A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

Guatemala: Shade-grown Birding (Maine Audubon Private) 2023

March 7-16, 2023 with Jesse Fagan & Doug Hitchcox guiding

Field Guides Birding Tours
Here is our group with local guide, Miguel Marin (center), standing in front of the famous Temple I, or Temple of the Jaguar. Thanks for a great trip everyone! Photo credit to my co-leader, Doug Hitchcox.

When Doug and I were discussing our next Maine Audubon trip with Field Guides in Costa Rica way back in January 2020, I quickly mentioned that we MUST do Guatemala together. He agreed, and despite a pandemic delay, we made it happen as soon as possible. In summary, the trip was a real success. Maine Audubon groups are always a lot of fun, and this group was no exception. We enjoyed fantastic weather, a mix of culture, and some truly spectacular birds. Read on if any of that sounds interesting!

The tour began in the capital city with the same name as the country, Guatemala City. There was an evening dinner at the hotel where we all introduced ourselves, chatted about the upcoming tour, analyzed the map, and then I had the unfortunate position to mention our departure time the next morning. Despite the early start to the tour (not an uncommon theme on bird tours, right?), the flight over the Central Highlands, crossing the Motagua River Valley (where much of the Mayan jade has come from) , descending into the Caribbean plain, while the sun rose to greet us, was pretty cool. We landed in Flores, in the Peten region of Guatemala, and were met by our local guide, Cornelio. The first two nights in the Peten we spent at Las Guacamayas Biological Station. There were a couple of boat rides along the Rio Sacluc, and down the Rio San Pedro to various birding spots. Agami Heron was hiding out here along with Sungrebe and a very small kingfisher. We found several nesting pairs of Scarlet Macaws in one of the few areas of Central America where wild populations are still present. The biological station is located in the protected area of Laguna del Tigre National Park, so along with lots of birds there was plenty of other wildlife including both howler and spider monkeys (these were present most days over our cabins). Our last two nights in the Peten were spent within the protected zone of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve at Tikal National Park. Our local guide, Miguel Marin, shared his knowledge of the Mayan people, their history and influence on the region. This was a highlight of the trip for most of us. We stood on Temple IV with an Orange-breasted Falcon perched nearby and saw an ocean of green stretching towards the horizon. May the Force be with you, indeed.

Back on the Pacific side we started our adventure in the colonial city of Antigua. Our hotel is located near the famous yellow arch, putting us in a great position to visit the central square, part of the chessboard layout, among various other sites. Thanks to our local guide, Leonel, for taking us around. We were lucky enough to be in Antigua during Easter processions with people from all over the country (and world) sharing in the celebrations. Of course, we enjoyed a morning of birding at Finca El Pilar with views of the three volcanoes (do you remember their names?): Acatenango, Fuego, and Agua. The birding here was excellent with sightings of several Northern Central American endemics including Bar-winged Oriole, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, and Rufous Sabrewing. We continued west venturing down into the Pacific lowlands (mostly sugarcane production here) before climbing a bit to the slopes of Volcan Atitlan and Finca Los Tarrales. This was an exciting couple of days as we explored the higher parts of the finca, at La Isla, and lower down near the lodge grounds. Finca Los Tarrales is a working farm with production in shade-grown coffee, ornamental plants, and macademia. However, the mix of forest and plantation, along with larger primary forest on the higher slopes, makes Finca Los Tarrales one of the best birding sites in Guatemala. Our highlights here included Collared Forest-Falcon, White-bellied Chachalaca, Yellow-naped Parrot, Long-tailed Manakin, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, and the coolest bird in the world, Turquoise-browed Motmot.

On our final day we packed in a bunch of "wow" moments. The first was crossing the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlan. This large caldera lake, surrounded by three impressive conical volcanoes, is a site to behold, especially as we experience it, on placid waters in the early morning light. We did a little birding around Panajachel, finding the striking White-faced Ground-Sparrow, before meeting our van and driving up and out of the lake basin, connecting with the Pan American Highway to our birding and lunch spot, Chichavac. It was here we met Daniel who showed us one of the most sought after birds for many people: Pink-headed Warbler. Or, as I like to call it, the "Frosty-headed Warbler." Regardless, it was definitely the frosting on the cake to an already fun and successful trip.

Thank you to the Maine Audubon Society for traveling with Field Guides again. Also, a big thank you to Doug for co-leading with me and organizing the trip. I look forward to our next adventure in the near future. All the best for a remaining 2023 and good birding,

—Jesse Fagan 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


Tinamidae (Tinamous)

GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]

SLATY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Crypturellus boucardi) [*]

THICKET TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinnamomeus) [*]

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Guide Jesse Fagan goes over the tour route with everyone at dinner in Guatemala City. This is going to be a lot of fun! Photo by Doug Hitchcox.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

PLAIN CHACHALACA (Ortalis vetula)

WHITE-BELLIED CHACHALACA (Ortalis leucogastra)

CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens)

HIGHLAND GUAN (Penelopina nigra) [E]

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus guttatus) [*]

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)

OCELLATED TURKEY (Meleagris ocellata)

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)

SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) [*]

RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)

BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)

SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) [*]

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) [I]

INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)

RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

Field Guides Birding Tours
The central highlands as we fly from Guatemala City to Flores in the Peten. Photo by Doug Hitchcox.

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)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We have officially arrived in Flores and are ready for a bunch of birds! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)

STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]

PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus) [*]

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (MIDDLE AMERICA) (Piaya cayana thermophila)

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)

COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)

YUCATAN POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus yucatanicus)

Apodidae (Swifts)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)

VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)

LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)

We spent time on the Rio San Pedro during our stay at Las Guacamayas. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)

LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)

STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)

PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)

GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)

RIVOLI'S HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris)

CANIVET'S EMERALD (CANIVET'S) (Cynanthus canivetii canivetii)

WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Basilinna leucotis)

WEDGE-TAILED SABREWING (Pampa curvipennis)

RUFOUS SABREWING (Pampa rufa) [E]

Field Guides Birding Tours
We were fortunate to come across this American Pygmy Kingfisher on the Rio Sacluc. Always a good bird to see! Thanks to participant Woody Gillies for the shot.

VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)

SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeochroa cuvierii)

BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (SUMICHRAST'S) (Saucerottia beryllina devillei) [E]

BLUE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia cyanura guatemalae) [E]

CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)

WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorestes candida)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Love this shot of a friendly pair of Scarlet Macaws during our morning birding on the trail to El Peru. Thanks to Doug Hitchcox for the capture.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris)

SORA (Porzana carolina)

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)

PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)

RUDDY CRAKE (Laterallus ruber) [*]

Heliornithidae (Finfoots)

SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)

Aramidae (Limpkin)

LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

Field Guides Birding Tours
It was hard to say good-bye to Las Guacamayas, but our next destination was equally impressive. Lovely picture by participant Gail Presley.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

PINNATED BITTERN (Botaurus pinnatus)

BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum)

GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)

Field Guides Birding Tours
There are not many places in the world where you can see this species, but Tikal NP is a good place for Ocellated Turkey. Man, look at those fighting spurs! Photo by co-leader Doug Hitchcox.

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)

AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami)

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)

BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)

PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (WHITE-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus chionogaster)

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

WHITE HAWK (WHITE-SHOULDERED) (Pseudastur albicollis costaricensis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We are having fun in style! Fantastic shot of two participants, Gail Presley and Kit Pfeiffer, at Temple IV. Somewhere around there is an Orange-breasted Falcon.

GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)

Strigidae (Owls)

WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops trichopsis)

GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus)

NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL (GUATEMALAN) (Glaucidium gnoma cobanense)

BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Strix nigrolineata) [*]

Trogonidae (Trogons)

SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)

Field Guides Birding Tours
The central plaza of Tikal facing Temple I. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan is taken from Temple II.

BLACK-HEADED TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)

GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)

MOUNTAIN TROGON (Trogon mexicanus)

COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)

Momotidae (Motmots)

TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula)

BLUE-THROATED MOTMOT (Aspatha gularis) [E]

LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)

TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOT (Eumomota superciliosa)

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)

GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
After our Peten adventure, we returned to the Pacific side and spent two nights in the colonial city of Antigua. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

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)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius)

ACORN WOODPECKER (ACORN) (Melanerpes formicivorus lineatus)

YUCATAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pygmaeus)

GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (VELASQUEZ'S) (Melanerpes aurifrons dubius)

GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (VELASQUEZ'S) (Melanerpes aurifrons santacruzi)

LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates scalaris) [*]

SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)

PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)

LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)

Some of us stayed up late enough to view the Easter processions in Antigua. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.

CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus castaneus)

GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)

NORTHERN FLICKER (GUATEMALAN) (Colaptes auratus mexicanoides) [E]

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]

COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus)

BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis)

CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)

ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus)

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)

WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis)

RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)

YELLOW-NAPED PARROT (Amazona auropalliata)

WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)

OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula nana)

ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula canicularis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Fun action shot by Tova Mellen of our group at Finca El Pilar with local guide, Daniel.

SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)

PACIFIC PARAKEET (Psittacara strenuus) [E]

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea)

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)

TAWNY-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla anabatina) [*]

NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)

IVORY-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus flavigaster)

STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)

SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis)

PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
White-bellied Chachalaca is a Northern Central American endemic, but confined to the hot lowlands on the Pacific side. Photo by co-leader Doug Hitchcox at Finca Los Tarrales.

SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia variegaticeps) [*]

RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus) [*]

RUFOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis erythrothorax)

Pipridae (Manakins)

LONG-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia linearis)

WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)

RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)

ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)

Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)

ROYAL FLYCATCHER (NORTHERN) (Onychorhynchus coronatus mexicanus)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

STUB-TAILED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus cancrominus)

OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)

SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)

NORTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma cinereigulare)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Cinnamon Hummingbird was a friendly greeter as we entered the dining area at Finca Los Tarrales. Photo by co-leader Doug Hitchcox.

SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)

EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris)

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)

YELLOW-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Ornithion semiflavum) [*]

NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe) [*]

GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)

GUATEMALAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus)

TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)

GREATER PEWEE (Contopus pertinax)

NORTHERN TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus bogotensis)

Just so we didn't forget why we brought all of that rain gear. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris)

LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus)

HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER (Empidonax hammondii)

YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)

BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax fulvifrons)

BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

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)

SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes luteiventris)

Field Guides Birding Tours
This was the morning scene that welcomed us at San Lucas Toliman before boarding our boat to cross Lake Atitlan. Thanks to Doug Hitchcox for the nice image.

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii)

WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis)

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

CHESTNUT-SIDED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius melitophrys) [*]

GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) [*]

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) [*]

PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus)

WARBLING VIREO (EASTERN) (Vireo gilvus gilvus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Another lake image looking back at the three volcanoes: Atitlan (far left), Toliman, and San Pedro. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa)

BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)

BUSHY-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax melanocyaneus) [E]

STELLER'S JAY (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Cyanocitta stelleri ridgwayi) [E]

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLACK-CAPPED SWALLOW (Atticora pileata) [E]

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (RIDGWAY'S) (Stelgidopteryx serripennis ridgwayi)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina)

BARN SWALLOW (AMERICAN) (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster)

CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)

BROWN CREEPER (Certhia americana)

Field Guides Birding Tours
White-faced Ground-Sparrows presented well at Panajachel after crossing the lake. Photo by co-leader Doug Hitchcox.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)

TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (Polioptila caerulea)

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)

RUFOUS-BROWED WREN (Troglodytes rufociliatus) [E*]

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) [*]

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

BLUE-AND-WHITE MOCKINGBIRD (Melanotis hypoleucus) [E]

GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
It was a real treat to bird the pine-oak highlands around Chichavac. Photo by Doug Hitchcox.

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

EASTERN BLUEBIRD (Sialia sialis)

BROWN-BACKED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes occidentalis)

ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]

YELLOW-THROATED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)

WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina)

WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)

CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)

RUFOUS-COLLARED ROBIN (Turdus rufitorques) [E]

Bombycillidae (Waxwings)

CEDAR WAXWING (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)

GRAY SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys cinereus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
The star of the show! The overwhelming choice for bird of the trip: Pink-headed Warbler. Great shot by participant Woody Gillies.
Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)

OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus)

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis)

YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)

OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)

HOODED GROSBEAK (Coccothraustes abeillei)

BLACK-HEADED SISKIN (Spinus notatus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We appreciated the hospitality of our hosts at Chichavac and the excellent parrillada lunch afterwards. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

GREEN-BACKED SPARROW (Arremonops chloronotus)

YELLOW-EYED JUNCO (GUATEMALAN) (Junco phaeonotus alticola) [E]

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)

LINCOLN'S SPARROW (Melospiza lincolnii)

WHITE-EARED GROUND-SPARROW (GRAY-CROWNED) (Melozone leucotis occipitalis) [*]

WHITE-FACED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone biarcuata)

SPOTTED TOWHEE (MACULATUS GROUP) (Pipilo maculatus repetens)

Icteriidae (Yellow-breasted Chat)

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens)

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)

YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)

MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)

BLACK-VENTED ORIOLE (Icterus wagleri)

BAR-WINGED ORIOLE (Icterus maculialatus) [E]

BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)

ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)

YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)

YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas)

This was how we finished up our day of birding after seeing the Pink-headed Warbler. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.

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)

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)

BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora cyanoptera)

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)

CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER (Oreothlypis superciliosa)

TENNESSEE WARBLER (Leiothlypis peregrina)

NASHVILLE WARBLER (RIDGWAYI) (Leiothlypis ruficapilla ridgwayi)

GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala)

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)

Field Guides Birding Tours
And lastly, some of you might have gotten into scorpioning during this tour. This species, Centruroides gracilis, was seen at Las Guacamayas in the Peten. Photo by Doug Hitchcox.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (MYRTLE) (Setophaga coronata coronata)

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Setophaga dominica)

TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi)

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)

CHESTNUT-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus delattrii)

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus) [*]

WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)

PAINTED REDSTART (Myioborus pictus guatemalae)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

ROSE-THROATED TANAGER (Piranga roseogularis)

FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

GRAY-THROATED CHAT (Granatellus sallaei) [E]

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)

BLUE BUNTING (Cyanocompsa parellina)

INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)

PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)

BLACK-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio aurantius)

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)

YELLOW-WINGED TANAGER (Thraupis abbas)

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

CINNAMON-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa baritula)

MORELET'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila morelleti)

BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)

CINNAMON-BELLIED SALTATOR (Saltator grandis)


MAMMALS

YUCATAN HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta pigra)

CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)

MEXICAN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus aureogaster)

YUCATAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus yucatanensis)

VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)

CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)

GRAY FOX (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

A couple of other critters we saw on the trip:

1) Morelet's Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) = Seen in the Peten in various places including around the boat dock at Las Guacamayas! A fairly limited range species whose native range is along the Caribbean coast of Mexico and Yucatan. By the way, this species and the seedeater are named after a 19th century French naturalist, Pierre Marie Arthur Morelet.

2) Guatemalan Emerald Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus taeniocnemis) = Seen at Finca El Pilar. This species is endemic to Southern Mexico and Guatemala.

Totals for the tour: 325 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa