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It was a mixed bag in terms of the weather, but it did finally clear and we were rewarded memorable looks at Volcan Turrialba from Lake Turire. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
We welcomed in the New Year 2018 in style. A little wine and champagne, a small band, a delicious turkey dinner, and, more importantly, in good company with old and new friends. But, the best part? We started the year in Costa Rica! Birds, and birds galore, awaited us that next morning (remember the patio, coffee in hand?). That's right, despite the laid back appearance of the tour, we stayed busy with moth cloths, hummingbird pools, and trips to Silent Mountain, Tapanti NP, EARTH, and Volcan Irazu. Our bird highlights were many, but included Black-breasted Wood-Quail (a small covey crossing the road in front of us!), Barred Hawk (an adult soaring over Silent Mt.), Crested Owl (Cali spotted this lovely bird on a day roost), Snowcap (the white dot bathing in the pools), Rufous Motmot (nice to have such good looks at the feeders; motmots rock!), Great Green Macaw (scoped at EARTH), Ochre-breasted Antpitta (the small egg-on-legs at Tapanti), and can we count that awesome Fer-de-Lance?!
Thanks to this fun group. It was a treat to spend time with y'all in Costa Rica. We couldn't have done it without our support staff, however. Many thanks to Lisa, Vinicio, Harry, and the staff at Rancho Naturalista. And, of course, our awesome team of Cali and Vernon! It is always a pleasure to work with you both. Pura Vida, mae!
Enjoy birding in 2018!
Jesse aka Motmot (from Lima, Peru)
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
SLATY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Crypturellus boucardi) [*]
We enjoyed the loud calls of this Bare-throated Tiger-Heron at CATIE. Photo by participant Doug Clarke.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors) – 25 or so at Birris Reservoir.
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – Seen at Birris Reservoir and again at Turire Lake. One of the more common wintering temperate waterfowl in CR.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – Common at the Rancho feeders.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) – Seen on the Rancho property.
BLACK GUAN (Chamaepetes unicolor) – One sneaky individual at Tapanti. Not seen every year.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BUFFY-CROWNED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx leucophrys) [*]
BLACK-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus leucolaemus) – A super bird to get and see so well. We had three approach our group close, then cross the road in front of us. Tapanti NP.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – One was on the Turire Lake edge.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – One was seen along the river near the entrance to Rancho.
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – One was growling at us from the tall tree at CATIE.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Uncommon wintering visitor to CR. Seen at CATIE.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
Check out the fighting spurs on this Northern Jacana! Great photo by Linda Smith.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – Several at Turire Lake. This species is replaced by Striated Heron a bit further south in Central Panama.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) – A couple in the papyrus at CATIE.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – One showed well in the scope at CATIE.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Seen on the entrance road to Rancho (a first for me) and again at EARTH.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) [*]
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Small numbers flying around at Lake Turire.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Nice looks at one during our visit to EARTH.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – One was around the lodge at Rancho keeping the chachalacas on their toes.
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps) – Cali spotted this raptor at Silent Mountain.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – The one we saw at Silent Mountain was a resident bird, subspecies costaricensis.
Cali spotted this day-roosting Crested Owl at Lake Turire. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – A pair were hanging out under the corral and cow at Silent Mountain. Go figure!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
UNIFORM CRAKE (Amaurolimnas concolor)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – Good numbers were seen at Lake Turire.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – A pair were seen and heard at Lake Turire.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Several were along the Burris Reservoir.
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa) – Several of us especially liked the babies. Good numbers were at CATIE and Turire Reservoir.
WATTLED JACANA (BLACK-BACKED) (Jacana jacana hypomelaena) – This is a rare species to Costa Rica, recently found at Lake Turire where we saw it.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Smashing photo by participant Doug Clarke of this Collared Aracari.
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) [*]
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – The common dove around the feeders at Rancho.
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii) [*]
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Seen well more than a few times including on the grounds at Rancho.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Bizarre looking for this species in the Paraiso park plaza. But, that's exactly where we found a pair!
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – Wow. Cali spotted a day-roosting bird along the shores of Lake Turire. Lovely bird.
CENTRAL AMERICAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium griseiceps) – We tracked this tiny owl down at EARTH. Easily missed and one of the few times I have actually seen one!
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) – One was flying around during the day at EARTH. Obviously, bothered by the weed eaters in action!
Apodidae (Swifts)
SPOT-FRONTED SWIFT (Cypseloides cherriei) – A rare swift that some of us saw early in the morning at EARTH.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – A few were flying around at the entrance to EARTH.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
BRONZY HERMIT (Glaucis aeneus) [*]
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – A fairly regular visitor to the feeders at Rancho. Females are longer-billed than the males.
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – They would occasionally sneak in to feed at the verbina flowers at Rancho. A tiny hummingbird.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – One was bathing at the hummingbird pools, at least one person saw this!
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii) – A common visitor to the Rancho feeders. Females and immatures looks quite different from the adult males.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) – An uncommon, but regular visitor to the Rancho feeders.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis) – Good numbers were seen on the slopes of Volcan Irazu. A Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus) – Seen a couple of times at Tapanti NP on our final day of birding.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus) – Also, seen at Tapanti NP. The females are even more striking than the males.
This Rufous Motmot was a regular visitor to the feeders at Rancho. Photo by participant Doug Clarke.
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula) – This tiny hummingbird was seen at Volcan Irazu. The gorget color is different depending on which volcano you are on.
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica) – Was it this one or the jacobin that was the most common hummingbird at Rancho? ;-)
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris) – At least one male and a female were seen well at Tapanti. Another Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – The male bathing in the hummingbird pools is something none of us will ever forget. The white dot looked like a marker guiding folks singing a karaoke song.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena) – We called one in for good looks at EARTH, just after we had our fill with the macaws.
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – A couple of individuals of this "red-bellied" trogon were seen at Tapanti.
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – One was visiting the feeders at Rancho this year. You can never go wrong with at motmot. ;-)
A delicious New Year's turkey dinner from Rancho chef, Vinicio. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Similar to Rufous Motmot. We saw one at EARTH.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – One was along the Pejivalle River.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – Nice looks at a pair in the forest at EARTH. We enjoyed lengthy scope views.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii) – One was skulking around in the mossy branches and bromeliads at Tapanti NP. Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus) – Made visits to the Rancho feeders while we gobbled down toast at breakfast.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – Seen well at EARTH.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – This large flying banana was around in good numbers at Rancho. Good looks in the scope more than a few times.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) [*]
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) – Usually at the banana feeders most days. Go figure.
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius) – On our last afternoon, in the garden at Hotel Bougainvillea.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus) – Seen at Irazu. This subspecies is darker than North American populations. The subspecies is extimus.
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex) – Awesome looks at EARTH. Our last stop of the day produced this bird. Always a good one to see.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – A guide favorite. Big, cool, and responsive.
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis) – Also, a guide favorite. Hard to go wrong with big woodpeckers!
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Recently expanded into central CR. Now, a regular on this tour.
Nice composition in this photo by Max Rodel. A Paltry Tyrannulet stays active in the light rain at Rancho.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – One was flying around the edge of Lake Turire.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis) – This was the common parrot around the lodge. Seen in flocks often from the balcony. We watched them in the scope a few times, too.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) [*]
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Scoped a few times at EARTH.
GREAT GREEN MACAW (Ara ambiguus) – It was great finding four individuals in a tall tree that we were able to put in the scope. Rare along the Caribbean slope and we miss this species most tours.
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi) – The parakeet seen at Hotel Bougainvillea and in the Central Valley.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) [*]
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – Visited the moth cloth (both male and female) a few times.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – Seen in the forest at Rancho along with the previous species.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) [*]
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Sipia laemosticta) – Nice looks at a pair in the shady understory along the Pejivalle River.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Hafferia zeledoni) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris) – Very cool seeing this tiny egg-on-legs at Tapanti NP. We nearly ran over it in the bus! It later showed very well for the group.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – Showed well at the moth cloth. In fact, a four woodcreeper morning at the cloth. The next three species were seen there!
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – Seen at Rancho and again in Tapanti NP.
This Chiriqui Highland Endemic, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, showed well for us at Volcan Irazu. Photo by participant Doug Clarke.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – Common in the lowlands and foothills. A regular around Rancho.
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – Seen on Volcan Irazu in the highlands.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – One showed well at the moth cloth. Quite vocal, too, in the forest at Rancho.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – Several were seen at Tapanti NP.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – This species was seen at Tapanti NP foraging in the bromeliads. Moves with mixed-species flocks.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus) – Terrible name. Common (seen daily) around Rancho.
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) – The smallest passerine in the world! This "insect" was seen in flight (mainly) at EARTH.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Super looks at Tapanti NP.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) [*]
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – This "flatbill" was seen (or heard) most days of the tour. Its nest is also conspicuous in the forest.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus) – Some of us saw this near the hummingbird pools one afternoon.
TAWNY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus capitalis) [*]
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – This wintering empid is the most common in the foothills around Rancho. Also, a visitor to the moth cloth!
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) [*]
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens) – A resident empid seen at Tapanti NP.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) – Kind of cool to see this bird on its wintering grounds. Some of our group had these breeding nearly in their back yards. Always nice to see both sides of their life history.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
Guides Jesse Fagan and Cali Rodriguez take in the sounds at EARTH. Photo by Linda Smith.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
GOLDEN-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes hemichrysus) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – A pair were seen during our walk at Silent Mountain.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei) – The snap, crackle, and pop, heard and seen at Rancho!
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – One was seen during our day spent at EARTH. Caribbean slope only.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – One on the grounds at Hotel Bougainvillea. Possible on both slopes.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – One seen at EARTH.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – A female was also seen at EARTH.
BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus) – A real treat was to see a female at Tapanti NP. Somewhat rare and missed most trips. This is a highland equivalent to the previous species.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – Its hard chatter is often heard around Rancho. Seen a few times, too.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) – Surprisingly common as a wintering bird in Costa Rica.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – In the highlands at Tapanti NP.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – Both this species and the next are found in Costa Rica. A little further south into Panama, and they are all Southern.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
These Long-nosed Bats were neat to see at our picnic lunch spot at EARTH. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus) – This tiny wren was seen crawling around the mossy branches at Tapanti. Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni) – Awesome looks at a pair of birds that snuck in close and started singing to the group. This was in the fog at Volcan Irazu.
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) – Several on the grounds at Hotel Bougainvillea.
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis) – Heard a lot at Rancho, but seen once or twice, too.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – This sharp looking wren with the explosive song was seen a few times. Heard more often than seen, however.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – No way better to see this species than at the moth cloth.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Replaces the former species in the highlands. Seen at Tapanti NP.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops) – This Chiriqui Highland Endemic was seen a few times at Tapanti NP.
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris) – We called up one at Volcan Irazu.
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina)
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens)
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – The national bird of Costa Rica was, thankfully, seen every day of the tour!
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) – Several were seen around Oriente. This species has continued to expand its range south (possibly with the help of escaped pet birds).
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Phainoptila melanoxantha) – A Chiriqui endemic that was seen feeding over the road at Tapanti.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [*]
A little rain at CATIE didn't bother this Gray-crowned Yellowthroat that came out to inspect our group. Photo by Doug Clarke.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis) – Always a treat to see this Chiriqui endemic. And aptly named!
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) – One of the more common wintering warblers in CR. Seen every day of the tour.
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala) – One came in to check us out during our wet day at CATIE.
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) – This one was bathing at the small pools below the patio at Rancho. First detected by its distinctive "chip" call.
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava) – We pulled one up out of the wet grass at EARTH. Came in close to check us out.
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) – This species was probably the most common wintering warbler on the tour. Seen every day and in good numbers.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) – Just one in the highlands at Volcan Irazu.
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) [*]
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus) – A sharp looking warbler, endemic to the Chiriqui highlands, which we saw at Volcan Irazu on our first day of birding.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – A pair were seen at Silent Mountain. Always a good find on this tour.
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – This is a sharp looking tanager that we saw at Silent Mountain.
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii) – Hard to forget the males! Velvet black with a red rump is a nice combination.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) – These were fairly common on the grounds at Rancho.
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – A tiny tanager (nearly warbler sized) seen at EARTH.
We were lucky to find Pied Puffbird during our visit to EARTH. A good bird and a better photograph by participant Max Rodel.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida) – One of the flashier Tangara tanagers seen on the tour.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – A few of us may have seen the scarlet thighs?!
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas)
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea) – This Chiriqui Highland endemic was seen a few times on Volcan Irazu.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea) – Very similar plumage to the next species, but with a heavier bill. One was seen at Oriente.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus) – Seen on the slopes of Volcan Irazu in the fog.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – This species was seen more than a few times (indeed, common) at Tapanti NP.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – One of the visitors to the moth cloth.
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris) – Really nice looks at this skulker along the entrance road to Tapanti NP.
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani) – A couple of confiding individuals showed well for us at Volcan Irazu.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis) – Briefly in the fog near the Volcan Irazu crater.
Zeledoniidae (Wrenthrush)
WRENTHRUSH (Zeledonia coronata) [*]
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – Nice to catch up with this species at EARTH where we had a vocal group of them.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli) – A small flock of these were seen in the forest at Rancho.
Volcano (Junco) in the Mist. Photo by participant Doug Clarke.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris) – Good numbers in the fields around Oriente. A fairly recent species expanding north into Central America.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri) – Less common at the Rancho feeders than the next species.
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma) – Common at Rancho feeders. Noting that that alpha males are twice the size of the females!
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus uropygialis) – Seen first at EARTH, but they also visited the Rancho feeders a few times.
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas) – One was seen at EARTH.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – "Deet-deet" was a common call on the grounds of Rancho.
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea) [*]
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – The bats seen in the small chapel during our lunch break at EARTH.
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni)
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
DUSKY RICE RAT (Melanomys caliginosus) – We were really excited about this one! We watched one from the Rancho patio steal stale rice.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica) – A new visitor to the Rancho feeders!
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – Some of you saw this species visit the Rancho feeders. A large Neotropical weasel!
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis) – One was seen briefly by a few folks at Lake Turire.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We saw a few other critters on the trip:
1) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) = At least one large adult was seen at EARTH. The young ones are bright green, but as they age their color becomes brownish red.
2) Strawberry Poison-dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio) = We found one in the forest at EARTH. Their constant chatter was heard though out the morning, however.
3) Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper) = The largest individual I had ever seen! It measured 1.5 meters, easily, and is one of the most venomous snakes in the tropics. It was beautiful, though I am not sure how Vernon felt about it being so close to his cabin!
Totals for the tour: 274 bird taxa and 11 mammal taxa