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Male Spot-crowned Barbet (photo by guide John Rowlett)
Our pre-tour extension to the luxurious Canopy Lodge provided a fine, relaxed prelude to our Canopy Tower tour (you can see the main tour's triplist here). The pleasant surroundings and amply stocked feeding tables (those for the birds adjacent to those for the birders) made for a delicious hors d'oeuvre. The banana feeders attracted birds continually--from Thick-billed Euphonias and Tennessee Warblers to Rufous Motmots, Chachalacas, even Wood-Rails--and the attractive stream on the grounds drew many species as well, including a flashy Buff-rumped Warbler, both species of waterthrushes, two kingfisher species, numerous avian bathers, a pre-dawn pair of whistling Sunbitterns (which, alas, we but heard), and a large, sunbathing Basilisk Lizard.
Among our avian highlights away from the Lodge grounds must be mentioned a pair of uncommon Spot-crowned Barbets on territory at La Mesa; a spectacular Crimson-bellied Woodpecker in Altos del Maria; a stately Crested Owl, ear tufts erect; a pair of roosting Mottled Owls over the trail; some simply stunning tanagers; a male Giant Cowbird persistently wooing a rather coy female; a vocalizing Streak-chested Antpitta that hopped in for very close views; and a ruby-eyed Dull-mantled Antbird playing hide-and-seek along a stream. But this is to mention only a few. One of the most enjoyable rewards sunk in slowly as we found ourselves simply immersed among a host of lovely birds for an uninterrupted period of time.
Such immersion is always at its best when the group is as copasetic as was ours. Not only did you form an affable quartet at the Lodge, but you generously welcomed the newcomers at the Tower, effacing the need for any formal transition. It was a great pleasure for me to spend some additional birding time with each of you, and I hope our paths cross sometime in the future.
--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
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – As many as 11 at the banana feeders at once!
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – Two seen near the Country Inn before we left Panama City for the Lodge.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Greatest numbers near the chicken farm at the junction of Las Minas Road.
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – Two at the lake in Altos del Maria. [b]
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – One near the Country Inn, another at the lake in Altos del Maria. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – A pair soaring in Altos.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – One from the van, along the highway en route to El Valle.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – Several in Altos and one near Candelaria. [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – One during the afternoon at Cara Iguana.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Their haunting vocalizations were heard one very early morning at the Lodge; but daylight did not reward us with a sighting. [*]
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – As many as three visited the banana feeders at the Lodge, mostly in the evenings.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – As many as 30 of this elegant plover seen between Las Minas and the Candelaria area.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – One at the Country Inn (spotted by Gwen) and a pair at the lake, Altos del Maria. [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
SANDWICH TERN (CABOT'S) (Thalasseus sandvicensis acuflavidus) – We saw hundreds of this tern in several long lines off shore at the Country Inn.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Seen at the Country Inn.
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – A couple at Altos del Maria.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – Danilo glimpsed one along the cement walk behind the lake at Altos del Maria, but we were unable to see it.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) [*]
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii) [*]
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – Wow! A big highlight was seeing one of these fine owls near its daytime roost in Altos del Maria. The roost had been located by Danilito several days earlier; when we stopped to check for it the morning we entered Altos, we couldn't located the birds after considerable searching from the road. Finally, I tried some playback and one of the pair flew into view for great scope looks. This is evidently a scarce bird in Cocle.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Lovely views of a pair roosting over the trail near Chorro el Macho, Canopy Lodge.
Apodidae (Swifts)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus) – Seen over the Country Inn, Panama City.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Male Orange-bellied Trogon (photo by guide John Rowlett)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) – Gwen had one on the Candelaria Trail after she headed back to the van.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – Several looks at singletons.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – One female seen high above the Lodge feeding on arboreal purple flowers.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – One male seen along the road at Cara Iguana.
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii) – A quick look at a bird on Las Minas Road.
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia) – Seen best along the Candelaria Trail.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica) – Nice looks at a male near the Lodge our first afternoon.
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – About 4 males in Altos del Maria; what a splendid hummer! An unmistakable highlight for those who had never seen one in Costa Rica. We had great scope views.
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – Several seen here and there, including at the Lodge.
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward collata) – Seen well at the Lodge; this taxon is endemic to Cocle and adjoining Veraguas. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – The most common hummer at the forest edge in Cocle; seen well on several occasion.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON (Trogon aurantiiventris) – A lovely male seen (after much handwringing) on the track to Cerro Gaital just as we were about to abandon the search.
Momotidae (Motmots)
TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) – Three seen our first afternoon above Chorro el Macho; however, each was difficult, in part due to dim light in the forest.
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (LESSON'S) (Momotus coeruliceps lessonii) – Seen in the woodland at Cara Iguana; this is the species occurring at El Valle and not Whooping, the species which appeared erroneously on your checklist. This is based on Danilo's experience since we did not hear our motmot vocalize.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Seen best right at the Lodge feeders! The largest of the Middle American motmots.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – One seen our first afternoon near the Lodge. We noted its green chin feathers.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – One along the stream at the Lodge our last day.
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – One at the lake in Altos del Maria where we ate lunch. [b]
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – One hung out at a fishing hole over the stream at the Lodge.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SPOT-CROWNED BARBET (Capito maculicoronatus maculicoronatus) – Wonderful studies of a pair at La Mesa our first full morning of birding; another highlight, this sexually dimorphic taxon is endemic to Panama. [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus) – Seen at the feeders as well as near the Lodge.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – Seen daily; our first sighting of birds displaying in a dead tree at the Country Inn in morning light.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus) – A regular at and near the feeders.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – One working on a cavity across the road from the Lodge.
CRIMSON-BELLIED WOODPECKER (SPLENDID) (Campephilus haematogaster splendens) – Probably the single most extraordinary highlight of the trip! The lovely "Splendid" Woodpecker, or so this taxon is called, is rarely seen in Altos del Maria; although it never sat right out for us, we had multiple views as it moved back and forth before us in response to playback. This is a bird Alexis has never seen--and he's from El Valle!
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – A pair seen at the Country Inn before we left for El Valle.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – One heard at the Lodge early our first morning there; then one see from a distance, Altos del Maria.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BLUE-FRONTED PARROTLET (Touit dilectissimus) – The Touits we heard in Altos del Maria were probably of this species, although Red-fronted cannot be ruled out. [*]
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) – The common small parakeet in Panama.
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis) – Brown-hoodeds were heard flying over in Altos del Maria and in the Candelaria area, but we did not manage to see them. [*]
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Excellent looks at this colorful Pionus.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala panamensis) – One flew overhead while we were birding at the Country Inn our first morning.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
Collared Aracari (photo by guide John Rowlett)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – Several seen well in the mixed-species flocks.
SPOT-CROWNED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus puncticeps) – Seen well in the Las Mesa area where this species is one of the mixed flocks leaders.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – Two seen in a mixed-species flock near La Mesa.
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – Another antbird in the same mixed-species flock, La Mesa, that the previous three species had joined.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul) – One seen along the cement walkway we birded behind the lake in Altos del Maria.
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza laemosticta) – Seen very nicely along the stream behind the lake at Altos; we had to work for this one.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus) – Seen singing in response to playback along the trail into which we stuck our heads in Altos del Maria. Formerly called Spectacled Antpitta.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – Heard best where we tried for the Tody Motmot, but it kept its distance. [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest of the Panamanian woodcreepers, this species works the exterior bark of the trees' large boles.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) – Formerly called Buff-throated Woodcreeper. This species was called early and late each evening at the Lodge.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – The most common woodcreeper in the areas we birded; seen nicely on three days.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – A pair in Altos del Maria.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – A pair of this Furnariid seen working mossy limbs near the lake in Altos del Maria.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – This species was seen on the grounds of the Country Inn; it is not listed on our checklist because Cocle is getting a bit high for it.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Several seen.
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) – One heard vocalizing at the lake, Altos del Maria, but we never found it!
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – This small, fruit-eating flycatcher was seen on three days.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – I believe I was the only one to see this small flycatcher on the Las Minas Road.
RUFOUS-BROWED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes superciliaris) – Heard in Altos del Maria near where we had the antpitta. [*]
PALTRY TYRANNULET (MISTLETOE) (Zimmerius vilissimus parvus) – Mostly heard; seen in Altos, but seemed present by vocalization almost everywhere. Another principally fruit-eating flycatcher, as are all the members of its genus.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Seen best in Altos del Maria beside the highway.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – One heard and perhaps seen by some of you at the Country Inn.
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – Heard along the road between the Lodge and Chorro el Macho. [*]
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – Excellent views of a bird along the trail, Chorro el Macho, near where we saw the roosting Mottled Owls. The nest was seen along the walkway behind the lake at Altos. [N]
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius) – One seen on a couple of days, the best perhaps with the antvireo-mixed-species flock we had at La Mesa.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (COSTA RICAN) (Mitrephanes phaeocercus aurantiiventris) – A pert pair seen well at Altos del Maria.
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) – One seen and heard along the Candelaria Trail. [b]
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – One seen at the lake, Altos del Maria.
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra) – One seen along the Las Minas Road.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – Seen on three days.
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis) – Two seen nicely in the Cara Iguana area.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Fairly common.
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Seen best at Ammo Dump Pond, where is was nesting. [N]
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Common.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Common at the edge.
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – One flew over us as we birded the grounds of the Country Inn our first morning.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – Excellent views of males feeding on berries at the lake, Altos del Maria.
GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) – Danilo and Gwen saw a male along Las Minas Road. Also seen on the Candelaria area.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Seen nicely at the Lodge.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – A pair seen at the Spot-crowned Barbet spot, La Mesa.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – One in Altos del Maria. [b]
LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus) – A pair at the Country Inn.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis) – This shy jay was encountered daily, including at the Lodge.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
Lineated Woodpecker (photo by guide John Rowlett)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea) – Seen at the Country Inn.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon inquietus) – Daily.
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus ligea) – Seen nicely at Altos del Maria; ligea is endemic to western Panama, east as far as Cocle. [E]
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus) – Seen near La Mesa.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) [*]
PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) – One at Cara Iguana as we were returning to the Lodge.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – Glimpsed a few times but certainly heard daily at the Lodge.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Seen at Altos del Maria.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris) – Heard in our mixed-species flock, La Mesa, but it did not respond to playback. [*]
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – Heard in the Candelaria area. [*]
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) – Heard vocalizing immediately below us in the Candelaria area but we failed to see this thrush, now put in the same genus as the Nearctic brown-backed thrushes, like Swainson's. [*]
PALE-VENTED THRUSH (Turdus obsoletus) – Seen nicely at the lake, Altos del Maria, eating the same berries as the White-ruffed Manakins.
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – Daily and common.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – One was seen along the stream at the Lodge. [b]
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – Regular along the stream at the Lodge and seen daily, sometimes walking around the grounds below the rooms. [b]
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – This lovely warbler was seen daily. [b]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) – One at the Spot-crowned Barbet place, La Mesa. [b]
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) – A frequent visitor to the banana feeders where it held its own among larger visitors. [b]
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia) – One seen along the road near the Lodge after it had bathed. [b]
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea) – The most frequently encountered Parulid during our stay. [b]
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – A female seen in Altos del Maria. [b]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – A female seen at the Country Inn our first morn. [b]
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) – Seen almost daily. [b]
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus) – Nice views of this indigenous Parulid.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – Seen nicely on several days along the Lodge stream, where we heard it delivering its loud song.
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – Seen near La Mesa where we had a large mixed-species flock. [b]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – These tanagers travel in big groups, our largest (of at least 30 birds) coming on Las Minas Road.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – One male seen at the barbet spot, La Mesa. The vernacular specific name refers to the male's wing linings, seldom visible until the bird flies; the scientific specific name refers to the female, which is rufus.
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – Seen daily, no better than on the Lodge feeders.
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – Seen many times on the Lodge feeders; birds we saw belong to the Lemon-rumped group.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – A daily treat.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – As was this congener.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) – Not uncommon; seen first along the road near the Lodge our first afternoon.
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – Seen on the Country Inn grounds.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – This beautiful tanager was enjoyed daily.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – Another lovely Tangara, its green wing-edgings contributing to its golden beauty. This tanager has a very distinctive vocalization.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – Those males are electrifying. Males and females seen best eating small fruit on Las Minas Road.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – One dashing male at Cara Iguana.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Males and females seen in Altos del Maria.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina hoffmannii) – Seen daily.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Also seen daily; a frequent visitor to the Lodge feeders.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus) – Seen well at La Mesa, Las Minas Road, and along the roadways in the El Valle area.
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – Seen best at the barbet spot, La Mesa; these tanagers stay low, seldom getting to mid-story.
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) – One flew across the road at Cara Iguana; but for our purposes this bird was essentially heard only. [*]
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Seen on several days.
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps) – Nice looks at this striking saltator with the loud smack at La Mesa and Las Minas Road.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus) – One seen at the Country Inn, another at La Mesa (where we had all three saltators).
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – Great study of a responsive male singing along Las Minas Road.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Seen fairly well by most.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – Seen well on a small trail at the Lodge our last morning.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris) – Seen on the road at the entrance to Las Minas Road.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (CENTRAL PANAMA) (Chlorospingus flavopectus punctulatus) – Seen very well at Altos del Maria; this taxon is endemic to Cocle and Veraguas. [E]
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava testacea) – Heard in Altos del Maria; a very responsive bird was seen well on Las Minas Road our last morn.
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – Males and females. [b]
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica vinacea) – Seen on several days, perhaps best on the small trail at the Lodge our last morning.
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes poliogaster) – A group of about 10 birds seen by part of our group along the walk at the lake, Altos del Maria.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus) – Daily in open country.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Seen best at La Mesa (the barbet spot).
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – One of the trip highlights for your leader was our seeing a big male displaying in front of a female whose attention he was attempting to capture. This behavior is seldom encountered.
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius) – Two seen at the Country Inn our first morning. [b]
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) – One male also seen at the Country Inn.
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – A nice surprise at La Mesa; this responsive bird, normally shy and secretive, gave us great looks.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) – Bill got us on one at the lake, Altos del Maria.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – Three at the Lodge.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri) – The common oropendola in highland Cocle; seen daily.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – Seen at the Country Inn and at Cara Iguana; the Lodge is a bit moist for this dry-loving species.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The regular Euphonia at the Lodge feeders; seen well daily--adult males, females, and immature males (with the black mask).
FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia fulvicrissa) – Male seen well at La Mesa (at our barbet spot).
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae) – Seen daily, though not visiting Lodge feeders.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – One female at Cara Iguana.
MAMMALS
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – Four individuals were seen!
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides) – One seen at the Lodge feeders our first day, not to be seen again, to my knowledge.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – Common at the Lodge feeders; seen daily.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata) – Another visitor to the Lodge feeders; often two seen at the same time.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 184 bird taxa and 4 mammal taxa