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Quite an unusual species, this Sunbittern walked down the stream right next to the dining area at the Canopy Lodge. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
During our stays at the Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge we saw a lot of birds in a variety of habitats. In fact, one would be hard pressed to encounter this many tropical species while staying in just two places anywhere in Central America. Both sites are located close to the birding areas, and we were looked after so well by the great staff and local guides.
We got our birding underway early on the Canopy Lodge extension birding near our hotel on the Amador Peninsula at the mouth of the Panama Canal. We then made the two-hour drive to the Lodge, located in the foothills near the small town of El Valle. We watched the feeders at lunch, where we saw Gray-headed Chachalacas, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Rufous Motmot, Orange-billed Sparrows, and Fulvous-vented Euphonias while Eliecer was tracking down our Mottled Owl on a roost in the forest.
Our visit to the highlands of Altos de Maria the next day started with a White-tipped Sicklebill at a heliconia flower as a Purplish-backed Quail-Dove fed at the edge of the road. The rest of the day we saw such specialties as Snowcap, Orange-bellied Trogon, Dull-mantled Antbird, Spotted Barbtail, Red-faced Spinetail, Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Buff-rumped Warbler, and Silver-throated Tanager.
Birding closer to the Lodge the next day, we started the morning with a perched Green Thorntail and continued with two daytime Spectacled Owls, Tody Motmot, Spot-crowned Barbet, Streak-chested Antpitta, Lance-tailed Manakin, Song Wren, and Rosy Thrush-Tanager. A Sunbittern also made a couple of appearances for folks who were birding the grounds one afternoon.
Heading to the Canopy Tower the following day we took a long detour into the Pacific lowlands, where we encountered a number of new species. A close Striped Cuckoo started the morning's birding, and we found Savanna Hawk, Yellow-crowned Parrots, Veraguan Mango, Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, and Straight-billed Woodcreeper before having lunch at a beach cottage where Elegant and Sandwich terns lounged on the sand.
Arriving at the Canopy Tower in the afternoon, we had a chance to settle in and watch the jacobins and Long-billed Hermits at the feeders. We started our birding in earnest the next morning from the top of the Tower before spending the rest of the morning walking down the road. This was an exciting morning as each bend along the way had something new. We had great views of Black-breasted and White-whiskered puffbirds, Cinnamon and Crimson-crested woodpeckers, mixed flocks with antshrikes and antwrens, Red-capped and Blue-crowned manakins, great views of a surprise Speckled Mourner, Black-bellied Wren, and the first of our many encounters with sloths in the Canal Zone.
During the rest of our stay we made three visits to at least part of famed Pipeline Road, where we found a number of lowland specialties and mixed species flocks with the highlight being an encounter with a Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo (one of the most sought-after birds in Central America) where there had been an army ant swarm a few days earlier. Other great sightings included a Great Tinamou stealthily moving through the forest, a tiny Rufous-crested Coquette, five species of trogons, a Broad-billed Motmot right over our heads, a wonderful Great Jacamar, Spot-crowned Antvireo, a miniscule Moustached Antwren, Bicolored, Spotted, and Ocellated antbirds, Golden-crowned Spadebill, stunning male Blue Cotingas, Golden-collared Manakin, and Green Shrike-Vireo.
Another excursion in the area took us to Metropolitan Park, where a Common Potoo, well camouflaged on its dayroost, even slowly moved its head. Two very local Yellow-green Tyrannulets showed quite well on the trail where we came across a few more mixed species flocks. We also had a chance to bird along the edge of some ponds, marshes, and the backwater of the Chagres River and Panama Canal. Two Rufescent Tiger-Herons pretended they didn't see us. A Cocoi Heron, a few Boat-billed Herons hiding in the vegetation, two Crane Hawks, White-throated Crake, Gray-necked Wood-Rails, a Rufous Nightjar on a nest, and four species of kingfishers including two tiny American Pygmy Kingfishers were just some of the birds we saw in these wetter areas. Our night drive on Semaphore and vicinity found a fantastic Crested Owl, and we had a close view of a Common Pauraque, but three Night Monkeys, an armadillo, Wooly Opossum, and a couple more sloths were also highlights.
It was great birding with Eliecer and Danilo at the Canopy Lodge and, of course, Alexis at the Canopy Tower. We enjoyed great food and companionship throughout the trip. I hope to see you again soon on another adventure!
--John
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)
These Spectacled Owls were oblivious to our presence as we birded at Cara Iguana. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – Canopy Lodge only. We one calling in the distance early one morning. [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – There were about a dozen along the Chagres River.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – We saw a few coming to the feeder at Gamboa, but there were many more at the Canopy Lodge feeders.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a few flying over on our last morning near the Canopy Lodge.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Canopy Lodge only. A handful were seen along the Panama Canal at our hotel.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – Nice looks at one at Summit Pond.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Great looks at a couple of these wonderful herons at Ammo Pond.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Not a very common bird here, we saw one on each part of the tour.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – We spotted one way out in a marsh along the Chagres River.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) – We saw one near the Panama Canal and another at Ammo Pond on our last day.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – We saw one at the pond at Altos de Maria where there was also a Green Heron.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) – Canopy Lodge only. There were a couple of distant birds across the mouth of the Panama Canal.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (SOUTHERN) (Cochlearius cochlearius panamensis) – There were several of these unusual herons tucked into the vegetation at Summit Pond and we could see both adults and immatures. It took our second visit to find one sitting out nicely.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) – Canopy Lodge only. There were a handful on the far side of the Panama Canal near our hotel.
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Canopy Lodge only.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
This Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth literally fell through the trees and hit the ground quite close to us at the Canopy Tower. Fortunately, it seemed mostly unfazed by the ordeal!(Photo by participant François Grenon)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw about four in the open country of the Pacific lowlands.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Francois spotted two individuals from the dining room one afternoon and a few of us saw them from the top of the Tower.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – These were seen nearly daily near the Canal.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – We heard one calling high overhead while we were in the forest along Pipeline Road and managed to get a pretty good view as it circled over an open patch of sky.
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) – We had great views of a perched individual from the Discovery Center Tower. This is a raptor that I rarely see perched.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – Nice views of two individuals at Summit Pond on our second visit.
COMMON BLACK-HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus bangsi) – Canopy Lodge only. One was perched along the edge of a marsh in the Pacific lowlands.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw at least two individuals in one of the large pastures in the Pacific lowlands.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – We saw a couple on both parts of the trip.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – Canopy Lodge only. There was a pair hanging out near the hotel grounds along the Panama Canal that we saw on our first morning.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Francois spotted a couple of these during his afternoon vigil from the Canopy Tower.
SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni) – An early migrant was seen from the Canopy Tower by Francois.
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – Canopy Lodge only. Great looks at a close soaring bird over the Amador Peninsula on our first morning.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Canopy Lodge only. Several folks saw this very unusual bird walking along the edge of the small river at the Canopy Lodge.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) – We all heard these call several times and we were lucky to have one individual appear in an opening in the marsh a couple of times while we birded at Ammo Pond.
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Nice looks at up to three individuals on the back side of Summit Pond. This colorful rail showed quite nicely for us.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – An adult and immature were seen at Ammo Pond on our last day.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – Not a common bird in Panama there were a few seen in the Chagres River.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – We had a few good views of this land based shorebird.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – Several were about at Ammo Pond.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Red-legged Honeycreeper is a rather common species in gardens and at fruit feeders, and this male Red-legged Honeycreeper seemed really excited at the prospect of a ripe banana. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata) – Canopy Lodge only. A few were seen on the tidal flats at the edge of the Canal.
WHIMBREL (AMERICAN) (Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus) – Canopy Lodge only. Also seen near the hotel on the tidal flats on our first morning.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – Canopy Lodge only.
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus) – Canopy Lodge only. Good numbers were near the entrance to the Panama Canal and on the beach at our lunch spot on the coast.
SANDWICH TERN (CABOT'S) (Thalasseus sandvicensis acuflavidus) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw about three birds with the other terns and gulls on the beach at Raul's beach cottage.
ELEGANT TERN (Thalasseus elegans) – Canopy Lodge only. Several were with the Royal Terns on the beach at our lunch spot.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Good numbers were seen in the open country.
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) – We saw one perched in a tree top from the Discovery Tower.
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina minuta) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a few in the Pacific lowlands on our last morning out of the Canopy Lodge.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – A pair of these small pretty doves perched briefly before flying off.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassini) – We never had a good view as these shy doves would flush off the road going up Semaphore Hill before we could get a look at them.
PURPLISH-BACKED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon lawrencii) – Canopy Lodge only. We watched two individuals walking about in the road on our stop going up to Altos de Maria. Almost all quail-doves are quite shy so to see one this way is extremely rare.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – We saw several including an adult feeding a young bird at Metro Park.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Canopy Lodge only. Great looks at this large cuckoo as we birded along the roadside on our way to the Pacific coast.
RUFOUS-VENTED GROUND-CUCKOO (Neomorphus geoffroyi) – One of the great birds of Central America, a near fully-grown immature bird was seen just off of Pipeline Road where it had been sighted off and on over the previous several days. There had been an antswarm in the vicinity earlier and the adult and young bird were probably hoping for it to start up again. One of the women working at the Discovery Center stepped into the forest and saw it and waved us over for nice looks. This is a very difficult to see species that many seasoned tropical birders are still hoping to see. Yip! Yip! Yip!
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – Canopy Lodge only.
Strigidae (Owls)
American Pygmy Kingfisher is the smallest of the New World kingfishers, and we had exceptional looks at this female as well as a male. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – This fantastic looking owl afforded us great views on our night drive at the Canopy Tower.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – We struck it rich with this species, seeing a wonderful pair at the Cara Iguana area while we were at the Canopy Lodge and then another individual near Summit while we were at the Tower.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Canopy Lodge only. It took awhile but we finally spotted this small owl in a large tree at our lunch spot at Raul's beach cottage.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Eliecer found us a perched bird during our lunch on our first day at the Canopy Lodge that we walked in off the trail to see. Then we had a couple of birds calling and saw one fly over during our night drive at the Tower.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – We had a rather close view of one in the light as it perched in the road.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) – It was a great experience to see this fantastically camouflaged bird as it sat on a nest in the leaf litter just off the trail.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – While we were birding at Metro Park, our driver Lorenzo found this unusual species on a day perch.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – We saw several flying about the Tower.
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – We ended up seeing 2-3 with our best views being at Metro Park.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – This was the most common hummingbird visiting the feeders at the Canopy Tower.
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) – Canopy Lodge only. One of these bizarre hummingbirds came in to a heliconia, and perched on the flower, as we birded the roadside on our way up Altos de Maria. We hung around hoping to see it again but kept getting distracted by other new birds.
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris) – Seen daily, there ware at least two individuals visiting the Canopy Tower feeders.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – Canopy Lodge only. We only saw one individual during our time at the Lodge.
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – On the last morning, Francois found one on the slopes of Semaphore Hill. It was surprising that we did not encounter this species during our trip.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – We saw a few males and females including a female sitting on a nest at Ammo Pond.
VERAGUAN MANGO (Anthracothorax veraguensis) – Canopy Lodge only. This rather local species was seen at the edge of the gallery forest at the edge of a pasture in the Pacific lowlands.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – Canopy Lodge only. On our way out of the Canopy Lodge, Danilo spotted a male perched in a tree top right by the dining room.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – Alexis spotted one in a tall tree along Pipeline Road and we managed to get it in the scope. This is not a commonly seen species here.
Perched inconspicuously in the forest, a White-whiskered Puffbird waits for a large insect or small lizard to pass by where it can dart after it. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a couple of individuals near the hotel along the Panama Canal, then another at La Mesa near the Lodge. This won't win the prize of the fanciest hummingbird.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – Canopy Lodge only. Nice views of one in flowers at the Canopy Lodge.
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii) – One or two were coming to the Canopy Tower feeders.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica) – Canopy Lodge only. Francois saw one at La Mesa.
WHITE-TAILED EMERALD (Elvira chionura) – Canopy Lodge only. This handsome hummingbird was seen feeding in a shrub along the roadside.
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – Canopy Lodge only. We had great views, in the scope, of this wonderful little hummingbird. This species has become one of the specialty birds of the Canopy Lodge area.
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – Another commonly seen species at the feeders.
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward edward)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis) – Canopy Lodge only. We had a female while birding one of the side roads near the Pacific coast.
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Damophila julie)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena) – We saw our first at Metro Park then had a few more along Pipeline Road.
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – Good views along Pipeline Road at the least common of the Canal Zone trogons.
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) – Our first was seen from the Discovery Center Tower.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) – One of my favorite trogons we, ended up seeing about five of these colorful birds.
ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON (Trogon aurantiiventris) – Canopy Lodge only. We had good views of two individuals on Altos de Maria. One of the two birds was much more red than orange.
Momotidae (Motmots)
TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) – Canopy Lodge only. This one took a lot of searching on the trails in the Cara Iguana area. Danilo wouldn't give up and we finally heard one call back. The guys then slipped into the forest and spotted it sitting quietly on a perch where it stayed for several minutes and we got it in the scopes.
WHOOPING MOTMOT (WHOOPING) (Momotus subrufescens conexus) – A real dazzler, we saw our first near the Canopy Lodge then a few more in the Canal Zone.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Our first was at the feeder at the Canopy Lodge then we had a few more along Pipeline Road.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Alexis spotted one perched right over our heads as we stopped along the Gamboa Highway.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – Canopy Lodge only. A wintering bird here we saw one at the pond where we had lunch at Altos de Maria.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
It's typically a treetop dweller, and we had nice views of this Green Shrike-Vireo from the top of the Discovery Center Tower near Pipeline Road. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – We struck it rich with separate sightings of a female at Ammo Pond then a male at Summit Pond.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
BLACK-BREASTED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus pectoralis) – Our first one was just below the Canopy Tower on our first morning there.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis) – We saw three of these inconspicuous forest birds as they sat quietly.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – We had wonderful looks at one just after seeing our ground-cuckoo. It started calling nearby and we ended up with scope views of this uncommon species.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SPOT-CROWNED BARBET (Capito maculicoronatus) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw both males and females members of this odd family.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis) – Canopy Lodge only. One that was perched quite close to us on the road up to Altos de Maria, sailed off down the slope when we approached.
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
BLACK-MANDIBLED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – We saw a few from the Discovery Center Tower.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – These were daily sightings.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) – Another beauty we saw one in the same tree as our first Crimson-crested Woodpecker.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Canopy Lodge only.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Good views of a few individuals including an immature that had an unusual head pattern.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
SLATY-BACKED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mirandollei) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) – Our best views were during our stay at the Canopy Lodge.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Canopy Lodge only.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – A circling bird that was seen from the Discovery Tower after most of us had left, ended up passing right next to the Tower.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Francois spotted one passing over as we birded along the Chagres River.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga finschi) – Canopy Lodge only. It was somewhat of a surprise to see this higher elevation species around our hotel on the Panama Canal. These are part of a population of escapees in the Panama City area.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (VERAGUAS) (Aratinga pertinax ocularis) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a couple of individuals on our last morning at the Canopy Lodge.
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis) – Always a tough one to see well, we had a few small groups shoot by.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – This was the most common of the larger parrots we encountered.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a couple at the hotel on our first morning then two more flying past as we birded in the Pacific lowlands.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Good scope views of this large parrot on a few occasions.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
We were quite fortunate to come across this Northern Tamandua crossing Pipeline Road one morning. This small anteater proceeded to tear into a rotten log to get at the termites. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Canopy Lodge only. Our first were seen along the Panama Canal then we had a few more sightings in the Canopy Lodge area.
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – Formerly known as Western Slaty-Antshrike we saw a number of them in the forested areas we birded.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – Canopy Lodge only.
SPOT-CROWNED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus puncticeps) – Great looks at this small antbird as we birded along Pipeline Road.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula ignota) – This tiny antbird showed quite well and we ended up getting one in the scope as it flitted around in the tree tops.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – Canopy Lodge only. Often seen in the vicinity of Plain Antvireo there were a couple of these along the Candelario Trail.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – We saw several in the mixed-flocks.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra tyrannina)
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans) – A female popped up for us along the Old Gamboa Highway.
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes) – We had a nice look at a singing bird along one of the trails near the Canopy Lodge. We only heard them when we got to the Tower.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul) – After chasing a couple of these we ended up getting pretty good views.
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza laemosticta) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a pair of these quite local birds along the river while on the trail at Altos de Maria.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis bicolor) – A singing individual was hanging around with other antbirds where there must have been an army antswarm a day or two earlier.
SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides) – We saw a few of these quite sharply marked and small antbirds in the forest along Pipeline Road.
OCELLATED ANTBIRD (Phaenostictus mcleannani) – Nice looks at a very handsome and unusually marked antbird that started singing along Pipeline Road. Again, there had probably been an army ant swarm in the vicinity in recent days.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Pittasoma michleri) – Canopy Lodge only. [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus) – Canopy Lodge only. Great looks at a singing bird that Danilo got in the scope for us along the Candelario Trail.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – We heard this forest bird, but it was seen by Francois and Leah on the last morning as they birded along Semaphore Hill.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (GRAYISH) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylvioides) – We saw at least two individuals during our birding time at Metro Park.
One of the birds that joins mixed-species flocks in the forest at the Canopy Tower, the aptly named Southern Bentbill usually doesn't show itself this well. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – Again, there were a couple of these seen where there had been an army antswarm in recent days.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) – We saw a few at both lodges, this was the most conspicuous and common woodcreeper we encountered.
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – This distinctly marked and handsome woodcreeper showed well along Pipeline Road.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a couple of these higher elevation woodcreepers along the roads at Altos de Maria.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – Canopy Lodge only. In the forest edge of the taller forest we birded in the Pacific lowlands we had a good view of two individuals. This is a savanna forest specialty that is quite local in Panama.
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – Canopy Lodge only. We had a calling individual but could not get it into view. [*]
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – This small furnariid was seen a couple of times in the forested areas we visited at both the Canopy Lodge and Tower.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – Canopy Lodge only. Nice looks at a higher elevation species at Altos de Maria.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – Canopy Lodge only. Another species that we saw at the upper reaches at Altos de Maria. This is often a flock species but it hung around for some nice views.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) – We had great looks on our first morning at the Tower at one of these canopy dwelling small flycatchers. We ended up seeing a few more during the week.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – Canopy Lodge only. A rather local species in Panama, we saw a couple of these quite well in the roadside vegetation in the Pacific lowlands.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – Some even got to see the yellow crown on one of the individuals we saw.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – A commonly heard voice in the forest we ended up seeing a few of these small elaenias.
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps absita) [*]
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – We encountered a few in the Canopy Lodge area but only heard a couple the next week.
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) – Canopy Lodge only.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – Canopy Lodge only.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
YELLOW-GREEN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes flavovirens) – We did a lot of searching before we found two of these very local flycatchers at Metropolitan Park. One of the few species endemic to Panama we even got one of them in the scope as it sat still for a spell.
This Common Potoo on a dayroost at Metropolitan Park gave us no mind, but we did see it open its eyes and slowly turn its head. (Photo by participant François Grenon)
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus)
NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum) – Canopy Lodge only. Nice looks at our first near the hotel then we saw another on our last day of the Canopy Lodge extension.
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) – Wonderful looks at this tiny flycatcher along Pipeline Road as it darted from perch to perch in the tree tops. This is one of the smallest songbirds in the world.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Canopy Lodge only. We heard several of these before we ended up with a cooperative individual at Altos de Maria.
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris wilcoxi) – Along the Old Gamboa Highway we had a calling bird come in briefly but then it disappeared before we could all get on it.
SOUTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma olivaceum) – We saw a couple of these flycatchers with the unusually shaped bill.
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia) – Canopy Lodge only. We had a calling bird rather close to us but only Francois and Leah got a look at it.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – Another canopy dweller we got pretty fair looks at one along Semaphore Hill.
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) – This odd flycatcher did not perform as well as we wanted. it perched several times, briefly, but never in full view.
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-OLIVE) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens flavoolivaceus)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-MARGINED) (Tolmomyias assimilis flavotectus)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – We enjoyed great views of another odd flycatcher after we heard it singing and walked into the forest along Pipeline Road to get a closer view. It came in and perched at waist level for a nice look.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius sulphureipygius) – Canopy Lodge only.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) – Canopy Lodge only. We had a few of these cooperative flycatchers at the higher elevations we visited.
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus) – Canopy Lodge only. Our first was during our first morning walk near the Panama Canal, then we saw another near the Canopy Lodge.
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) [*]
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – Canopy Lodge only.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – We heard these each morning when we were in the forest but finally got a nice look along Pipeline Road on our last morning.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [*]
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Good views of a couple of individuals that were feeding around the edge of Summit Pond.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – An Austral migrant, these had just returned to the Canal Zone area after spending the wet season in South America.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Canopy Lodge only. There were a few on fence wires in the Pacific lowlands.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Good views of this snazzy bird. Our first was a male perched in the open that we saw from the top of the Discovery Tower.
BLUE COTINGA (Cotinga nattererii) – There was one and probably two stunning males that we saw from the Discovery Tower. These males perch up early on the morning to show off before spending much of the day feeding. We also found a gray colored female along Pipeline Road.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – Canopy Lodge only. After first seeing a young male on the trails at the Canopy Lodge we had a better view of an adult male on the trails at La Mesa.
LANCE-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) – We had a nice look at a male along the trails at Cara Iguana but only managed to hear a couple of then at Metro Park on the Canopy Tower portion of the trip.
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis) – We saw a stunning male sliding along a small branch during its ritualized display in the forest. This male would fly up, flip around, fly back to its perch, slide along the branch, flip around again and fly back to the same secondary perch.
GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) – We had a nice view of a male near the Discovery Center.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – A male and female were sitting out on our first morning from the top of the Canopy Tower.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – We saw a couple of individuals near Summit Pond on our first visit there.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis veraepacis) – Canopy Lodge only. A recently named species when Thrush-like Schiffornis was split we heard and saw one at Altos de Maria. This is the higher elevation form of the original species complex.
SPECKLED MOURNER (Laniocera rufescens) – One of my highlights of the trip was seeing this quite uncommon species along the slopes of Semaphore Hill. We watched it feeding on some small fruits and had nice scope views from the road.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – There was an individual coming to a nest behind the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – We saw one singing bird along the road above the Canopy Lodge and another at Metro Park.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis)
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw a couple of these near our hotel on the Panama Canal during our first morning of birding.
GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Hylophilus aurantiifrons)
LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus)
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – A quite common voice in the forests we had nice looks at an often difficult to see species from the top of the Discovery Tower.
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (NORTHERN) (Cyclarhis gujanensis perrygoi) – Canopy Lodge only. We heard one singing in the taller trees near our lunch spot on the Pacific coast but it took awhile to get a good view of it.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Canopy Lodge only.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Canopy Lodge only.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) – Canopy Lodge only. [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus ligea) – Canopy Lodge only. Some saw this small wren as it worked on the bromeliad covered trunks of the tall trees at Altos de Maria.
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) – Our first was seen along Semaphore Hill on our first morning at the Canopy Tower.
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus) – We saw this, and its unmarked olive wings, near the Canopy Lodge and again at Metropolitan Park.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) – This is one of the prettier of the skulking wrens we encountered.
PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus)
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – Canopy Lodge only.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Canopy Lodge only.
SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) – We had nice looks along the Candelario Trail at the Canopy Lodge. A few of us went into the forest to see it along Pipeline Road but they kept moving away from us and we couldn't catch up.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris) – Canopy Lodge only. A quite pretty bird, we had close views of two individuals while we walked along the forest trail at Altos de Maria.
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – We had surprisingly good views of this unusual species.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – Canopy Lodge only. Seen by a few folks along the small river at the Canopy Lodge.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – Always a great bird to see, there were a couple of these seen during the Canopy Lodge extension and at least one in the Canal Zone area.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia) – Canopy Lodge only.
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) – One popped up next to Alexis while we were working on the Ocellated Antbird so we were otherwise distracted.
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea) – This was the most common of the North American breeding warblers that we saw during our stay.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – Canopy Lodge only. It was encouraging to see several of these around El Valle and the higher elevations. At least one of them was close to being in breeding plumage.
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons) – Canopy Lodge only. These sharply marked warblers came in to the feeder area at the Canopy Lodge.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – Canopy Lodge only. One was spotted working along on rocks in the stream along the trail at Altos de Maria.
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – Canopy Lodge only. Surprisingly, we saw about six individuals during our birding at the Canopy Lodge.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata) – Another species that is often in the vicinity if army ants there were a couple of encounters in the Pipeline area.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – Canopy Lodge only. The Canopy Lodge area is one of the best places I have been to see this species.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw the black males and a couple of rufous colored females.
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus flammigerus)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – Aptly named.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Canopy Lodge only. This higher elevation species showed a few times in the Lodge area.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – Canopy Lodge only. We had great looks at a few with mixed flocks on Altos de Maria.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – Canopy Lodge only. One was seen along the road just above the Canopy Lodge.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus) – Canopy Lodge only.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – We saw these one several days but the best looks were at the feeders at the Tower and Lodge.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – Canopy Lodge only. Another higher elevation tanager that we saw well in the mixed flocks.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Canopy Lodge only. We encountered a flock of 25-30 individuals along the Amador Peninsula on our first morning.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – Canopy Lodge only.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina hoffmannii)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus funereus) – Good views of a couple of individuals on the road behind the Gamboa Resort.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Canopy Lodge only. Rather common in places.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus) – Canopy Lodge only.
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – Canopy Lodge only. A few moved through the forest on our first afternoon at the Canopy Lodge.
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) – Canopy Lodge only. We worked on a calling male along the trail at Cara Iguana. It showed well for several of us but was just out of reach for a few.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – Good views of a couple of different birds in the forest.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Canopy Lodge only.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – Canopy Lodge only. Good views at the feeders at the Canopy Lodge. These are usually skulkers and hard to see.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – Canopy Lodge only. Formerly known as Common Bush-Tanager these were conspicuous at the upper elevations
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – Canopy Lodge only. We found a few in the forest at the Canopy Lodge. This is a close relative of the following.
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda) – Good views of a pair at Metro Park.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – Canopy Lodge only.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris) – Francois and Leah spotted one from the window at their airport gate just before leaving Panama.
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Canopy Lodge only. We saw one hanging on to the side of an oropendola nest just up the road from the Canopy Lodge.
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius) – Canopy Lodge only.
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas) – We had a few good views of one at the Ammo Ponds.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) – These were seen several times in the Canopy Tower area including a pair just beginning to build a nest along Semaphore Hill.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri) – We saw several on the Canopy Lodge extension but only had some fly-overs while in the Canal Zone.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia fulvicrissa) – One of the prettier of the euphonias.
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae) – Canopy Lodge only. A few came in to the feeders at the Lodge offering our best views.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – Canopy Lodge only.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Canopy Lodge only. Our only sighting was at the gas stop on the drive to the Canopy Tower. [I]
MAMMALS
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis) – We spotted one overhead during our night drive at the Tower.
CENTRAL AMERICAN WOOLY OPOSSUM (Caluromys derbianus) – Good views of this small possum as it ran around the limbs of a large tree during the night drive.
RED-NAPED TAMARIN (Saguinus geoffroyi) – We saw a couple of these at Metro Park as two of these small monkeys acrobatically climbed through the trees and over the road.
GRAY-BELLIED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus lemurinus) – One was seen from the windows of the Canopy Tower just after dinner as it moved through the trees, then we had a good view of three individuals climbing through the trees during our night drive.
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) – We heard these daily and saw them a few times during our time in the forest.
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus)
HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni) – We saw a few but the one that was under the roof of the large building at Metro Park was a surprise and a bit humorous.
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – We saw several during our week.
NORTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua mexicana) – We had a nice experience with one that walked across Pipeline Road, under a car and proceeded to tear into a log to get to the termites.
NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO (Dasypus novemcinctus) – We saw one during the night drive.
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata) – Seen daily along the road at Semaphore Hill and along Pipeline Road.
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica) – Also seen nearly daily.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 342 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa