FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: Panama's Canopy Tower I 2017

Field Guides Tour Report

Panama's Canopy Tower I 2017

Feb 5, 2017 to Feb 11, 2017

Chris Benesh & Alexis Sanchez

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.

Birding from the Discovery Center Tower. Photo by participant Paul Demkovich.

This year’s Canopy Tower tour was a real treat with a number of exciting highlights and even a bit of adventure. Our first afternoon we spent watching hummingbird feeders (with White-necked Jacobins, Blue-chested Hummingbirds, and a Long-billed Hermit) and watching the sunset from the upper observation deck. Short-tailed and Band-rumped swifts were zipping around (with a few Gray-breasted Martins), and several Keel-billed Toucans showed off nicely for us.

The following morning we spent on the top deck, where we saw a variety of species including a perched Short-tailed Hawk and close Keel-billed Toucans. After breakfast, we walked down Semaphore Hill where we encountered a nice mix of species. In the afternoon, we headed to Gamboa and visited the Canopy B&B with its nice mix of feeder birds, and then went on to the Ammo Ponds were we saw a sprinting Capybara as well as a lot of flycatchers and such. Greater Anis and a Rufescent Tiger-Heron were among the highlights.

The next morning it was off to the Rainforest Discovery Center, where we enjoyed some time atop its viewing tower. A Gray-headed Kite and a young Peregrine Falcon were raptor highlights, while we spotted Blue Cotinga, Collared Aracaris, and a mix of trogons as well. Hummingbirds were a treat on the patio deck, and Alex spotted a Rufous-crested Coquette and a Moustached Antwren. That afternoon, we birded the Gamboa Rainforest Resort grounds. There was a lot to see there, with Southern Lapwings in the parking lot, and two species of motmots and two species of trogon showing well. A group of Golden-collared Manakins were displaying for us, and we also had our best Red-capped Manakin there. A couple of Flame-rumped Tanagers were also a treat.

The following morning we spent at the Metropolitan Park in Panama City. While the birding was a bit challenging there, we did see some fun things including a Sapphire-throated Hummingbird and Orange-billed Sparrow. That afternoon we visited the Summit Ponds, where we saw Boat-billed Heron, a stunning Crane Hawk, a Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, a couple of Spectacled Owls (the trip fave!), three species of kingfishers including a tiny American Pygmy, a couple of Lance-tailed Manakins, not to mention the male Painted Bunting that Alex spotted -- a local rarity!

The next day found us heading out along Pipeline Road after a brief stop at the Ammo Ponds. The list of sightings was long with many highlights. Also memorable was the tree-fall across the road that Alex was able to dispatch with his machete.

Our last full day we birded Semaphore Hill and the Summit Ponds again, which added a few new species for us, and in the afternoon we visited the museum in Miraflores, viewing the lock of the Panama Canal. A final picnic dinner was accented by the Black-and-White Owl that Michael spotted as it landed next to the tower!

Thanks to all of you for making this trip a real pleasure to guide. I look forward to birding with you again in the future.

--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

The stunning Crane Hawk we encountered at Summit Ponds. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – A group of eight of these were at the Ammo Ponds.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – Some good looks at this species at the Ammo Ponds and again near the Summit Ponds.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – One seen.

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – Quite a few of these hunting at the Miraflores Lock.

After some searching, we finally spotted a cooperative White-throated Crake. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – One was at the Ammo Pond on our second visit.

Anhingidae (Anhingas)

ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – A couple of these were at the Ammo Pond.

GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)

The biggest highlight of the trip was this fluffy Spectacled Owl. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – Panama is an interesting place to study Green Herons as there are some here that are hybrids with Striated Heron. These birds often show reduced rufous on the neck sides.

Another amazing sighting was Alex calling in this Streak-chested Antpitta. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – We did see a couple of good examples of this species.

BOAT-BILLED HERON (SOUTHERN) (Cochlearius cochlearius panamensis) – Well hidden, but Alex picked out a couple at the Summit Ponds.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)

One of the Red-throated Ant-Tanagers seen. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Nice studies of one from the Discovery tower .

ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – Heard overhead while we were on Pipeline Road. [*]

CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – Spectacular views of this species on the road beyond the Summit Ponds.

SEMIPLUMBEOUS HAWK (Leucopternis semiplumbeus) – Your leader's gaff. This was the light bellied bird seen perched in the tree as we were returning to the tower one afternoon that I passed off as the Short-tailed Hawk until I looked at my pictures.

GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – A nice study of this species on our morning visit to Summit Ponds. Recently split from Gray Hawk.

The commonest trogon seen was the Slaty-tailed. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – We had an adult bird early on in the trip on the highway.

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – A great look at a light morph bird on our first morning on the tower observation deck.

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) – After hearing quite a few of these, we really connected with this species on our final visit to the Ammo Ponds.

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – A very recent split of Gray-necked Wood-Rail, this is the more southerly species. We had a nice study of one at the Summit Ponds.

The Discovery Center was filled with territorial Long-billed Hermits. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – At the Discovery Center lake.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Quite a few of these were at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – A few of these were at the Ammo Ponds and a bunch were at the Discover Center lagoon.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – At Miraflores Lock.

Despite the name, Plain-brown Woodcreeper is still a treat to see. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – We even saw them mating.

SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)

SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) [*]

RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

The Ammo Ponds provided good looks at a group of Greater Anis including this one. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii)

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – Great looks on our first visit to the Ammo Ponds.

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Likewise, there was one sitting up for us at the Ammo Ponds.

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)

The Central American form of Olivaceous Woodcreeper. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Strigidae (Owls)

SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – Great looks a a juvenile bird and a more distant adult near the Summit Ponds.

BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata) – Guide Michael Castro spotted this species flying in to perch right next to the tower during our final picnic dinner at the tower. Wow!

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – One seen on our night drive.

Nyctibiidae (Potoos)

GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – After a bit of searching we connected with a roosting bird on Pipeline Road.

COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – Another highlight of our night drive was seeing this species near the Summit Ponds turnoff.

A Whooping Motmot, one of several species resulting from the breakup of Blue-crowned Motmot. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Apodidae (Swifts)

CHIMNEY SWIFT (Chaetura pelagica) – A small number of these were seen along Pipeline Road.

SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)

BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)

LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – The iconic hummingbird at the Canopy Tower.

This White-shouldered Tanager is feasting on a grasshopper. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – We had a couple of quick encounters with this species along the road past the Summit Ponds.

LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris) – Well seen visiting the feeders at the Canopy Tower and singing at the Discovery Center.

STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) [*]

PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – Seen on our first morning from the tower and again briefly at Summit Ponds.

BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – One seen at Summit Ponds.

This Fasciated Antshrike looks slightly terrifying. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – A great pickout of Alex's, spotting this tiny male perched on a twig at the Discovery Center.

WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii) – We had one on our first morning walk down Semaphore Hill.

BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – Males singing at the Canopy Tower.

SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward edward)

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)

A male White-flanked Antwren showing its white flank feathering well. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis) – We lucked into one at the Metro Park.

VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Damophila julie) – A fine, delicate species.

Trogonidae (Trogons)

SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena) – Seen on three different days beginning at the Discovery Center.

BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – We eventually tracked down this species on Pipeline Road.

WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)

We had good views of White-tailed Trogons. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) – Formerly lumped with the Violaceous Trogon of South America.

BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)

Momotidae (Motmots)

WHOOPING MOTMOT (WHOOPING) (Momotus subrufescens conexus) – Blue-crowned Motmots have been divided up in recent years. The local one we saw is now Whooping based on its call.

RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Seen a couple of times

BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)

And we tracked down this sleeping Great Potoo. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – One hanging out at the Summit Ponds.

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – A good scope view of one at the Summit Ponds.

AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – Great looks at a stealthy one at the Summit Ponds.

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – Nice scope views of this species at the next along Pipeline Road almost simultaneously.

BLACK-BREASTED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus pectoralis) – With its crazy whistled song.

Alex took us to a feeding perch of this Common Potoo on our night drive. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis) – One on Semaphore Hill.

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus) – A few seen from the observation tower at the Discovery Center.

YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)

KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)

The Summit Ponds had this Streaked Saltator. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius) – At least two of these were along the road near the Summit Ponds. This species is scarce this far south.

CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) – Our best look was from the Discovery tower.

CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – We had as many as four.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]

Gray-headed Tanager is an army ant follower, though the pair we saw were on their own. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)

BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – One perched high up on the crane at the Metro Park.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – A migrant shooting past us while up on the Discovery tower.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) – This was the common small parakeet.

BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)

One of the stunning Red-legged Honeycreepers we saw in Gamboa. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)

RED-LORED PARROT (SALVIN'S) (Amazona autumnalis salvini)

MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – Striking birds with their red eyes and fine barring.

BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – Until fairly recently known as Western Slaty-Antshrike.

The tiny Southern Bentbill showing off its bill. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)

MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula ignota) – We had great looks at this tiny charmer at the Discovery Center.

WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – A nice close encounter with this species.

DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)

DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)

A Rusty-margined Flycatcher, one of several lookalikes in Panama. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans) [*]

WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes) [*]

CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) [*]

BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor bicolor) – Nice look at a young bird along Pipeline Road.

SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides) – Always a treat to see this striking species.

One of the Keel-billed Toucans seen so well on our first morning at the tower. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Grallariidae (Antpittas)

STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus) – One of the standout sightings of the trip!

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (GRAYISH) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylvioides) – Birds in Central America may one day be split from those in South America.

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)

COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)

BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – Well seen on Pipeline Road.

A striking male Golden-collared Manakin we saw at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) – Really cool to see its nest on Semaphore Hill.

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)

YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)

The amazing Black-and-White Owl that Michael spotted as we were having our dinner. What a bird! Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)

GREENISH ELAENIA (GREENISH) (Myiopagis viridicata accola) – Well seen and heard at the Metro Park. This is another one that should be split into several species.

OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)

PALTRY TYRANNULET (MISTLETOE) (Zimmerius vilissimus parvus) – Another potential future split. There are several different vocal types in this species, and the birds in Panama (and Costa Rica) belong to this type, sometimes split as Mistletoe Tyrannulet.

BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) – The epitome of cute, we had nice views of this little feather ball.

Cute would describe the tiny Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

SOUTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma olivaceum) – Another tiny forest species happy foraging in the viny subcanopy.

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Well seen at the Ammo Ponds, this species prefers more open second growth habitats.

BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – While this species is a canopy bird. We saw our best one from the top of the Canopy Tower.

OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-OLIVE) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens flavoolivaceus) – Another *cough* small flycatcher that is comprised of more than one species in its current state. The subspecies listed here to assist once these are split up.

A Crimson-crested Woodpecker shows well for us. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-MARGINED) (Tolmomyias assimilis flavotectus)

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – We had a good view of one on Semaphore Hill after a bit of searching.

RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – Another really cute flycatcher well seen at the Rainforest Discovery Center.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) [*]

BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]

We caught this Common Tody-Flycatcher gathering nesting material. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)

PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis) – This Panama namesake is a big, but relatively dull Myiarchus lacking most rusty tones.

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [*]

LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – This relatively shy kiskadee favors wet situations.

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

A male Black-throated Trogon. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Well seen during our visits to the Summit Ponds.

RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Some great looks at this species, which closely resembles a Social Flycatcher.

SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)

PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]

A Broad-billed Motmot showing off its heavy keeled bill. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Some good views of this species at the Discovery Center.

BLUE COTINGA (Cotinga nattererii) – Even though it was a long ways away, the bright blue glow of this species was striking.

RUFOUS PIHA (Lipaugus unirufus) – A treat for me to see this species along Pipeline Road, a bird I have seldom encountered here.

Pipridae (Manakins)

LANCE-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) – We had good looks at a couple of birds at the Summit Ponds.

We had some nice encounters with the petite Brown-capped Tyrannulet, including a nest. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

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

GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) – Some wonderful displaying birds at a lek at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Another one that was best seen at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

RUSSET-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis stenorhyncha panamensis) – A couple of quick looks at this species, part of a fairly recent break-up of Thrushlike Schiffornis into several species.

A Blue-chested Hummingbird feeding at the tower. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes) – We had nice studies of two birds on the final visit to the Summit Ponds.

GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – One of the more sought after species but one that can be hard to pick out in a green, leafy canopy. We had a few nice views.

LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)

GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Pachysylvia aurantiifrons)

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)

Not so plain brown was this Black-striped Woodcreeper. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis) [*]

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

This Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth sleeps away the day. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)

RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)

RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) [*]

ISTHMIAN WREN (Cantorchilus elutus) – A recent split from Plain Wren. [*]

A few Panamanian Night Monkeys peer out at our from their day roost. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) [*]

WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)

SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) – Scope views of this species along Pipeline Road.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – After a bit of searching, we connected with this species near the Summit Ponds.

TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)

A Geoffroy's Tamarin looks back at us expectantly. Have you got any bananas? Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)

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)

Some Tent-making Bats that Alex pointed out to us at the Summit Park. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)

TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)

MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia)

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)

A Kinkajou dining in the balsa tree, one of their favorites. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (GRAY-CRESTED) (Eucometis penicillata cristata) – Good looks at this striking species on Semaphore Hill.

WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)

FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – A couple of these were seen in Gamboa. The local subspecies here has a lemon yellow rather than flame colored rump patch.

CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – The males are quite striking in their velvety crimson.

While nearby, this Allen's Olingo is taking it easy. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)

GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)

PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – A small flock passed close to the tower on our first afternoon.

BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – A female was with the flock of Plain-colored Tanagers on our first afternoon.

The leafcutter ants hard at work. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – Most stunning were those coming to the feeders in Gamboa!

GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)

VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina hoffmanni)

ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) [*]

This was an amazing sight, a predatory Robber Fly sucking the life out of the bee prey. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)

BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps) [*]

STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)

Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)

ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)

A butterfly on a passionflower. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)

INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea)

PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris)

We also had a nice visit to the Panama Canal. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)

ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)

YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)

Sun setting from the Canopy Tower. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas)

BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)

YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) [*]

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

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)

CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) [*]

THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)

FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia fulvicrissa)

LESSER WHITE-LINED BAT (Saccopteryx leptura)

LARGE FRUIT-EATING BATS (Artibeus spp.)

COMMON TENT-MAKING BAT (Uroderma bilobatum)

RED-NAPED TAMARIN (Saguinus geoffroyi) – A small troop of these paid us a visit on the afternoon we arrived at the tower.

GRAY-BELLIED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus lemurinus) – Great views of this species, now known as Panamanian Night Monkey.

MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) – These were our alarm clock on the first morning of the tour.

HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni)

BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)

NORTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua mexicana)

VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)

RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)

CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)

CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)

PACA (Cuniculus paca) – Briefly seen on our night drive.

WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)

KINKAJOU (Potos flavus) – Great looks at this species in the canopy on the night drive.

ALLEN'S OLINGO (Bassaricyon alleni) – One well seen on the night drive.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 224 bird taxa and 17 mammal taxa