A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Holiday Costa Rica: Rancho Naturalista II 2023
December 29, 2023-January 6, 2024 with Chris Benesh & Vernon Campos guiding
What a wonderful way to bring in the New Year, nestled at the wonderful Rancho Naturalista, with delicious meals, good companionship, and so many birds! Our holiday adventure began at the lovely grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea in San Jose. We had time to take in a few localized species before starting our travel toward Volcan Irazu. With Vernon Campo’s expertise, we were looking at Resplendent Quetzals seconds after hopping off of the bus. Fabulous looks at two males. Then it was on to Irazu, where we connected with several specialties including Timberline Wren, Large-footed Finch, Flame-throated Warbler, Black-capped Flycatcher, Volcano Hummingbird, at Slaty Flowerpiercer. After that, we began our travel toward Rancho Naturalista. Along the way we made stops for Tropical Screech-Owls (along with a stealthy Barn Owl).
The next morning was that first magical one guests experience stepping out on to the veranda at Rancho. Hummingbirds, dominated by White-necked Jacobins are swarming the feeders. Colorful tanagers, hungry oropendolas and chachalacas swoop in the their feasts. So much to see it is hard to pull ourselves away from the spectacle to take breakfast. Our first morning was spent walking slowly down the hill toward Rancho Bajo, with lots to distract us along the way. Nearly 70 species were tallied on the way down. At Rancho Bajo, we had Snowcap and Green Thorntail coming to flowers.
The next morning we headed down to the Rio Tuis after breakfast and spent time walking along the road taking in the birds. A nesting Green-breasted Mango got our attention. We also had our first couple of Sunbitterns. Other highlights included Russet Antshrike, White-winged Becard, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Gray-capped Flycatcher, Tawny-capped Euphonia, and a mix of colorful tanagers. We spent the afternoon at Casa Turire, a wonderful waterfowl spot. On the way in, we birded some weedy fields that had Red-breasted Meadowlark, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, and Thick-billed Seed-Finch.
The next day features visits to Cero El Silencio and La Mina. We had good looks at Yellow-bellied Seedeaters, a species in decline here. La Mina provided us with good looks at Sunbittern and Dull-mantled Antbird, and cooperative Green Kingfisher. In the afternoon we had an amazing visit to CATIE, where we tallied over 60 species of birds! Great Potoo, Purple Gallinules, many Northern Jacanas, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Least Bittern, Black-crowned Antshrike, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, and Gray-capped Flycatcher were among the highlights.
The following day was a longer travel day, heading down to the Caribbean coastal plane with visits to Centro Manu, Donde Cope, and Flores. Donde Cope was amazing. Such a variety of species up close and personal, and such a gracious host. The tiny wetland was large enough to host an American Pygmy-Kingfisher. There were wonderful hummingbirds and other birds coming to feed on fruit. We saw some good owls too, with Spectacled, Black-and-White, and Crested all seen well.
The Rio Penibaye area was the focus of the following morning, after some initial birding at Rancho. Brown Violetear, Laughing Falcon, Spotted Antbird, Tawny-chested Flycatcher, and Slaty-capped Flycatcher were just a few of the highlights of the morning. The afternoon was spent at the hummingbird pools, where a nice mix of birds trickled in to drink and bathe. Seeing the Crowned Woodnymph splashing away was awesome.
Our final day of birding was to hit the Rio Macho. This was a terrific spot that added a number of new species for us. Highlights included Black-bellied Hummingbird, Red-headed Barbet, Prong-billed Barbet, Spotted Woodcreeper, Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Red-faced Spinetail, Barred Becard, and Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant. Then sadly, it was time to make our way back to San Jose.
A special thanks must go out to our wonderful hosts at Rancho Naturalista that kept us so well fed and made us feel so welcome. Thanks to our driver Johnny go got us everywhere safely. and most of all, thanks to all of you for sharing your holiday with Field Guides. I wish you all the best in birding and in life.
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)
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis)
There was a large flock of these visible in the distance at Casa Turire.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)
These were a regular feature at the Rancho feeders.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) [*]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BUFFY-CROWNED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx leucophrys) [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
Two great encounters with this giant sized potoo. The first was at CATIE, and the second was at Centro Manu.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
This was by far the most common species of hummingbird that we encountered. This species can be somewhat chameleon-like in appearance. Some females are mistaken for Scaly-breasted Hummingbirds and Green-crowned Brilliants.
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila)
Quite a unique bill adaptation allows this species for forage on heliconia flowers. We had one encounter at Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Marta.
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri)
A couple of these visiting the feeders at Donde Cope was fabulous! That tail is striking.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
This lanky species was a treat to see at the Donde Cope feeders.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
We had a nice study of one at the Rio Penibaye that was chirping away.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (COSTA RICAN) (Colibri cyanotus cabanidis)
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
Some great studies of this tiny species visiting the vervain at Rancho Bajo and at the Rio Tuis.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis)
A nice one to see at Volcan Irazu, though the lighting made seeing the fiery throat difficult.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus)
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula)
Several seen around Volcan Irazu including a fabulous nest.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)
This tiny species was spotted several times feeding on vervain flowers at Rancho.
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata)
These tiny gems are amazing. Iridescent purple with a glowing white crown. Great views at Rancho Bajo feeding on the vervain.
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris)
A highlight of our visit to the Rio Macho area.
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii)
Good views of this species at Donde Cope.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris)
Great study of one at Donde Cope. Another was briefly seen at Centro Manu.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
Quite a few at CATIE.
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
It was a terrific trip for Sunbittern with several sightings along the Rio Tuis and the Rio Platanillo. This species is the only member of the bird family Eurypygidae, and shares the order Eurypygiformes with the Kagu from New Caledonia. Quite a unique species.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
Our only sighting was one at CATIE that looked great in the afternoon light there.
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
A beautiful one seen at the Rio San Jose. This species favors fast moving rivers and streams.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Vernon revealed several of these nocturnal herons at CATIE.
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis)
A big surprise at CATIE was this tiny Least Bittern. We watched it fly into some reeds and were able to scope it there.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
Seen by some at Casa Turire and CATIE.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
One sighted at Rancho.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
Two seen with the best one at Centro Manu.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
This one was at La Mina and may have been a leader only bird.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
One was at Casa Turire.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)
Our only one was just after turning on the highway to head to Centro Manu.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Our only one was at the La Marta area of Rio Macho.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
Great views of a pair of birds roosting together in a busy urban Parque de Paraiso.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata)
The journey there was mucky underfoot, but the payoff was fantastic. Great views of a pair of birds.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
Another wonderful owl seen near Donde Cope was a pair of obliging Spectacled Owls.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
This species was at our hotel in San Jose.
MOTTLED OWL (Strix virgata)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Strix nigrolineata)
Nice view of one at a day roost near Donde Cope.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno)
This one got our tour off to a bang. We had a couple of males showing well in cloud forest on our way to Irazu.
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
A couple of sightings of this trogon at Rancho.
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
This one was seen nearly daily at the Rancho feeders.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
One nicely seen during our trek through the mud to see owls.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
One at the Quebrada leading into the Rio Tuis.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
One along the Rio San Jose.
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
A pair was seen along the Rio Corinto.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
One at Rancho and another at Rio Penibaye.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
A pair of these handsome barbets were at Rio Macho on the final day of the tour.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii)
A couple pairs of this species were at the Rio Macho.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis)
Seen by some at Rio Macho.
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
These colorful mini-toucans were regular around the Rancho feeders. Also seen at CATIE and Donde Cope.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
Our best views were those at Donde Cope. Wow!
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
This was the common species of toucan around Rancho Naturalista, tending to occupy higher elevations than Yellow-throated.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A few on our way toward Volcan Irazu.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
Our only one was at the Rio Penibaye.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) [*]
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
A couple seen but we had fabulous looks at the one at the Rio Penibaye.
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
Our only one was at the Hotel Bougainvillea.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
A pair of birds were along the highway west of Siquirres.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
Donde Cope was the place to see this species as they came in to feed on bananas there.
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi)
There were quite a few around our hotel in San Jose, at Parque de Paraiso, and at CATIE.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
A pair of these showed well for us at CATIE. Formerly known as Western Slaty-Antshrike.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus)
Nice views of one in a mixed flock along the Rio Tuis.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Sipia laemosticta)
A nice encounter with two at La Mina and another at Rancho's hummingbird pools.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor) [*]
SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides)
A small number along the Rio Penibaye. A sharp-looking species.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) [*]
Tough to see owing to its habits and the lighting at the time.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (GRAYISH) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylvioides)
Good views of this species along the Rio Tuis. It is likely that one day this species will be broken up into several.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
There was a skulky one at Rio Macho on our final day.
FAWN-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus cervinigularis)
Heard in the early morning at Rancho, some eventually saw a couple of them at the moth sheet early one morning. Until recently, this was part of Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
About four or so were seen foraging in the canopy at Rio Macho.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera)
A few seen with our best views perhaps those at the hummingbird pools at Rancho.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
With some patience we had some nice views at Rancho. Also seen at CATIE by some.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
A bit of a surprise was a male Barred Becard that appeared in a mixed flock at Rio Macho.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
Our only one was at Rancho.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Great views of a male along the Rio Tuis.
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
Our only one was along the Rio Tuis. Quite a dainty species, no longer considered a tyrant flycatcher.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
Our only one put in an appearance at the hummingbird pools one afternoon.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
This small, egg-shaped species was seen at Rio Macho.
OLIVE-STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
Seen briefly at the base of Silent Mountain.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
Two at the hummingbird pools.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
Perhaps best seen at La Marta, though recorded at Rancho as well.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
Best seen at Rio Macho.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
This tiny species has a lot of character, and we had a number of nice encounters with it.
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
A few recorded, but our encounter at CATIE was memorable as the bird was relatively low down.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLATBILL (GRAY-HEADED) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens cinereiceps)
Mostly heard but seen at least once. This species will likely be split into several based in part on distinct vocal breaks through its extensive range.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
MISTLETOE TYRANNULET (Zimmerius parvus)
Formerly part of the species complex known as Paltry Tyrannulet.
TAWNY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus capitalis)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
NORTHERN TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus bogotensis)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris)
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps)
A cooperative pair showed well at Volcan Irazu.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
WHITE-BROWED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila bilineata)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus)
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus) [*]
CABANIS'S WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) [*]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris)
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) [*]
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) [*]
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris)
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis)
WHITE-EARED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone leucotis)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
This colorful species was voted the third most popular bird of the trip!
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)
One partnered up with the Blue-winged at the bathing pools.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera)
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora cyanoptera)
One visiting the bathing pools at Rancho.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis)
Stunning bird at Volcan Irazu.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Leiothlypis peregrina)
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus delattrii)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
A pair of these were busy every morning at the moth sheet looking for meals.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
It is remarkable how bright and glowy their rumps are, even in deep shadow.
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea)
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli)
A couple came into the bathing pools at Rancho.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)
One was seen by Karen at Donde Cope while we were out looking for owls.
SCARLET-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Stilpnia larvata)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
This colorful jewel received the second highest number of votes for trip favorite!
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida)
A couple were seen along the Rio Tuis.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea)
Several seen on the road to and at Volcan Irazu.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) [*]
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
Some authors treat Pacific slope forms as a separate species.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
CINNAMON-BELLIED SALTATOR (Saltator grandis)
Formerly known as Grayish Saltator before being split.
MAMMALS
HONDURAN WHITE BAT (Ectophylla alba)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
DUSKY RICE RAT (Melanomys caliginosus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
COYOTE (Canis latrans)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
HERPS
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
GREEN BASILISK (Basiliscus plumifrons)
HELMETED BASILISK (Corytophanes cristatus)
COMMON HOUSE GECKO (Hemidactylus frenatus)
YELLOW-HEADED GECKO (Gonatodes albigularis)
CENTRAL AMERICAN WHIPTAIL (Ameiva festiva)
MASKED TREE FROG (Smilisca phaeota)
Totals for the tour: 279 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa