A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

Mexico: Oaxaca's Atlantic & Pacific Slopes 2024

March 9-20, 2024 with Dan Lane & Micah Riegner guiding
Field Guides Birding Tours
Sumichrast's Wren gave us a breathtaking performance from its limestone perch near Tuxtepec. Photo by Micah Riegner.

This year was by far the best run of the tour with respect to the quantity and quality of birds we saw. Starting in Oaxaca City, we drove to the picturesque mountain town of San Jose del Pacifico where we enjoyed Bumblebee and Garnet-throated Hummingbirds, Red Warblers, Red-headed Tanagers, and Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireos in a forest filled with flowering Chiranthodendron trees. Finding both Russet and Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrushes was exciting, and being able to key in on their subtle differences was satisfying and educational. Continuing down in elevation we stopped at the more humid slopes around La Soledad and Pluma Hidalgo where we saw a totally different set of birds. Among the highlights were Golden Vireos, Golden-crowned Emeralds, the Wagler’s form of Northern Emerald-Toucanet, a low flying Short-tailed Hawk, Tropical Parulas, several Blue-capped Hummingbirds, and a plethora of orioles.

From Huatulco we did a pelagic trip out to the continental shelf. Bird abundance was lower than usual, probably due to El Niño, but we saw a nice diversity of species including Wedge-tailed, Galapagos and Black-vented Shearwaters, lots of Black and Least Storm-Petrels, both Red and Red-necked Phalaropes, and a flock of migrant Sabine’s Gulls. We saw numerous Spinner Dolphins, Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, and dozens of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, some of which were mating. Certainly, the most surprising thing we saw was a Pelagic Thresher Shark leaping out of the water multiple times. I’ve never seen anything like it! Before leaving the Huatulco area we birded the hot leafless deciduous forest along the coast, finding Flammulated Flycatcher, Colima Pygmy-Owl, Cinnamon and Turquoise-crowned Hummingbirds, and a stunning Lesser Ground-Cuckoo practically at our feet!

The next phase of the tour we focused on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec where we followed in the footsteps of François Sumichrast, the Swiss naturalist whose travels took him from Veracruz down to the town of Juchitan on the isthmus where he met his future wife, Rosita. The Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow is named after Sumichrast and the Rose-bellied Bunting after Rosita. Both these localized endemics we saw well, along with Northern Bobwhite, Beautiful Hummingbird, and a flock of four Lesser Roadrunners just chilling along the road.

The final few days of the tour we birded the humid Gulf Slope based out of Tuxtepec. First, our aim was to see another bird named after the Swiss naturalist: Sumichrast’s Wren. This strange inhabitant of limestone hillsides has one of the loudest, most exuberant songs I’ve ever heard. We spent several minutes trying to see it as it sneaked around behind the limestone crags and then, all of a sudden, it perched out on a promontory and sang in front of us for over a minute! Espectacular! Other birds we saw that morning include Rufous Piha and the very similar Rufous Mourner, Central American Pygmy-Owl (which was a lifer for me), Slaty-tailed Trogon, and a bright male White-winged Tanager. That afternoon we checked out a marsh in adjacent Veracruz where we saw Fuertes’s Orioles (a highly distinctive subspecies of Orchard Oriole), Gray-crowned Yellowthroats, and an Aplomado Falcon sitting in a tree.

In the cloud forest above Valle Nacional, we saw Pheasant Cuckoo, Spotted Woodcreeper, White-naped Brushfinch, Gray-collared Becard, and Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush while getting serenaded by the crystalline songs of Slate-colored Solitaires. Then in the foothills we saw Rufous-breasted Spinetail, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, a Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Yellow-tailed Orioles, and a surprise Golden-winged Warbler. The final drive back to Oaxaca City we were hoping to bird more in the cloud forest, however a very localized storm prevented us from doing so, so we continued on. Reaching the slightly less rainy pine forests above, Dan spotted an Aztec Thrush as it zipped across the road, so we slammed the brakes and jumped out to see it. We soon located the bird among an entire flock of Aztec Thrushes and Gray Silky-Flycatchers feeding in the fog. Awesome. Before reaching Oaxaca City we made a bathroom break where we got sidetracked on a side track with Thick-billed Kingbird, Ocellated Thrasher, Oaxaca Sparrows, Slaty Vireo, and Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow. Not a bad way to wrap up the tour! We’d like to thank Nicole in our office for making all our reservations and Jorge and Arturo, our five-star drivers, for putting up with many kilometers and early mornings on this tour. Dan and I would like to thank you all for joining us on this adventure and we look forward to more trips together!

—Micah

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)

LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]

Field Guides Birding Tours
This Pelagic Thresher Shark leaping out of the water near Huatulco was one of my favorite "birds" of the trip! Photo by Jason Leifester.

SLATY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Crypturellus boucardi) [*]

Heard numerous times around Valle Nacional.

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)

NORTHERN SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata)

AMERICAN WIGEON (Mareca americana)

GREEN-WINGED TEAL (Anas crecca)

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

PLAIN CHACHALACA (Ortalis vetula)

The chachalacas of the Gulf Slope. Seen around Valle Nacional.

WEST MEXICAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis poliocephala) [E]

Common around Huatulco.

CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens)

We saw a pair on the road above Valle Nacional.

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

LONG-TAILED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx macroura) [E]

Some of us got a glimpse of a pair as they shot through the undergrowth during our rainy drive back to Oaxaca City.

NORTHERN BOBWHITE (Colinus virginianus)

Thanks to our driver Jorge for spotting these near Juchitan! The population in this part of Oaxaca has a lot of black on the face.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)

Common around the Gulf Slope.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Bumblebee Hummingbird is one of the smallest hummingbirds in Mexico. This male was displaying near San Jose del Pacifico. Photo by Micah Riegner.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)

Seen around San Jose del Pacifico.

SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)

We had great looks at one near Tuxtepec.

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)

COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina)

RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

BLUE GROUND DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) [*]

Heard near Tuxtepec.

RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

We had our best looks at this species near Juchitan.

GRAY-HEADED DOVE (Leptotila plumbeiceps) [*]

WHITE-FACED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon albifacies) [*]

Heard in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional.

WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)

PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus)

It's always a thrill to encounter this species! We called one in from the road above Valle Nacional.

LESSER GROUND-CUCKOO (Morococcyx erythropygus)

We couldn't have asked for better views! It just stood out in the open for several minutes along the trail near Huatulco.

LESSER ROADRUNNER (Geococcyx velox)

We were thrilled to find one along the road near Juchitan. Then we saw another across the way, and another and another! In total, we counted four Lesser Roadrunners in the same area!

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)

Seen by some over Valle Nacional.

Field Guides Birding Tours
This was one of four Lesser Roadrunners we saw during our morning of birding near Juchitan. Unbelievable! Photo by Jason Leifester.

COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)

We did a short night walk outside of Huatulco and saw these along the path.

MEXICAN WHIP-POOR-WILL (Antrostomus arizonae)

We saw one right in the parking lot at San Jose del Pacifico.

Nyctibiidae (Potoos)

NORTHERN POTOO (Nyctibius jamaicensis)

One shot over us during our night excursion at Huatulco.

Apodidae (Swifts)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)

Abundant over the humid slopes of Valle Nacional.

VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)

We saw a few shoot over us near Valle Nacional.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)

We found a lek near Valle Nacional. We made a recording and were able to call one out into view.

STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)

Seen a couple times near Valle Nacional.

MEXICAN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus)

Seen near San Jose del Pacifico.

GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)

Janice spotted one during our morning in the foothills around Valle Nacional.

RIVOLI'S HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)

We had nice looks at one at the Colibri Restaurant.

PLAIN-CAPPED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster constantii)

Seen in the dry forest outside Huatulco.

AMETHYST-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis amethystinus)

There were a few attending the Salvias around San Jose del Pacifico.

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While we're on the cuckoo theme, here's the Lesser Ground-Cuckoo we saw near Huatulco. It sat there sunning itself for several minutes! Photo by Micah Riegner.

BLUE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis clemenciae)

These were coming in to the feeders at the Colibri Restaurant.

GARNET-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lamprolaima rhami)

Wow! What a bird. We saw one sitting out in the open at San Jose del Pacifico.

BEAUTIFUL HUMMINGBIRD (Calothorax pulcher)

We saw a couple females mobbing a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl near Juchitan.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris)

Females seen around Valle Nacional.

BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) [*]

BUMBLEBEE HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus heloisa) [E]

We saw a handful of these tiny hummers around San Jose del Pacifico. Males were singing from their exposed perches.

DUSKY HUMMINGBIRD (Phaeoptila sordida) [E]

The hummers around the hotel in Oaxaca.

TURQUOISE-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD (Cynanthus doubledayi) [E]

We saw several in the dry forest around Huatulco.

GOLDEN-CROWNED EMERALD (Cynanthus auriceps) [E]

Way to go Bill for spotting this one in the humid forest around La Soledad!

CANIVET'S EMERALD (Cynanthus canivetii)

WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Basilinna leucotis)

Seen around San Jose del Pacifico.

BLUE-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa cyanophrys) [E]

We saw these in the humid forest on our drive down to Huatulco.

AZURE-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia cyanocephala)

Seen in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional.

BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia beryllina)

Common around our hotel in Oaxaca City.

CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rutila)

We saw numerous in the dry forest around Huatulco.

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)

The Amazilias seen around Valle Nacional.

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This was one of several Rose-bellied Buntings we saw in the dry foothill forest near Juchitan. Photo by Micah Riegner.

WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorestes candida)

Seen in the lowlands around Tuxtepec and Valle Nacional.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

RUSSET-NAPED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides albiventris)

We watched one walk out onto the marsh near Tuxtepec

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)

RUDDY CRAKE (Laterallus ruber) [*]

Heard at the marsh in Veracruz.

Aramidae (Limpkin)

LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)

Burhinidae (Thick-knees)

DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Hesperoburhinus bistriatus)

Seen in the fields near Juchitan and also at the marsh in Veracruz.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)

AMERICAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra americana)

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus)

Seen at Xadani.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)

KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)

On the mudflats at Xadani.

COLLARED PLOVER (Anarhynchus collaris)

We had nice views at Xadani.

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)

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Our group birding the dry forest near Huatulco. Along that trail we saw Colima Pygmy-Owl, Russet-crowned Motmots, Lilac-crowned Parrots, and Orange-breasted Buntings. Not bad! Photo by Micah Riegner.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

The following shorebirds we saw at Xadani.

LONG-BILLED CURLEW (Numenius americanus)

MARBLED GODWIT (Limosa fedoa)

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus griseus)

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus scolopaceus)

Seen at the marsh along the side of the highway in Veracruz.

RED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus fulicarius)

We saw a few on our pelagic trip. Larger than the Red-necked Phalaropes and with a thicker bill.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus)

The more common phalarope on our Huatulco pelagic.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

A couple were at the marsh near Juchitan.

WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)

We scoped a few out on the mudflats at Xadani.

SANDERLING (Calidris alba)

LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)

WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri)

There were a few out on the mudflats at Xadani.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

SABINE'S GULL (Xema sabini)

We saw a few of these gulls with contrasting wing patterns during our pelagic trip off Huatulco. They were probably on their way north to Alaska.

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)

Common around Huatulco and Xadani.

FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan)

A few migrants seen on our pelagic and at Xadani.

CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)

Seen at Xadani and also along the highway near Tuxtepec.

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This exquisite Spot-breasted Oriole we saw (among five other oriole species) the afternoon we drove down to Huatulco. Photo by Micah Riegner.

ELEGANT TERN (Thalasseus elegans)

ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)

Hydrobatidae (Northern Storm-Petrels)

BLACK STORM-PETREL (Hydrobates melania)

We saw a surprising number during our pelagic trip.

LEAST STORM-PETREL (Hydrobates microsoma)

Several seen during the pelagic trip, though not as common as the Black Storm-Petrels.

Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)

WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER (Ardenna pacifica)

We saw just a handful during our Huatulco pelagic.

GALAPAGOS SHEARWATER (Puffinus subalaris)

These small compact shearwaters zipped by during our Huatulco pelagic.

BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER (Puffinus opisthomelas)

Seen perched and in flight during our Huatulco pelagic trip.

Ciconiidae (Storks)

WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)

Jason spotted these off in the distance at Xadani.

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)

BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster)

We saw several during our pelagic trip. One even landed on a sea turtle!

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY (Sula nebouxii)

One flew past us at Playa Colorada on our way to Tehuantepec.

Field Guides Birding Tours
In all my years of birding in Mexico I had only seen Aztec Thrush once before. We were driving back towards Oaxaca City when Dan spotted one flying across the road, so we got out and found a flock of them feeding on fruit along with Gray Silky-Flycatchers. Watching them through the fog is something I'll never forget. Photo by Micah Riegner.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

These were out in the marsh in Veracruz.

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum)

One flew over us at the Veracruz marsh.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)

REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens)

A few were hunting in the shallows at Xadani.

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)

WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bulbulcus ibis)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)

WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)

ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)

A few were out in the Veracruz marsh.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

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We saw Gray-collared Becards on both the Pacific and the Atlantic Slopes of Oaxaca. This male was above Valle Nacional. Photo by Micah Riegner.

LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)

One sailed over us at the marsh in Veracruz.

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)

Seen hovering and perched at the marsh in Veracruz.

BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)

Seen from the road in Veracruz.

NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus hudsonius)

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatus)

COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii)

CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)

One flew over us at Pluma Hidalgo. Also seen at the marsh in Veracruz.

GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)

Seen flying high over the foothills near Juchitan.

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

Seen flying over La Soledad.

SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni)

We saw a single migrant in the foothills above Valle Nacional.

RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)

Strigidae (Owls)

PACIFIC SCREECH-OWL (LAMBI) (Megascops cooperi lambi) [*]

Heard along the trail at Huatulco. Unfortunately, they just wouldn't come into view.

This short video takes us through some of the many highlights of the tour. Filmed by Dan Lane and Micah Riegner.

NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL (MOUNTAIN) (Glaucidium gnoma gnoma) [*]

CENTRAL AMERICAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium griseiceps)

This was a lifer for me and Dan although Dan had heard it before. We had great views of it over the trail near Tuxtepec.

COLIMA PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium palmarum)

Seen during our morning walk at Huatulco. We watched it fly about 40 feet and snatch an anolis lizard from a branch. So cool!

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)

Seen at various sites throughout the tour.

MOTTLED OWL (Strix virgata)

We had exceptionally good views of this species during a night walk at Huatulco.

Trogonidae (Trogons)

SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)

We called one into view along the trail near Tuxtepec. Awesome views!

BLACK-HEADED TROGON (Trogon melanocephalus)

CITREOLINE TROGON (Trogon citreolus) [E]

We had multiple good looks in the dry forest around Huatulco.

GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)

Seen well above Valle Nacional.

MOUNTAIN TROGON (Trogon mexicanus)

Seen in the mountains around San Jose del Pacifico.

COLLARED TROGON (XALAPA) (Trogon collaris puella)

We saw one along the road at La Soledad.

Momotidae (Motmots)

TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) [*]

RUSSET-CROWNED MOTMOT (Momotus mexicanus)

We saw one zip across the road at dusk near Huatulco.

LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii)

Seen briefly above Valle Nacional.

Field Guides Birding Tours
One of my highlights on this tour was to conclusively identify Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush (photographed here) from the very similar Russet Nightingale-Thrush. Ruddy-capped shows a yellow lower mandible while the Russet has a pinkish lower mandible with a dark tip. Their call notes are different too. We saw both species in the same morning near San Jose del Pacifico. Photo by Micah Riegner.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

One flew under the bridge at Valle Nacional.

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (WAGLER'S) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus wagleri)

Seen at eye level at La Soledad.

NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (EMERALD) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus prasinus) [*]

COLLARED ARACARI (COLLARED) (Pteroglossus torquatus torquatus)

Seen on our walk in the foothills above Valle Nacional.

KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

We had a number of encounters with this iconic species around Valle Nacional.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)

Seen around Pluma Hidalgo.

BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)

We spotted one in the foothills above Valle Nacional.

GOLDEN-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes chrysogenys) [E]

The common Melanerpes around Huatulco.

GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes aurifrons)

We began seeing these around Tehuantepec. Also seen in the lowlands around Tuxtepec and Valle Nacional.

LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates scalaris)

Seen our first morning at the hotel in Oaxaca City.

HAIRY WOODPECKER (Dryobates villosus)

SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus) [*]

PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)

We had spectacular looks at some in the dry forest around Huatulco.

LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)

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Slaty Vireo is a bird we generally don't try for on this tour since we see it on our Oaxaca Valley tour, but this year was different. We had to wait for our drivers to check something in the vehicle while we were in Guelatao, so we walked up a little side track and found Slaty Vireo, Ocellated Thrasher, Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow and Boucard's Wren within about 20 minutes! Photo by Micah Riegner.

GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)

GRAY-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Colaptes auricularis) [E]

We saw this Mexican endemic at Pluma Hidalgo.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]

CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)

Way to go Kirsten for spotting one just before we left the marsh in Veracruz!

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]

Heard at the overlook above Valle Nacional.

LILAC-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona finschi)

We saw at least two pairs during our morning walk at Huatulco.

RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)

Regular around Valle Nacional.

WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona albifrons)

Seen in abundance around Huatulco.

MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)

Seen around Tuxtepec.

OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula nana)

Common on the Gulf Slope.

ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula canicularis)

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)

Seen in the foothills above Valle Nacional.

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We called in this Slaty-tailed Trogon near Tuxtepec. We were just about at the northernmost limit of its range. Photo by Micah Riegner.

DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)

We called in a pair in the foothills above Valle Nacional.

Formicariidae (Antthrushes)

MAYAN ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius moniliger moniliger) [*]

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

MIDDLE AMERICAN LEAFTOSSER (MEXICAN) (Sclerurus mexicanus mexicanus)

Not the easiest bird to see. Some of us glimpsed one as it hopped around in the leaf litter in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional.

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)

NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)

There were two pairs having a territorial dispute along the trail near Tuxtepec.

IVORY-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus flavigaster)

We saw this rather large woodcreeper a couple times around Huatulco.

SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)

Sweet! This cloud forest species has a narrow elevational range along Oaxaca's Gulf Slope. Seen above Valle Nacional.

STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)

Seen in the foothills around Valle Nacional.

SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (NORTHERN) (Lepidocolaptes affinis affinis)

The woodcreepers we saw around San Jose del Pacifico.

RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus)

This is always a challenging bird to see. We saw one zip around at La Soledad.

RUFOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis erythrothorax)

Yip yip! This is the northernmost representative of the genus Synallaxis. We had excellent views of a pair in the foothills above Valle Nacional.

Pipridae (Manakins)

WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei) [*]

RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis) [*]

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

RUFOUS PIHA (Lipaugus unirufus)

Outstanding! This was the first time we've seen this species on the tour. Watching it vocalize was a real highlight!

Field Guides Birding Tours
We saw a pair of Yellow-tailed Orioles at Cerro Marin near Valle Nacional. Photo by Micah Riegner.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)

Jason spotted these way off with a pair of Masked Tityras above Valle Nacional.

MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)

GRAY-COLLARED BECARD (Pachyramphus major)

We saw one on our way down to La Soledad and also on the Gulf Slope above Valle Nacional.

ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus aglaiae)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)

We had excellent views of one along the road above Valle Nacional.

NORTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma cinereigulare)

This tiny little flycatcher sounds like a cricket. We saw one at close range near Tuxtepec.

YELLOW-OLIVE FLATBILL (GRAY-HEADED) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens cinereiceps)

Seen in the forest around Tuxtepec.

YELLOW-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Ornithion semiflavum) [*]

NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe)

GREENISH ELAENIA (WEST MEXICO) (Myiopagis viridicata jaliscensis)

Seen at La Soledad. This population sounds quite different from the ones on the Gulf Slope.

GREENISH ELAENIA (GREENISH) (Myiopagis viridicata placens) [*]

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)

Seen on the slopes above Valle Nacional.

TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)

We had these in the pine forest around San Jose del Pacifico.

GREATER PEWEE (Contopus pertinax) [*]

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris)

WHITE-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax albigularis)

We saw a really bedraggled bird above Valle Nacional.

LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus)

Common in the dry forest around Huatulco.

HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER (Empidonax hammondii)

Seen at La Soledad.

Field Guides Birding Tours
This was the first time we've seen Rufous Piha on this tour. We watched it sing for several minutes. Photo by Micah Riegner.

DUSKY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax oberholseri)

Seen in the dry scrub near Guelatao.

WESTERN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax difficilis)

BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

FLAMMULATED FLYCATCHER (Ramphotrigon flammulatum)

Awesome! This cool flycatcher of Mexico's Pacific coast used to be in its own genus (Deltarhynchus), but was recently moved to the genus Ramphotrigon—the flatbills of South America. We had great views of one in the coastal vine forest near Huatulco.

BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]

RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)

Another great bird and a first for the tour. Seen along the trail near Tuxtepec.

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)

ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens)

NUTTING'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus nuttingi)

Seen in the dry forest around Huatulco and Tehuantepec.

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)

The Myiarchus we saw above Valle Nacional.

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (ARIZONA) (Myiarchus tyrannulus magister)

Seen along the coast at Huatulco.

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)

SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)

PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

CASSIN'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus vociferans)

THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus crassirostris)

We finally caught up with this species at the gas station in Guelatao.

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus)

Seen around the isthmus and around the marsh in Veracruz.

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)

We saw a couple out in the fields of Veracruz.

Field Guides Birding Tours
This Mottled Owl sat in a tree right over the trail during one of our night walks near Huatulco. Photo by Micah Riegner.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

CHESTNUT-SIDED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius melitophrys)

After much effort we finally got one in view at San Jose del Pacifico. Awesome bird.

LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)

These were regular members of the feeding flocks around Valle Nacional.

GOLDEN VIREO (Vireo hypochryseus) [E]

We had great views of this species at La Soledad.

SLATY VIREO (Vireo brevipennis)

This is generally a species we don't see on this tour. We had a bit of time in Guelatao while we waited for Arturo to have the vehicle checked out, so we walked up a side road and found Slaty Vireo, Ocellated Thrasher, Oaxaca Sparrow, and Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow all within our 20 minute wait! Not bad.

WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus)

BELL'S VIREO (Vireo bellii)

A couple were seen in the dry forest around Huatulco.

HUTTON'S VIREO (Vireo huttoni)

CASSIN'S VIREO (Vireo cassinii)

BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius)

PLUMBEOUS VIREO (Vireo plumbeus)

WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus)

YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis)

We saw one in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional, a recent arrival from it's wintering grounds.

Laniidae (Shrikes)

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE (Lanius ludovicianus)

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

DWARF JAY (Cyanolyca nanus)

We did a quick run up Cerro San Felipe our final afternoon before returning to Oaxaca City and found a small flock of Dwarf Jays.

AZURE-HOODED JAY (Cyanolyca cucullata)

These are always a real challenge to see. We got glimpses as they shot through the dense cloud forest.

WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY (Calocitta formosa)

BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)

Abundant in the lowlands around Valle Nacional.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Our group walking the trail to find Sumichrast's Wren. Photo by Micah Riegner.

GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)

Seen in the humid forest at La Soledad.

STELLER'S JAY (Cyanocitta stelleri)

Seen at San Jose del Pacifico and at the end of the tour at the Colibri Restaurant.

UNICOLORED JAY (Aphelocoma unicolor)

We had amazing scope views of a bird preening in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional.

COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax)

Two flew by during our wait at Guelatao.

Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)

MEXICAN CHICKADEE (Poecile sclateri)

We saw these our first morning of birding at San Jose del Pacifico.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)

We saw these in the harbor at Huatulco and also at Xadani.

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

These were especially prevalent around Huatulco.

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Regulidae (Kinglets)

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (Corthylio calendula)

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)

BROWN CREEPER (ALBESCENS/ALTICOLA) (Certhia americana alticola)

We watched one collecting nesting material at the cabins in San Jose del Pacifico.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (RUFIVENTRIS GROUP) (Ramphocaenus melanurus rufiventris)

This goofy-looking bird we saw on the slopes above Valle Nacional.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Flammulated Flycatcher seen in the coastal dry forest near Huatulco. Photo by Micah Riegner.

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (Polioptila caerulea)

WHITE-LORED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila albiloris)

We had great views of some near Juchitan.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

SUMICHRAST'S WREN (Hylorchilus sumichrasti) [E]

This was certainly the best view we've had of this skulking songster of limestone walls. It sang in front of us for over a minute!

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

HOUSE WREN (BROWN-THROATED) (Troglodytes aedon brunneicollis)

BEWICK'S WREN (Thryomanes bewickii) [*]

BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)

We saw these in the humid forest near Tuxtepec.

GRAY-BARRED WREN (Campylorhynchus megalopterus)

Seen along the highway back to Oaxaca.

RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (SCLATER'S) (Campylorhynchus rufinucha humilis)

We saw a family group near Huatulco.

BOUCARD'S WREN (Campylorhynchus jocosus)

This was another species we saw accidentally during our stop at Guelatao.

SPOT-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius maculipectus)

This is always a tricky bird to see. We had rather fleeting looks above Valle Nacional.

HAPPY WREN (Pheugopedius felix) [E]

I was blown away by how cooperative this bird was at Pluma Hidalgo. Normally they don't sit still!

BANDED WREN (Thryophilus pleurostictus) [*]

WHITE-BELLIED WREN (Uropsila leucogastra)

Seen by some along the trail near Tuxtepec.

WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)

Also along the trail near Tuxtepec.

GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)

We called some into view at San Jose del Pacifico.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

BLUE MOCKINGBIRD (Melanotis caerulescens) [E*]

Field Guides Birding Tours
Slate-throated Redstarts are a common flock bird in the highlands of Oaxaca. We saw this male near San Jose del Pacifico. Photo by Micah Riegner.

GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) [*]

CURVE-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma curvirostre)

OCELLATED THRASHER (Toxostoma ocellatum)

Another bird we picked up during our stop at Guelatao! Great spotting by Jason.

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)

Seen around Xadani.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

BROWN-BACKED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes occidentalis)

Seen around San Jose del Pacifico.

SLATE-COLORED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes unicolor)

The voice of the cloud forest above Valle Nacional. We saw a few during our morning of birding there.

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

Heard near Guelatao.

RUSSET NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus occidentalis) [E]

It was incredibly satisfying to finally see Russet and Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrushes and hear the subtle differences in their call notes at San Jose del Pacifico.

RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii)

BLACK-HEADED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus mexicanus)

We played the recording and a bird shot right out into view above the road! Awesome!

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)

We saw several winter migrants at the fruiting trees at La Soledad.

WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) [*]

AZTEC THRUSH (Ridgwayia pinicola)

Unbelievable! Dan spotted one zip across the road as we reached the pine/oak zone above Valle Nacional, so we jumped out and found an entire flock of these mythical birds feeding alongside Gray Silky-Flycatchers.

WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)

CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)

Seen in the lowlands around Tuxtepec.

BLACK THRUSH (Turdus infuscatus)

Brief views during the rain at the overlook above Valle Nacional.

AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius)

RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN (Turdus rufopalliatus) [E]

Common around Huatulco.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Normally Black-headed Nightingale-Thrushes are really tough to see. This one proved to be the exception. Seen in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional. Photo by Micah Riegner.
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)

GRAY SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys cinereus)

Seeing these in the fog with Aztec Thrushes is something I'll never forget!

Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)

OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus)

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Chlorophonia elegantissima)

Seen in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional.

BLUE-CROWNED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia occipitalis) [*]

SCRUB EUPHONIA (Euphonia affinis)

We saw a male at Pluma Hidalgo.

YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)

HOUSE FINCH (Haemorhous mexicanus)

RED CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra)

BLACK-HEADED SISKIN (Spinus notatus)

LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHEAST MEXICO) (Chlorospingus flavopectus ophthalmicus)

The gray-bellied birds we saw on the Gulf Slope.

COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (SOUTHWEST MEXICO) (Chlorospingus flavopectus albifrons)

The cinnamon-bellied birds we saw on the Pacific Slope around San Jose del Pacifico.

CINNAMON-TAILED SPARROW (Peucaea sumichrasti) [E]

Seeing this species is always a priority for this tour. We had great looks at some near Juchitan.

STRIPE-HEADED SPARROW (Peucaea ruficauda)

Also seen near Juchitan.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow (formerly Sumichrast's Sparrow) lives just around the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. We saw a few during our morning near Juchitan. Photo by Jason Leifester.

OLIVE SPARROW (Arremonops rufivirgatus)

We saw one along the road near Huatulco.

LARK SPARROW (Chondestes grammacus)

We saw a few in the fields around Juchitan.

ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)

We watched one zip around in the undergrowth at Valle Nacional. Not the easiest bird to see!

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Arremon brunneinucha brunneinucha)

We had great views of one at the compost pile near our cabins at San Jose del Pacifico.

YELLOW-EYED JUNCO (Junco phaeonotus)

LINCOLN'S SPARROW (Melospiza lincolnii)

RUSTY-CROWNED GROUND-SPARROW (Melozone kieneri)

Seen in the dry scrub near Guelatao, another first for the tour!

WHITE-THROATED TOWHEE (Melozone albicollis) [E]

Seen at the hotel grounds in Oaxaca City.

RUSTY SPARROW (Aimophila rufescens)

We called one into view in an open field near Valle Nacional.

OAXACA SPARROW (Aimophila notosticta)

Yet another species we saw in Guelatao.

COLLARED TOWHEE (Pipilo ocai) [E]

We had exceptional views of one at the Colibri Restaurant.

RUFOUS-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pileatus) [E]

Seen too at the Colibri Restaurant.

WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albinucha)

Seen in the cloud forest of Valle Nacional. Awesome views.

Icteriidae (Yellow-breasted Chat)

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) [*]

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We got lucky this tour and saw both Colima (left) and Central American Pygmy-Owls. The Colima was in the dry forest around Huatulco and the Central American was near Tuxtepec. Photos by Micah Riegner.

YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) [*]

YELLOW-WINGED CACIQUE (Cassiculus melanicterus) [E]

CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)

We saw quite a few in the foothills above Valle Nacional.

MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)

BLACK-VENTED ORIOLE (Icterus wagleri)

ORCHARD ORIOLE (ORCHARD) (Icterus spurius spurius)

ORCHARD ORIOLE (FUERTES'S) (Icterus spurius fuertesi)

One of the cooler, less expected birds of the tour! This distinctive subspecies of Orchard Oriole with peach-colored underparts breeds in Veracruz. We saw a couple males and a female at the marsh in Veracruz.

HOODED ORIOLE (Icterus cucullatus)

YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas)

We saw a pair of these gorgeous orioles at Cerro Marin near Valle Nacional.

STREAK-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus pustulatus)

BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (Icterus bullockii)

SPOT-BREASTED ORIOLE (Icterus pectoralis)

These handsome orioles were in the coastal dry forest near Huatulco.

ALTAMIRA ORIOLE (Icterus gularis)

Also in the dry forest around Huatulco.

AUDUBON'S ORIOLE (DICKEY'S) (Icterus graduacauda dickeyae)

It was somewhat surprising to see this species so low in elevation near Huatulco.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)

SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum)

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)

We saw one at the marsh near Xadani.

BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)

MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)

GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)

We saw a few both on the Pacific and Atlantic Slopes.

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We saw a handful of Black-vented Shearwaters during our Huatulco pelagic trip. Photo by Micah Riegner.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera)

This was a real surprise! Seen in mixed flock at Cerro Marin near Valle Nacional.

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)

Ubiquitous in the mixed flocks.

CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER (Oreothlypis superciliosa)

Seen around San Jose del Pacifico.

TENNESSEE WARBLER (Leiothlypis peregrina)

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Leiothlypis celata)

NASHVILLE WARBLER (Leiothlypis ruficapilla)

GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala)

Dan called a couple into view at the marsh in Veracruz.

MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Geothlypis tolmiei)

KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa)

Seen in the limestone forest near Tuxtepec.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)

HOODED WARBLER (Setophaga citrina)

AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)

NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana)

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)

Seen in the humid forest around Pluma Hidalgo.

MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia)

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)

We saw some dingy looking females around Valle Nacional.

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

Seen around the marsh in Veracruz.

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (AUDUBON'S) (Setophaga coronata auduboni)

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Setophaga dominica)

There was one hanging around the hotel in Oaxaca City.

TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We ate at some great restaurants on the tour. Here, Jason Leifester documents his plate of chile rellenos.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)

FAN-TAILED WARBLER (Basileuterus lachrymosus) [*]

Heard at Pluma Hidalgo. Unfortunately it didn't come into view.

RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons)

We watched a pair building a nest in a tuft of grass near Valle Nacional.

GOLDEN-BROWED WARBLER (Basileuterus belli)

Seen at the beginning of the trip around San Jose del Pacifico, then at the end of the trip in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional.

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)

Our best views of this species were above Valle Nacional.

WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)

RED WARBLER (Cardellina rubra) [E]

It's always a treat to see this Mexican endemic. We saw some around San Jose del Pacifico and then at Cerro San Felipe.

SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus miniatus)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (NORTHERN) (Piranga flava hepatica)

SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)

WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana)

FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)

Seen at San Jose del Pacifico and in the cloud forest above Valle Nacional.

WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)

Jason spotted a male way up in the canopy near Tuxtepec.

RED-HEADED TANAGER (Piranga erythrocephala) [E]

Seen our first morning near San Jose del Pacifico.

RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)

Seen near Huatulco.

RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)

Seen around Tuxtepec.

BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes poliogaster)

These noisy grosbeaks were in the treetops along our walk near Tuxtepec.

Field Guides Birding Tours
We had a surprising number of Black Storm-Petrels on our pelagic trip. They were pretty much seen constantly throughout the day. Photo by Micah Riegner.

NORTHERN CARDINAL (LONG-CRESTED) (Cardinalis cardinalis carneus)

Both male and female showed nicely along the trail near Huatulco.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus)

RED-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus venustus) [E]

Fabulous! We saw a couple males in the dry forest around Huatulco.

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)

Seen around Valle Nacional.

BLUE BUNTING (Cyanocompsa parellina)

We had great looks at a male near Huatulco.

BLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea)

INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)

ROSE-BELLIED BUNTING (Passerina rositae) [E]

We saw several males and females coming down to drink near Juchitan. Gorgeous!

ORANGE-BREASTED BUNTING (Passerina leclancherii) [E]

We saw both males and females of this striking bunting around Huatulco and Juchitan.

PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris)

Seen at Cerro Marin near Valle Nacional.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)

YELLOW-WINGED TANAGER (Thraupis abbas)

GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Stilpnia larvata)

We had nice looks at a small flock at Cerro Marin.

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

CINNAMON-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa baritula baritula)

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina splendens)

THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)

Seen in the foothills around Valle Nacional.

VARIABLE SEEDEATER (BLACK) (Sporophila corvina corvina)

Very similar to the Thick-billed Seed-Finch but with a smaller bill. Seen near Valle Nacional.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Dan called in a couple Gray-crowned Yellowthroats at the marsh in Veracruz. This one sat nicely on a palm. Photo by Micah Riegner.

MORELET'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila morelleti)

BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)

YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)

We saw several in the grassy fields above Valle Nacional.

BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)

BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)

Seen in the lowlands around Huatulco and the Gulf Slope.

CINNAMON-BELLIED SALTATOR (Saltator grandis)

MAMMALS

MEXICAN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus aureogaster)

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus)

Seen on the Huatulco pelagic.

SPINNER DOLPHIN (Stenella longirostris)

We were treated to great views of a huge pod of these dolphins on our boat trip. Several were jumping out of the water.

PANTROPICAL SPOTTED DOLPHIN (Stenella attenuata)

Also seen on our Huatulco Pelagic. We could see their spots through the water as they swam alongside us.

SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHIN (Delphinus delphis)

We saw a few of these with buffy-sided dolphins on our boat trip.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Additional Taxa

Pelagic Thresher Shark Truly one of the most remarkable sightings of the tour was watching this shark leap out of the water during our boat trip out of Huatulco.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea We saw numerous during our day on the water.

Brown Basilisk Basiliscus vittatus Seen along the road near Juchitan.

Western Spiny-tailed Iguana Ctenosaura pectinata Abundant in the dry forest around Huatulco.

Mexican Emerald Spiny Lizard Sceloporus formosus We saw one on our drive down from Pluma Hidalgo.

Longtail Spiny Lizard Sceloporus siniferus These were along the trail near Huatulco.

Southern Crevice Spiny Lizard Sceloporus aureolus Seen at our cabins in San Jose del Pacifico.

Oaxacan Leaf-toed Gecko Phyllodactylus muralis We found one on our night walk near Huatulco.

Mexican Racerunner Aspidoscelis guttatus

Totals for the tour: 417 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa