For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
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The impressive cone
of Volcan San Pedro dominates the skyline above Lake
Atitlan. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Another great trip to Guatemala. We had the best of the birds, wonderful weather, and a group that was laughing and enjoying themselves nearly from the time they stepped off the plane. One of the more enjoyable aspects of this tour is spending time in local "fincas" or plantations where you are treated as part of the family. All similar, but each with its on unique charm. Thanks to Jamie (Los Andes), Mario (Las Nubes), and Andy (Tarrales) for their warm hospitality.
Birding was equally enjoyable. Highlights included scoped Azure-rumped Tanagers (a rare and local NCA endemic), a fly-over Highland Guan at Los Andes, a Fulvous Owl night to remember (!) at Las Nubes, and several Belted Flycatchers above the "World's Most Beautiful Lake," Lake Atitlan. Honorable mentions included Blue-throated Motmot, Rufous-collared Thrush, Hooded Grosbeak, Resplendent Quetzal (male in flight was pretty cool), Buffy-crowned Wood-Partridge, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, and Long-tailed Manakin. It was also hard to beat sunrise on Volcan San Pedro (a view had from Finca Las Nubes) and crossing Lake Atitlan by boat. The patio at Las Nubes along with evening wine and beers, and that coffee cupping session, round out the list of great experiences for us.
Thanks to my fun group. I hope to see you all again real soon. Lastly, let's not forget our experienced driver, Mateo, and Bitty Ramirez-Portillo for all her hard work.
Un abrazo.
--Jesse Fagan aka Mot
For more information about this tour, including future departures, visit our website at www.fieldguides.com. And to see this same triplist online, go to http://www.fieldguides.com/triplists/gua12LIST.pdf and you will find the list in its entirety.
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
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and
Curassows)
WHITE-BELLIED CHACHALACA (Ortalis leucogastra) – A few around Las Nubes, but nice scope
looks at Finca Patrocinio. Endemic to Pacific Slope.
CRESTED GUAN
(Penelope purpurascens) – Our best looks at Finca Los Tarrales in
the scope.
HIGHLAND GUAN
(Penelopina nigra) – A wonderful experience along the trail at
Finca Los Andes. [E]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
This splendid
Black-and-white Owl was a super find on a day roost at Los
Tarrales. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL
(Odontophorus guttatus) [*]
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – A bunch on Lake Atitlan. The first time I
have seen this species floating in the water like a pelican.
There must have been a concentration of fish. GREAT EGRET
(Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET
(Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON
(Butorides virescens) – A couple on the last day along Lake
Atitlan.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) TURKEY VULTURE
(Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – Two soaring birds at Finca Los Tarrales.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
(WHITE-BREASTED) (Accipiter
striatus chionogaster) – A
soaring bird was seen over Finca Las Nubes while we hung
around the lookout waiting for raptors to get up.
COOPER'S HAWK
(Accipiter cooperii) – A couple at Finca Las Nubes and again at
Los Tarrales.
GREAT BLACK-HAWK
(Buteogallus urubitinga) – A nice adult was soaring over Finca
Patrocinio. This bird is fairly regular at this site.
ROADSIDE HAWK
(Buteo magnirostris)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK
(Buteo platypterus)
GRAY HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – One of the more common raptors on the
Pacific Slope. We saw it several times.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK
(Buteo brachyurus) – Seen over several days, a nice mix of
both light and dark morphs.
ZONE-TAILED HAWK
(Buteo albonotatus) – One at Finca Las Nubes flew over close
while we birded near the cabins. They sure do look like
Turkey Vultures.
RED-TAILED HAWK
(Buteo jamaicensis) – Both light and dark morphs seen. We had a
lovely dark morph while birding way up above Laguna Lodge.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – We had one in the forest at Finca Los
Andes. COLLARED
FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur
semitorquatus) [*]
One of several
northern Central American endemics to be seen on this
tour, the Belted Flycatcher is a rare and highly localised
species confined to a very small region of Guatemala, El
Salvador, and southern Mexico. (Photo by guide Jesse
Fagan)
LAUGHING FALCON
(Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
AMERICAN KESTREL
(Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON
(Falco rufigularis) – One perched in the open at Finca Los
Andes.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – Numerous on Lake Atitlan. Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – Just one on Lake Atitlan. Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I] RED-BILLED PIGEON
(Patagioenas flavirostris) – Seen or heard at just about every site on
the tour.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON
(Patagioenas fasciata) – This highland pigeon was at Finca El
Pilar and again at Fuentes Georginas.
WHITE-WINGED DOVE
(Zenaida asiatica)
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE
(Leptotila verreauxi)
WHITE-FACED
QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon
albifacies) [E*]
Psittacidae (Parrots)
PACIFIC PARAKEET (Aratinga strenua) – Lots around Finca Las Nubes, but first
seen at Finca El Pilar in the morning sunlight. [E] ORANGE-FRONTED
PARAKEET (Aratinga
canicularis) – At Finca Los
Tarrales.
BARRED PARAKEET
(Bolborhynchus lineola) – A brief flyover of two calling birds at
Finca Las Nubes.
ORANGE-CHINNED
PARAKEET (Brotogeris
jugularis) – We had them
perched at the top of tree while at Tarrales.
WHITE-FRONTED
PARROT (Amazona albifrons)
– We tallied 15 or so individuals at
Finca Patrocinio.
YELLOW-NAPED
PARROT (Amazona auropalliata)
– A pair were scoped at Finca
Patrocinio. This species is not doing so well do to pressure
from the illegal pet trade.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (MIDDLE AMERICA)
(Piaya cayana thermophila) GROOVE-BILLED ANI
(Crotophaga sulcirostris) [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Possibly leader only. Heard in the
evening at Finca Los Tarrales. [*]
FERRUGINOUS
PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium
brasilianum) – A pair at
Cayala were seen well.
MOTTLED OWL
(Ciccaba virgata) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE
OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
– Really nice to find this one on a day
roost at Finca Los Tarrales. A nice adult. Such a cool
looking bird. Rare on the Pacific Slope.
FULVOUS OWL
(Strix fulvescens) – One of my favorites. Such a great night.
Memorable to see this species calling above us in the higher
forest above Finca Las Nubes. [E]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) – A couple of birds at dusk at Tarrales.
COMMON PAURAQUE
(Nyctidromus albicollis)
MEXICAN
WHIP-POOR-WILL (Caprimulgus
arizonae arizonae) – A brief
encounter at the Las Nubes' platform.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) VAUX'S SWIFT
(Chaetura vauxi)
WHITE-THROATED
SWIFT (Aeronautes saxatalis)
– This was a surprise at Finca Las
Nubes (new for the site). Also again at Lake Atitlan.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – One at Finca El Pilar and again at
Fuentes Georginas. Generally speaking, a highland
hummingbird. MAGNIFICENT
HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
– Several at Cayala, Finca El Pilar and
again at Fuentes Georginas.
We always make
time to take in some of the beautful architecture of the
lovely old city of Antigua. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
GREEN-THROATED
MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis
viridipallens) [E*]
RUBY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus
colubris) – One at Finca Los
Andes and again at Takalik Abaj. A fairly common wintering
hummingbird in NCA.
EMERALD-CHINNED
HUMMINGBIRD (Abeillia
abeillei) – All too briefly
at Finca Los Andes along the forest trail. [E]
RUFOUS SABREWING
(Campylopterus rufus) – This endemic was seen well at a couple of
different sites. [E]
VIOLET SABREWING
(Campylopterus hemileucurus)
AZURE-CROWNED
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia
cyanocephala) – Seen at the
feeders at Finca El Pilar.
BERYLLINE
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia
beryllina devillei) – The
subspecies in NCA are emerald green below with white
"leggings" which are quite obvious when perched. [E]
BLUE-TAILED
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanura)
– Very similar to the previous species,
but has bluish upper and lower tail coverts, as well as a
bluish tail. A few at Tarrales may be hybrids, Blue-tailed X
Berylline. [E]
CINNAMON
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
– Seen well at Finca Las Nubes.
WHITE-EARED
HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis
leucotis)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – We had a female in the scope at Los
Andes, but even better was a distant male in flight at Las
Nubes. Only in flight can you truly appreciate that long
"tail." GARTERED TROGON
(Trogon caligatus)
MOUNTAIN TROGON
(Trogon mexicanus) [*]
COLLARED TROGON
(Trogon collaris) – At Finca El Pilar where it was fairly
common.
Momotidae (Motmots)
TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) – Josue was able to help us out on this
one. Seen very well in the large bamboo patch at Finca Los
Tarrales. BLUE-THROATED
MOTMOT (Aspatha gularis)
– We struggled at Finca El Pilar,
eventually getting a not so great scope view. However, we
scoped it again nicely below Fuentes Georginas. This time
appreciating the blue throat. An endemic to NCA. [E]
BLUE-CROWNED
MOTMOT (LESSON'S) (Momotus
coeruliceps lessonii)
TURQUOISE-BROWED
MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa)
– The "Mot" is my namesnake. Indeed,
this is a sharp, flashy bird if I do say so myself! ;-)
Scoped and seen well at Takalik Abaj.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (EMERALD) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus stenorhabdus)
– Encountered at several locales, but
seen well at Finca El Pilar. COLLARED ARACARI
(Pteroglossus torquatus) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (ACORN) (Melanerpes formicivorus lineatus) – Lots of isolated populations of this
species, one that could potentially be split. It was pretty
common at a couple of different sites on our tour. GOLDEN-FRONTED
WOODPECKER (EAST MEXICO) (Melanerpes
aurifrons santacruzi) – One
of the more common woodpeckers seen on this tour. Likes a
lot of disturbed habitats.
HAIRY WOODPECKER
(SOUTH MEXICAN) (Picoides
villosus sanctorum) – This
one looks really different from northern populations. It is
smaller with dirty brown underparts and a less white
spotting on the wings. We had good studies at Finca El
Pilar.
GOLDEN-OLIVE
WOODPECKER (Colaptes
rubiginosus)
NORTHERN FLICKER
(GUATEMALAN) (Colaptes auratus
mexicanoides) – This endemic
subspecies is really different looking. Possible split in
the future. It is fairly common at higher elevations. We saw
it well at Finca El Pilar. [E]
Masked Tityras
are widespread through the American tropics, and a common
sight, given their brilliant white plumage and tendency to
sit on high exposed perches. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
PALE-BILLED
WOODPECKER (Campephilus
guatemalensis) – We saw this
large woodpecker at Finca Patrocinio in the taller forest.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Not great, but glimpsed by a few at Finca
Las Nubes. RUFOUS-BREASTED
SPINETAIL (Synallaxis
erythrothorax) – A good bird
that we saw very well at Finca Los Tarrales.
SCALY-THROATED
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia
variegaticeps)
RUDDY
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus
rubiginosus) – Heard at Finca
Las Nubes (very frustrating), but we caught up with it at
Finca Los Tarrales at a lower elevation than they normally
occur.
IVORY-BILLED
WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus
flavigaster) – A responsive
bird came close to the group on our afternoon at Finca Los
Tarrales.
SPOTTED
WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus
erythropygius)
SPOT-CROWNED
WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes
affinis) – A few at Finca El
Pilar.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Heard mainly, but seen well on our first
morning at Cayala. Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe) [*] GREENISH ELAENIA
(Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED
ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
OCHRE-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER (Mionectes
oleagineus) – One briefly at
Finca Patrocinio.
PALTRY TYRANNULET
(Zimmerius vilissimus) – Not a great name, we preferred
"Mistletoe" Tyrannulet. This bird is common on our tour.
Seen well at Finca Las Nubes.
NORTHERN BENTBILL
(Oncostoma cinereigulare)
COMMON
TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum
cinereum)
EYE-RINGED
FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus
brevirostris) – Caught up
with this species at Finca Las Nubes doing circles around
us.
YELLOW-OLIVE
FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias
sulphurescens) – One was seen
very nicely from the tower at Finca Patrocinio.
BELTED FLYCATCHER
(Xenotriccus callizonus) – A highlight of the trip. We had at least
5 individuals recorded, but saw one very well. A local and
rare NCA endemic. [E]
TUFTED FLYCATCHER
(Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
GREATER PEWEE
(Contopus pertinax)
TROPICAL PEWEE
(Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
flaviventris) – A few around
Takalik Abaj were studied well. A common wintering empid to
NCA.
The northern
population of Prevost's Ground-Sparrow may be specifically
distinct from the isolated population in Costa Rica.
Besides plumage and vocal differences, the birds here also
seem easier to see! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
HAMMOND'S
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
hammondii) – This highland
Empid was recorded a few times beginning at Finca El Pilar,
but again at Fuentes Georginas and Las Nubes.
YELLOWISH
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
flavescens) – We struggled to
draw one out, but eventually had nice looks at one while
birding the pine-oak at Finca El Pilar.
BUFF-BREASTED
FLYCATCHER (Empidonax
fulvifrons)
BLACK PHOEBE
(Sayornis nigricans) – The subspecies here in Central America
are nearly all black below.
BRIGHT-RUMPED
ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
[*]
DUSKY-CAPPED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
tuberculifer)
BROWN-CRESTED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
tyrannulus)
GREAT KISKADEE
(Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED
FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus
pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER
(Myiozetetes similis)
SULPHUR-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes
luteiventris) – This was as
surprise as it is really early for this austral migrant.
They don't normally start arriving until mid to late March.
Seen at Finca Patrocinio from the tower.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD
(Tyrannus melancholicus)
WESTERN KINGBIRD
(Tyrannus verticalis) – Large concentrations in the coffee fields
at Las Nubes.
Pipridae (Manakins)
LONG-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis) – Heard only at Patrocinio, but a few adult
males were seen at Finca Los Tarrales where it is pretty
common. Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) ROSE-THROATED
BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – Best from the tower at Finca Patrocinio.
PLUMBEOUS VIREO
(CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Vireo
plumbeus montanus) – This was
a great sighting. Possible split in the future. A pair were
seen while descending the steep trail above Laguna Lodge.
BLUE-HEADED VIREO
(Vireo solitarius)
HUTTON'S VIREO
(Vireo huttoni) – Heard mostly, but seen at Finca El Pilar.
WARBLING VIREO
(Vireo gilvus)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO
(Vireo leucophrys) – Nice looks directly above our heads while
in the pine-oak forest at Pilar.
LESSER GREENLET
(Hylophilus decurtatus)
CHESTNUT-SIDED
SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius
melitophrys) – Frustrating
this is a heard only. We had it by voice at Pilar, Las
Nubes, and Atitlan. We just couldn't get one in close.
[*]
RUFOUS-BROWED
PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis
gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa) – Loads around Las Nubes and Patrocinio.
Endemic to the Pacific Slope. BUSHY-CRESTED JAY
(Cyanocorax melanocyaneus) – A common NCA endemic. They also do well
in the coffee fields. Seen or heard most days. [E]
STELLER'S JAY
(CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Cyanocitta
stelleri ridgwayi) – Just one
above Atitlan at Finca El Pilar. [E]
UNICOLORED JAY
(Aphelocoma unicolor) – One of the highlights of Fuentes was
finding a pair of this raucous species. This is species is
rare to uncommon and local in the region.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLACK-CAPPED SWALLOW (Atticora pileata) – This NCA endemic seemed to be around in
good numbers. Seen at several different sites. [E] NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx
serripennis)
GRAY-BREASTED
MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
VIOLET-GREEN
SWALLOW (Tachycineta
thalassina)
BARN SWALLOW
(AMERICAN) (Hirundo rustica
erythrogaster)
Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)
BUSHTIT (Psaltriparus
minimus) Troglodytidae (Wrens)
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus) RUFOUS-NAPED WREN
(Campylorhynchus rufinucha) – One of my favorites. "Reggaenucha." We
had fine studies of a pair at Finca Patrocinio.
SPOT-BREASTED WREN
(Pheugopedius maculipectus) – Good to get this one so nicely while
birding near the cabins at Finca Las Nubes. The spots were
really obvious!
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE
WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
[*]
PLAIN WREN
(Cantorchilus modestus) – Finally! It took us several tries to see
it well. This is not a guide's favorite.
HOUSE WREN
(SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon
musculus)
RUFOUS-BROWED WREN
(Troglodytes rufociliatus) – Wrens are always troublesome. We worked
hard at Finca El Pilar for this one, but eventually everyone
got caught up with this small Winter Wren-like bird.
Encountered at various sites. [E]
WHITE-BREASTED
WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina
leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED
WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina
leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – Heard a few times, but seen eventually at
Finca Los Tarrales. BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHER (Polioptila
caerulea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
EASTERN BLUEBIRD (Sialia sialis) – Hard to believe there are "Eastern"
Bluebirds in Guatemala. Seen at Finca El Pilar. BROWN-BACKED
SOLITAIRE (Myadestes
occidentalis) – One of the
richest of the tropical songs. We heard this species in many
places.
ORANGE-BILLED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
aurantiirostris) – Mainly
heard, but one responsive individual popped up for us long
enough to see the orange feet and bill!
RUDDY-CAPPED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
frantzii)
SPOTTED
NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus
dryas) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH
(Catharus ustulatus) – A common winter visitor and migrant
through the region. We saw quite a few during the trip.
BLACK THRUSH
(Turdus infuscatus) – Singing in the higher forest patches at
Finca Las Nubes, but also glimpsed flying around the
fruiting trees.
CLAY-COLORED
THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
WHITE-THROATED
THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)
– At several places, mainly heard
calling, but seen at Las Nubes and Patrocinio.
RUFOUS-COLLARED
ROBIN (Turdus rufitorques)
– This endemic was seen perched on the
cypress trees at Finca El Pilar. [E]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) BLUE-AND-WHITE
MOCKINGBIRD (Melanotis
hypoleucus) – One of my
favorites seen at a few different spots. Best at Cayala and
Finca El Pilar. [E]
Ptilogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
GRAY SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptilogonys cinereus) Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)
OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus) [*] Parulidae (New World Warblers)
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) – Great looks at bird coming into the
pygmy-owl tape at Takalik Abaj. Another was seen at
Patrocinio. NORTHERN
WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia
noveboracensis)
BLACK-AND-WHITE
WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
CRESCENT-CHESTED
WARBLER (Oreothlypis
superciliosa) – Note the
genus change (used to be in Parula). This species was seen
at Finca El Pilar.
TENNESSEE WARBLER
(Oreothlypis peregrina) – A common wintering warbler in NCA. Seen
most days of the tour.
NASHVILLE WARBLER
(WESTERN) (Oreothlypis
ruficapilla ridgwayi)
MACGILLIVRAY'S
WARBLER (Geothlypis tolmiei)
– Fairly common at the higher
elevations.
MAGNOLIA WARBLER
(Setophaga magnolia)
YELLOW WARBLER
(Setophaga petechia)
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER
(Setophaga townsendi) – This is one of the more common wintering
warblers on this tour.
HERMIT WARBLER
(Setophaga occidentalis) – Uncommon and often missed on this tour.
We had one nice male at Finca El Pilar.
BLACK-THROATED
GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga
virens)
RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLER (SOUTH MEXICO) (Basileuterus
rufifrons salvini) – There is
an interesting split along the Motagua River Valley between
northern (salvini) and southern (delattrii). We saw both
distinctive subspecies on this tour.
RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus
rufifrons delattrii)
GOLDEN-BROWED
WARBLER (Basileuterus belli)
– A handsome warbler seen at close
range while at Finca El Pilar.
GOLDEN-CROWNED
WARBLER (Basileuterus
culicivorus)
WILSON'S WARBLER
(Cardellina pusilla) – Seen every day except one. Very common
wintering warbler in NCA. Generally in the highlands.
PINK-HEADED
WARBLER (Cardellina
versicolor) – Such a splendid
bird. We had a pair that cooperated very nicely for us.
Endemic to S Mexico (Chiapas) and Guatemala. [E]
PAINTED REDSTART
(Myioborus pictus) – A pair above Laguna Lodge was nice.
SLATE-THROATED
REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) YELLOW-WINGED
TANAGER (Thraupis abbas)
AZURE-RUMPED
TANAGER (Tangara cabanisi)
– We struggled this day with just about
everything it seemed, except this important target bird. We
found several in a fruiting tree way up the hill, but the
scope views were very nice. [E]
RED-LEGGED
HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes
cyaneus) – An easy one to see
around the cabins at Finca Las Nubes.
GRAYISH SALTATOR
(Saltator coerulescens)
BLACK-HEADED
SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and
Allies)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola) CINNAMON-BELLIED
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
baritula baritula) – A single
male seen well at Fuentes Georginas.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED
BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon
brunneinucha) – On our hike
down from the higher forest at Las Nubes we had on along the
trail. That white throat really stands out!
WHITE-NAPED
BRUSH-FINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes
albinucha gutturalis) – A few
different spots, but best at Cayala on our first morning.
RUSTY SPARROW
(Aimophila rufescens) – Heard at Finca El Pilar, but we found a
few more above Lake Atilan. Hans was sure happy about this
one! ;-)
WHITE-EARED
GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone
leucotis) – I love this
genus. Really sharp looking birds. We had this species at
Finca Los Andes and heard at a few other spots.
PREVOST'S
GROUND-SPARROW (PREVOST'S) (Melozone
biarcuata biarcuata) – At
Cayala along the trail was pretty cool. [E]
RUFOUS-COLLARED
SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
COMMON
BUSH-TANAGER (MIDDLE AMERICA) (Chlorospingus
ophthalmicus postocularis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) WESTERN TANAGER
(Piranga ludoviciana)
FLAME-COLORED
TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
– A pair were seen at Finca El Pilar.
This subspecies is a stronger oranger than northern
populations. "Guatemalan" Orange to be exact.
WHITE-WINGED
TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
– Males of this species are striking.
We had a few around the cabins at Finca Las Nubes.
RED-THROATED
ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
ROSE-BREASTED
GROSBEAK (Pheucticus
ludovicianus) – Lots in the
trees during our picnic breakfast at Finca El Pilar. Its a
common wintering species in this region.
INDIGO BUNTING
(Passerina cyanea)
PAINTED BUNTING
(Passerina ciris)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED
GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
– Every day of the tour!
BLACK-VENTED
ORIOLE (Icterus wagleri)
– A highland oriole seen at Finca El
Pilar and again around Lake Atitlan. It has a real
distinctive call.
BAR-WINGED ORIOLE
(Icterus maculialatus) – This local NCA endemic was feeding on
Erythrina flowers at Finca El Pilar. It is fairly regular at
this spot. [E]
ORCHARD ORIOLE
(Icterus spurius)
SPOT-BREASTED
ORIOLE (Icterus pectoralis)
– The spots can be hard to see on this
one. We had a nice comparison with the following species
along the entrance road to Las Nubes. Spot-breasted has an
obvious white "triangle" in the wing.
ALTAMIRA ORIOLE
(Icterus gularis)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
(Icterus galbula)
YELLOW-BILLED
CACIQUE (Amblycercus
holosericeus)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and
Allies)
SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis) – Seen at Finca Los Tarrales. The one with
the dark blue throat. YELLOW-THROATED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia
hirundinacea) – A bit more
common on the Pacific Slope than the previous species. This
is the one with the yellow throat, obviously.
ELEGANT EUPHONIA
(Euphonia elegantissima) – Tough looks at El Pilar, but we did
better at Finca Las Nubes in a mistletoe clump.
BLUE-CROWNED
CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia
occipitalis) – A splendid
bird. We caught up with a pair on a nest at Las Cruces above
Finca Las Nubes.
BLACK-CAPPED
SISKIN (Spinus atriceps)
– A tough endemic to get. We had a pair
below Fuentes Georginas at a reliable spot I found a few
years back. [E]
BLACK-HEADED
SISKIN (Spinus notatus)
LESSER GOLDFINCH
(Spinus psaltria)
HOODED GROSBEAK
(Coccothraustes abeillei) – One all too briefly at Finca El Pilar.
MAMMALS
EASTERN COTTONTAIL
(Sylvilagus floridanus)
VARIEGATED
SQUIRREL (Sciurus
variegatoides) – The one
around Los Tarrales. Generally found at lower elevations.
DEPPE'S SQUIRREL
(Sciurus deppei) – The smaller squirrel found at higher
elevations. Seen at El Pilar.
CENTRAL AMERICAN
AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
WHITE-NOSED COATI
(Nasua narica)
WHITE-TAILED DEER
(Odocoileus virginianus) – Unusual to see White-tailed Deer despite
being so common further north. We had two or three at Los
Tarrales.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 229 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa