FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: Panama's Canopy Tower II 2016

Field Guides Tour Report

Panama's Canopy Tower II 2016

Feb 22, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016

Chris Benesh & Michael Castro

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.

Where it all begins and ends. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

We had a terrific time with our Canopy guide Michael this year, on a trip that was filled with a number of wonderful highlights. With so many species, it is always a challenge to come up with the favorites. But when put the task, y'all came up with a respectable list of species. Topping the list was the Fasciated Antshrike, no doubt thanks to the amazing looks we had on our final afternoon at the Rainforest Resort grounds. The spectacular ant swarm, with all of its attendant ant-things, was also quite memorable. The Ocellated Antbirds there were another trip favorite. Another terrific final afternoon bird was the Green Shrike-Vireo, which provided such fabulous looks after several days of proving elusive. We saw a really nice assortment of raptors, including Gray-headed Kite, White Hawk, and Semiplumbeous Hawk. And the Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon was amazing! A couple of the owls deserve special mention too. The Spectacled Owl, and the excited Crested Owl were breathtaking! And three separate Great Potoos were a treat! Another really memorable sight for me was the confiding pair of Moustached Antwrens at the Discovery Center. These tiny birds spend most of their time in the canopy, so to see them below eye level was pretty special.

I want to thank all of you for making the trip a great deal of fun and a huge success. I look forward to birding with all of you again in the field. Until then, best wishes!

-- Chris

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

This Zone-tailed Hawk sailed past us at the Ammo Ponds. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) – Joe spotted one along Pipeline Road that soon walked out of view.

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Several of these were hanging out at the Gamboa marina area.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

A Yellow-rumped Cacique making its crazy sounds. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Anhingidae (Anhingas)

ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – We watched one at the Discovery Center eat a gigantic fish that seemed too large to be eaten.

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Some handsome birds at the Ammo Ponds where they breed.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

Panama’s endemic Yellow-green Tyrannulet. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)

STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – One of the birds seen was this species with its gray colored neck feathering. There seems to be some hybridization occurring in Panama.

Two of Panama’s woodcreepers, Cocoa and Northern Barred. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)

BOAT-BILLED HERON (SOUTHERN) (Cochlearius cochlearius panamensis) – A few nesting at the Summit Ponds.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – One in breeding plumage hanging out along the Chagres River near Gamboa.

WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi) – Almost daily views of a vagrant bird near the Chagres River bridge representing the first record for Panama, having been found a week earlier by Doug Gochfeld on another Field Guides trip.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

The Whooping Motmot. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)

A male White-whiskered Puffbird. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)

SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – A male bird was at the Ammo Ponds.

DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Several seen in flight as well as one perched near the capuchin troop.

MISSISSIPPI KITE (Ictinia mississippiensis)

PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)

The stunning White Hawk seen near the tower. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – A quick flyby at the Discovery Center.

COMMON BLACK HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus bangsi) – Good views of a perched bird near the prison.

WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis) – Wow, we had outstanding looks at a perched bird on Semaphore Hill and other seen in flight.

SEMIPLUMBEOUS HAWK (Leucopternis semiplumbeus) – Another great discovery on Semaphore Hill.

GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – A pair of birds apparently nesting at the Ammo Ponds. Until recently lumped with the Gray Hawk of North America.

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Joe saw this species daily from the tower, while the rest of us saw it near the Ammo Ponds.

A leaf munching Three-toed Sloth. (Photo by guide Michael Castro)

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – Good views of one at the Ammo Ponds.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) – After quite a bit of looking, we did get a nice look at one at the Ammo Ponds.

GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)

PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

A singing male Spotted Antbird. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

A Spot-crowned (and spiky crowned) Antvireo. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)

SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)

SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)

RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

This Spectacled Owl was one of the highlights of our night drive. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii)

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – A perennial favorite.

GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – One of the last new birds of the trip, we had great looks at several that Michael found for us at the Gamboa marina.

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)

This Speckled Mourner started calling near the ant swarm. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Strigidae (Owls)

CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – What a spectacular sighting of one on our night drive. Wow!

SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – It was great to see and hear this species on our night drive after missing it on its day roost.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)

Nyctibiidae (Potoos)

GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – It was a great trip for this species. We saw two separate day roosting birds and saw another on our night drive.

A Southern Lapwing showing well in Gamboa. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Apodidae (Swifts)

CHIMNEY SWIFT (Chaetura pelagica) – A swirling flock of northbound migrants.

SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)

BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)

LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – Quite common at the tower feeders.

Slaty-tailed Trogons seemed to be everywhere! (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)

STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)

PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)

BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)

GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis)

WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)

Our Canopy guide Michael Castro digiscopes for us. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)

SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis)

VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Damophila julie)

The Slate-colored Grosbeak is a beautiful songster. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Trogonidae (Trogons)

SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)

BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]

WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)

GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) – Birds in Central America were formerly part of Violaceous Trogon.

BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)

A Russet-winged Schiffornis, a recent split from Thrushlike Mourner. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Momotidae (Motmots)

WHOOPING MOTMOT (WHOOPING) (Momotus subrufescens conexus) – Well seen at the Metro Park giving its single, emphatic whoop call.

RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)

BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)

BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)

An adult Rufescent Tiger-Heron. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – In the open woodland near the Summit Ponds.

BLACK-BREASTED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus pectoralis) – Virginia spotted this handsome bird for us along Pipeline Road.

PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – We eventually tracked down two of these on our final morning at Pipeline.

A peek at the shy Rosy Thrush-Tanager. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis) – We seen, particularly on Semaphore Hill.

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)

YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – This species has undergone several name changes in recent years in part due to taxonomic reshuffling. When Chestnut-mandibled was lumped with Black-mandibled of South America, the name Black-mandibled no longer made sense. Hence the switch to Yellow-throated.

The gorgeous Red-legged Honeycreeper. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)

RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)

CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)

A Cinnamon Woodpecker. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

SLATY-BACKED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mirandollei) – An exciting encounter with one that flew in close to us at the Discovery Center tower. Central Panama is an excellent place to see this rare tropical raptor.

COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) – Heard early one morning at the tower. [*]

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)

BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – Joe saw this species a couple of times from the tower.

The stunning Ocellated Antbird, a highlight of our army ant swarm. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)

BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis) [*]

BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)

RED-LORED PARROT (SALVIN'S) (Amazona autumnalis salvini) – Quite different than birds in northern Central America, differing in voice and lacking yellow cheeks.

MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)

The impressive Fasciated Antshrike. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)

GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)

BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)

SPOT-CROWNED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus puncticeps)

The reclusive Jet Antbird. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)

MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula ignota) – We had ridiculously great views of a pair of birds at the Discovery Center. These birds normally stay high up in the canopy.

DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)

DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)

JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)

A tiny Moustached Antwren came in close. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes) [*]

CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul)

BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor bicolor) – Good views of this species at two different army ant swarms.

SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides) – Quite a striking bird, we had great views on a couple of occasions.

OCELLATED ANTBIRD (Phaenostictus mcleannani) – Wow, wow, wow! Our last army ant swarm was terrific, at least three different birds present.

Formicariidae (Antthrushes)

BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – A few walking around during that last ant swarm.

Another ant swarm follower is this Bicolored Antbird. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (GRAYISH) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylvioides) – Good views of one at the Metro Park.

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)

NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)

COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)

BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus)

PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)

Chestnut-backed Antbird. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)

YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)

FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)

GRAY ELAENIA (CHOCO) (Myiopagis caniceps absita) – A pair along Pipeline Road. At the western edge of its range here in central Panama. [E]

GREENISH ELAENIA (GREENISH) (Myiopagis viridicata accola) – This is another species that varies quite a bit throughout its range.

A Forest Elaenia molting in a new tail. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)

LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)

OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)

YELLOW-GREEN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes flavovirens) [E]

PALTRY TYRANNULET (MISTLETOE) (Zimmerius vilissimus parvus)

BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus)

SOUTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma olivaceum)

This Common Tody-Flycatcher looks annoyed. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)

BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)

BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) – Nice scope views of this species. The name is more evocative than the bird.

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)

A shocking look at Crested Owl! (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)

BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius atricaudus) – One seen near Summit Ponds.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) [*]

BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)

RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)

PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis)

The amazing Gray-headed Kite seen on Pipeline Road. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [*]

LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) [*]

RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)

SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)

Two Plegadis ibis near Gamboa -- the country’s first White-faced and a Glossy. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – A very unusual cotinga, we had nice looks at them including a male flairing his purple throat feathers.

BLUE COTINGA (Cotinga nattererii) – A glowing male seen from the Discovery Center tower as well as an up close female at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

A not so Blue Cotinga. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

Pipridae (Manakins)

LANCE-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia lanceolata)

BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (VELVETY) (Lepidothrix coronata minuscula)

GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) – Our best looks were at the Discovery Center.

RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)

RUSSET-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis stenorhyncha panamensis) – Nice scope views of this species, created from the split up of Thrushlike Schiffornis.

A Broad-billed Motmot. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

SPECKLED MOURNER (Laniocera rufescens) – Wow, we had terrific views of this rarely seen species near the army ant swarm. Pipeline Road has to be one of the absolute best places to see this mostly Central American species.

CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) [*]

WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Good views of a pair of birds at the Metro Park.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)

YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis)

We eventually managed to SEE some Green Shrike-Vireos. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)

GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Pachysylvia aurantiifrons)

LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)

GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – After hearing it over and over again, we finally connected with a pair of birds at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)

The peculiar Brownish Twistwing. (Photo by guide Michael Castro)

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

A Great Potoo, alert at night. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) – One eventually moved into the open for great views on Semaphore Hill.

RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus) [*]

PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus)

WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)

SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus)

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)

A Two-toed Sloth. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

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)

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)

Prothonotary Warbler, a Neotropical migrant. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (GRAY-CRESTED) (Eucometis penicillata cristata)

WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)

CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)

A pair of Panamanian Night-Monkeys, seen on our night drive. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)

GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)

PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)

RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta)

THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)

A mother howler and child. (Photo by guide Michael Castro)

VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina hoffmannii)

YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)

ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) – Really nice views of this species at the Metro Park!

BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)

BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)

STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)

SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)

Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)

BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)

The colorful Military Grasshopper. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) [*]

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)

RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)

RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)

PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris) – A rarity here, we had nice views of an adult male stakeout near the Summit Ponds.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)

A Helcate Longwing. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)

BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)

SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus)

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)

CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) [*]

CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla)

THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)

A tropical frog. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia fulvicrissa)

LARGE FRUIT-EATING BATS (Artibeus spp.)

LESSER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio albiventris) – These are apparently the bats living in the tower.

RED-NAPED TAMARIN (Saguinus geoffroyi) – Watching these monkeys scarf down bananas was comical.

GRAY-BELLIED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus lemurinus) – We saw two of these on our night drive at the tower. The ones in Panama are sometimes considered a distinct species, A. zonatus, Panamanian Night Monkey.

MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)

WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus)

HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni)

A Sara Longwing. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)

BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – Our best look was on the night drive when we saw one active and alert.

NORTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua mexicana) – Michael heard the crunching sounds of one ripping into a huge termitaria, which we were able to watch with the spotlight.

VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)

RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)

CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)

WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)

NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis) – Amazing encounter with a pair of frolicking otters near the start of the Pipeline Road.

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – One seen at the Discovery Center.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 241 bird taxa and 15 mammal taxa