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This lovely male Snowcap was feeding on verbena flowers at the Erbs'. We also saw a female Snowcap at Rancho, which is one of the best places to see this range-restricted species. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Rancho Naturalista is a lodge with rather a reputation in birding circles, and we certainly got to enjoy its comfort and hospitality, and for the holiday season, no less! It’s true that we seemed to have brought the rain with us, but despite that, and especially thanks to local guide Harry’s enthusiasm and knowledge, we were able to make the best of it nevertheless, and so we did, with about 330 species! Perhaps it was because of this rain, but bugs were not an issue at all, and then there was the memorable umbrella service Rocky provided. The lodge fed us some great food (especially that taco lunch and pancakes with berries!), and had some services such as yoga in the forest (which some folks joined). Around the lodge, we enjoyed visiting feeders and flower gardens of some friends such as the Easley family, with their amazing moth cloth, and the Erbs, where we enjoyed great views of a male Snowcap! We also ventured further afield, driven by our ever-cheerful driver William, including down to the Caribbean lowlands, where we were impressed by the energy and knowledge of Cobe, as well as his amazing feeding station. Among the many amazing things we saw there was a rare sighting of White-tipped Sicklebill!
Birds were our main targets, of course, and we had some pretty great experiences with them! These ranged from the spectacular open-winged display of Sunbittern to the shining electric blue of a Lovely Cotinga, the surprise finding of a Striped Owl and Yellow-throated Warbler in the same spot, and the Fasciated Tiger-Heron that Harry pulled out at the last second on our way back from the lodge. Migrants from “home” were a major theme, with such species as Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Yellow-throated and Philadelphia vireos, and many warblers including Mourning, Golden-winged, and that pesky Chestnut-sided that kept us guessing! Our visit to Volcan Irazu the first day resulted in Timberline Wren and Volcano Junco at the peak, some nice flocks on the leeward side, where we were protected from howling winds and sideways rain, and views of the staggering Resplendent Quetzal, rightly famed as one of Central America’s finest birds!
Overall, it was a great pleasure to enjoy this holiday with such a lovely group. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did, and that perhaps we’ll have another opportunity to bird together again in the near future!
Until then, good birding! Dan
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
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Seen on both visits to Laguna Angostura.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors) – Good numbers as Birris Pond [b]
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – A good sized flock at Birris. Some also on Angostura. [b]
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – A voice unlike that of any other chachalaca I know!
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) – A fine view from the balcony our first morning at Rancho.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – Only our first day at Birris Pond.
We didn't want to miss seeing the Resplendent Quetzal, and we found a pair on the flank of Irazu when we visited there on our first day! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – At the feeders of Cobe's.
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris) – The common large pigeon we saw most days.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – Only on Irazu the first day.
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) – Heard many days, only seen a few times.
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca) – Our day returning to the Bougainvillea.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Daily sight at Rancho.
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii) – One at the Easley's house.
PURPLISH-BACKED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon lawrencii) – Only Wendy and Harry got on this one as it scuttled away in the understory the day we walked the forest trails at Rancho.
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) – A few around the bottom of Irazu.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – Great views of a day roosting bird at CATIE.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi) – Several flying around a valley on the drive out of Tapanti.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) – Wow, fantastic views of a bird at the Heliconias at Cobe's.
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri) – Also at Cobe's.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – The mini-hermit we saw on several days at Rancho.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (COSTA RICAN) (Colibri cyanotus cabanidis) – Until recently called Green Violetear, but split from northern Middle American birds, the latter now called Mexican Violetear.
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – At Silent Mountain, but a brief view.
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
We enjoyed many wonderful hummingbirds, but perhaps the sweetest that we found was this "Festive Mango". Who thought we'd discover a new species? Photo by guide Dan Lane.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – A long-tailed hummer that visited the Verbena around Rancho.
BLACK-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis helenae) – A female showed well at the Erbs' house.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
TALAMANCA HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes spectabilis) – Formerly part of Magnificent Hummer, but that has been split into this and the more northerly Rivoli's Hummer, which gets to Arizona.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis) – A real gob-smacker we enjoyed on Irazu.
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus) – This and the next were both at Tapanti.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus)
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula) – Very similar to our more northerly Rufous Hummer, but restricted to the taller volcanoes of Costa Rica and Panama. The male's gorget here was ashy.
GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis) – A tiny sprite we saw at the Erbs'.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – A male of this species was at the feeders at Cobe's.
Northern Jacanas showed off for us at CATIE, including this pair; they weren't bothered at all by a bunch of birders watching! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii) – Another species we encountered at Cobe's.
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus) – A large and eye-catching hummer we saw on several days around Rancho.
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia) – Another visitor to Cobe's.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa eximia) – This and the next were in the Eucalypts on the road to Tapanti.
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris)
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – One of the banner birds of Rancho (literally!), we enjoyed a male at the Erbs', and a female around the Rancho house.
BLUE-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia hoffmanni) – Until recently this was considered the Central American population of Steely-vented, but these have been split from South American birds that retained that name, these now called Blue-vented.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – An everyday hummer for the tour.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris) – This and Gray-cowled Wood-Rail were split from Gray-necked Wood-Rail due to vocal and genetic distinctions. This species is found from Mexico to Costa Rica, with Gray-cowled from CR to Argentina.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – Incredibly common at the pond at CATIE.
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) – Great views of a pair at Laguna Angostura.
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – A bird at Laguna Angostura.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – This species has exploded in the past 50 years and invaded well to the north of its historic range. To think that it's regular in Costa Rica now is amazing, considering it was only first found in the country less than 30 years ago!
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa) – Another species that was abundant at CATIE. We even watched the making of the next generation.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias major) – Some great views of this often very skulky species, including at least one that gave us the spread-wing display!
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – After looking at every stream, Lanie and Harry finally spotted one of these montane tiger-herons as we drove to Tapanti.
Collared Aracaris are common at feeders in the Rancho area, and this bunch was very entertaining. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – The common Middle American tiger-heron.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) – One at Laguna Angostura.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
This gorgeous Crimson-collared Tanager was one of our finds at Silent Mountain. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Several roosting in the papyrus-like sedges at CATIE.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Seen on most days, but best at CATIE.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Strangely, at CATIE, these were eating palm fruits!
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Harry spotted a few of these as we drove along.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – A young bird our last day at Tapanti flying over our lunch spot.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – A bird at Laguna Angostura.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – A nice adult was around Rancho on three days.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Well named.
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus) – One near Cobe's.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – One as we were driving back into San Jose.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – A resident subspecies with rufous-washed underparts.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – Two in the palms near the plaza at Paraiso.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Same site as the last, but better hidden. Thanks to those older gents for keeping an eye on them!
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – A pair around Rancho, seen by those who joined Harry for a quick outing one evening.
STRIPED OWL (Asio clamator) – A fine view of a bird flushed from a daytime roost in a Royal Palm.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – A pair showed well near our restaurant on the flank of Irazu.
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) – Part of the former Violaceous Trogon, which has been split into three species, this being the Middle American form.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) – A female in the forest patch near Cobe's.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Seen our last two days.
We heard more Bay Wrens than we saw, but we did get a look at a few of these attractive skulkers. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii) – Part of the former Blue-crowned Motmot, which was split eight ways! This is the form from Mexico to Panama.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – A large motmot we saw well at the Easleys'.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – Despite its name, it was the most often seen kingfisher of this tour.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – A pair behind the cabin above the entrance road showed well.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – A flashy mini-toucan we enjoyed at Tapanti.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis) – Also a show-stopper at Tapanti.
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus) – Seen several times, perhaps best at Cobe's.
This little Eye-ringed Flatbill showed nicely for us at the Easley's. Guide Dan Lane got this photo, which shows just why they got their name!
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – In the forest patch at Cobe's.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – The common toucan around Rancho.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) – Briefly on Irazu.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Dryobates villosus) – Unlike populations in the US, these are mostly smoky brown where ours are white.
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex) – One of these fairly rare woodpeckers showed well in a tree in that large pasture near Cobe's.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – A "forest flicker" we saw a few times around Rancho.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
MERLIN (Falco columbarius) [b]
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – Harry and Larry got us on this small falcon as we were driving to Cobe's.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One our first day. [b]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) – Mostly at Cobe's where they were seen well in the rain at the feeders.
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis) – One of the most common parrots of the tour.
Flame-throated Warbler is a beauty that we saw on Irazu. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – Only on our visit to Cobe's.
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons) – A pair over the Bougainvillea and another pair at CATIE.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Also at Cobe's.
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Eupsittula nana astec)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi) – Seen most days.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – This and the next three species were part of the interior forest flocks we had at Rancho.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
CHECKER-THROATED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
These little Honduran White Bats were roosting under a heliconia leaf; Cobe knew where they were hiding, and let us have a look. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) – A pair showed fairly well our first outing on the interior forest trail at Rancho.
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Sipia laemosticta) – A pair of this lovely antbird with ruby eyes was also on our first outing into the forest at Rancho.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Hafferia zeledoni) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THICKET ANTPITTA (Hylopezus dives) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Often hard to see well, we were pleased to see it very well at Tapanti!
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – Not a very elaborate-looking woodcreeper, as the name suggests.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest woodcreeper.
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – Only on our day down at Cobe's.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) – A few looks, the best of which was at the Easley's.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – The woodcreeper we encountered most.
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – On Irazu.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) – One bird at the entrance to Tapanti. The rufous neck indicated a young bird.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – Seen on a couple of occasions.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – Often a darned hard bird to see, but one performed well at the entrance to Tapanti.
RUDDY TREERUNNER (Margarornis rubiginosus) – In flocks on Irazu.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – In flocks at Tapanti. Embarrasses easily.
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura) – Fine views in the White-throated Flycatcher field.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – One of the most common manakins at Rancho; we saw males on a few days.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei) – Snap, crackle, pop! went the wings of these impressive manakins as they displayed by the Easley's place.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra) – Harry and Charles caught a glimpse of this one on the forested ridge above Rancho.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
LOVELY COTINGA (Cotinga amabilis) – A striking cotinga that fleetingly passed by the lodge a few times over two days. Personally, I'm not sure I believe it existed, since I never saw it (frowny face).
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – Overall, the rarest of the three tityras. We only saw a pair on our first full day at Rancho.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
One of the hummingbirds we saw at Rancho was this rather pensive-looking Green Thorntail. These were seen feeding at the verbenas around the grounds. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Rocky got us on our first one of these.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – Wow, great views of this scarce species at the Easley's.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (GRAY-HEADED) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens cinereiceps) – A species that will probably be split into many some day. Most of these forms are in South America, but this one makes it all the way to Mexico.
The Red-throated Ant-Tanager was a regular in the understory flocks at Rancho. Guide Dan Lane got a lovely portrait of one showing the beautiful rosy-red throat.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – An attractive little tyrannulet we enjoyed along the edge of Laguna Angustura.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii) – Only on the slopes of Irazu.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – The tiny silvery bird with black head, wings, and tail that lives along rushing streams.
MISTLETOE TYRANNULET (Zimmerius parvus) – A common tyrannulet that eats mostly mistletoe (imagine that!). We saw it every day we were at Rancho.
TAWNY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus capitalis) – Another banner species at Rancho, we had it at least two days on the grounds. The one at the moth cloth below the cabins performed well.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) – Charles got us on one of these attractive mini-pewees at Tapanti.
DARK PEWEE (Contopus lugubris) – Another Tapanti species.
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – Wow, a rare bird to be wintering in Costa Rica! We had one calling clearly at the Bougainvillea! [b]
TROPICAL PEWEE (SHORT-LEGGED) (Contopus cinereus brachytarsus) – Tropical Pewee is another species that is due for a big split. This form is Middle American, and sounds quite distinct from South American forms.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – A super-common wintering species here! [b]
WHITE-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax albigularis) – One bird in the roadside marsh swale.
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens) – At Tapanti.
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps) – At Irazu.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – Not quite the same as the familiar Black Phoebe of the western US, this one has less white on the belly.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – Seen on two days.
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra) – Rather an extroverted individual was along the road at Tapanti.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – An everyday bird.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Another everyday bird.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
The weather wasn't the best for us, but we still had a great time, and saw many wonderful birds. Here's a photo of the group birding in the rain, taken by guide Dan Lane.
GOLDEN-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes hemichrysus) – A couple of these Sulphur-bellied sized flycatchers were at Tapanti.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Abundant throughout much of the Neotropics.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps) [*]
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata) – Members of several mixed flocks.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – Quite common as a wintering species. We saw one at CATIE with a band! [b]
YELLOW-WINGED VIREO (Vireo carmioli) – An endemic to the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama. We saw it on the slopes of Irazu.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) – Always a great species to see! We had some on our first two days. [b]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio) – An everyday bird. Heard a LOT.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – Differs from the next by lack of rufous on throat, darker rump, and voice. This one can breed in CR.
Speed limits in Costa Rica have to account for a wide variety of vehicles and occasions! Here's a reminder of things other than birds to watch out for. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – Some seen around Silent Mountain.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea) – A small group at CATIE.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus) – A petite wren we encountered on Irazu and Tapanti.
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni) – An endemic to the highest volcanoes of CR and Panama. We saw a pair well on the peak of Irazu.
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (RUFOUS-BACKED) (Campylorhynchus rufinucha capistratus) – We had a pair of these Cactus Wren relatives on the grounds of the Bougainvillea.
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis) [*]
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus) – Mostly heard in the forest around Rancho.
CABANIS'S WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) [*]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – A handsome wren we saw on a couple of occasions, but heard regularly around Rancho.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – A fairly common wren at Rancho. Our best views may have been of the pair below the moth cloth.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Seen at Irazu.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) – Just at the base of Irazu.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops) – Only a couple of glimpses at Tapanti.
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris) – Fine views at Irazu, including hearing its lovely song!
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) – We saw one at Cobe's. [b]
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus) – On Irazu.
WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis) [*]
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – The Costa Rican national bird, and plenty common!
We found this handsome White-eared Ground-Sparrow at Hotel Bougainvillea. These sparrows have a very small and patchy range from southern Mexico to Costa Rica, so we were pleased to see this one. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens) – A common thrush on Irazu.
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Phainoptila melanoxantha) – A very obliging male showed well for us at Tapanti.
LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys caudatus) – By the skin of our teeth did we manage to see a flock of these as we descended Irazu!
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Only around San Jose. [I]
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
GOLDEN-BROWED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia callophrys) – We ran into this rather attractive species in the "Attack Calf Pasture" above Rancho.
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – Perhaps the most common of the euphonias on the tour, heard or seen every day we were at Rancho.
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi) – A euphonia with no "adult male" plumage.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
This White-tipped Sicklebill was another bird that is often hard to see. We were thrilled to get a good look at this one at Cobe's, where it was feeding on the heliconias. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – In the flocks on the ridge above Rancho.
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus) – The handsome chlorospingus on Irazu.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – Lower in elevation than the last, and also on Irazu as well as Tapanti.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris) – Like the Olive Sparrow of south Texas, but different.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – Usually quite a skulker, but fairly easy to see at the feeders.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – A couple individuals showed on the ridge above Rancho.
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris) [*]
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani) – A monster junco, endemic to the volcanoes of CR and Panama. We had fine views on Irazu.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Yup.
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis) – Costa Rica's Sasquatch.
WHITE-EARED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone leucotis) – A really sharp dresser that we eventually saw well on the grounds of the Bougainvillea.
YELLOW-THIGHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes tibialis) – Formerly just "Yellow-thighed Finch", this has recently been placed in genus Atlapetes. It is mighty dark for a brushfinch, but we managed to see it anyway.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna) – A familiar species from back home found in fields and meadows.
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris) – Several at Casa Turire.
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – A pair zipped by us on the entrance road to Rancho.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma) – A goliath of a bird, and quite attention grabbing with that colorful face and bold personality.
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) [b]
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus) – The southernmost population of the species is here. We saw some at Laguna Angostura.
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus) – A big flock at Birris was impressive.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
The Sunbitterns showed nicely for us, one even flashing its colorful wings. This one, though, seemed satisfied to just pose. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives) – A fairly recent colonist of Costa Rica from the north, it now is pretty much everywhere.
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus) – Daily.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) [b]
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) – One in a mixed flock on the ridge above Rancho. [b]
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – Found along rushing streams. [b]
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – Mostly around stillwater. [b]
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – Wow, what great views of this declining species! [b]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) [b]
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis) – A bit like a Blackburnian Warbler; we enjoyed these on Irazu.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Leiothlypis peregrina) – Common and widespread. [b]
Birding at Tapanti was very good! We added some great birds to our list, like the Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Rufous Mourner, and Red-headed Barbet. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala) – Nice views along the road at the White-throated Flycatcher marsh. Note that this form has no white eye crescents, unlike more northerly birds.
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia) – Magnificent! Getting easy looks at a Mourning Warbler is bound to make you smile! [b]
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) [b*]
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava) – Fine views of a male at the stinky stream area.
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) [b]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – A fairly common wintering species here. [b]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – Widespread and common as a winterer. [b]
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) – This one caused some problems for the first few days, but once we sorted them out, things went a bit more smoothly. Basically, if you didn't know what a small bird in a flock was, it was likely a Chestnut-sided. [b]
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Setophaga dominica) – A nice find at Casa Turire. [b]
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) – One or two our first day on the flank of Irazu. [b]
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons) – Nice views of this warbler at the Easley's house.
BLACK-CHEEKED WARBLER (Basileuterus melanogenys) – A real eye-catcher we enjoyed on Irazu.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
COSTA RICAN WARBLER (Basileuterus melanotis) – Formerly part of Three-striped Warbler, but has been split off. We saw one that seemed to be keeping itself together despite needing an eyepatch.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – One along the creek on Silent Mountain showed fairly well.
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla) [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – At Tapanti.
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus) – At Irazu.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – Daily. [b]
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata) – One at Irazu.
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – A female at Tapanti.
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda) – A regular member of understory flocks at Rancho.
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli) – Loud but tough to see at Rancho.
BLACK-THIGHED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus tibialis) – A single bird made a surprise visit to the entrance road below Rancho one morning.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)
Volcano Hummingbird is a near-endemic that we saw well. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – An eye catcher we particularly enjoyed on Silent Mountain.
SCARLET-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii) – Common and easily seen, but you still enjoy each and every one of them!
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Stilpnia larvata)
SPANGLE-CHEEKED TANAGER (Tangara dowii) – Mostly backlit, but we did have fairly good views at Tapanti.
We found this Gray-crowned Yellowthroat in a marshy area along the roadside. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – Seen one day as we drove to the main road from Rancho.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – Probably the single most common of the "tangara" tanagers.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – A brief glimpse of this one at Silent Mountain.
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea) – Several seen at Irazu and Tapanti.
PEG-BILLED FINCH (Acanthidops bairdi) – A lucky find at the top of Irazu!
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea) – This and the next look a lot alike and occur together. Who thought that would be a good idea?
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – One along the Silent Mountain road.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Many at the feeders and singing around the grounds of Rancho.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps) – We finally saw this monstrously large saltator on Silent Mountain.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
MAMMALS
HONDURAN WHITE BAT (Ectophylla alba) – Cobe showed us a heleconia with a roost of these attractive bats.
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) [*]
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – A brief look as we drove to Cobe's.
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides) – Around the Bougainvillea and again at Rancho.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – Pure entertainment value as we watched these stealing bananas from the Rancho feeders.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
Herps
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
GREEN BASILISK (Basiliscus plumifrons)
This Slaty Spinetail posed nicely for guide Dan Lane, showing its slaty color, and spiny tail!
HELMETED BASILISK (Corytophanes cristatus)
MASKED TREE FROG (Smilisca phaeota)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Bat sp. (Harry identified this as genus Leophomum, but I cannot find this genus anywhere).
Mouse Opossum sp.
Totals for the tour: 328 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa