles trail high in the Savegre Valley, when a pair
flitted back and forth through a pile of downed branches
right beside us. In reality, they're after the insects we
flush as we walk -- but it's still fun that they approach us
so closely! (Photo by guide Megan Crewe)
Costa Rica draws birders and naturalists like lodestones draw
metal filings, and with good reason: its storied reserves hold
a tremendous number and variety of species, and it's a safe,
tourist-friendly country that's easy to get around in. From
the humid Caribbean lowlands to the forested foothills around
Rancho Naturalista and the stunted paramo of the central
mountains, from the mangrove-choked Tarcoles River and the dry
thorn forests of the northwest to the cool misty cloudforest
of Monteverde, we crisscrossed the country in search of its
special birds -- and found plenty to enjoy along the way.
We witnessed some quintessentially neotropical scenes during
our travels. Orange-collared Manakins snapped and popped on
their dance stages. Scarlet Macaws flapped noisily overhead or
squabbled over fruit and perches. Woodcreepers clung to trunks
above boiling swarms of army ants, while antbirds and
nightingale-thrushes prowled the fringes. Hummingbirds jousted
for feeder rights. Big mixed flocks of tanagers and warblers
and flycatchers swirled through the trees, in kaleidoscopes of
color and movement.
One of the main targets of many birders here is the
Resplendent Quetzal, and in the deliciously cool heights of
the Savegre Valley, we found not one but FIVE of them: two
busily ferrying mouthfuls to their nest, another pair
excavating a cavity in a rotten snag, and a calling male
trailing his long streamers as he flew over our heads across
the valley. Three-wattled Bellbird, another big target, was
equally cooperative at Monteverde; one bonged repeatedly from
a tree right over our heads, his wattles swinging as he moved.
Then there was the Sunbittern that picked its way along the
rocky stream near La Quinta, while a Fasciated Tiger-Heron
peered into the rapids just beyond it. A trio of
Silvery-throated Jays rummaged along epiphyte-laden oak
branches. A Barred Hawk dropped into a nearby tree and stared
down the road at us. Three Spotted Wood-Quails scratched
energetically beside a stream, periodically calling challenges
to distant coveys. A Mangrove Hummingbird moved deliberately
through the mangroves, repeatedly visiting their big white
flowers. A Snowy Cotinga, looking like an animate snowball,
sat high in a leafless tree above a clearing at La Selva, and
a trio of Yellow-billed Cotingas chased each other around in a
fruiting tree near the Rio Tarcoles. A Buff-fronted Quail-Dove
trundled through trailside vegetation, flickering in and out
of view. And a surprise White-fronted Nunbird sang from a
rainforest treetop.
A Prevost's Ground-Sparrow sat for long minutes on an
eye-level branch. A Bare-shanked Screech-Owl called quietly
from the darkening forest, steadfastly ignoring the agitated
halo of birds around it. Golden-browed Chlorophonias dazzled
from a leafy branch. Two Great Green Macaws investigated a
nest cavity. Boat-billed Herons peered from their nests among
the mangrove leaves. A Long-tailed Tyrant hunted from a
spreading tree in a clearing, his long streamers fluttering.
Sulphur-winged Parakeets flashed their golden wings in the
early morning sun. A Tawny-chested Flycatcher gleaned around a
bug light. Male Snowcaps dipped themselves in tiny pools,
their brilliant white heads flashing in the shadows of late
afternoon. A Crested Owl called from high overhead, its shaggy
"eyebrows" bright in the beam of our spotlight. A tiny
American Pygmy Kingfisher bobbed on a branch over the
Tarcoles. A Gray-throated Leaftosser flung leaves near the
path at Monteverde. A pair of Rufous-rumped Antwrens flicked
through a mossy tree over our heads, their yellow-spotted
wings catching the eye. And who will soon forget the vast
river of Turkey Vultures streaming past on their way north?
Thanks to all of you for helping to make the trip such fun to
lead. I hope to see you all again in the field somewhere, some
day!
-- Megan
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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HIGHLAND TINAMOU (Nothocercus bonapartei)
GREAT TINAMOU
(Tinamus major) [N]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK
(Cairina moschata)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL
(Anas discors)
RING-NECKED DUCK
(Aythya collaris) [b]
LESSER SCAUP
(Aythya affinis) [b]
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and
Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)
CRESTED GUAN
(Penelope purpurascens)
BLACK GUAN
(Chamaepetes unicolor)
GREAT CURASSOW
(Crax rubra) [N]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BLACK-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus leucolaemus)
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL
(Odontophorus guttatus)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
A highlight of
our boat trip on the Rio Tarcoles: an adult Bare-throated
Tiger-Heron hunting along the bank. (Photo by guide Megan
Crewe)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria
americana)
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)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
BARE-THROATED
TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma
mexicanum)
GREAT BLUE HERON
(Ardea herodias)
GREAT EGRET
(Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET
(Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON
(Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON
(Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET
(Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON
(Butorides virescens)
BLACK-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax
nycticorax)
YELLOW-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa
violacea)
BOAT-BILLED HERON
(Cochlearius cochlearius)
[N]
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus
albus)
GREEN IBIS
(Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
(Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE
(Cathartes aura)
KING VULTURE
(Sarcoramphus papa)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion
haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
SWALLOW-TAILED
KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
WHITE-TAILED KITE
(Elanus leucurus)
SNAIL KITE
(Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED
KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE
(Ictinia plumbea)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
(Accipiter striatus)
COOPER'S HAWK
(Accipiter cooperii)
BICOLORED HAWK
(Accipiter bicolor) [N]
BARRED HAWK
(Leucopternis princeps)
SEMIPLUMBEOUS HAWK
(Leucopternis semiplumbeus)
COMMON BLACK-HAWK
(MANGROVE) (Buteogallus
anthracinus subtilis)
ROADSIDE HAWK
(Buteo magnirostris) [N]
BROAD-WINGED HAWK
(Buteo platypterus)
GRAY HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
SWAINSON'S HAWK
(Buteo swainsoni)
RED-TAILED HAWK
(Buteo jamaicensis)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE
(Spizaetus ornatus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
COLLARED
FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur
semitorquatus)
CRESTED CARACARA
(Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED
CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON
(Herpetotheres cachinnans)
BAT FALCON
(Falco rufigularis)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga
helias)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
RUFOUS-NECKED
WOOD-RAIL (Aramides axillaris)
You've got to get
the viewing angle just right in order to see the stunning
iridescence of the aptly named Fiery-throated Hummingbird.
The angle is apparently perfect in this picture! (Photo by
guide Megan Crewe)
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajanea)
PURPLE GALLINULE
(Porphyrio martinica)
AMERICAN COOT
(Fulica americana)
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
[N]
BLACK-BELLIED
PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
[b]
WILSON'S PLOVER
(Charadrius wilsonia)
SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER (Charadrius
semipalmatus) [b]
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) [b]
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER
(Tringa solitaria) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS
(Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata) [b]
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) [b]
RUDDY TURNSTONE
(Arenaria interpres) [b]
SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla)
[b]
WESTERN SANDPIPER
(Calidris mauri) [b]
LEAST SANDPIPER
(Calidris minutilla) [b]
SHORT-BILLED
DOWITCHER (Limnodromus
griseus) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
FRANKLIN'S GULL
(Leucophaeus pipixcan)
ROYAL TERN
(Thalasseus maximus)
SANDWICH TERN
(Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON
(Patagioenas cayennensis)
RED-BILLED PIGEON
(Patagioenas flavirostris)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON
(Patagioenas fasciata)
RUDDY PIGEON
(Patagioenas subvinacea)
SHORT-BILLED
PIGEON (Patagioenas
nigrirostris)
WHITE-WINGED DOVE
(Zenaida asiatica)
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
COMMON GROUND-DOVE
(Columbina passerina)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE
(Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE
(Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE
(Leptotila cassini)
BUFF-FRONTED
QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon
costaricensis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni)
CRIMSON-FRONTED
PARAKEET (Aratinga finschi)
OLIVE-THROATED
PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Aratinga
nana astec)
ORANGE-FRONTED
PARAKEET (Aratinga
canicularis)
GREAT GREEN MACAW
(Ara ambiguus) [N]
SCARLET MACAW
(Ara macao)
ORANGE-CHINNED
PARAKEET (Brotogeris
jugularis)
BROWN-HOODED
PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
WHITE-CROWNED
PARROT (Pionus senilis)
WHITE-FRONTED
PARROT (Amazona albifrons)
Green Violetear,
an abundant and noisy highland hummingbird. These feisty
birds flare their violet "ear tufts" at each other in an
aggressive display while defending "their" feeder or
flower patch from other hummers. (Photo by guide Megan
Crewe)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
MEALY PARROT
(Amazona farinosa) [*]
YELLOW-NAPED
PARROT (Amazona auropalliata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
STRIPED CUCKOO
(Tapera naevia)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI
(Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Strigidae (Owls)
PACIFIC SCREECH-OWL (Megascops cooperi)
TROPICAL
SCREECH-OWL (Megascops
choliba)
VERMICULATED
SCREECH-OWL (VERMICULATED) (Megascops
guatemalae vermiculatus)
BARE-SHANKED
SCREECH-OWL (Megascops
clarkii)
CRESTED OWL
(Lophostrix cristata)
SPECTACLED OWL
(Pulsatrix perspicillata)
COSTA RICAN
PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium
costaricanum)
CENTRAL AMERICAN
PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium
griseiceps)
FERRUGINOUS
PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium
brasilianum)
MOTTLED OWL
(Ciccaba virgata)
STRIPED OWL
(Pseudoscops clamator)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK
(Chordeiles acutipennis)
COMMON PAURAQUE
(Nyctidromus albicollis)
DUSKY NIGHTJAR
(Caprimulgus saturatus)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT
(Chaetura vauxi)
COSTA RICAN SWIFT
(Chaetura fumosa)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT
(Chaetura cinereiventris)
LESSER
SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila
cayennensis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
BAND-TAILED
BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri)
GREEN HERMIT
(Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT
(Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED
HERMIT (Phaethornis
striigularis)
GREEN-FRONTED
LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae)
BROWN VIOLETEAR
(Colibri delphinae)
GREEN VIOLETEAR
(Colibri thalassinus)
PURPLE-CROWNED
FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
GREEN-BREASTED
MANGO (Anthracothorax
prevostii) [N]
GREEN THORNTAIL
(Discosura conversii)
BLACK-CRESTED
COQUETTE (Lophornis helenae)
GREEN-CROWNED
BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
MAGNIFICENT
HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
PLAIN-CAPPED
STARTHROAT (Heliomaster
constantii)
FIERY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe
insignis)
WHITE-BELLIED
MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis
hemileucus)
PURPLE-THROATED
MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis
calolaemus)
WHITE-THROATED
MOUNTAIN-GEM (GRAY-TAILED) (Lampornis
castaneoventris cinereicauda)
MAGENTA-THROATED
WOODSTAR (Calliphlox bryantae)
RUBY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus
colubris)
VOLCANO
HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus
flammula)
SCINTILLANT
HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus
scintilla)
CANIVET'S EMERALD
(Chlorostilbon canivetii)
VIOLET-HEADED
HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)
SCALY-BREASTED
HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa
cuvierii)
VIOLET SABREWING
(Campylopterus hemileucurus)
BRONZE-TAILED
PLUMELETEER (Chalybura
urochrysia)
VIOLET-CROWNED
WOODNYMPH (Thalurania
colombica)
STRIPE-TAILED
HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa eximia)
BLACK-BELLIED
HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa
nigriventris)
COPPERY-HEADED
EMERALD (Elvira cupreiceps)
[E]
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata)
MANGROVE
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia
boucardi) [E]
STEELY-VENTED
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia
saucerrottei)
RUFOUS-TAILED
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
CINNAMON
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
BLUE-THROATED
GOLDENTAIL (Hylocharis
eliciae)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) [N]
SLATY-TAILED
TROGON (Trogon massena)
BLACK-HEADED
TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)
BAIRD'S TROGON
(Trogon bairdii)
GARTERED TROGON
(Trogon caligatus)
BLACK-THROATED
TROGON (Trogon rufus)
ORANGE-BELLIED
TROGON (Trogon
aurantiiventris)
COLLARED TROGON
(Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
Several
Blue-crowned Motmots were regulars at the feeders outside
the Fonda Vela's dining room windows. (Photo by guide
Megan Crewe)
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (LESSON'S) (Momotus coeruliceps lessonii)
RUFOUS MOTMOT
(Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED
MOTMOT (Electron
platyrhynchum)
TURQUOISE-BROWED
MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER
(Megaceryle alcyon)
AMAZON KINGFISHER
(Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER
(Chloroceryle americana)
AMERICAN PYGMY
KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle
aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
PIED PUFFBIRD
(Notharchus tectus)
WHITE-WHISKERED
PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila
panamensis)
WHITE-FRONTED
NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED)
(Aulacorhynchus prasinus
caeruleogularis)
COLLARED ARACARI
(Pteroglossus torquatus)
BLACK-MANDIBLED
TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos
ambiguus swainsonii)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN
(Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
GOLDEN-NAPED
WOODPECKER (Melanerpes
chrysauchen)
BLACK-CHEEKED
WOODPECKER (Melanerpes
pucherani)
HOFFMANN'S
WOODPECKER (Melanerpes
hoffmannii)
YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius)
SMOKY-BROWN
WOODPECKER (Picoides
fumigatus)
HAIRY WOODPECKER
(Picoides villosus)
RUFOUS-WINGED
WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex)
GOLDEN-OLIVE
WOODPECKER (Colaptes
rubiginosus)
CINNAMON
WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
CHESTNUT-COLORED
WOODPECKER (Celeus castaneus)
LINEATED
WOODPECKER (Dryocopus
lineatus)
PALE-BILLED
WOODPECKER (Campephilus
guatemalensis)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus)
SCALY-THROATED
LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus
guatemalensis)
GRAY-THROATED
LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus
albigularis)
SLATY SPINETAIL
(Synallaxis brachyura)
RED-FACED
SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca
erythrops)
SPOTTED BARBTAIL
(Premnoplex brunnescens)
RUDDY TREERUNNER
(Margarornis rubiginosus)
LINEATED
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla
subalaris)
STRIPED
WOODHAUNTER (Hyloctistes
subulatus)
BUFF-THROATED
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (HYPOPHAEUS) (Automolus
ochrolaemus hypophaeus)
BUFF-THROATED
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (EXSERTUS) (Automolus
ochrolaemus exsertus)
PLAIN XENOPS
(Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS
(Xenops rutilans)
PLAIN-BROWN
WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla
fuliginosa)
OLIVACEOUS
WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus
griseicapillus)
LONG-TAILED
WOODCREEPER (Deconychura
longicauda)
Among the many
high altitude specialties we found was this handsome male
Sooty Thrush -- one of what seemed to be zillions that
live along the Continental Divide. (Photo by guide Megan
Crewe)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN
BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes
sanctithomae)
BLACK-BANDED
WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes
picumnus)
COCOA WOODCREEPER
(Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
BLACK-STRIPED
WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus
lachrymosus)
SPOTTED
WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus
erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED
WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes
souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED
WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes
affinis)
BROWN-BILLED
SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus
pusillus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE
(Thamnophilus doliatus)
WESTERN
SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus
atrinucha)
BLACK-HOODED
ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus
bridgesi)
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE
(Thamnistes anabatinus)
PLAIN ANTVIREO
(Dysithamnus mentalis)
STREAK-CROWNED
ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus
striaticeps)
CHECKER-THROATED
ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla
fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN
(Myrmotherula schisticolor)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN
(Microrhopias quixensis)
RUFOUS-RUMPED
ANTWREN (Terenura callinota)
DUSKY ANTBIRD
(Cercomacra tyrannina)
CHESTNUT-BACKED
ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul)
DULL-MANTLED
ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza
laemosticta)
IMMACULATE ANTBIRD
(Myrmeciza immaculata)
SPOTTED ANTBIRD
(Hylophylax naevioides)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Ornithion semiflavum) [*]
SOUTHERN
BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma
obsoletum) [*]
YELLOW TYRANNULET
(Capsiempis flaveola)
GREENISH ELAENIA
(Myiopagis viridicata)
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)
BLACK-CAPPED
PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis
atricapillus)
SCALE-CRESTED
PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus
pileatus)
NORTHERN BENTBILL
(Oncostoma cinereigulare)
SLATE-HEADED
TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus
sylvia)
COMMON
TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum
cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED
TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum
nigriceps)
EYE-RINGED
FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus
brevirostris)
YELLOW-OLIVE
FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias
sulphurescens)
YELLOW-MARGINED
FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias
assimilis) [*]
STUB-TAILED
SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus
cancrominus)
WHITE-THROATED
SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus
mystaceus)
GOLDEN-CROWNED
SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus
coronatus)
ROYAL FLYCATCHER
(NORTHERN) (Onychorhynchus
coronatus mexicanus) [N]
RUDDY-TAILED
FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus
erythrurus)
TAWNY-CHESTED
FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus
capitalis)
TUFTED FLYCATCHER
(Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
DARK PEWEE
(Contopus lugubris)
OCHRACEOUS PEWEE
(Contopus ochraceus)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE
(Contopus virens)
TROPICAL PEWEE
(Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
flaviventris)
WHITE-THROATED
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
albigularis)
YELLOWISH
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
flavescens)
BLACK-CAPPED
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
atriceps)
BLACK PHOEBE
(Sayornis nigricans)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT
(Colonia colonus)
BRIGHT-RUMPED
ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
RUFOUS MOURNER
(Rhytipterna holerythra)
DUSKY-CAPPED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
tuberculifer)
PANAMA FLYCATCHER
(Myiarchus panamensis)
NUTTING'S
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
nuttingi)
GREAT CRESTED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
crinitus)
BROWN-CRESTED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
tyrannulus)
GREAT KISKADEE
(Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED
FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus
pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER
(Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED
FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes
granadensis)
WHITE-RINGED
FLYCATCHER (Conopias
albovittatus)
GOLDEN-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes
hemichrysus)
STREAKED
FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes
maculatus)
SULPHUR-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes
luteiventris)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER
(Legatus leucophaius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD
(Tyrannus melancholicus)
SCISSOR-TAILED
FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus
forficatus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
Costa Rica's
avifauna includes some truly stunning tanagers. This is
the Spangle-cheeked Tanager, a highland vision in peach,
pale blue, and black. (Photo by guide Megan Crewe)
RUFOUS PIHA (Lipaugus unirufus)
THREE-WATTLED
BELLBIRD (Procnias
tricarunculatus)
YELLOW-BILLED
COTINGA (Carpodectes antoniae)
SNOWY COTINGA
(Carpodectes nitidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera)
BLUE-CROWNED
MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
WHITE-COLLARED
MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
ORANGE-COLLARED
MANAKIN (Manacus aurantiacus)
LONG-TAILED
MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis)
WHITE-CROWNED
MANAKIN (Pipra pipra)
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN
(Pipra mentalis)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA
(Tityra semifasciata)
THRUSH-LIKE
SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis
turdina)
BARRED BECARD
(Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD
(Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) [N]
WHITE-WINGED
BECARD (Pachyramphus
polychopterus)
ROSE-THROATED
BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
MANGROVE VIREO (Vireo pallens)
YELLOW-THROATED
VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
YELLOW-WINGED
VIREO (Vireo carmioli)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO
(Vireo leucophrys) [N]
PHILADELPHIA VIREO
(Vireo philadelphicus)
RED-EYED VIREO
(Vireo olivaceus)
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO
(Vireo flavoviridis)
TAWNY-CROWNED
GREENLET (Hylophilus
ochraceiceps)
LESSER GREENLET
(Hylophilus decurtatus)
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO
(Vireolanius pulchellus)
RUFOUS-BROWED
PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis
gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
SILVERY-THROATED JAY (Cyanolyca argentigula)
WHITE-THROATED
MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa)
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)
BANK SWALLOW
(Riparia riparia)
BARN SWALLOW
(Hirundo rustica)
CLIFF SWALLOW
(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN
(Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
BLACK-BELLIED WREN
(Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED
WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)
BLACK-THROATED
WREN (Pheugopedius
atrogularis)
BANDED WREN
(Thryophilus pleurostictus)
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE
WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
STRIPE-BREASTED
WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus)
PLAIN WREN
(Cantorchilus modestus)
PLAIN WREN
(CANEBRAKE) (Cantorchilus
modestus zeledoni)
RIVERSIDE WREN
(Cantorchilus semibadius)
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
HOUSE WREN
(Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN
(Troglodytes ochraceus)
TIMBERLINE WREN
(Thryorchilus browni)
WHITE-BREASTED
WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina
leucosticta)
GRAY-BREASTED
WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina
leucophrys)
NIGHTINGALE WREN
(Microcerculus philomela)
SCALY-BREASTED
WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus
marginatus luscinia)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris)
LONG-BILLED
GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus
melanurus)
WHITE-LORED
GNATCATCHER (Polioptila
albiloris)
TROPICAL
GNATCATCHER (Polioptila
plumbea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops)
BLACK-BILLED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
gracilirostris)
ORANGE-BILLED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
aurantiirostris)
SLATY-BACKED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
fuscater)
RUDDY-CAPPED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
frantzii)
BLACK-HEADED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
mexicanus)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH
(Catharus ustulatus)
WOOD THRUSH
(Hylocichla mustelina)
SOOTY THRUSH
(Turdus nigrescens)
MOUNTAIN THRUSH
(Turdus plebejus)
CLAY-COLORED
THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
WHITE-THROATED
THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Ptilogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER
(Phainoptila melanoxantha)
LONG-TAILED
SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptilogonys
caudatus) [N]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla)
NORTHERN
WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia
noveboracensis)
GOLDEN-WINGED
WARBLER (Vermivora
chrysoptera)
BLACK-AND-WHITE
WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
FLAME-THROATED
WARBLER (Oreothlypis
gutturalis)
TENNESSEE WARBLER
(Oreothlypis peregrina)
GRAY-CROWNED
YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis
poliocephala)
MOURNING WARBLER
(Geothlypis philadelphia)
The sun sets on
another gorgeous day in paradise. (Photo by guide Megan
Crewe)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa)
OLIVE-CROWNED
YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis
semiflava)
AMERICAN REDSTART
(Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA
(Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN
WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER
(Setophaga petechia)
YELLOW WARBLER
(MANGROVE) (Setophaga petechia
erithachorides)
CHESTNUT-SIDED
WARBLER (Setophaga
pensylvanica)
BLACK-THROATED
GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga
virens)
RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLER (Basileuterus
rufifrons)
BLACK-CHEEKED
WARBLER (Basileuterus
melanogenys)
GOLDEN-CROWNED
WARBLER (Basileuterus
culicivorus)
THREE-STRIPED
WARBLER (Basileuterus
tristriatus)
BUFF-RUMPED
WARBLER (Myiothlypis
fulvicauda)
CANADA WARBLER
(Cardellina canadensis)
WILSON'S WARBLER
(Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED
REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
COLLARED REDSTART
(Myioborus torquatus)
WRENTHRUSH
(Zeledonia coronata)
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba
flaveola)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas)
WHITE-THROATED
SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio
leucothorax)
WHITE-SHOULDERED
TANAGER (Tachyphonus
luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED
TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
WHITE-LINED
TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED
TANAGER (Ramphocelus
sanguinolentus)
PASSERINI'S
TANAGER (Ramphocelus
passerinii)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER
(Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER
(Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-AND-GOLD
TANAGER (Bangsia arcaei)
EMERALD TANAGER
(Tangara florida)
SILVER-THROATED
TANAGER (Tangara
icterocephala)
SPECKLED TANAGER
(Tangara guttata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER
(Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-HOODED
TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
SPANGLE-CHEEKED
TANAGER (Tangara dowii)
SCARLET-THIGHED
DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
BLUE DACNIS
(Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER
(Chlorophanes spiza)
SHINING
HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes
lucidus)
RED-LEGGED
HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes
cyaneus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR
(Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED
SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED
SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
SLATE-COLORED
GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and
Allies)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER
(Sporophila corvina)
WHITE-COLLARED
SEEDEATER (Sporophila
torqueola)
NICARAGUAN
SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus
nuttingi)
THICK-BILLED
SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus
funereus)
YELLOW-FACED
GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
SLATY
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
plumbea)
YELLOW-THIGHED
FINCH (Pselliophorus tibialis)
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH
(Pezopetes capitalis)
SOOTY-FACED FINCH
(Arremon crassirostris)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED
BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon
brunneinucha)
ORANGE-BILLED
SPARROW (Arremon
aurantiirostris)
OLIVE SPARROW
(Arremonops rufivirgatus)
BLACK-STRIPED
SPARROW (Arremonops
conirostris)
WHITE-NAPED
BRUSH-FINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes
albinucha gutturalis)
WHITE-EARED
GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone
leucotis)
PREVOST'S
GROUND-SPARROW (CABANIS'S) (Melozone
biarcuata cabanisi)
STRIPE-HEADED
SPARROW (Peucaea ruficauda)
RUFOUS-COLLARED
SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
VOLCANO JUNCO
(Junco vulcani)
COMMON
BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus
ophthalmicus)
SOOTY-CAPPED
BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus
pileatus)
ASHY-THROATED
BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus
canigularis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
SUMMER TANAGER
(Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER
(Piranga olivacea)
FLAME-COLORED
TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
WHITE-WINGED
TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
[N]
RED-THROATED
ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER
(Chlorothraupis carmioli)
BLACK-FACED
GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes
poliogaster)
BLACK-THIGHED
GROSBEAK (Pheucticus tibialis)
ROSE-BREASTED
GROSBEAK (Pheucticus
ludovicianus)
BLUE-BLACK
GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa
cyanoides)
BLUE GROSBEAK
(Passerina caerulea)
PAINTED BUNTING
(Passerina ciris)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
RED-BREASTED
BLACKBIRD (Sturnella
militaris)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK
(Sturnella magna)
MELODIOUS
BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED
GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
SHINY COWBIRD
(Molothrus bonariensis)
BRONZED COWBIRD
(Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD
(Molothrus oryzivorus)
BLACK-COWLED
ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
(Icterus galbula)
YELLOW-BILLED
CACIQUE (Amblycercus
holosericeus)
SCARLET-RUMPED
CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus
uropygialis microrhynchus)
CHESTNUT-HEADED
OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius
wagleri)
MONTEZUMA
OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius
montezuma)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and
Allies)
SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis)
YELLOW-CROWNED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia
luteicapilla)
YELLOW-THROATED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia
hirundinacea)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA
(Euphonia elegantissima)
OLIVE-BACKED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
WHITE-VENTED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
TAWNY-CAPPED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
GOLDEN-BROWED
CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia
callophrys)
YELLOW-BELLIED
SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
LONG-NOSED BAT
(Rhynchonycteris naso)
MANTLED HOWLER
MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
WHITE-THROATED
CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN
SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles
geoffroyi)
HOFFMANN'S
TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus
hoffmanni)
BROWN-THROATED
THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus
variegatus)
VARIEGATED
SQUIRREL (Sciurus
variegatoides)
RED-TAILED
SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
DUSKY RICE RAT
(Melanomys caliginosus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN
AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
NORTHERN RACCOON
(Procyon lotor)
WHITE-NOSED COATI
(Nasua narica)
GREATER GRISON
(Galictis vittata)
COLLARED PECCARY
(Tayassu tajacu)
Marine (Cane) Toad (Bufo marinus) - These were the gigantic
toads hopping around near the kitchen gardens at Rancho
Naturalista, and along the paths at Villa Lapas.
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio) - These
tiny rainforest frogs enchanted early in our first day at La
Selva, when we found a few singing along one of the paths.
Green and Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) -
Those in Kevin's group found one of these handsome frogs
en-route to the Carara manakin pools.
American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) - Some of the
specimens lurking below the bridge across the Rio Tarcoles
were truly monsters -- and the cattle venturing down to the
river for a drink were certainly tredding carefully!
Black River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys funereal) - This was the
turtle snoozing in the middle of the stream along the path
near La Selva's soccer field.
Meso-American Slider (Trachemys venusta) - Another of the
turtles seen at Carara, this one in the big river below the
suspension bridge.
Fer-de-lance or Central American Lancehead (Bothrops asper) -
We spotted a huge one along the trail out to the arboretum at
La Selva -- in the dark, which made the rest of the walk out
there a bit creepy!
Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) - Dozens
patrolled the walls at La Quinta (and elsewhere), and their
distinctive calls were a regular part of the tour soundtrack
on many evenings.
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) - A big green male rested in a
tree near the big suspension bridge at La Selva.
Common Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) - A few along the
trails at
Carara.
Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) - Several seen,
including a little one that scampered across a stream at La
Selva, showing just why one folkname for the species is the
"Jesus Lizard".
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosuara similis) - These were
the big gray and black, spiny-backed iguanas we found in
several places along Carara's Meandrico trail.
Central American Whiptail (Ameiva festiva) - These slender,
speedy lizards were fairly common in rainforest leaf litter,
especially on the Caribbean slope.
Totals for the tour: 509 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa