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White-winged Tanager was one of the many striking species we got the chance to see well. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
This was a special trip for me. It was the first trip I guided using our new Field Guide to the Birds of Northern Central America guide (Fagan and Komar)! I was very pleased with the reception and comments you all made. And the group couldn't have been better. Many of you I knew from previous trips, and I enjoyed meeting several new folks.
Guatemala is a super birdy country, and this year was no exception. With 364 bird taxa we had an awesome total! There were a bunch of highlights, including Highland Guans (do you all remember the sound of their wing rattle?!), Ornate Hawk-Eagle (soaring over us at Las Guacamayas), Fulvous Owl (that cackling pair at Finca Las Nubes), Black-and-white Owl (two different sites), the tiny Wine-throated Hummingbird, Resplendent Quetzal (new for Simone!), wild Scarlet Macaws, and Pink-headed Warbler (really "Frosty-headed" Warbler). The Cacomistle was very cool, too.
Thanks for a great, memorable trip. Many thanks, too, to all the local fincas and our local guides: Miguel (Tikal NP), Cornelio (Las Guacamayas), Don Chus (Finca Los Andes), Fernando (Finca Las Nubes), and Josue (Finca Los Tarrales). I hope to see you all again soon.
Best of birding for 2017 and beyond,
--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)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
SLATY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Crypturellus boucardi) [*]
Guide Jesse Fagan captured this image from Finca El Pilar of some of the dramatic volcanic landscape so characteristic of Guatemala.
THICKET TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinnamomeus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Several seen along the Rio San Pedro at Las Guacamayas.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
PLAIN CHACHALACA (Ortalis vetula) – Small numbers at Cerro Cahui and again at Las Guacamayas.
WHITE-BELLIED CHACHALACA (Ortalis leucogastra) – Good looks at Finca Patrocinio and Finca Los Tarrales. Endemic to the Pacific slope.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) – Wow. This was a good year for seeing and hearing Crested Guans! Both slopes.
HIGHLAND GUAN (Penelopina nigra) – Lots seen and heard on the Pacific slope. It's cool to hear their cracking wing noise made in flight between perches. [E]
GREAT CURASSOW (Crax rubra) – One female in the garden at Las Guacamayas.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BUFFY-CROWNED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx leucophrys) – Amazing looks along the trail at Cayala in Guatemala City. Heard again at Finca Las Nubes.
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus guttatus) [*]
SINGING QUAIL (Dactylortyx thoracicus) – Wonderful close studies of a singing bird from the parking lot at Finca El Pilar.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
OCELLATED TURKEY (Meleagris ocellata) – Not many, but they were wandering around the grounds at Tikal NP.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis) – My first for NCA! Very cool to see this rare wintering resident on Lake Atitlan.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – A pair of juveniles were on Lake Peten-Itza where uncommon.
White-fronted Parrot. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) [*]
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami) – One one was seen in the shadowy edge of the Rio Sac-Cluc and again at dusk along the Rio San Pedro, Las Guacamayas.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – In the Peten. Our first were at the small aguada near our lodge at Tikal.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Both slopes: a pair soaring at Las Guacamayas and again one briefly at Finca Los Tarrales. Rare and local on the Pacific slope.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – Wonderful encounter at Las Guacamayas with an adult bird that came in low to check us out.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – Rare and local in NCA, we had a pair at the big lagoon near the ruins of El Peru.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (WHITE-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus chionogaster) – One adult male was seen in flight during our ride up through the finca at Las Nubes.
COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii) – Uncommon as a migrant and wintering resident in NCA. We saw one at Finca Los Andes.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (SNOWY) (Pseudastur albicollis ghiesbreghti) – A perched immature was seen at Finca Los Tarrales. The adults become nearly all white bodied unlike birds on the Caribbean slope which maintain black black in the wings.
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUDDY CRAKE (Laterallus ruber) [*]
RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris) – A close encounter was had with a curious bird at the small pond behind the visitor's center at Tikal NP.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – A male was scooting along under the river vegetation at Las Guacamayas.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Good numbers calling in the marshes at Las Guacamayas.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – On the runway in Flores!
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – At Peten-Itza (where rare) and again on Lake Atitlan.
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis) – Two on Lake Peten-Itza were rare and not expected. Increasing inland?
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
The aptly named Unicolored Jay at Fuentes Georginas -- and what a lovely color! Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) – Have now expanded throughout the Peten region. Seen in Flores. [I]
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) [*]
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
WHITE-FACED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon albifacies) – Briefly a few times at Finca Las Nubes. [E]
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (MIDDLE AMERICA) (Piaya cayana thermophila)
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – A memorable scene as two flew over our boat on an almost full moon. Rio San Pedro, Las Guacamayas.
Strigidae (Owls)
VERMICULATED SCREECH-OWL (GUATEMALAN) (Megascops guatemalae guatemalae) [*]
NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL (GUATEMALAN) (Glaucidium gnoma cobanense) – Fantastic experience with this species at Las Nubes. A first record for the finca. Some authorities (including myself) treat this as a separate species, Guatemalan Pygmy-Owl.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata) – Awesome seeing this bird so well from the tower at Las Guacamayas, but finding it again at Finca Los Andes. A new record for the finca. It is rare on the Pacific slope.
FULVOUS OWL (Strix fulvescens) – Yes! Yes! Yes! A wonderful experience at Finca Las Nubes. [E]
Miguel holds forth on the wonders of Temple V at Tikal. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
YUCATAN POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus yucatanicus) – One made a quick flyby in the dry forest at Tikal NP.
MEXICAN WHIP-POOR-WILL (Antrostomus arizonae vermiculatus) – Nice looks in the light in the quinine plantation at Finca Los Andes.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
NORTHERN POTOO (Nyctibius jamaicensis)
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
WHITE-THROATED SWIFT (Aeronautes saxatalis) – A pair were low over the forest at Finca El Pilar.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – Two over the lowland forest at Tikal NP.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
MEXICAN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – One at the Finca Los Andes feeders was unexpected.
GREEN-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis viridipallens) – This endemic was seen at Finca Las Nubes and again (a male) at Fuentes Georginas. [E]
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris)
WINE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Atthis ellioti) – Displaying males were a treat at Fuentes Georginas. [E]
CANIVET'S EMERALD (CANIVET'S) (Chlorostilbon canivetii canivetii)
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii) – Folks saw this species around their cabins at Tikal NP. It was also singing in the tall forest at Las Guacamayas.
WEDGE-TAILED SABREWING (Campylopterus curvipennis)
RUFOUS SABREWING (Campylopterus rufus) – This endemic was first seen at Cabana Suiza, our lunch spot outside of Guatemala City. Also, fairly regular at the Los Andes feeders. [E]
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD (Amazilia candida)
AZURE-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanocephala)
BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia beryllina devillei) – This NCA subspecies with the white leggings was seen at Cabana Suiza and a few other spots. Very similar to the next species. [E]
BLUE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanura guatemalae) [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
BLUE-THROATED GOLDENTAIL (Hylocharis eliciae) – Seen well in the scope at Finca Los Tarrales. Several were singing mid-canopy.
WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis leucotis)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – Seen feeding against the setting sun along the slopes of Volcan Atitlan. A nice experience for all of us.
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)
Rufous-naped Wren was one of 10 species of wrens we recorded on the tour. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
BLACK-HEADED TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
MOUNTAIN TROGON (Trogon mexicanus) [*]
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) – We saw this species at Tikal NP and again at Finca Los Andes. More often than not we never see it, so twice on one tour was remarkable!
BLUE-THROATED MOTMOT (Aspatha gularis) – Great looks at Finca El Pilar. [E]
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – The tiniest of the New World kingfishers. Seen well along the Rio Sac-Cluc in the Peten.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis) – Miguel spotted one for us during our walk in the ruins at Tikal.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – Lots in the Peten.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (EMERALD) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus virescens) – The subspecies on the Pacific side.
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Fulvous Owl at Finca Las Nubes was one of the highlights of our nightbirding efforts. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (ACORN) (Melanerpes formicivorus lineatus)
YUCATAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pygmaeus) – My first for Guatemala! A good bird to find in the Peten and only recently discovered to be resident in this part of NCA.
GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (VELASQUEZ'S ) (Melanerpes aurifrons dubius) – This distinctive looking subspecies was seen in the Peten.
GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (VELASQUEZ'S ) (Melanerpes aurifrons santacruzi) – Found in the interior montane valleys and on the Pacific slope. This will be a potential split, Velasquez's Woodpecker.
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (SOUTH MEXICAN) (Picoides villosus sanctorum)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
NORTHERN FLICKER (GUATEMALAN) (Colaptes auratus mexicanoides) [E]
CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus castaneus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) – More enjoyable than seeing this species was listening to its climaxing calls during our evening at Finca Los Tarrales.
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus) – A pair was breeding on Temple III this year. A very rare raptor in Central America.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – Well, we did see them! ;-)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
YELLOW-NAPED PARROT (Amazona auropalliata) – This large Amazon was seen nicely perched and in flight at Finca Patrocinio. Their calls sound like little babies talking.
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) [*]
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula nana)
ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula canicularis)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – A breeding pair had arrived back to Las Guacamayas. Nearly extirpated from the Peten and most parts of NCA.
PACIFIC PARAKEET (Psittacara strenuus) – Hundreds in the coastal lowlands and foothills of the Pacific slope, like Finca Patrocinio. [E]
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) – Good numbers in the understory at Las Guacamayas.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis guatimalensis) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (MAYAN) (Formicarius analis moniliger)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) [*]
SCALY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus guatemalensis)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
Golden-olive Woodpecker. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) – This was a nice surprise at El Peru. Rare in the lowlands on the Caribbean slope.
IVORY-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus flavigaster)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) [*]
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – Our first was at El Pilar. Good looks.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia variegaticeps) – Fairly common in the forest foothills along the Pacific slope.
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus) – One was at the army ant swarm on the Los Andes property!
RUFOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis erythrothorax) – Amazing looks while birding the upper coffee plantation at Tarrales.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Ornithion semiflavum)
NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus) – Terrible name, right?
NORTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma cinereigulare) – Common by voice at Tikal. We saw the curved (bent) bill at Cerro Cahui.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris)
Local guide Fernando teamed up with Jesse to show us the best of birding at Finca Las Nubes.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
STUB-TAILED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus cancrominus)
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius)
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Always a good bird to find wintering in NCA. One was at Finca El Pilar above Antigua.
GREATER PEWEE (Contopus pertinax)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) [*]
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris)
LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus)
HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER (Empidonax hammondii)
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)
YUCATAN FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus yucatanensis) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) – This Tropical look-alike was best identified by voice at Tikal NP. Seen (or heard) a few times.
WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Pipridae (Manakins)
LONG-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis) – A male was feeding in a fruiting ficus tree at Finca Los Tarrales. There were a few females around and young males which take 5 years to reach adult plumage.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis) – A male was visiting the fruiting bushes near the dining hall at Las Guacamayas.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis veraepacis)
GRAY-COLLARED BECARD (Pachyramphus major) [*]
ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) [*]
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) [*]
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus)
MANGROVE VIREO (Vireo pallens) – Finally caught up with this species in the dry forest (not mangroves!) at Tikal NP.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius)
PLUMBEOUS VIREO (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Vireo plumbeus montanus) – It was a treat finding this resident "Plumbeous" at Finca Los Tarrales. These aren't really Plumbeous Vireos, a comprehensive study needs to be done on Solitary Vireos of Mexico and Central America.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) – At least four (!) in one tree along the entrance road to Tikal NP. A cool birding to find on its wintering grounds.
WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus)
Blue Seedeater, a bamboo specialist, was a really great find above Tarrales. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-THROATED JAY (Cyanolyca pumilo) – Yes! A wandering group was seen and heard below Fuentes Georginas. [E]
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
BUSHY-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax melanocyaneus) [E]
YUCATAN JAY (Cyanocorax yucatanicus) – Always good to find this species in Guatemala. Seen well at Las Guacamayas.
STELLER'S JAY (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Cyanocitta stelleri ridgwayi) [E]
UNICOLORED JAY (Aphelocoma unicolor) – Another good jay find was this species at Fuentes Georginas. Romney spotted it first!
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLACK-CAPPED SWALLOW (Atticora pileata) – This NCA endemic was seen at Finca El Pilar and again at Fuentes Georginas. [E]
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (RIDGWAY'S) (Stelgidopteryx serripennis ridgwayi) – This was the resident subspecies nesting on the walls of the Tikal ruins. They look quite different from the nominate/northern wintering birds.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina)
BARN SWALLOW (AMERICAN) (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster)
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
RUFOUS-BROWED WREN (Troglodytes rufociliatus) [E]
CAROLINA WREN (WHITE-BROWED) (Thryothorus ludovicianus albinucha) [*]
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (RUFOUS-BACKED) (Campylorhynchus rufinucha nigricaudatus)
SPOT-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius maculipectus)
CABANIS'S WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) – This was a recent split of the Plain Wren.
WHITE-BELLIED WREN (Uropsila leucogastra)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
This "Snowy" White Hawk was photographed at Finca Los Tarrales by participant Carla Bregman.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (Polioptila caerulea)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
EASTERN BLUEBIRD (Sialia sialis)
BROWN-BACKED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes occidentalis)
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris)
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii) [*]
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) – It will be hard to get better looks this species. A rare Pacific army ant swarm at Finca Los Andes gave us the opportunity to study this bird well.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – Most of them on the Pacific side were the "Russet-backed" types from western US.
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) – We were happy to find them so common at Tikal NP.
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)
RUFOUS-COLLARED ROBIN (Turdus rufitorques) – This NCA endemic was seen sitting on top of the pine trees at Finca El Pilar. [E]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
BLUE-AND-WHITE MOCKINGBIRD (Melanotis hypoleucus) – One perched in the open at Cayala was a rare sighting. [E]
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
GRAY SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys cinereus)
Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)
OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus) [*]
We got to see this Mottled Owl on its day roost. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla)
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – One was seen at Finca Los Tarrales on the compost pile!
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER (Oreothlypis superciliosa) – We actually saw the crescent! Nice looks at Fuentes Georginas.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
NASHVILLE WARBLER (RIDGWAYI) (Oreothlypis ruficapilla ridgwayi)
MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Geothlypis tolmiei)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa)
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)
HOODED WARBLER (Setophaga citrina)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – A singing bird at Tikal NP was rare for the Peten. Miguel indicated that there may be seasonal movement involved since they are absent most months of the year.
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi) – This was the common wintering warbler on the Pacific side.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
FAN-TAILED WARBLER (Basileuterus lachrymosus) – We saw this species in the army ant swarm at Finca Los Andes. Rare and local in Guatemala.
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (SALVINI) (Basileuterus rufifrons salvini) – The subspecies seen at Laguna Lodge on Lake Atitlan.
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons delattrii) – The subspecies seen at Finca Patrocinio with all yellow underparts and extensive chestnut in the face.
GOLDEN-BROWED WARBLER (Basileuterus belli)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
PINK-HEADED WARBLER (Cardellina versicolor) – Emblematic bird of the NCA highlands. Only found in Chiapas, MX and western Guatemala. We had to work hard to find one, but it paid off with close, eye-level views. A lovely bird. [E]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Birds here have "Guatemalan" Orange underparts.
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
BLACK-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio aurantius) – We saw several females in the tall forest at Tikal.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
YELLOW-WINGED TANAGER (Thraupis abbas)
Collared Aracari, photographed by participant Carla Bregman.
AZURE-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara cabanisi) – Another local endemic that we saw well in the scope at Finca Los Andes. [E]
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CINNAMON-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa baritula) – We saw them nectar robbing at Fuentes Georginas.
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (WHITE-COLLARED) (Sporophila torqueola morelleti) – This subspecies (males are tawny below) was seen on the Caribbean slope.
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (WHITE-COLLARED) (Sporophila torqueola mutanda) – Seen on the Pacific slope.
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (MIDDLE AMERICA) (Chlorospingus flavopectus postocularis)
GREEN-BACKED SPARROW (Arremonops chloronotus)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-EARED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone leucotis occipitalis)
PREVOST'S GROUND-SPARROW (PREVOST'S) (Melozone biarcuata biarcuata) – Seen well at Laguna Lodge. [E]
RUSTY SPARROW (Aimophila rufescens) [*]
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
GRAY-THROATED CHAT (Granatellus sallaei) – This NCA/Yucatan endemic has a simple, sweet song which we heard well at Cerro Cahui. It was seen here and again at Tikal. [E]
BLUE SEEDEATER (Amaurospiza concolor) – A really great find. Josue spotted one in the bamboo above the Tarrales lodge.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
BLUE BUNTING (Cyanocompsa parellina)
An immature Gray Hawk, photographed by participant Carla Bregman.
BLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea)
INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)
PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
BLACK-VENTED ORIOLE (Icterus wagleri)
BAR-WINGED ORIOLE (Icterus maculialatus) – Briefly, but a male was perched atop a tall tree during our picnic breakfast at Finca El Pilar. This is a Pacific slope NCA endemic. [E]
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas)
SPOT-BREASTED ORIOLE (Icterus pectoralis)
ALTAMIRA ORIOLE (Icterus gularis)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
BLUE-CROWNED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia occipitalis) – Finally caught up with this pretty bird in the Pacific slope foothills at Finca Los Andes and Las Nubes.
BLACK-HEADED SISKIN (Spinus notatus)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
YUCATAN HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta pigra)
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
MEXICAN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus aureogaster)
YUCATAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus yucatanensis)
DEPPE'S SQUIRREL (Sciurus deppei)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
GRAY FOX (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
CACOMISTLE (Bassariscus sumichrasti) – A fantastic animal that we saw in the evening looking for Black-and-white Owl at Finca Los Andes. Related to raccoons.
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other interesting critters:
Central American Coral Snake (Micrurus nigrocinctus) = Seen and photographed at Finca Los Tarrales.
Totals for the tour: 364 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa