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Black-crested Coquette at Arenal was one of the group's favorite sightings of the tour -- understandably so! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
This tour's birding far outperformed its accompanying short-term weather forecast -- I love it when that happens! When we started out in San Jose, it looked like we'd be dodging wind and rain all week. However, we fared better than expected, with only a few short rainstorms to hamper the birding (until we got to Arenal, but more on that in a bit). Highlights included great experiences with cooperative Sungrebes at close range, a fishing Fasciated Tiger-Heron, a mystical Great Potoo, a Black-crested Coquette flexing his whiskers, an amazing army ant swarm at Arenal (apologies for the annoying, added alliteration), and loads of colorful tanagers mixing with familiar wintering migrants from North America.
We started with a day trip to the Poás Volcano, where we were met with mist, rain, and some great views of a Zeledonia (Wrenthrush), Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatchers, and a two-toed sloth on a utility wire. La Paz Waterfall Gardens provided us with some mixed flocks by the river (Spotted Barbtail included), a plethora of hummingbirds, and a soaring Ornate Hawk-Eagle. We then continued on to Bosque de Paz, our home for two nights. Temperatures were cool and enjoyable, and we enjoyed ogling the Violet Sabrewings and Black Guans at the feeders just outside the restaurant. Prong-billed Barbets, Scintillant Hummingbirds, and a Golden-bellied Flycatcher entertained us along the forest edge, and we relaxed in the plush accommodations at this comfortable lodge nestled in the mountain forest.
Next up were the steamy northern wetlands of Medio Queso marsh and the stunning Caño Negro. Morning and afternoon boat trips here got us right in the thick of the action, helping us to see an Agami Heron, Sungrebes, Boat-billed Herons, 5 species of kingfishers, and even two Jabiru feeding with a huge assortment of wading birds in a shallow lagoon. Our land explorations around the town of Caño Negro met with Cinnamon Woodpeckers, Black-headed Trogons, and Pied Puffbirds. Night birding here can be legendary, and the Pacific Screech-Owls, Black-and-white Owls, and especially the close, watchful Great Potoo helped underscore this for us.
Our final three nights were at Arenal Observatory Lodge at the foot of the iconic Arenal Volcano. We spent most of our time plying the forests and gardens around Arenal for landbirds, finding diminutive jewels like Black-crested Coquette, robust gems like Keel-billed Toucans, and even the mother lode of an active army ant swarm with attendant Spotted, Bicolored, and Zeledon's Antbirds. (We'll have to return to Arenal to get views of the sneaky Ocellated Antbird that was skulking around at the back of the swarm!) However, heavy rainstorms here occasionally forced breaks in the birding, and on our final morning, we decided to re-route and made a break for drier climes on the west coast of Costa Rica.
This additional stop in the southern reaches of Costa Rica's Guanacaste region was a bit of a risk, timing-wise, but we made a few targeted stops in the Punta Caldera area and along the Guacimo Road, and in fairly short order added some 21 write-in species to our checklist! These included seabirds like Magnificent Frigatebird and Sandwich Tern, as well as such scrub forest birds as Turquoise-browed Motmot, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Mangrove Vireo, Banded Wren, Long-tailed Manakin, Stripe-headed Sparrow, and Streak-backed Oriole. Wow -- what a bonanza, especially for the heat of the day! With all of these new birds to consider, it was an easy ride back in to the lovely Hotel Bougainvillea in the San Jose area, where we shared a final meal and memories of a fine week spent exploring some of the best birding Costa Rica has to offer.
Jay and I would like to thank everyone for their flexibility, bird-spotting abilities, and contributions to an enjoyable group dynamic during the tour. We'd also like to thank the wonderful Vernon Campos for driving us safely around Costa Rica, for his generosity and companionship, and for serving as an excellent third guide, finding choice birds for the group on numerous occasions.
Until next time,
-- Tom
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
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
Sungrebes showed off their uniquely lobed feet along the dark edges of the fantastically birdy Caño Negro. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens)
BLACK GUAN (Chamaepetes unicolor)
GREAT CURASSOW (Crax rubra)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
Double-striped Thick-knees were an unexpected bonus that magically appeared at the roadside during the bumpy drive to Caño Negro. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami)
A pair of Pacific Screech-Owls showed off on the outskirts of the town of Caño Negro. To hear their calls, check out the Soundcloud audio player below. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
The owling was great around Caño Negro -- in addition to Great Potoo, we enjoyed the glowing red eyes of this Black-and-white Owl. Be sure to check out the audio clip below, too; you can hear both members of the pair duetting. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
Red-lored Parrots frequently accompanied us on our birding outings. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus) Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
The addition of dry forest habitats on the west coast of Costa Rica on our final day helped us find some remarkable species, such as this gorgeous Turquoise-browed Motmot. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii)
GRAY-HEADED DOVE (Leptotila plumbeiceps)
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
While on the subject of of motmots, it is certainly worth remembering our encounter with the Keel-billed and Broad-billed motmots sitting side-by-side at Arenal. Was this a mixed pair? Perhaps! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
MANGROVE CUCKOO (Coccyzus minor) GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba)
Strigidae (Owls)
PACIFIC SCREECH-OWL (Megascops cooperi)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Feeders at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Bosque de Paz allowed us to enjoy intimate views of hummingbirds such as this Green-crowned Brilliant. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
BLACK-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis helenae)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis)
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus)
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus)
SCINTILLANT HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus scintilla)
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)
Violet Sabrewings dominated the feeders at Bosque de Paz, and we had ample opportunity to check out the thickened shafts of their outer primaries (the namesake "sabres"). Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii) VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia)
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris)
COPPERY-HEADED EMERALD (Elvira cupreiceps) [E]
STEELY-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia saucerottei)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-HEADED TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON (Trogon aurantiiventris)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
KEEL-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron carinatum)
At the opposite end of the size spectrum from the huge Violet Sabrewing, we find this tiny male Black-crested Coquette. He and his mate were buzzing around under the radar in a verbena hedge at Arenal, and allowed us to get some fantastic views. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
We had a very kingfisher-y day on the Caño Negro, with dozens and dozens of five species, including this tiny American Pygmy-Kingfisher. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii) Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
Moments before this picture was taken, this Laughing Falcon finished scarfing down a highly venomous Coral Snake! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
Dull-mantled Antbirds are fiery, charming little birds that are really tough to see in the forest understory. This one was quite obliging in a hillside draw at Arenal. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis) RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula nana)
ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula canicularis)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
When we finally tracked down the army ant swarm in the forest at Arenal Observatory Lodge, we were in for a real treat, with Spotted (here), Bicolored, and Zeledon's Antbirds gorging on insects scared up by the rampaging ants. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza laemosticta)
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza zeledoni)
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor bicolor)
SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
Our only Snowy Cotingas perched out in the crown of a roadside tree, offering an opportunity to study their soft, white plumage and gentle facial expressions. Such sweet birds! Photo by Tom Johnson.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (HYPOPHAEUS) (Automolus ochrolaemus hypophaeus) [*] SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
ORNITHION TYRANNULET SP. (Ornithion sp.)
NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
A few giant and bold White-throated Magpie-Jays supervised human activities at a trailhead in Arenal National Park. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
DARK PEWEE (Contopus lugubris)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris)
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
We got to meet several lovely Cinnamon Becards on the tour; this one was at Caño Negro. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis) NUTTING'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus nuttingi)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
GOLDEN-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes hemichrysus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
SNOWY COTINGA (Carpodectes nitidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
LONG-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis) [*]
This leggy and stocky-billed Mangrove Vireo was only possible on the tour because of our excursion to the west coast at Punta Caldera on the final day. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
MANGROVE VIREO (Vireo pallens)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
YELLOW-WINGED VIREO (Vireo carmioli)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
Wrenthrush (or Zeledonia) is usually a really tough bird to see well. However, we've had great luck with it the past two years, including this inquisitive individual on Volcán Poás on the first day of the tour. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
NIGHTINGALE WREN (Microcerculus philomela) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
SPOT-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius maculipectus)
One of the great "feeder birds" at Bosque de Paz is the incredible Yellow-thighed Finch. Check out those yellow leg tufts! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis) BANDED WREN (Thryophilus pleurostictus)
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus)
PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus)
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris) [*]
WHITE-LORED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila albiloris)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
AMERICAN DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops)
We did well with Nicaraguan Seed-Finches this year, finding several handsome males with their comically large pink bills. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris) [*] SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater)
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii)
BLACK-HEADED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus mexicanus)
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) [*]
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Phainoptila melanoxantha)
LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys caudatus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla)
We were right in the thick of an army ant swarm at Arenal. Here, guide Jay VanderGaast points out a close Bicolored Antbird to the group. Video by guide Tom Johnson.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) [*]
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava) [*]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
Fasciated Tiger-Herons patrol up and down swift-flowing mountain streams, and are generally uncommon in Costa Rica. This individual showed off about 25 feet away from the bus windows! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
WRENTHRUSH (Zeledonia coronata)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
WHITE-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio leucothorax)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
Among the dazzling birds at Arenal was this standout stunner -- Crimson-collared Tanager. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas)
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
NICARAGUAN SEED-FINCH (Sporophila nuttingi)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
This Yellow-winged Vireo, a Chiriqui endemic, is found only in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus) BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
STRIPE-HEADED SPARROW (Peucaea ruficauda)
OLIVE SPARROW (Arremonops rufivirgatus)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
YELLOW-THIGHED FINCH (Pselliophorus tibialis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
Chestnut-capped Brushfinches, with their bicolored, almost flame crests, were a common sight in the "yard" at Bosque de Paz. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata) WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) [*]
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
NICARAGUAN GRACKLE (Quiscalus nicaraguensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas) [*]
I think this Three-toed Sloth was performing the Costa Rican forest equivalent of Rodin's "The Thinker". Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius) STREAK-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus pustulatus)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis)
CENTRAL AMERICAN WOOLY OPOSSUM (Caluromys derbianus)
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
Caño Negro was absolutely loaded with Spectacled Caiman, and they eyed us warily. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus) CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
PACA (Cuniculus paca)
NORTHERN RACCOON (Procyon lotor)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
Coming back north after a Costa Rica tour offers one shocking reminder of why tropical birding in January is so fantastic. This was what Tom's car looked like upon his return to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania airport. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) Herps
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
BLACK SPINY-TAILED IGUANA (Ctenosaura similis)
GREEN BASILISK (Basiliscus plumifrons)
TROPICAL HOUSE GECKO (Hemidactylus mabouia)
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus)
VAILLANT'S FROG (Lithobates vaillanti)
FORRER'S LEOPARD FROG (Lithobates forreri)
MESO-AMERICAN SLIDER (Trachemys venusta)
CANE TOAD (Rhinella marina)
Totals for the tour: 330 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa