For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
For most folks, we started the tour in Tikal NP. Here is our view from Temple IV looking across the undisturbed forest of the Peten. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
This was a fun trip to Guatemala. We enjoyed excellent birding in a variety of diverse habitats. We birded under Caribbean lowland jungles covering ancient Mayan temples, in cloud forest draped with intense epiphytic growth, crossed "the most beautiful lake in the world," and felt the ground shake from active volcanoes. We also got to walk colonial streets in Antigua and taste delicious homegrown coffee at several fincas. Birding highlights were many: the tiny Wine-throated Hummingbird at Fuentes Georginas, the only slightly larger, Slender Sheartail, on the shores of Lake Atitlan, the unbelievable Pink-headed Warbler on the slopes of Volcan Santa Maria, and the enigmatic Belted Flycatcher seen at Finca Filadelfia. However, none of us were prepared for our Horned Guan sighting! This was definitely the highlight for most folks in the group.
Thanks again for joining me in Guatemala and I hope to see you very soon on the birding trail. All the best in 2019,
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) – A few folks glimpsed one at Las Guacamayas. Heard by all at Tikal NP.
THICKET TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinnamomeus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
Here is another shot from Tikal NP of Temple V. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Wild birds were seen on the Rio San Pedro at Las Guacamayas.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
PLAIN CHACHALACA (Ortalis vetula)
WHITE-BELLIED CHACHALACA (Ortalis leucogastra) – Restricted to the Pacific Slope from S Mexico to NW Costa Rica. Seen well at Finca Los Tarrales.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens)
HIGHLAND GUAN (Penelopina nigra) – Amazing early morning look at a male that climbed a tree above our group! We also enjoyed listening to their long whistles and wing rattles. [E]
HORNED GUAN (Oreophasis derbianus) – One of my most exciting bird moments in a long time. A pair flew across the forest opening above the cabins at Fuentes Georginas. We were all stunned. Awesome!
GREAT CURASSOW (Crax rubra) – Wow. Seeing males and females on the trails at Tikal NP was a real treat.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BUFFY-CROWNED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx leucophrys) – A very good bird to see. One of our last new birds of the tour, and right in the city.
SINGING QUAIL (Dactylortyx thoracicus) [*]
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus guttatus) [*]
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
OCELLATED TURKEY (Meleagris ocellata)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
This Spot-tailed Nightjar seen on our boat ride at Las Guacamayas was the first confirmed record for Guatemala. There was a little detective work involved, but we eventually figured out the mystery! [check out the spots under the tail!] Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Small numbers in the Peten region.
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) – Seen on wires in Flores. [I]
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-HEADED DOVE (Leptotila plumbeiceps)
WHITE-FACED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon albifacies) [E*]
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Seen perched in the scope at Finca Los Tarrales.
PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus) – Fantastic bird! Nice song and a memorable approach by air while birding the old airstrip at Tikal NP.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (MIDDLE AMERICA) (Piaya cayana thermophila)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) – A new record for Guatemala after some good 'ol detective work. Looks like all the recent Yucatan Nightjar records from Las Guacamayas were of this species!
YUCATAN POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus yucatanicus) – Wonderful close views at Tikal NP.
MEXICAN WHIP-POOR-WILL (Antrostomus arizonae vermiculatus) – Showed well in the light in the pine-oak forest below Finca El Pilar.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
NORTHERN POTOO (Nyctibius jamaicensis)
A Ringed Kingfisher waits for the sun to set along the Rio San Pedro at Las Guacamayas. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
WHITE-THROATED SWIFT (Aeronautes saxatalis)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
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)
RIVOLI'S HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – Seen perched a couple of times at Finca Los Tarrales.
GREEN-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis viridipallens) – This NCA endemic was seen feeding on bromeliads at Finca El Pilar and again in the forest at Finca Los Andes. [E]
SPARKLING-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Tilmatura dupontii) – All too briefly at Rey Tepepul.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris)
WINE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Atthis ellioti) – Fantastic male whisper singing at Fuentes Georginas. [E]
EMERALD-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (Abeillia abeillei) – Josue showed us a spot near Rey Tepepul where a male was visiting flowers. [E]
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii)
WEDGE-TAILED SABREWING (Campylopterus curvipennis) – A near NCA endemic seen well at various sites in the Peten.
RUFOUS SABREWING (Campylopterus rufus) – This NCA endemic was at feeders above Guatemala City and again at Finca Los Andes. [E]
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD (Amazilia candida)
AZURE-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanocephala)
BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (SUMICHRAST'S) (Amazilia beryllina devillei) [E]
BLUE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanura guatemalae) – Good looks at Finca Los Tarrales and Los Andes. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)
BLUE-THROATED GOLDENTAIL (Hylocharis eliciae)
Antigua was a lovely base for us for a couple of nights. Volcan Agua makes for a spectacular backdrop to the colonial city. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis leucotis)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
RUDDY CRAKE (Laterallus ruber) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – Several juveniles on Lake Peten-Itza.
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) – This lovely heron was seen hunting in the shadows on a tributary to the Rio San Pedro. In fact, we saw two different individuals.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
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) – A gray-morph male was soaring over Fuentes Georginas.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – Amazing experience as one came into the forest and perched above our heads at Finca Los Andes.
From Antigua we moved to Finca Los Tarrales, where another volcano served as an impressive backdrop. In this case, Volcan Atitlan. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – One of my favorites and quite rare and local in NCA. Seen along the Rio San Pedro, Las Guacamayas.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (WHITE-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus chionogaster) – One zipped by us quickly at Finca El Pilar.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (SNOWY) (Pseudastur albicollis ghiesbreghti) – A pair stood out in the green forest of Finca Los Tarrales. A beautiful creature.
GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – One came out of its limestone cavern around 6:30 pm and passed right over the boat. Very cool.
Strigidae (Owls)
WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops trichopsis)
NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL (GUATEMALAN) (Glaucidium gnoma cobanense) – A great experience calling up one in the pre-dawn light at Finca El Pilar. Good work team.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
UNSPOTTED SAW-WHET OWL (Aegolius ridgwayi) – Continues to be a nemesis bird for the leader, but still a very good bird to HEAR. [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – Memorable experience with a pair near a nest box at Finca Los Andes.
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)
BLACK-HEADED TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
MOUNTAIN TROGON (Trogon mexicanus) [*]
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) – Seen at Las Guacamayas, but unfortunately, a heard only on the Pacific side.
BLUE-THROATED MOTMOT (Aspatha gularis) – Always a tough bird to show a group. We eventually had awesome scope views at Rey Tepepul. [E]
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa) – Quite possibly the best bird ever? ;-)
One of the most difficult of the NCA endemics was seen super well on the shores of Lake Atitlan. This male Slender Sheartail was photographed by guide Jesse Fagan.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – We saw both species of puffbirds in the Peten region.
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (EMERALD) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus virescens)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – There goes the flying banana! Seen well on the Caribbean side.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius) – One in the parking lot at Tikal NP was a very good wintering visitor record for NCA.
ACORN WOODPECKER (ACORN) (Melanerpes formicivorus lineatus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
YUCATAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pygmaeus) – A fairly recent new species for Guatemala; only discovered to occur around Las Guacamayas in the last 5 years or so.
GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (VELASQUEZ'S) (Melanerpes aurifrons dubius) – Seen on the Caribbean side.
GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (VELASQUEZ'S) (Melanerpes aurifrons santacruzi) – Seen on the Pacific side.
LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates scalaris) – A new bird for the guide in Guatemala. Rare and local in NCA.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (SOUTH MEXICAN) (Dryobates villosus sanctorum)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus castaneus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
NORTHERN FLICKER (GUATEMALAN) (Colaptes auratus mexicanoides) [E]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – Remarkable seeing one on the ground just after having caught a small avian prey. The birds around alerted us to its presence.
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus) – The pair was back nesting on Temple I and II this year.
We finally caught up with the Blue-throated Motmot at Rey Tepepul where it posed nicely. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – Just seeing a flock of 20 birds zip by at Finca El Pilar was a good sighting for this rare species.
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) – Good numbers were around the lodge at Finca Los Tarrales. Their sounds resemble small human babies trying to talk (at least to my ear!).
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula nana)
ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula canicularis)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
PACIFIC PARAKEET (Psittacara strenuus) – Endemic to the Pacific Slope of NCA. We saw good numbers at Tarrales and Los Andes. [E]
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (MAYAN) (Formicarius analis moniliger)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – A responsive bird was near the trailhead to the big forest at Finca Los Andes.
SCALY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus guatemalensis) – Seen super well along the entrance road to Tikal NP. It perched for a long time.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
RUDDY WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla homochroa) – It was an amazing experience watching the army ant swarm at Tikal NP which included Ruddy, Tawny-winged, and Northern Barred-Woodcreeper. Just like the illustration in the guide!
TAWNY-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla anabatina)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
IVORY-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus flavigaster)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia variegaticeps)
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis erythrothorax) – Very good looks at this understory skulker.
After birding Lake Atitlan, we crossed Lake Atitlan under fantastic skies with memorable views of the volcanoes. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
GUATEMALAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus) – A split from the old Mistletoe Tyrannulet. This has now become an NCA endemic! I am not totally convinced yet. Good numbers were seen/heard on the Pacific Slope.
NORTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma cinereigulare)
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) [*]
STUB-TAILED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus cancrominus)
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (NORTHERN) (Onychorhynchus coronatus mexicanus) – Great looks at this species on the old Tikal airstrip.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius)
BELTED FLYCATCHER (Xenotriccus callizonus) – Whoooa! A really good bird. Rare and local. An NCA endemic, but it was the first time the leader saw it in the Antigua Basin. [E]
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
GREATER PEWEE (Contopus pertinax)
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)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)
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)
WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Pipridae (Manakins)
LONG-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis) – Always a treat to see the male of this species. We had a cooperative male at Finca Los Tarrales. "Toledo!" is their call and local name.
This impressive large dust devil or tornado was seen as we descended towards Xela in the Guatemala highlands (elev. 8200'). Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis veraepacis) – A recent split of Thrush-like Schiffornis has the taxon in NCA called Northern Schiffornis, or by some authorities, Northern Mourner.
ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – Impressive showing at Tarrales of this often difficult canopy species.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus)
MANGROVE VIREO (Vireo pallens)
HUTTON'S VIREO (Vireo huttoni)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius)
PLUMBEOUS VIREO (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Vireo plumbeus montanus) – I was happy to see this resident Plumbeous subspecies at Tarrales; this will be an armchair tick, trust me.
WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
BUSHY-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax melanocyaneus) – Good looks at this NCA endemic at several spots. [E]
STELLER'S JAY (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Cyanocitta stelleri ridgwayi) – Quite a distinctive looking subspecies seen on the Pacific side in the pine-oak forest. [E]
UNICOLORED JAY (Aphelocoma unicolor) – Great looks at Fuentes Georgina, one of the first birds we laid eyes on!
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLACK-CAPPED SWALLOW (Atticora pileata) – Another NCA endemic seen at Finca El Pilar, but better at Fuentes Georginas where they were at eye-level. [E]
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (RIDGWAY'S) (Stelgidopteryx serripennis ridgwayi) – This resident subspecies was seen around the ruins of Tikal.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina) – Just one seen flying above Rey Tepepul.
Incredible views of Pink-headed Warbler were had at Los Llanos del Pinal. One of the more striking of the NCA endemics. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BARN SWALLOW (AMERICAN) (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
RUFOUS-BROWED WREN (Troglodytes rufociliatus) – Seen more or less at Finca El Pilar. An NCA endemic. A tough bird to see sometimes as it is small and sticks to the cover. [E]
CAROLINA WREN (WHITE-BROWED) (Thryothorus ludovicianus albinucha) – One seen at Tikal NP in the dry forest. A potential split in the future. Call note is very different.
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (RUFOUS-BACKED) (Campylorhynchus rufinucha nigricaudatus)
SPOT-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius maculipectus)
CABANIS'S WREN (Cantorchilus modestus)
WHITE-BELLIED WREN (Uropsila leucogastra)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
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)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
HERMIT THRUSH (Catharus guttatus) – We saw this rare wintering visitor at Finca El Pilar.
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina)
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus)
WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
BLACK THRUSH (Turdus infuscatus)
The views from Fuentes Georginas were...well, AWESOME. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
RUFOUS-COLLARED ROBIN (Turdus rufitorques) – This NCA endemic was perched on top of trees at Finca El Pilar during our morning picnic breakfast. [E]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
BLUE-AND-WHITE MOCKINGBIRD (Melanotis hypoleucus) – Really nice looks from the lookout at Rey Tepepul. [E]
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
GRAY SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys cinereus)
Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)
OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BLUE-CROWNED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia occipitalis)
SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
HOODED GROSBEAK (Coccothraustes abeillei) – Nice looks at Finca Filadelfia.
BLACK-HEADED SISKIN (Spinus notatus)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
Passerellidae (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 (GRAY-CROWNED) (Melozone leucotis occipitalis) – Both Melazone sparrows were seen well. They are neat species. White-eared surprised us at Finca El Pilar and we finally caught up with White-faced at Finca Los Andes.
WHITE-FACED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone biarcuata)
SPOTTED TOWHEE (MACULATUS GROUP) (Pipilo maculatus repetens)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
Icteriidae (Yellow-breasted Chat)
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens)
This owl butterfly, Caligo telamonius, was photographed by guide Jesse Fagan at Finca Los Andes.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
BLACK-VENTED ORIOLE (Icterus wagleri) [*]
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas) – Seen at Las Guacamayas. One of the less common and more local orioles to see in NCA.
SPOT-BREASTED ORIOLE (Icterus pectoralis)
ALTAMIRA ORIOLE (Icterus gularis)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla)
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – One was near our lunch spot in Tikal NP. The habitat seems unusual for this species which makes me think they were migrants.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora cyanoptera)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER (Oreothlypis superciliosa) – We saw this species well at Finca El PIlar . It has a buzzy, insect-like call.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Geothlypis tolmiei)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa)
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)
HOODED WARBLER (Setophaga citrina)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana)
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi)
HERMIT WARBLER (Setophaga occidentalis) – One at Finca El Pilar was a good pickup for us. Not seen every year on this tour though they winter in small numbers in NCA.
Here our guide at Finca Los Andes, Don Chus, points out a Resplendent Quetzal to our driver, Mauricio. It was the first time he had ever seen a quetzal. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons delattrii)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
RED-FACED WARBLER (Cardellina rubrifrons) – Good bird to see in Guatemala. We had one at Finca El PIlar. Rare to uncommon winter visitor to NCA.
PINK-HEADED WARBLER (Cardellina versicolor) – The Frosty-headed Warbler was spectacular! Seen super close (we could almost touch it) at Llanos del Pinal. [E]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
ROSE-THROATED TANAGER (Piranga roseogularis) – We caught up with this mostly Yucatan endemic at Tikal NP. A pair came in to check us out.
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana)
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
GRAY-THROATED CHAT (Granatellus sallaei) – This mostly Yucatan endemic was seen well in the dry forest at Tikal NP. [E]
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)
BLUE BUNTING (Cyanocompsa parellina)
INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)
PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio aurantius) – Good numbers in the tall forest at Tikal NP this year.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
YELLOW-WINGED TANAGER (Thraupis abbas)
AZURE-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara cabanisi) – This local NCA endemic was seen at Finca Los Tarrales and again at Los Andes. Only found in Chiapas and Guatemala. [E]
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
CINNAMON-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa baritula)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
MORELET'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila morelleti)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
We marveled at the showy display of the male Resplendent Quetzal to the female nearby. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
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)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other notable critters observed:
1) Morelet's Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) = Its range includes Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. We saw this species in the Peten at Tikal NP and again in Las Guacamayas. Pierre Marie Arthur Morelet was a French naturalist in the 19th century. I assume this is also the same person from which is named Morelet's Seedeater (Sporophila morelleti).
Totals for the tour: 364 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa