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Fabulous shot by co-leader, Doug Hitchcox, of this Chiriqui Highland endemic, Volcano Junco. It was a very successful tour for regional endemics as you will see in the triplist below.
What is the perfect tour? A combination of lots of birds, wildlife experiences, good food, comfortable lodging, low stress, and, most importantly, fun people to share it all with. I would say, then, that this was the perfect tour.
It all started in the lovely garden grounds of Hotel Bougainvillea with good looks at Red-billed Pigeon, a Lesson's Motmot, and a pair of White-eared Ground-Sparrows kicking around in the compost. We headed up into the highlands, crossing the Continental Divide for the first time, then birded two very productive sites at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Sinchona (really just a roadside coffee shop with incredible feeder action). La Paz Waterfall introduced us to the amazing action available to us at hummingbird feeders in Costa Rica. We then headed down into the hot (and wet!) humid lowlands near La Selva Biological Station where we were based for three nights. Despite dodging rain showers most days we enjoyed excellent birding on the paved trails with Collared Peccaries wandering around and three species of primates in the trees above. We visited a small oasis of habitat at Cope's place which was like entering another dimension, albeit quite green. Not only did he have White-tipped Sicklebill visiting Heliconia flowers and Collared Aracaris eating bananas from his feeders, he had a sloth in his yard! Incredible place and go figure that any us would have thought it possible as we turned right off the main highway passing the junkyard in the process.
We climbed out of the lowlands and crossed the Continental Divide, dropping down into the San Jose Valley, then climbing again into the Pacific highlands and eventually to comfortable Savegre Lodge. Being based here for two nights allowed us to explore the crisp pine-oak woodlands. This was sure a change in temperature from our previous three nights in the Caribbean lowlands. We focused on several Chiriqui Highland endemics including Collared Redstart, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, and Sulphur-winged Parakeets, but the real show stopper for most was the Resplendent Quetzal. Revered by the Mayans, and for obvious reasons, this is a stunner. We enjoyed multiple looks at several pairs including males showing off their long "tails" which are actually the upper-tail coverts. Splendid! Night birding was also fun here, as was birding the elfin forest in the fog and cold at Cerro de La Muerte. As we headed down into the hot Pacific lowlands, we made a quick stop at Tolomuco for memorable views of the tiny White-crested Coquette feeding on verbena flowers.
Now we were on the Pacific side. The birding on this side offered new possibilities and it didn't disappoint. Carara NP was packed full of birds in mixed-species flocks. "Look, over there, a male Black-hooded Antshrike. Wait, above the green light, that's a Tawny-crowned Greenlet. Oh my goodness, it's a Green Shrike-Vireo just meters off the trail!" Yep, I think I actually said all that. And so it went, Riverside Wren along the river (no surprise there) at the hotel, Spectacled Owl calling over the cabins, Bare-throated Tiger-Herons everywhere on the Tarcoles River, and White-throated Magpie-Jays making a ruckus. And don't forget all those cool scorpions we found on our critter walk. However, as is often the case, maybe the most memorable aspect of this part of the trip was non-avian: the incredible sunsets we experienced on two different evenings.
Thanks again to this super group and to Doug Hitchcox for putting it all together and doing a great job co-leading with me. I look forward to our next adventure together. Also, we can't leave out our excellent local guides at La Selva (Tavo and Jaime), Cope, and our expert driver, Luis. Have a great (and birdy) 2020.
Pura Vide, Mae!
Jesse aka Mot (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) – Amazing looks at one just feet from the edge of the trail at Carara NP.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
SLATY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Crypturellus boucardi) [*]
And here they are! A most excellent group from Maine Audubon; I thoroughly enjoyed being with you all in Costa Rica. This photo, taken by guide Jesse Fagan, was made in the pine-oak forest above the lovely Savegre Lodge.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Large concentrations along the Tarcoles River. Good to see such high numbers of the wild variety.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) – No hunting pressure at La Selva where they were quite common.
BLACK GUAN (Chamaepetes unicolor) – One was perched near the visitor center feeders at La Paz Waterfall. You will not get a better look! A Chiriqui Highland Endemic. [E]
GREAT CURASSOW (Crax rubra) – Amazing experience having this large cracid walking around the research quarters at La Selva. I have seen this before (like at Tikal NP) where there is protected pristine forest and no hunting pressure.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BUFFY-CROWNED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx leucophrys) [*]
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus guttatus) [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris) – These were common on the grounds at Hotel Bougainvillea in Santo Domingo.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – Hundreds in big flocks in the oak forest above Savegre Lodge.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) – "Who cooks for you?" No, not a Barred Owl!
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii)
BUFF-FRONTED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon costaricensis) – A very difficult bird to see. We lucked out at Sinchona with a pair of birds (an adult and juvenile) visiting the area below the feeders. Incredible. Sometimes called Costa Rican Quail-Dove. [E]
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – The ani species seen on the Pacific Slope.
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Our driver, Luis, spotted this for us. We were all scanning the trees for a long time before he calmly pointed up to it.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Always difficult to find and see well, but we had great luck with this singing Sooty-faced Finch at La Selva Waterfall. Photo by co-leader Doug Hitchcox.
DUSKY NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus saturatus) – Feeding under the lights near Savegre Lodge. [E]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
COSTA RICAN SWIFT (Chaetura fumosa) – We saw this Pacific lowland endemic (found only in CR and W Panama) at a quick gas stop just before the major African Palm oil plantations. [E]
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) – A super rare bird that we lucked out on, having fantastic perched and feeding views at Cope's place. Almost seems like cheating!
BRONZY HERMIT (Glaucis aeneus) – A good bird. Seen a couple of times in the forest at La Selva.
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri) – Another good bird, unpredictable in its movements and whereabouts, seen feeding on Heliconia flowers near the reception area of La Selva.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – Neat bird, especially the long-tailed males, seen at the La Paz waterfalls.
WHITE-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis adorabilis) – Phenomenal. The male coquette feeding on the purple verbena was memorable. A Pacific lowland endemic to CR and W Panama. [E]
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
TALAMANCA HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes spectabilis) – A recent split of Magnificent Hummingbird resulted in two species, Rivoli's and Talamanca. Talamanca is endemic to the Chiriqui Highlands. [E]
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis) – Close encounters with this Chiriqui Highland endemic at Paraiso Quetzal. [E]
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus) – This genus, Lampornis, is found only in the Central American highlands.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus)
WHITE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (GRAY-TAILED) (Lampornis castaneoventris cinereicauda) – Endemic to the Chiriqui HIghlands. Seen well at Tolomuco. [E]
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula) – This tiny hummingbird was seen at Paraiso Quetzal. Found at higher elevations than the next species, also there are subtle morphological differences between the two species = gorget color. [E]
SCINTILLANT HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus scintilla) [E]
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii)
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
Another extremely good bird seen that first day was this immature (notice the fine buffy scaling) Buff-fronted Quail-Dove. Another crisp photo by co-leader Doug Hitchcox.
STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa eximia)
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris) – Incredible views at the La Paz feeders. [E]
WHITE-TAILED EMERALD (Elvira chionura) – The number of individuals at Tolomuco was impressive. A bird that otherwise can be extremely difficult to catch up to. Found in CR and W Panama. [E]
COPPERY-HEADED EMERALD (Elvira cupreiceps) – This Costa Rican endemic was seen well and in good numbers at the La Paz Waterfall feeders. [E]
BLUE-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia hoffmanni)
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
BLUE-THROATED GOLDENTAIL (Hylocharis eliciae) – Lots singing mid-canopy at Carara NP. We were able to spot one or two.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus) – This was a lifer for everyone and a "most-wanted" bird for a few folks. Thankfully, our boatman, Bryan, knew where to look for them. Seen along the sandbar on the Tarcoles River (next to the big croc!).
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – Another great bird seen near the thick-knees. There was a pair, so almost certainly they are nesting here.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
How about this splash of color? It doesn't get much better than this photo of a male Red-headed Barbet taken by client Lewis Purinton.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – Good numbers and great looks along the Tarcoles River. We called one up and heard it do its Tiger growling call.
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)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) – These were all along the Tarcoles River; both adults and immatures.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Good spotting by our group to find several birds day-roosting in the mangroves.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Doug and a few others had this one afternoon at the hotel.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – A cool bird to find. We lucked out during one roadside stop, finding it perched. A fairly recent South American resident slowly moving its way north. Now all the way up to El Salvador and Honduras.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
We found these Honduran White Bats hiding out in a Cecropia leaf deep within the lush lowland Caribbean forest. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) [*]
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – We had a couple soaring over the forest in La Selva, but better looks at one perched high up in the canopy.
COMMON BLACK HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus subtilis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – A good find was this species during our boat trip along the Tarcoles River.
SEMIPLUMBEOUS HAWK (Leucopternis semiplumbeus) – Wow. Amazing looks at La Selva of this rare forest raptor.
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – Doug spotted this one during our famous roadside stop. I think we counted five new raptor species in a period of 10 minutes.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)
Strigidae (Owls)
MIDDLE AMERICAN SCREECH-OWL (VERMICULATED) (Megascops guatemalae vermiculatus) – Awesome to find this on a day roost at La Selva!
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – A pair were on the grounds at the Tarcoles hotel.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – Memorable experience with a pair in the pine-oak forest above Savegre. We ended up seeing several more on our walk down the mountain. Fantastico!
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)
BLACK-HEADED TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)
BAIRD'S TROGON (Trogon bairdii) – Endemic to the Pacific lowlands of CR and W Panama. We saw one very well in the dry forest at Carara NP. [E]
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
Despite my namesake being Motmot (Turquoise-browed), it is a handsome bird! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa) – Easily the coolest bird of all time! One of my favorites. ;-)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis) – We had long scope views of this sit-and-wait predator along the trail at Carara NP.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – Seen well at La Selva and again at Carara NP.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – The males are striking. They were visiting the fruit feeders at La Paz and Sinchona.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii) – This Chiriqui HIghland endemic was seen near the reception area at La Paz waterfall. Its call is very distinctive. [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
FIERY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus frantzii) – Seen in the Pacific lowlands around Tarcoles including the grounds of our hotel. Endemic to the Pacific slope of CR and W Panama. [E]
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii) – One of our first new birds of the tour. Seen on the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea. Endemic to the Pacific Coast of Middle America.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Dryobates villosus)
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) [*]
CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus castaneus) – A nice looking woodpecker seen in the humid forest at La Selva.
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex) – Another good woodpecker seen at La Selva. Endemic to Central America.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) [*]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
SLATY-BACKED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mirandollei) – An immature was seen perched mid-canopy during our walk in La Selva. This is a rare forest raptor. A good one to see!
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
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)
YELLOW-NAPED PARROT (Amazona auropalliata) [*]
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni) – This species is a Chiriqui Highland endemic. There were large, loud flocks flying around at Savegre. [E]
One of the highlights from our visit to Cope's place was this White-tipped Sicklebill captured nicely by client Lewis Purinton.
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Eupsittula nana astec)
ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula canicularis)
GREAT GREEN MACAW (Ara ambiguus) – It was great seeing free-flying macaws over the primary forest at La Selva. We watched one pair near a nest cavity.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – Good numbers over the forest at Carara NP and seen on our boat ride along the Tarcoles River. This species has been extirpated from most of its Pacific habitat, so nice to see them relatively common here.
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) [*]
BLACK-HOODED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bridgesi) – A Pacific lowland endemic. We had nice looks at several pairs along the trail at Carara NP. [E]
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – Always good to see this one; often with army ant swarms. We called up a responsive one in the forest at Carara NP.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) – The most common woodcreeper on both slopes.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – Seen in the pine-oak highlands at Savegre.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAK-BREASTED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes rufobrunneus) – This Chiriqui Highland endemic was seen near dark just before out owling at Savegre. [E]
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
RUDDY TREERUNNER (Margarornis rubiginosus) – One too briefly at La Paz waterfall. [E]
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
Another nice photo of the group including our local guide, Tavo, at La Selva Biological Station. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Pipridae (Manakins)
LONG-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis) [*]
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
ORANGE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus aurantiacus) – We were very close to a lek on the trail at Carara NP. You could hear the snaps! A few folks saw the male displaying. [E]
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
RUFOUS PIHA (Lipaugus unirufus)
SNOWY COTINGA (Carpodectes nitidus) – A very good bird to find! We had two lucky encounters with this species. Endemic to Central America.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – This small flycatcher with the flattop crest was seen at La Paz Waterfall as part of a mixed-species flock.
NORTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma cinereigulare) [*]
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia) [*]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – The small flycatcher with a big voice. One was actually quite low (a canopy bird normally) and showed well at La Selva.
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – Good numbers in the forest at Carara NP.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) [*]
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
MISTLETOE TYRANNULET (Zimmerius parvus) – A common species in the Caribbean lowlands. This was the mistletoe obligate that feeds on the berries and helps spread the parasitic plant with its sticky poo.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – It was neat for the Maine folks to see this species on its wintering grounds.
What a shot by client Robert Scheibel of the recently split, Talamanca Hummingbird, now a Chiriqui Highland endemic. This was part of the Magnificent Hummingbird split that happened a few years back.
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps) – Good looks at this Chiriqui Highland endemic at Savegre. [E]
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) – This one is fairly range restricted from CR to Colombia. Seen in the Tarcoles area.
NUTTING'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus nuttingi) – Another good Myiarchus seen in the Tarcoles area. Endemic to Middle America from Mexico to CR.
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
WHITE-RINGED FLYCATCHER (Conopias albovittatus) – It had been years since I saw this species. Very similar to the other yellow-bellied type flycatchers, but the call is distinctive. Likes tall forest where it perches in the canopy. Seen at La Selva.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – I was blown away when this canopy species decided to make its way down to just a few meters above the ground. Otherwise it is normally just a heard only bird (remember, it sounds like a Tufted Titmouse).
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
YELLOW-WINGED VIREO (Vireo carmioli) – A Chiriqui Highland endemic seen at Savegre. [E]
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa) – Always cool to see this species. Endemic to the hot Pacific lowlands from Southern Mexico to CR.
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
Another amazing hummingbird was this White-crested Coquette feeding on verbena flowers. Photo by client Lewis Purinton.
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus) – This tiny arboreal wren was seen at La Paz Waterfall. It was our only encounter. A Chiriqui Highland endemic. [E]
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni) – A bit difficult in the cold rain and fog at Cerro de La Muerte. [E]
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)
CABANIS'S WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) – Heard at the Bougainvillea Hotel, but we finally saw one in the Wasimo area. A recent split of Plain Wren.
RIVERSIDE WREN (Cantorchilus semibadius) – Restricted to the Pacific lowlands of CR and W Panama. Seen on the grounds of our hotel. [E]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops) – The lovely song was heard in the pine-oak forest at Savegre. It was also seen a few times. [E]
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris) [E*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater)
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – We found one dead on the trail in Carara NP.
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina)
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus)
The highlands around Savegre were great to us. How many quetzals did we count? At least seven different individuals, including this male. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens) – Common in the highlands around Savegre. Another Chiriqui Highland endemic. [E]
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys caudatus) – Endemic to the highlands of CR and W Panama. Seen well at Savegre Lodge.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis) – Seen in the Wimbow area in the hot Pacific lowlands near Tarcoles.
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – The "deet-deet" call was heard a lot at La Selva and again in the Carara area.
SPOT-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia imitans)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus)
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus) – Seen a few times at Savegre Lodge. [E]
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris) – Seen nicely near the aviary at La Paz Waterfall.
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani) – We lucked out finding this highland endemic in the fog and cold at Cerro de La Muerte. [E]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis) – Good looks at this highland endemic at Paraiso Quetzal. [E]
WHITE-EARED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone leucotis) – I was super excited to find this special bird in the compost at Hotel Bougainvillea.
YELLOW-THIGHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes tibialis) – Wow... look at those thighs! [E]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus)
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius) [*]
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – The waterthrushes sort out on their wintering grounds like they do on their breeding grounds. Louisiana almost always along swift moving streams or rivers and Northern on still waters.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – Always nice to see this species. We had a male at La Paz Waterfall and a female in Carara NP.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis) [*]
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Leiothlypis peregrina) [E*]
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) – Several folks were happy to see this species. We had a couple in the understory at La Selva and one again in Carara NP.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)
Does this look like a Red-tailed Hawk from where you live? Not unless you live in Costa Rica. Photo by co-leader Doug Hitchcox.
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
YELLOW WARBLER (MANGROVE) (Setophaga petechia erithachorides) – A distinctive looking subspecies; males with all chestnut heads. Seen in the mangroves on the Tarcoles River.
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus) – A striking warbler that we saw well in the pine-oak forest at Savegre. A Chiriqui Highland endemic. [E]
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) [*]
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda) – They visited the fruit feeders at our hotel near La Selva.
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes poliogaster) – A big group passed through the research quarters at La Selva during a rain storm.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – Always nice to see this one. We had several visiting feeders at La Paz and Sinchona.
SCARLET-RUMPED TANAGER (PASSERINI'S) (Ramphocelus passerinii passerinii) – Seen on the Caribbean side. The real difference in plumage is with the females.
SCARLET-RUMPED TANAGER (CHERRIE'S) (Ramphocelus passerinii costaricensis) – On the Pacific side.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Stilpnia larvata)
SPANGLE-CHEEKED TANAGER (Tangara dowii)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
In this photo, Gail Presley captured the beauty of the Tarcoles River and surrounding forest.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea) – Seen at La Paz Waterfall, but it was pretty common on the grounds of Savegre Lodge. [E]
PEG-BILLED FINCH (Acanthidops bairdi) – Awesome bird! A lifer for Jesse. This one is endemic to CR and Panama where it is low density and rare, restricted to highland bamboo patches. [E]
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
MORELET'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila morelleti)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
MAMMALS
LESSER WHITE-LINED BAT (Saccopteryx leptura) – Seen in the small shelter during our rainstorm at La Selva.
HONDURAN WHITE BAT (Ectophylla alba)
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – The species in Cope's yard.
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
MONTANE SQUIRREL (Syntheosciurus brochus) – A pair were seen in the pine-oak forest at Savegre. This is the medium-sized highland squirrel in Costa Rica, but doesn't have a red tail!
MEXICAN HAIRY PORCUPINE (Coendou mexicanus) – Very cool finding this species in the parking lot at Carara NP.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
COYOTE (Canis latrans) [*]
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu) – Good numbers in the forest at La Selva.
Herps
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
GREEN BASILISK (Basiliscus plumifrons) – Seen a few times including during our night walk at La Selva.
EYELASH VIPER (Bothriechis schlegelii) – Listed because we found a nice specimen (recently killed) on the trail at La Selva.
AMERICAN CROCODILE (Crocodylus acutus)
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus) – A small individual during our night walk at La Selva.
STRAWBERRY POISON DART FROG (Dendrobates pumilio) – Seen a few times in the forest at La Selva and again during our walk with Cope.
COMMON TINK FROG (Eleutherodactylus diastema) [*]
The perfect way to end our tour: a beautiful sunset over the Tarcoles Bay, looking out at the Pacific Ocean. Thank you for such a great tour! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
CANE TOAD (Rhinella marina) [*]
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Tome's Spiny Rat (Proechimys semispinosus) = A few of us at the front of the line saw this species in a tree hollow during our night walk in La Selva.
Totals for the tour: 366 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa