A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
COSTA RICA 2024
March 9-24, 2024 with Megan Edwards Crewe, Vernon Campos, and Alex Sundvall guiding
Costa Rica has long been high on the list of places birders most want to go. And after spending over two weeks exploring the country, it is very easy to see why! With incredible bird and animal diversity, remarkably scenic parks, huge swaths of protected lands, and comfortable accommodations: this is truly a birder's paradise. During our brief time in the country, we saw over 450 species of birds across all seven Costa Rican provinces. We had such incredible experiences with so many birds, and this can really be seen when looking at our favorite birds for the trip. There was no one overwhelming favorite among the group, in fact 27 different species showed up in our lists! Golden-browed Cholorophonia and Sunbittern tied for 1st place and Turquoise Cotinga was the only other bird with more than two votes. Everyone else had unique favorite birds. Even what many would consider the star bird of Costa Rica, the Resplendent Quetzal, didn't make the top 3 despite having a breathtaking experience with a stunning male! Just goes to show how truly special the birds of Costa Rica are!
From Megan, Vernon, myself, and all of us here at Field Guides, we thank you for choosing us for your Costa Rican Adventure. You all were such a respectful and patient group and we thank you for making the trip a great one. We hope to see you on the birding trail again soon!
We covered a ton of ground during our visit of this beautiful country: here is a breakdown of our day to day travels.
Day 1: Our first day we dipped our toes in to Costa Rican birding walking around the beautiful grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea. Their extensive gardens are a haven for birds in the bustling city. Lesson's Motmots called, Cabanis's and Rufous-naped Wrens chattered away, and our only Cinnamon-bellied Saltator sang from a low perch allowing fantastic views. We went out at night hoping for an owl hunting around the lights, but instead listened to the Common Pauraques singing in the starlight.
Day 2: We started the morning back on the Hotel Bougainvillea grounds where we met Vernon, our local guide for the tour. He knew exactly where to look in the bamboo stands for the roosting Mottled Owl! After spending the morning at the hotel, we made our way to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. As soon as we got out of the bus, we spotted a pair of Ornate Hawk-Eagles soaring in the distance, which were our only ones for the trip. We found a few other unique birds during the incredibly scenic walk down to the waterfalls, including our only Green Thorntails for the trip, and our first Coppery-headed Emeralds for the trip (one of Costa Rica's few endemic species.) From there we started the long trek toward our hotel for the evening, stopping at the famous Soda Cinchona on the way. Here our main target was the stunning Black-bellied Hummingbird. While waiting for the hummer, we enjoyed the beautiful rainbow of birds visiting their fruit feeders. Silver-throated Tanager, Red-legged Honeycreepers, Northern Emerald-Toucanets, and Crimson-collared Tanagers dazzled. After seeing our target and enjoying the feeders, we finished the day at our hotel.
Day Three started bright and early with a full day planned at La Selva. Right away in the morning we birded the entrance road looking for Snowy Cotinga, considered the bird of La Selva. While we were unsuccessful with the Cotinga that morning, we had incredible highlights like Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Blue-chested Hummingbird, a pair of Dusky-faced Tanagers, nesting Common Tody-Flycatchers, and a group of critically endangered Great Green Macaws. Fewer than 200 Great Green Macaws still exist in the Costa Rica and Nicaragua population, so seeing these majestic birds in the wild is incredibly special. We then hit the trails to delve deeper into the rainforest; seeing Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Crowned Woodnymph, Middle American Screech-Owl, and our first Rufous Motmot and Squirrel Cuckoos. After lunch, we took the rope bridge across the river where a stunning male Sungrebe was patrolling. Taking the trail from there, we had wonderful looks at Great Tinamou, Crested Guan, White-whiskered Puffbird, White-collared Manakin, and Black-faced Grosbeak. Russet-naped Wood-Rails walked along a muddy creek and Spotted and Ocellated Antbirds foraged along an ant swarm. We finished the day by listening and watching the Common Pauraques in the moonlight.
Our fourth day began along the Police Station Rd, where the open fields and forest edges provided a new habitat and a new swath of birds to see: with some great looks at Red-lored Parrot and Barred Antshrike, and our only Olive-crowned Yellowthroat for the trip. Then we headed back to La Selva for the remainder of the morning, hoping again for Snowy Cotinga. This time we were successful with great scope views of this uncommon bird. As we headed further into La Selva, a pair of Great Curassows were loping along in a clearing right along the road, offering wonderful views. It then started pouring, and we took shelter until it passed. It was fun watching the birds react to the downpour; multiple Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds posed nicely taking showers for us. After the rain, we took a couple short jaunts down some trails getting marvelous views of both Northern Black-throated Trogon and a large group of Slaty-tailed Trogons. From there we said goodbye to La Selva and traveled to the famous Donde Cope's to close out our day. Cope is a local artist with an incredible backyard sanctuary and graciously allows birders to come visit his little oasis. His feeders were teeming with birds: Bronze-tailed Plumeleteers, Stripe-throated and Long-tailed Hermits, Collared Aracaris, Chestnut-headed and Montezuma Oropendolas, and even Russet-naped Wood-Rails and an American Pygmy Kingfisher at his pond!
Day 5: We left the La Quinta very early to get to Braulio-Carrillo as early as possible. On the way, we stopped along the Río San Jose where we saw a Fasciated Tiger-Heron. Braulio was unfortunately not as birdy as we were hoping, but did provide a number of new species we only had there, including Lattice-tailed Trogon, Nightingale Wren, and Tawny-crested Tanager. After our picnic lunch at Braulio, we headed back to Cope's where some of us stayed at the feeders and the rest went to his other farm property. There we had magical experiences with Crested and Spectacled Owls, and then while looking for the Great Potoo we stumbled upon an Agami Heron! Widely considered the most beautiful heron in the world, this elusive species is very rarely seen and this was likely the first time this trip has ever seen one! After a very successful afternoon, we made the long drive to Rancho Naturalista where we would spend the next few days.
Day 6: We started the day pre-breakfast watching the feeders, where the most unexpected bird was a Magnificent Frigatebird flying over the mountains. Some more expected birds were the Green-breasted Mangos, Lesson's Motmots, Red-throated Ant-Tanagers, and Golden-Olive Woodpeckers around the feeders. After breakfast we hiked up the hill to the Tayutic Mountain Reserve, where we had our first taste of Snowcap, White-ruffed Manakin, and Collared Trogon among others. Once at the top, a flock of Sulphur-winged Parakeets were feeding in the fruit trees and both Blue and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis perched high up in the trees for good scope views. After lunch, we headed down the valley to the Silencio Road where there was an active Sunbittern nest. After enjoying the nest, we continued down the road where we encountered a number of feeding flocks. This stretch was where we saw our only Slaty Spinetails, Torrent Tyrannulets and Bay Wrens.
Day 7: The main highlight of our morning was birding along the Río Tuis down the valley from Rancho. Thanks to multiple feeding flocks, this one stop actually produced the checklist with the highest number of species than any other on the whole tour. One of the big highlights was another fabulous encounter with multiple Sunbitterns calling and flying along the river. That afternoon, we looked for and saw Red-breasted Meadowlark and baby Northern Jacanas in a field off the side of the road, saw a handful of Southern Lapwings and an Amazon Kingfisher among the coffee plantations, and had a stunningly close perched Hook-billed Kite at Finca Cristina before ending the day at our new hotel.
Day 8: This was primarily a travel day up to the highlands. However, we started the morning birding along the Río Macho which again provided a whole suite of new birds for us. Highland Tinamous and Buff-fronted Quail-Doves were calling as soon as we left the bus. Brown Violetear, Swallow-tailed Kite, Red-headed and Prong-billed Barbets, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Elegant Euphonia, Streaked Xenops, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Speckled Tanager and Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaners were all wonderful highlights during our incredible morning here. On our way up to the highlands, we successfully made attempt number two for Tropical Screech-Owl at the park in Paraíso. When we arrived at Gema del Bosque, we took a quick look around the grounds for our first high elevation specialties. While there were still now familiar Clay-colored Thrushes and Rufous-collared Sparrows around, new species included Black-billed Nightingale-Thrushes right outside the cabins, Long-tailed Silky-flycatchers, Mountain Elaenia, Sooty and Mountain Thrushes, Ruddy Treerunner, and Large-footed Finch to name a few. After dinner we did our first night birding spotlighting Dusky Nightjars.
Day 9: Today was devoted to getting all the highly sought after high elevation species of Costa Rica. We started the morning birding around the grounds of Gema del Bosque, where we added Black-capped Flycatcher, Spotted Wood-Quail, and the stunning Flame-throated Warbler. Then we went to Parque Nacional Los Quetzales and birded along the Providencia Road where we had our best shot at seeing the famous Resplendent Quetzal. And see them we did! A young male with no streamers gave us a quick tease and then a fabulous adult male in all its glory sat out in the open for nearly a half hour, showing off in the sunlight with its glorious tail feathers gently blowing in the breeze. An absolutely magical experience with this must see species. That wasn't the only bird on the road either, we also had great views of Buffy Tuftedcheek, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Timberline Wren, and thanks to some sharp spotting by Vernon, a Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl! After our marvelous morning in the national park, we headed down the valley for lunch at the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. The feeders there were swarming with hummingbirds! Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, Lesser Violetears, Volcano Hummingbirds, White-throated Mountain-gems, and Talamanca Hummingbirds (the recent split from the former Magnificent Hummingbird) were the main highlights. The lodge also had our only sightings of Black-thighed Grosbeak and Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher (sometimes called a Phainoptila). After lunch we made a quick jaunt up to the top of Cerro de la Muerte where we saw a pair of Volcano Juncos gathering nest material and also our only Chestnut-collared Swifts. Then we headed back down into Savegre Valley to Miriam's Restaurant where we enjoyed more feeders including our best looks at Golden-browed Chlorophonia and Yellow-bellied Siskins gorging themselves on fruit. After a successful day, we ended it back at Gema del Bosque where we got incredible looks at a group of shy Spotted Wood-Quails at their feeders.
Day 10: This was a big travel day down from the highlands to our hotel in the Pacific lowlands. After some quick birding around the grounds, we said goodbye to Gema del Bosque and headed down from the mountains, with our first stop being another Mirador with the hopes of seeing a few new hummingbirds. Unfortunately there was another group already there surrounding the feeders, so after getting White-tailed Emerald, we quickly left and moved on. As we were going through the town of San Isidro, we made a quick pit stop to a location where there sometimes is a Turquoise Cotinga hanging out. We got lucky and it was perched beautifully at the top of a tree! This is an incredibly difficult bird to get, and was even a lifer for Megan! After spending some time with this gorgeous bird, we headed just out of town where we briefly visited a nesting pair of Fork-tailed Flycatchers before heading farther down the mountain. We stopped for lunch at the Restaurante Mirador Valle Encantado where we had our only Black-crowned Tityra and Red-crowned Woodpeckers. From here we made our final descent to the coast where we made multiple stops looking successfully for Smooth-billed Anis. We also had some mixed flocks of Grassquits, Seedeaters, and Blackbirds in the tall grasses, a shiny adult Purple Gallinule, and our first Common Black-Hawk. We made it to our hotel Villa Lapas late in the evening, where some of us were greeted by Common Pauraques at our rooms.
Day 11: We got our first taste of Pacific Lowlands birding right on the grounds of our hotel. The trails there were extensive and gave us our first looks at Pale-billed and Lineated Woodpeckers, Fiery-billed Aracari, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Turquoise-browed Motmot, and Golden-crowned Spadebill to name a few. Next we headed to Carara National Park for our first day of walking the trails. Today we hiked the Sendero La Meandrica where we had our first real ant swarm experience! At times it was overwhelming with so many species surrounding the ants. Highlights were Barred and Black-hooded Antshrikes, Chestnut-backed and Bicolored Antbirds, Dot-winged Antwrens, a Black-faced Antthrush, Golden-hooded Tanagers, Tawny-winged and Cocoa Woodcreepers, and Northern Barred-Woodcreepers. That afternoon we headed out birding along the Guacimo Road where we hoped for some dry scrub-land birds. Unfortunately it started pouring pretty quickly so we weren't able to spend quite as much time as we had been hoping for here. We did manage to see some good birds before the downpour at least: with highlights like White-throated Magpie-Jay, Stripe-headed Sparrow, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, Orange-fronted Parakeet, Groove-billed Anis, a distant pair of Double-striped Thick-Knees under the shade of some big trees, nesting Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls, and a family of Pacific Screech-Owls.
Day 12: Today started the same as the day before, with a walk around Villa Lapas before heading to Carara. Our walk at Villa Lapas produced some new birds, with a wonderful Ruddy Quail-Dove right on the path, a family group of elusive Marbled Wood-Quail, and some great looks at Slaty-tailed Trogon, Slaty Antwren, and Red-crowned Ant-Tanager. Then we headed to Carara where we made our nearly 5 mile and 5 hour trek in the heat and humidity along the Sendero Quebrada Bonita. The temperatures didn't feel that bad however with the incredible bird diversity we saw! As soon as we got out of the bus, we had a Double-toothed Kite fly over. Once along the trail, we had highlights like Baird's Trogon, Collared Forest-Falcon, Scaly-throated Leaftosser, Streak-chested Antpitta, Black-striped Woodcreeper, Chiriquí Foliage-gleaner, Velvety and Red-capped Manakins, Tropical Royal Flycatcher, Crane Hawk, Riverside Wren, and Blue-black Grosbeak. Despite some searching, Rufous Piha and Striped Cuckoos remained heard only for the list. On our way back to Villa Lapas we made a quick stop at an active Scarlet Macaw nest to fully take in this beautiful parrot before a much needed afternoon break. That evening, we took a boat ride down the Río Tárcoles to explore the mangroves and riversides. Mangrove Swallows and Costa Rican Swifts skimmed the water, flocks of Blue and Ruddy Ground Doves flew over; Collared Plovers, Southern Lapwings, Yellow-headed Caracaras, and Bare-throated Tiger-Herons patrolled the banks, and Muscovy Ducks displayed. We ended the night watching the sunset at the river mouth with Lesser Nighthawks hawking insects around us.
Day 13: After our usual birding around Villa Lapas, we headed to one of Vernon's secret spots in Tárcoles to search for some of the mangrove specialties we missed on our boat tour. We snatched Panama Flycatcher and Mangrove Vireo, and got even better looks at the mangrove subspecies of Yellow Warbler. Next we took the road going above Villa Lapas where King Vultures, Plumbeous Kites, and Painted Buntings stole the show. Somehow seeing Painted Buntings down here felt more right than seeing these bright birds in the American South. From here, we headed up the coast and back up into the mountains to Monteverde. The grounds of our Hotel Fonda Vela provided great birding to close out the day, with wonderful views of Rufous-and-white Wren, White-eared Ground-Sparrow, White-naped Brushfinch, and White-fronted Parrot.
Day 14: After some more birding around the grounds of the Hotel Fonda Vela, we headed to the Santa Elena Reserve for our morning of birding. This phenomenal cloud forest hosted many new species for us: Black Guans flew right over our heads, Stripe-tailed Hummingbirds visited flowers, Collared Trogon and Three-wattled Bellbirds called in the distance, Black-faced Solitaires and Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrushes sang from their high perches, Silvery-fronted Tapaculos and Azure-hooded Jays moved about the understories, and Spangle-cheeked Tanagers dazzled us. That afternoon we headed to Monteverde's Santuario Ecológico where we finally got eyes on Long-tailed Manakins and Orange-billed Nightingale Thrushes, and the whole group got on a Blue-vented Hummingbird.
Day 15: The final birding day of the trip! This was primarily a travel day back to San Jose, but before we left Monteverde behind we spent the morning birding around Curi-Cancha Preserve where the big highlights were breeding Bicolored Hawks, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, nest building Tufted Flycatchers, a family of shy Black-breasted Wood-Quail, and the glorious songs of Black-headed Nightingale-Thrushes. Purple-throated Mountain-gems and Costa Rica's endemic Coppery-headed Emerald showed wonderfully in their gardens. We then said goodbye to Monteverde and the cloud forests, and headed back into San Jose where we spent the night again at the Hotel Bougainvillea before flying out the next day.
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) [*]
We heard a couple of these wailing off in the distance on our morning walking along Río Macho.
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major)
This went from being a heard only bird to getting an incredible show with birds right off the path at both La Selva and Carara!
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
Seen right off the side of the road in some flooded fields.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
We saw a few here and there, but our best views definitely came from the boat trip out of Tárcoles. These were pure wild birds, with no white in the body plumage.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
A small flock in a roadside water treatment plant.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)
We enjoyed watching these clumsy birds as they visited the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens)
Our best views of these huge Cracids were at La Selva, where we often would see a few roosting up in a tree.
BLACK GUAN (Chamaepetes unicolor)
One of these nearly landed on Alex's head at Curi-Cancha! We got to hear their crazy wing sounds then and at Río Macho.
GREAT CURASSOW (Crax rubra)
A pair walking around on the lawn at La Selva one morning. The females of this species are polymorphic; we saw the Rufous morph, one of the more common ones.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis castigatus)
An incredible bird for the trip and one we often don't get. We saw a small covey right at our hotel Villa Lapas, and a couple while searching for Antpittas at Carara.
BLACK-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus leucolaemus)
We connected with a small family group of these elusive quail on our final birding morning at Curi-Cancha.
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus guttatus)
A typically very difficult to see bird, however the birds around Gema del Bosque appear to be quite tame, coming to the feeders and scurrying down the hill when called. We got stunning views of adults and babies right out in the open.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
Much to Katherine's dismay, we ended up seeing a few of these going through various towns.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
We saw these at Donde Cope's feeders.
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)
It's funny coming to the neotropics and seeing these birds everywhere after trying so hard to see them in Texas over the years. We enjoyed seeing flocks of them at the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
After less than satisfying looks at a flock at Río Macho, we got a few perched up and in the scopes at the Hotel Fonda Vela.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
"Hit the fowl pole!" We heard these calling out every morning at Gema del Bosque, and finally got some good looks at a couple our final morning there.
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)
We saw one of these perched around the parking lot at La Selva, and then heard them around multiple lowland areas.
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
We had these small scaly doves while driving around the drier areas of the Guacimo Rd.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
Seen sporadically around some of the more rural lowland areas, and then large flocks of them during our boat trip out of Tárcoles.
BLUE GROUND DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
A few flyovers and one along the riverbank during our Tárcoles boat trip.
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
Wonderful looks of one along the path with the other doves at Villa Lapas one morning. This was bigger than the Gray-chested and White-tipped doves and much more rufous.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Seen and heard throughout the tour with our first at the Soda Cinchona
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii)
Seen along the path at Villa Lapas with the White-tipped Doves (and Ruddy Quail-Dove one morning!)
BUFF-FRONTED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon costaricensis)
After only hearing one distantly at Río Macho, we had wonderful looks of one right along the path at Santa Elena.
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
The most common dove, often seen in transit along the power lines.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
We made a special stop for these driving along the coast from the mountains. These Anis have a larger bill, without the grooves of the similar Groove-billed Ani.
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Common in the lowlands and often seen while in transit. Our first looks were in the fields along the Police Station Rd.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
Heard on our second morning along the creek at Carara.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Some fabulous looks at these often shy birds at La Selva and the Hotel Fonda Vela.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
Flying around hawking insects at the very end of the boat trip out of Tárcoles.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
We heard these while staying at the Hotel Bougainvillea and saw them flying around at La Selva and Villa Lapas.
DUSKY NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus saturatus)
These nightjars greeted us every morning and evening while we stayed at Gema del Bosque. Our first night we went up the road and saw one.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
Perched way at the top of a tree (above a huge bromeliad!) at Donde Cope's farm. It was a slog to get there but it was well worth it! Who knew this would be the second best bird at the spot however...
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
These were the swifts buzzing around the towers at our Volcano Junco spot on top of Cerro de la Muerte.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Our most common swift, large and almost nighthawk like! Every now and then they would bank and we could see their namesake collar.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
These were the swifts we saw at La Selva.
COSTA RICAN SWIFT (Chaetura fumosa)
A small group of these were catching insects all around us about mid-way through our boat trip out of Tárcoles.
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
These were the swifts around the Hotel Bougainvillea and Hotel Fonda Vela.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
These boldly patterned hummingbirds first dazzled us at Donde Cope's feeders.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
Big, green, and very fast, I think we got our first really good looks at the pair visiting the feeders at the Tayutic Mountain Reserve above Rancho Naturalista.
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
Excellent views of a couple buzzing around Donde Cope's feeders. While somewhat drab for a hummingbird, their large size and big personalities certainly made up for it!
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
This was the small brownish hummingbird zooming around Donde Cope's feeders. They never seemed to sit still for long!
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
We only had this hummingbird buzzing through the trees at Río Macho, right where the bus first dropped us off.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
The ticking metronome! We heard this species every day at Gema del Bosque, and got lovely looks there and at the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge.
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
Never really ideal looks at this species for folks unfortunately. Our first was a quick fly-through where we had the Fasciated Tiger-Heron, our second was around Río Macho, and our third was at Carara under the Collared Forest-Falcon.
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
A couple around the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
A couple seen around the feeders at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. These were the hummingbirds with the really long tails.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
These big flashy hummingbirds were all over the feeders at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Soda Cinchona.
TALAMANCA HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes spectabilis)
Recently split from the former Magnificent Hummingbird, these large hummingbirds were all over the highlands, and a staple of the feeders around Gema del Bosque and the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
This was the hummingbird on a nest right on the side of the road on the way out to Donde Cope's farm.
PLAIN-CAPPED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster constantii)
Briefly seen way at the top of some trees towards the end of one of our walks around Villa Lapas.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis)
These hummingbirds really didn't look like much, until the light hit them just right and their gorgets erupted in color. We were treated to spectacular views at the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus)
After some quick looks at a couple our first day, we got much better views of these at Curi-Cancha.
WHITE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (GRAY-TAILED) (Lampornis castaneoventris cinereicauda)
Some taxonomies split this hummingbird into two species: Blue-tailed Mountain-gem in Panama and Gray-tailed Mountain-gem in Costa Rica.
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula)
These tiny hummingbirds were all over the highlands, especially the feeders around Gema del Bosque. It's pretty uncommon to see a male, which we did at the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge.
GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis)
After some discussion and review of pictures, this was the ID of the hummingbird we saw in the coffee plantation while looking for Cabanis's Ground-Sparrows. The location, facial pattern, and the thicker all dark bill helped to separate it from other species.
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
This large beautiful purple hummingbird was all over the feeders at the Soda Cinchona.
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia)
The only hummingbird in Costa Rica with red feet! We had great looks of this bird (and its feet) at Donde Cope's feeders.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
After some less than satisfying views of one at La Selva, we got some much better views of these at the Tayutic Mountain Reserve.
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata)
The bird of Rancho Naturalista! We mostly saw females with one immature male just starting to get some color on the breast.
COPPERY-HEADED EMERALD (Microchera cupreiceps) [E]
One of the few birds endemic to Costa Rica! We got great views at the feeders at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and then perched in a flower hedge at Curi-Cancha.
WHITE-TAILED EMERALD (Microchera chionura)
This was our main target at the Mirador Valle del General, which we thankfully got before getting pushed out by the photo group.
STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa eximia)
I think between the few places we had these around Monteverde everyone was able to get on one! Some of our better looks came from the Santuario Ecológico where we had the Long-tailed Manikins.
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris)
We only had this striking hummingbird at the Soda Cinchona.
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii)
A rather subdued hummingbird, we had these in the lowlands around Villa Lapas and Carara.
BLUE-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia hoffmanni)
After a couple of us got on one at Villa Lapas, we all managed to get some looks at the Monteverde Santuario Ecológico.
CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
Not sure how many folks got on this bird at one of our stops along the Guacimo Rd, it might have been leader only. Briefly came into some flowers around the White-throated Magpie-Jays and Stripe-headed Sparrow.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
The common hummingbird we saw pretty much everywhere. We especially enjoyed watching one take a shower during a huge downpour at La Selva!
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Polyerata amabilis)
Perched up right on the side of the road our first morning at La Selva.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris)
These were the rails skulking around the riverbed at La Selva as well as at the pond around Donde Cope's feeders.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
Heard only at Carara. Formerly lumped with Russet-naped Wood-Rail.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
A great spot of a shiny adult sharing the weedy field with the Smooth-billed Anis!
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
Megan pointed out one calling in the fields along the Police Station Rd, though I'm not sure exactly how many of the group locked on it.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)
An incredible spot of a male in the river at La Selva, one the tour rarely gets! These strange birds are one of three Finfoots in the whole world; the other two being in Africa and southeast Asia. Unique to only Sungrebes, the males have a fold of skin under each wing that they can tuck a chick into and even fly away with if there's danger!
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Hesperoburhinus bistriatus)
We saw a pair under the shade of a big tree in some fields off Guacimo Rd, where Megan hiked her scope so tall that Jean could see them from the bus! We then saw a pair much closer on our boat trip out of Tárcoles.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
A few on our Tárcoles boat trip.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
Migrants, a good number around the Tárcoles River.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)
A few of these mini Plovers along the Tárcoles River.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
We got some incredible looks of one walking up to us when looking for Red-breasted Meadowlark and one at the coffee plantations looking for Ground-Sparrows.
COLLARED PLOVER (Anarhynchus collaris)
A couple patrolling the shoreline along the river in Tárcoles.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
We got to see fairly young babies running around in the fields when looking for Red-breasted Meadowlark!
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
A few of these lanky long-billed shorebirds around the Tárcoles River.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Huge numbers of these "teeter-peeps" moving up the Tárcoles River.
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)
Likely to be split soon, all of the birds we saw were the Western Willet, much drabber and somewhat larger than the Eastern Willet.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
Some great looks of some birds approaching breeding plumage along the Tárcoles River.
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
Only along the Tárcoles River, these were the very small shorebirds with yellow legs.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
A handful of these hooded gulls in a roost of terns along the Tárcoles River.
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Vernon picked out a couple of these in the tern roost along the Tárcoles River. This was the tern with the dark bill with the yellow tip.
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
The main tern at the roost, and flying up and down the river. Large tern with a bright orange bill.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
What an incredible experience with this species! First we got to see a bird on nest, with their mate in the river right below us showing off its gorgeous wing pattern. Then, the next day we heard a few give their haunting whistles and then interacting with each other in the river! Despite looking like a heron or maybe a rail, Sunbittern's closest relative is actually the Kagu of New Caledonia! You'd never think that was correct until you see a Kagu spread its wings...
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Only in flight, the first along the Tárcoles River and then a small group on the road around Villa Lapas.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Despite this being typically a coastal species, our first was actually over the mountains flying by Rancho Naturalista! We then saw them all along the coast.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
A few of these Water Turkeys along the Tárcoles River.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Only along the Tárcoles River.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A huge group of these flying around and roosting in trees along the Tárcoles River.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
Mostly seen in transit along roadsides. Then some wonderful looks right on the shoreline of the Tárcoles River.
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
Incredible looks of one along the Río San Jose, differentiated by the similar Bare-throated Tiger-Heron by the feathered throat.
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami)
Wow what an incredible bird! Considered by many to be one of the worlds prettiest herons, we got breathtaking views of one at Donde Cope's farm right under the Great Potoo.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
A few adults and young birds up in the trees along the Tárcoles River.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
A single adult on an overhanging branch over the Tárcoles River.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
A few along the Tárcoles River. We saw both full adults and younger all white birds.
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
A handful along the Tárcoles River.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
Mostly along the Tárcoles River, with their dark legs and yellow slippers.
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
A single bird along the back fence of one of the fields where we had the Red-breasted Meadowlark.
WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bulbulcus ibis)
Cattle Egret was recently split into two species, and the one in the Americas is the Western Cattle Egret. We often saw these well named birds with cows, while we were in transit.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
Primarily along the Tárcoles River, but a few seen here and there in transit.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
Our first of these familiar waders was along the river in La Selva.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
Big groups of these striking waders roosting and nesting along the Tárcoles River.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
We had these large squat funny sounding forest Ibis around La Selva and the Police Station Rd.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
A couple of these pink wading cutlery birds along the Tárcoles River. Its specific name ajaja comes from the Tupí name for the species.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
As usual, these were high overhead, but we did get multiple chances at seeing these huge vultures both along the Tárcoles River and the road above Villa Lapas.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
The most common vulture for the trip, snappy wing beats with pale hands and short squared-off tails.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
About half as common as Black Vultures on the trip, with more fluid wing beats, pale trailing edge to the wing, and long rounded tails.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
We watched our first at La Selva carrying off a huge fish!
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
One seen perched in a tree far off while birding the coffee plantations around Paraiso.
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
Absolutely incredible views of an adult male perched in a tree not too far off the road at Finca Cristina.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
Seen high up in a tree at La Selva, surprisingly challenging to get eyes on. Vernon eventually found the nest and some folks got to see a fuzzy baby peaking out.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
Considered one of the most elegant and magnificent raptors, we got stunning views of these at Río Macho and the Mirador Valle del General.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
Unfortunately not the whole group got on one of these. The first was sky high and required nearly sitting on the ground to get around the roof of the Mirador Valle del General, and the second was perched briefly in a tree at Santa Elena so only the back half of the group managed a look before it flew off.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus)
Two distant birds circling around the far ridgeline at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
One circling low around the parking lot of Carara on our second morning there.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
Similar to Mississippi Kites but with a bright rufous flash in the primaries. Our best looks came from a few birds hawking for bugs over the road above Villa Lapas.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)
We saw the old nest and then found the bird way up in a tree at Curi-Cancha.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
Great looks of one of these weird long legged raptors getting a drink of water along the creek at Carara.
COMMON BLACK HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus subtilis)
Some great looks of one perched on a utility pole while we were looking for anis. This is not always considered a distinct subspecies, but behaviorally and geographically this was the group we saw.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
Well named; we often saw these hawks along the side of the road.
SEMIPLUMBEOUS HAWK (Leucopternis semiplumbeus)
I think only heard for most of us and seen by a couple, this hawk quickly came and left at La Selva.
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)
Seen throughout the trip, with some of our best views along the road above Villa Lapas.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
A handful of these migrants coming through. Some great looks of one perched on top of one of the buildings at La Selva.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Always very high in the sky, our first and probably best looks came from La Selva.
SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni)
An incredible experience seeing a couple of huge kettles right along the road, of likely over 500 birds migrating north.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)
One very high bird (probably a migrant) along the road above Villa Lapas.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba)
Wonderful views of one roosting in a palm and one roosting under the church rafters in Paraiso.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
Second time's the charm! On our second attempt we found one roosting in Paraiso.
MIDDLE AMERICAN SCREECH-OWL (VERMICULATED) (Megascops guatemalae vermiculatus)
One roosting along the trail in La Selva. The one we saw was of the distinct (and likely separate species) Vermiculated group, which is unique to Costa Rica and Panama.
PACIFIC SCREECH-OWL (Megascops cooperi)
An adorable family group just off the road not too far from Villa Lapas.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata)
Some incredible and strange looking owls with their fancy eyebrows we slogged for at Donde Cope's farm.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
The largest owl in Costa Rica! Another slog at Donde Cope's farm, but was totally worth it. Great views of one right on the other side of the river.
COSTA RICAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium costaricanum)
A bird more often heard than seen, we got some decent views of one way up at the top of a tree along the Providencia Rd.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
We found a nest of these small owls along the Guacimo Rd!
MOTTLED OWL (Strix virgata)
Our first was a wonderful bird roosting in the bamboo right on the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea. Some of us then heard one at Rancho Naturalista.
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Strix nigrolineata)
One of Vernon's secret spots; we had a pair right on the road around Tárcoles.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno)
Wow what a spectacular bird! A stunning male with full streamers right off the side of the road, all to ourselves.
LATTICE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon clathratus)
One of the few birds we only had at Braulio Carrillo. We mostly heard them and then eventually tracked one down and saw it.
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)
A good sized group calling and perched around the soccer pitch at La Selva.
BLACK-HEADED TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)
Wonderful views of this species at Villa Lapas, sometimes right in the trees around the buildings of the hotel!
BAIRD'S TROGON (Trogon bairdii)
A couple right along the trail at Carara.
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
We mostly had these at La Selva, except for one morning at Villa Lapas where we had three different species of trogons (including this one) right in the trees outside the breakfast area.
NORTHERN BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon tenellus)
Some incredible views of a male at La Selva around eye level right off the path, and then a female doing the same thing at Carara.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Seen pretty well along the Road at Tayutic Mountain Reserve and Río Macho. We had two different subspecies; these would have been the more northern Xalapa subspecies group that's found all the way north to Mexico.
COLLARED TROGON (ORANGE-BELLIED) (Trogon collaris aurantiiventris) [*]
We only heard this subspecies at Santa Elena.
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
Morelet's or Lesson's...This was the most common Motmot of the tour, we had wonderful views right off the balcony at Rancho Naturalista.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
Our best views were of a bird just off the path right at the swinging bridge at La Selva.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
We only had this motmot at La Selva.
TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa)
Around the Pacific lowlands, some of our best views were right at the hotel buildings at Villa Lapas.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
A couple of these large kingfishers patrolling the River Tárcoles during our boat trip.
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
One bird perched on a fallen branch in the Tárcoles River.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
One bird hunting the ditches around the coffee plantations in Paraiso perched on a wire long enough for everyone to see.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
This adorable and properly tiny kingfisher was catching minnows in Donde Cope's pond.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
One bird at Donde Cope's pond and another perched by the Belted along the Tárcoles River.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
The only time we had this was a single bird perched high up at La Selva.
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
Our first looks was a single bird perched low and through some brush at La Selva. We then later saw a few around Villa Lapas and Carara. Both times we were able to see its namesake whiskers!
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
We had one right by breakfast at Villa Lapas, and then later had a few, with great views at Carara.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
A spectacular New World barbet, we had marvelous views of one excavating a hole right on the side of the road at Río Macho.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii)
More often heard than seen, we did end up seeing a pair at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This strange bird is one half of the Toucan-Barbet family, and is equally related to the Toucans as they are to the New World Barbets.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis)
We loved seeing this bird visiting all the feeder setups we visited, except for when they were raiding a woodpecker nest at the Hotel Fonda Vela... This is another species that likely should be split more than is currently recognized; the subspecies we saw was from the Blue-throated group which is unique to Costa Rica and Panama.
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
We got awesome looks at these small toucans at Donde Cope's feeders.
FIERY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus frantzii)
Not ideal views, but we did see a roving group up the hill at the tops of trees at Villa Lapas.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
The yelping toucan we often heard, almost every day in the lowlands, getting great views of them at Donde Cope's feeders. Another probable species complex deserving of a split; we saw the Chestnut-mandibled form. The Black-mandibled form is farther south in South America.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
The croaking toucan we often heard, with spectacular views at Donde Cope's feeders and later right at the Hotel Fonda Vela. Some interesting research has shown that croaking and yelping Toucans are often sympatric with each other, with only one species of each being present with the other.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A familiar species to some, and a little confusing for folks to see them so far south! We had these oak specialists at Gema del Bosque and Miriam's Cafe.
GOLDEN-NAPED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes chrysauchen)
Scope views of one at Villa Lapas high up in a tree on the other side of the river.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
Our best views came from a few birds visiting Donde Cope's feeders.
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
A single bird at the Restaurante Mirador Valle Encantado. Very similar to Hoffman's Woodpecker, and they will hybridize (we even saw a hybrid at Villa Lapas.)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
One of the first birds we heard and saw at the Hotel Bougainvillea. We ended up seeing and hearing this species most days of the trip.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (COSTA RICAN) (Dryobates villosus extimus)
So wonderful to see this unique subspecies at the far southern extent of its range! Differs from our more familiar Hairy Woodpeckers by being incredibly smoky brown underneath.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)
One flyover and quick perch by a bird at Río Macho.
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
Related to the Ivory-billed, these huge woodpeckers were often heard giving their distinctive double knock. We got great views of some right around Villa Lapas!
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
Similar to Pale-billed, but these are in the same genus as Pileated Woodpeckers. We also got great views and great comparative views with Pale-billed at Villa Lapas.
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
After some patience and multiple attempts, we finally got some great scope views of this pretty woodpecker at La Selva.
CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus castaneus)
Compared to its relative the Cinnamon Woodpecker, this bird was very cooperative providing brief but good below eye level views at La Selva.
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex)
Possibly leader only, this was a flyby woodpecker while we were waiting for the luggage to get loaded at the La Quinta.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
We saw probably a family group in the big dead tree behind the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
Mostly heard, although some of us got a quick glimpse of a perched bird at Donde Cope's farm.
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus)
We first heard one at Villa Lapas one morning, and then had incredible looks at one at Carara. This can be a very challenging bird to see!
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
Heard only one morning at Rancho Naturalista.
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
Often just seen on the side of the road in transit, we got some nice views of one perched on a dead branch along the Tárcoles River.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
Some incredible looks of one flying around the boat and then landing right on the shore along the Tárcoles River.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
A pair of these tiny falcons perched up near the macaws on the Police Station Rd.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]
Heard only flyovers while birding the Providencia Rd.
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
Tiny parakeets often just seen in flight, however we did get a couple perched birds at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis) [*]
Heard only at La Selva.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (BLUE-HEADED) (Pionus menstruus rubrigularis)
An incredible spot by Vernon, a pair of birds way up the hill perched at the top of a tree. Seen from the bus on the way to Braulio Carrillo.
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis)
Not to be confused with White-fronted Parrots, we saw these along the lower habitats of the Caribbean slopes. Some of our best views were at Rancho Naturalista.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
Some great looks at these parrots along the Police Station Rd.
YELLOW-NAPED PARROT (Amazona auropalliata)
A critically endangered species, we had a small flock of these along the Tárcoles River. They've seen a decline of 90% over the past 40 years and the population has dropped to fewer than 2400 birds.
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)
Wonderful views of these right at the Hotel Fonda Vela.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) [*]
Heard only during one of our walks at Villa Lapas.
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni)
A surprise pickup of a small group in the trees at the Tayutic Mountain Reserve. We originally thought there were only a couple, but when the flock took off there were around a dozen hiding among the leaves.
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Eupsittula nana astec) [*]
Heard only at La Selva.
ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula canicularis)
Seen and heard along the Guacimo Rd. We were able to get a couple in the scopes before the rain started.
GREAT GREEN MACAW (Ara ambiguus)
One of the stars of La Selva! A critically endangered bird, it's estimated there are only 500-1000 mature individuals left in the wild.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
One of the most charismatic and well known birds in the world. We got fantastic views of a nesting pair across the road from Villa Lapas.
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi)
Big flocks of these hung around the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
Our only looks at this large vermiculated antshrike was at La Selva.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
Some marvelous views of this species along the Police Station Rd and then later at one of the ant swarms at Carara.
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
First heard and then later seen at La Selva.
BLACK-HOODED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bridgesi)
Some fabulous looks of these at Carara.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus)
Our first looks at this was along the Silencio Rd in a mixed feeding flock.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
A pair of birds along the road up to Tayutic Mountain Reserve.
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
Our best look was of a pair along the trail at Villa Lapas.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
We had a pair of these on our first day at Carara.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
Our best looks at these came from the trail at Villa Lapas.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
After being teased by their songs all throughout the first half of the trip, we finally got some looks on the Pacific slope. They were at the ant swarms at Carara and even just around the buildings at Villa Lapas; one was in the garden right by the breakfast area.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Hafferia zeledoni) [*]
Heard only at Río Macho.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor bicolor)
Some wonderful views of a bunch of these well named birds following the ant swarms at Carara.
SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides)
A couple right off the path at La Selva.
OCELLATED ANTBIRD (Phaenostictus mcleannani)
One of the prettiest antbirds and cool enough to make the cover of the recent Princeton Guide to Central America; we unfortunately did not get long and clear views of this species, but I think everybody at least got some sort of view and certainly heard them as they blitzed through the understory. It was fairly dark so we did not see the electric blue of the facial skin.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus)
Antpittas are notoriously difficult birds to see, but thanks to a lot of persistence and some sharp spotting by Vernon we were able to get incredible unobstructed looks of one singing not too far off the ground.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) [*]
Another family that is notoriously challenging to see, and unfortunately it stayed that way for us. Despite singing at times merely feet away, we could not get a glimpse.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis)
Called an antthrush but acted more like a chicken with its tail constantly cocked. Another challenging species to view, but thankfully a couple came in to the various ant swarms we found at Carara.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SCALY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus guatemalensis)
Some remarkable views of a pair tossing leaves right off the path at Carara.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
A handful of these small widespread woodcreepers throughout the mid and lowlands. The subspecies we saw was sylvioides, a member of the Grayish group, which ranges from Mexico down to northern South America.
TAWNY-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla anabatina)
A single bird at an ant swarm at Carara.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
We had a couple of these tiny Xenops-like woodcreepers book-ending the trip, one at La Selva and one at Curi-Cancha.
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)
Some wonderful looks of these finely barred woodcreepers at an ant swarm at Carara.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
One of our more commonly heard and seen woodcreepers, with some great looks at La Selva and Carara.
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus)
A very good woodcreeper Vernon spotted briefly at an ant swarm on our second day at Carara.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
Our most commonly encountered woodcreeper, peppered throughout the lowlands.
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis)
The more highlands replacement of Streak-headed, with our only views at Río Macho despite hearing it a few other spots.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
Some great views of one of these tiny woodcreepers at Tayutic Mountain Reserve.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
Significantly more uncommon than their plain cousin, we had some brief views of one at Río Macho. Costa Rica is the farthest north this wide ranging species reaches.
BUFFY TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes lawrencii)
One of our main targets along the Providencia Rd, and we crushed some marvelous views of one!
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SCALY-THROATED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps variegaticeps)
A pair of these uncommon ovenbirds on our walk at Río Macho.
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
A single bird high up at Santa Elena.
FAWN-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (HYPOPHAEUS) (Automolus cervinigularis hypophaeus)
Two of these were visiting the moth sheet at Rancho Naturalista.
CHIRIQUI FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus exsertus)
A single one of these, mostly heard and briefly seen by some at Carara.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
After a sneaky bird at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, we finally caught up with another one of these at Río Macho.
RUDDY TREERUNNER (Margarornis rubiginosus)
One high up at Gema del Bosque, and a few along the Providencia Rd.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
Some marvelous looks of a pair at Río Macho and at Santa Elena.
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
A pair of these secretive birds along the Calle Morado one afternoon, deep in the grass and vegetation.
Pipridae (Manakins)
LONG-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis)
After hearing these birds a number of places, we finally got some incredible views of some flashy males at the Santuario Ecológico in Monteverde.
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera)
A flash of a couple birds at Tayutic Mountain Reserve, I'm not sure the whole group were able to get on one.
VELVETY MANAKIN (Lepidothrix velutina)
Some incredible views of females and a young male at Carara.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
Some wonderful views of a couple males at La Selva and Tayutic Mountain Reserve.
ORANGE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus aurantiacus)
After some searching, we got some wonderful views of some males near their display ground at Carara.
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)
Most of our good looks were of females, but there was at least one adult male around that some of us were able to get on.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
TURQUOISE COTINGA (Cotinga ridgwayi)
A lifer for Megan! A very difficult to get and range restricted species. Absolutely electric blue and deep purple, we got extended scope views of an adult male at the top of a tree.
RUFOUS PIHA (Lipaugus unirufus) [*]
Unfortunately, this was heard only at Carara, despite some targeted searching.
THREE-WATTLED BELLBIRD (Procnias tricarunculatus)
Unfortunately, this charismatic bird was heard only during our time around Monteverde. They just hadn't set up their territories yet and were roaming around too much to be able to track down.
SNOWY COTINGA (Carpodectes nitidus)
The bird of La Selva! We got great scope views of one along the road to Puerto Viejo River one morning.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
A single bird perched below us at the Mirador Valle Encantado.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
We got our first looks of one of these right on the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
Our best looks were of a female at Santa Elena.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
A few of these beautifully rufous colored becards at La Selva.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
A pair of birds high up in the trees along the Río Tuis.
ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)
A couple pairs around the grounds of the Villa Lapas. The subspecies we saw was hypophaeus, which is known for the males being particularly dark, especially compared to the ones in Mexico most of us in the states are used to seeing.
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
TROPICAL ROYAL FLYCATCHER (NORTHERN) (Onychorhynchus coronatus mexicanus)
A single bird returning to the same area along the river in Carara.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
After some persnickety birds, we got some nice views at Carara and Villa Lapas.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
Great views of one visiting the ant swarm with its bright taillight shining.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
We saw one of these adorable stubby flycatchers incredibly well at Santa Elena.
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus)
Only two encounters of this small bird, our first was a great encounter at Villa Lapas.
OLIVE-STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
Our first encounter with this unassuming flycatcher was at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
Some folks got to see a nest at La Selva! More people were able to get on this species at Tayutic Mountain Reserve and Carara.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
We only saw these on the road along the Río Tuis, where we had the group of Sunbitterns.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
Mostly heard, although we did get some brief views at Río Macho.
NORTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma cinereigulare)
A single one of these strange flycatchers at Villa Lapas.
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
One briefly overhead while hiking the Sendero la Meandrica at Carara.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
We had a number of lovely experiences with this quirky species, including a nest at La Selva!
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
Only poor views, our first was at La Selva for some folks near the rope bridge.
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris)
The most common of the flatbills for us, with a few at Carara.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLATBILL (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
After mostly hearing this species, we eventually saw one at Villa Lapas.
YELLOW-WINGED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias flavotectus)
A single bird at La Selva.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
We heard and then saw one way up in a tree at Villa Lapas. The Southern counterpart to our familiar Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet in the states.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
A pair working through the grasses along the Police Station Rd.
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
Elaenias are famously challenging to identify, thankfully these are fairly distinctive!
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
Unlike Greenish, these are not that distinctive! Often heard and not seen, however we did get some nice views along the Police Station Rd and the Hotel Fonda Vela.
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
True to its name, a bird of the highlands. Most of our sightings came from Gema del Bosque.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
These attractive birds are a Flycatcher-Dipper love child, hanging out and going into fast moving streams. We had a pair by the Sunbittern nest.
MISTLETOE TYRANNULET (Zimmerius parvus)
Often heard rather than seen, although we did see a few at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
TAWNY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus capitalis)
We only had a pair of these along the Río Tuis.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
We had an incredible experience with a pair of these attractive cinnamon birds attending a nest at Curi-Cancha!
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) [b]
Our best views of this migrant came from atop a dead tree along the Providencia Rd.
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)
A calling bird on the road above Villa Lapas helped identify this from the similar Eastern Wood-Pewee.
NORTHERN TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus bogotensis)
A recent split from Southern and Tumbes Pewee, we had wonderful looks of one along the Police Station Rd.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) [b]
Some great looks of this migrant along the Río Tuis.
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
A couple of these small Empids around Río Macho and Santa Elena.
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps)
Only in the highlands, some great looks at Gema del Bosque and along the Providencia Rd.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
A couple of these familiar flycatchers along the Río Tuis and by the Sunbittern nest. This is about as far south as the Northern subspecies gets; the Black Phoebes in South America are of the White-winged subspecies group.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
We had one of these multiple days on the entrance road to La Selva.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
Famously loud and hard to see, we did eventually get some good views at Villa Lapas and Carara.
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)
Often only heard giving its namesake mournful whistle, although we got some good views of one our first day at La Selva.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
Another bird more often heard than seen, we encountered them at least somewhere most days.
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis)
A specialty bird we had in one of Vernon's secret spots near Tárcoles.
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [b]
A familiar bird for those in the Eastern US, we had brief views of a calling bird along the road above Villa Lapas.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
A single of these at our first stop along the Guacimo Rd.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
We had these loud charismatic flycatchers almost everywhere we went, we missed them only on a single day.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
We started off the tour with great looks around the Hotel Bougainvillea on our first day.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
Like a mini Kiskadee, we often saw these nesting in power poles along the side of the road.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
Another species we often had nesting along the side of the road (though not as commonly) we had our first at La Selva.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
We had a pair fighting each other at Villa Lapas.
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes luteiventris)
After seeing one at La Selva, we didn't have another until we got to the Hotel Fonda Vela, where one was right on the grounds.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
Often heard as well as seen, these were seen somewhere most days.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Common along roadsides and more open areas, we had these big flycatchers almost every day.
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (MONACHUS) (Tyrannus savana monachus)
What a treat! We got to see a nesting pair of these beautiful long-tailed flycatchers right on the side of the road!
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
This was unfortunately heard only for most, and those that did get views they were brief and distant.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps)
Our views were never great, seen at Villa Lapas and Carara.
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
Another challenging species to see well, often high up in the trees. Our largest group was along the Río Tuis.
MANGROVE VIREO (Vireo pallens)
Another species at Vernon's secret spot in Tárcoles. It took a bit of time for it to come in, but we eventually got some good views!
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) [b]
A fun familiar bird for those in the Eastern US! We had our first on our first morning at Rancho Naturalista.
YELLOW-WINGED VIREO (Vireo carmioli)
A high elevation specialty, we had great views at Gema del Bosque.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) [b]
Another migrant, these were surprisingly common on our first walk at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) [b]
A single of these along the road above Villa Lapas.
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis)
While waiting for a Mangrove Vireo, we had a handful of these in the mangroves around Tárcoles.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
AZURE-HOODED JAY (Cyanolyca cucullata)
Incredible birds and one rarely encountered on these trips! I think these would have ranked a lot higher in peoples minds if it weren't for the huge army ant swarm across the path that we all had to run through, cutting our time short with these birds. Thankfully I think we all got through with minimal damage.
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa)
We had some wonderful views of this charismatic species along the Guacimo Rd.
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
We had these large jays, often in family groups, most days. Our best views were at the moth sheet at Rancho Naturalista.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
The main swallow along the Tárcoles River on our boat ride, often riding the boat with us!
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
A handful of birds along roadsides in towns, and then a few during our boat tour of the Tárcoles River.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Large concentrations perched on the wires as we left the La Quinta Sarapiqui.
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
The common swallow most places we went. We started off with great views at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
A single bird flying over Gema del Bosque.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
Never particularly great views of this fast moving bird. A few were visiting the ant swarms at Carara.
WHITE-BROWED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila bilineata)
Mostly heard, a few folks saw these poorly. They never showed particularly well.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
NIGHTINGALE WREN (Microcerculus philomela) [*]
Despite some intense searching, this was a heard only species. But man what a species to be OK with only hearing! I think we would have been a lot sadder if this was a "seen only" species.
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]
Heard only on the road along the Río Tuis.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
This will be a new species in a few months! All our encounters with House Wrens were in the distinctive Southern group, which is about to be split as a separate species from the Northern House Wrens in the states.
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus)
Oh gracious Ochraceous! We had marvelous views of this tiny wren at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni)
We had some great views of this wonderful shy species right as we got out of the bus along the Providencia Rd.
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
Nesting on the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea. This is a wide ranging species that may comprise of a couple different species; the form we saw was the Rufous-backed Wren.
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) [*]
This wren was heard only at Carara.
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)
Some good views at the Santuario Ecológico in Monteverde.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
Mostly heard only, we did get some wonderful views right on the grounds of the Hotel Fonda Vela.
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus) [*]
Heard only at La Selva and along the Río Tuis.
CABANIS'S WREN (Cantorchilus modestus)
Seen right on the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea.
RIVERSIDE WREN (Cantorchilus semibadius)
Mostly heard, brief views at Carara.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
Some great views of this handsome wren at the Sunbittern nest.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
Great views of one at the moth sheet at Rancho Naturalista.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
One seen along the Río Macho.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
AMERICAN DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus)
A surprise for us at La Paz Waterfall Gardens! Rather than a fast moving river, this on the rocks behind the waterfall. Costa Rica is about as far south as this species gets.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) [I]
Primarily seen while in transit. Interestingly, these are introduced to Costa Rica.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops)
Often heard singing its beautiful song, seen at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Santa Elena.
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris)
A high elevation specialty, seen right outside our cabins for some of us at Gema del Bosque.
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris)
A frustrating bird to see, though we eventually got good views at both Río Macho and in Monteverde.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater)
After only hearing them, we eventually got some views at the Reserva Santa Elena.
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii)
A single bird right at the end of the trail at Santa Elena.
BLACK-HEADED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus mexicanus)
Heard and seen all throughout the trail at Curi-Cancha.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]
Two of these migrants along the road above Villa Lapas.
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) [b]
A couple in the near darkness down the trail at La Selva.
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus)
True to its name, this is a mountain specialist. Some good views at Gema del Bosque.
WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)
Great views right at the start of the trail at Santa Elena.
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
The national bird of Costa Rica! A fantastic choice as we saw this bird every day at every elevation, at most places we went. Truly a bird of the people.
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens)
A high elevation specialty, some great views at Gema del Bosque and at Miriam's restaurant.
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Phainoptila melanoxantha)
Called a Phainoptila in some taxonomies, this odd Silky-flycatcher was around the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge.
LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys caudatus)
Commonly seen and heard around Gema del Bosque, with some great views in flight and close perched birds.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
A familiar introduced species, only seen in transit around cities.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Chlorophonia elegantissima)
These pretty finches are technically Chlorophonias! We got wonderful looks of a pair at Río Macho.
GOLDEN-BROWED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia callophrys)
Voted the bird of the trip! We got some wonderful views of this stunningly beautiful finch, especially at Miriam's Restaurant.
SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis)
The euphonias are all similar looking, closely related finches. These were the ones we had along the Guacimo Rd.
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla)
Vernon spotted a single one of these high up in the trees at Villa Lapas.
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
One of the more easily identifiable euphonias as it has an all yellow throat. Our first was at La Selva.
SPOT-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia imitans)
We had a pair of these at the same time as the Yellow-crowned at Villa Lapas.
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
The most common euphonia for our trip, both by number and by locations seen. Our best views were along the Río Tuis.
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
We got decent views of this well named euphonia along the Río Tuis.
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus)
After a handful of perched up birds along the Providencia Rd, we got spectacular views of one gorging itself on fruit at Miriam's Restaurant.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus)
A high elevation species, seen commonly around Gema del Bosque and along the Providencia Rd.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
A wide ranging and variable species, we got some great views at the feeders of the Soda Cinchona.
STRIPE-HEADED SPARROW (Peucaea ruficauda)
Seen well in the scrubby areas along the Guacimo Rd.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
Pretty striking for a sparrow, first seen by some folks at the feeders at the La Quinta Sarapiqui and then by all of us at the moth sheet at Rancho Naturalista.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
Seen by some at the back of the group at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris)
A single bird at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani)
A pair of these incredible birds up the bumpy hill by the communication towers on top of Cerro de la Muerte.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
We saw this large beautiful sparrow most days, including multiple family groups at Gema del Bosque.
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis)
Right at the feeders at Gema del Bosque. They really did have big feet!
WHITE-EARED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone leucotis)
Superb views right at the grounds at the Hotel Fonda Vela!
CABANIS'S GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone cabanisi) [E]
This normally secretive species was even more incredibly secretive than normal! Fleeting glimpses here and there were all we got of this Costa Rican endemic.
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
Great views right on the grounds of the Hotel Fonda Vela and at Curi-Cancha.
YELLOW-THIGHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes tibialis)
We had wonderful views of these silly birds with their marshmallow thighs at Gema del Bosque.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
A few out in the fields while searching for the Red-breasted Meadowlark. Most people are surprised to find out that Eastern Meadowlarks actually range as far south as Brazil!
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)
We made a pit-stop on the side of the road to see one of these stunning blackbirds. The reverse of Eastern, Costa Rica is about as far north as this species gets!
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
A single bird right at the start of the trail at Santa Elena.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
We all had a wonderful experience with these at Donde Cope's. We even got to see their tiny filoplumes on their heads!
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
A frequent feeder visitor, there were a bunch of these at Donde Cope's and Rancho Naturalista.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus)
A single bird on the entrance road to La Selva.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) [b]
Fun to see these pretty migrants pretty frequently. Our first were coming to the feeders at the Soda Cinchona.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Costa Rica is about as far south as this familiar species gets. However, this is a resident subspecies not a migratory one.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
A few on the entrance road to La Selva.
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
We had a large group of these in a field where we were looking for Smooth-billed Anis.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
Unfortunately only views in flight of this large blackbird.
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
We had our first of these raucous birds right at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Not nearly as loud as they are in the northern parts of their range, we had these large grackles almost every day.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) [b]
Brief views of one at Carara.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [b]
We saw these every day along the creek at Villa Lapas.
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) [b]
Always fun to see this uncommon boreal breeder as a migrant. We had particularly good views of a few at Tayutic Mountain Reserve.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
Surprisingly uncommon, our first was at the Soda Cinchona.
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis)
This stunning high elevation specialty was all around the grounds of Gema del Bosque.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Leiothlypis peregrina) [b]
Fun to see this boreal breeder as a feeder bird at Miriam's Restaurant!
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala)
A single bird along the Guacimo Rd.
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) [b]
After a bird in the near darkness at La Selva, we had one a couple days in a row at Villa Lapas.
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava)
One along the Police Station Rd.
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) [b]
Surprisingly uncommon, we didn't have these until Vernon's secret spot in Tárcoles.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
We had our first high up in the trees behind the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) [b]
Always nice to see this firecracker of a bird!
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) [b]
These were the migrant Yellow Warblers we had sporadically. Our first was at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
YELLOW WARBLER (MANGROVE) (Setophaga petechia erithachorides)
These were the fancy chestnut faced birds we had in the mangroves around Tárcoles! This is a resident subspecies as well. Possible split in the coming years?
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) [b]
Our most common Neotropical migrant, we had our largest groups at Tayutic Mountain Reserve and along the Río Tuis.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) [b]
It was a little strange for us to hear these singing while looking at a Resplendent Quetzal!
CHESTNUT-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus delattrii)
This was formerly considered part of the Rufous-capped Warbler complex, but was recently split as a separate species.
BLACK-CHEEKED WARBLER (Basileuterus melanogenys)
A near Costa Rican endemic, we had brief but good views along the Providencia Rd.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
Generally only heard, though we did have a couple around the moth sheet at Rancho Naturalista.
COSTA RICAN WARBLER (Basileuterus melanotis)
Despite its name, this is not a Costa Rican endemic. We had a couple on a busy section of stairs at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and then on the trail at Santa Elena.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
A better name for this bird might be Bright-rumped Warbler! It's rump patch was like a beacon even in near darkness. There were a couple nesting near the cafeteria at Villa Lapas.
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla) [b]
One at the top of the volcano when looking for Juncos.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
We saw this flashy warbler at lower elevations with our first at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. These are the yellow-bellied forms, contrasting from the red-bellied forms in the north part of the range.
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus)
"The friend of man" and they were certainly very accommodating! We had them on the grounds of Gema del Bosque and along the Providencia Rd.
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)
A pair of this very difficult species darting through the understory on the entrance road to La Selva.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
Seen and heard most days.
WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana)
A pair on the road above Villa Lapas.
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
A wonderful bird frequently visiting the feeders at Gema del Bosque, including a very vibrant male!
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
We had these on our morning walks at Villa Lapas.
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
Our best views came from a couple birds visiting the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli)
Unfortunately I think this was a heard only for most of us at Braulio Carrillo.
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes poliogaster)
Surprisingly common around the lawns at La Selva. Some years these can be quite challenging to find!
BLACK-THIGHED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus tibialis)
A single bird at the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Not many of these migrants around; our first was along the Río Tuis.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)
After only hearing this species, we finally got eyes on one at Carara.
BLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea)
A few along the Guacimo Rd.
INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)
Great views of one on the road above Villa Lapas.
PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris)
These striking birds are crowd-pleasers no matter where we are! We had a group of birds on the road above Villa Lapas.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
These were all over the ant swarms at Carara.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus)
Some great views of this monochrome tanagers along the Río Tuis, and then later at Villa Lapas and Carara.
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
One of the few birds we had a Braulio Carrillo, a nice group of them leading a feeding flock.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
After seeing a female along the Police Station Rd, we had nice views of a pair along the Río Tuis.
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)
This stunning bird commonly visited feeders! We enjoyed them at the Soda Cinchona, Donde Cope's, and Rancho Naturalista.
SCARLET-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii)
Our most common tanager by number, and we had them almost every day! A very striking species, we had wonderful views at multiple different feeder setups.
SCARLET-RUMPED TANAGER (CHERRIE'S) (Ramphocelus passerinii costaricensis)
This used to be a separate species, but was recently lumped back. This was the form we had on the Pacific side.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
Our most common tanager by number of locations, and we only missed them on a couple days! Another bird that commonly visited feeders.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
Not as common as its Blue-gray cousin, though we did have marvelous views at Donde Cope's feeders.
SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata)
A very striking tanager, we had our best looks at a pair at the Mirador Valle Encantado.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Stilpnia larvata)
Our first of these pretty tanagers was on the entrance road to La Selva.
SPANGLE-CHEEKED TANAGER (Tangara dowii)
These incredibly pretty tanagers were seen well at Santa Elena.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
A very striking tanager that took a while to get everyone good views of. Our best looks were from the Soda Cinchona.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
After struggling to see a couple at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, it was a real treat to see these at the feeders at the Soda Cinchona.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
Great scope views of this striking bird at the Tayutic Mountain Reserve and along the Río Tuis.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
A couple birds in the scopes at Tayutic Mountain Reserve and the Río Tuis. Some good comparisons with the similar Scarlet-thighed Dacnis!
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus)
A couple of wonderful comparisons with Red-legged Honeycreepers at Donde Cope's.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
A regular visitor to feeders and in feeding flocks. Particularly great looks at Donde Cope's!
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
Donde Cope's proved to be wonderful for Honeycreepers! We had all three species there.
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea)
A high elevation species, we had brief views of this funny billed bird at Gema del Bosque and along the Providencia Rd. Unlike other flower specialists, rather than using a long bill to get to the bottom of a flower, they use a short sharp bill to pierce the base of the flower and get the nectar.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
Our first sighting was a big group of them in the fields when we were looking for Anis.
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
Wonderful views of a single bird perched up along the Río Tuis.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
We saw our first right on the lawns at La Selva.
MORELET'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila morelleti)
Mixed in with the other Seedeaters while looking for Anis. These had the pale stomachs while the other Seedeaters were all dark.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
Great views of this incredibly variable species at the Soda Cinchona. Bananaquits have 41 subspecies, which is one of the highest of any bird species.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
Great views of a pair building a nest on the road above Villa Lapas.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
Often seen around feeding stations where we got great views of their namesake buff throat.
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
A single bird behind the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
CINNAMON-BELLIED SALTATOR (Saltator grandis)
A single bird towards the end of our walk at the Hotel Bougainvillea on the first day.
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
These were the bats some of us saw roosting at the La Quinta Sarapiqui.
NORTHERN GHOST BAT (Diclidurus albus)
A wonderful spot by Vernon at Carara! A stunning large white bat roosting just off the path.
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
We often heard their haunting roars in the distance, but we did see a couple troops at La Selva.
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus)
A curious group of these at the first ant swarm at Carara.
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
We saw a couple of these elegant primates on our second day at Carara.
HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni)
This was our first sloth! A true lump in a tree as we were leaving the La Quinta Sarapiqui.
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
Those that didn't go to Donde Cope's farm were treated to an adorable one of these at close range! The rest of the group got a far off one near the La Quinta Sarapiqui.
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
The most common squirrel; we saw our first right on the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
The less common squirrel, our first was at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
We saw this odd cute rodent first at La Selva, and then every day at the feeders at Rancho Naturalista. Like mini Capybaras.
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
One visited the feeders at Rancho Naturalista.
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
A small family group on the lawns at La Selva.
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
Seen in transit one day by a few members of the group.
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
This normally shy species was right out on the lawn at the Hotel Fonda Vela! This species has been split now, and the form we saw is now called Central American Red Brocket -Mazama temama- and Mazama americana no refers to the Common Red Brocket of South America.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Costa Rica is not just all cool birds and mammals; we had a bunch of interesting Reptiles and Amphibians too! Here are the IDs of things that I was able to figure out and where we had them.
REPTILES:
Mourning Gecko ( lugubris) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Humble Anole (Anolis humilis) - La Selva and Curi-Cancha
Border Anole (Anolis limifrons) - La Selva
Black River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys annulata) - La Selva
Central American Eyelash-Viper (Bothriechis nigroadspersus) - La Selva
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) - La Selva
Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilius) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Yellow-headed Gecko (Gonatodes albogularis) - Rancho Naturalista
Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) - Rancho Naturalista
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) - Villa Lapas
Common Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) - Villa Lapas
Giant Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla) - Villa Lapas
Common Blunt-headed Tree Snake (Imantodes cenchoa) - Villa Lapas
Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) - while spotlighting for owls around Villa Lapas
American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) - Tárcoles River
Linnaeus' Sipo (Chironius exoletus) - Curi-Cancha
AMPHIBIANS:
Peralta Frog (Lithobates taylori) - Hotel Bougainvillea
Blue-sided Tree Frog (Agalychnis annae) - Hotel Bougainvillea
Giant Toad (Rhinella horribilis) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Olive Snouted Tree Frog (Scinax elaeochroa) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Leaf Litter Toad (Rhaebo haematiticus) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Wet Forest Toad (Incilius melanochlorus) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Drab Tree Frog (Smilisca sordida) - La Quinta Sarapiqui
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio) - La Selva
Masked Tree Frog (Smilisca phaeota) - Rancho Naturalista (heard only)
Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) - Villa Lapas
Totals for the tour: 459 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa