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Brilliant sun on one edge, and a bluebird day on the other: Puerto Robalo in the Bocas del Toro lowlands. We made several trips here to visit the famous Fortuna Road. Excellent birding and good times. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
This was one of the most enjoyable groups I have had on tour. Thank you for such a wonderful time in Western Panama. Can we do a reunion tour? I hope so, and soon.
It was also a fantastic tour for birds. Anytime you break the 300 species barrier is significant. And we crushed it. There were some standouts like Black Guan, Chiriqui Quail-Dove, that Black-and-white Owl with its fiery red eyes, the tiny Scintillant Hummingbirds, Resplendent Quetzal (!), Prong-billed Barbet, Sulphur-winged Parakeets, Spotted and Dull-mantled antbirds, Rough-legged Tyrannulet (okay, maybe that was just the guide!), Three-wattled Bellbirds "belling" away, Snowy Cotinga, Azure-hooded Jay, all those Long-tailed Silky-flycatchers. And which of the tanagers did you fancy the most: Passerini's, Speckled, or Emerald? Perhaps it was the Golden-browed Chlorophonia?!
Thanks to all the staff at Mount Totumas (Jeff, Alma, Karin, and Holly) and Tranquilo Bay (Jim, Renee, Jay, and Ramon). Both places were awesome experiences. Much love and hugs from Field Guides.
--Jesse aka Motmot (from Dahlonega, Georgia)
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
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
AMERICAN WIGEON (Anas americana) – A group of 75 birds were at the mouth of the Changuinola River in Bocas. Rare winter resident in Panama.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)
BLACK GUAN (Chamaepetes unicolor) – We were fortunate to have good looks at this Chiriqui Highland Endemic during our stop at the Smithsonian station.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus guttatus) [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds)
RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon aethereus) – Amazing flyby-flyover views at Bird Island. It was fun watching them attempting to land at their nest sites.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster) – Also great views at Bird Island and sitting on buoys.
It was a really fun group. Thanks to participant Mary Lou Barritt for this memory.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – One or two were flushed a few times along the canal. Rare and local on the Caribbean slope of Panama.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Most of the following long-legged waders were seen along the canal. Great Blue Heron is becoming uncommon this far south as well as Green Heron, where replaced by Striated Heron in Eastern Panama.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Good numbers nesting at our bathroom stop behind the gas station!
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – A surprise was seeing a group of 15 along the Rio Changuinola where rare.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Seen a few times in the fields near Puerto Robalo. Always good to see this species.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – One was at the Rio Changuinola where not expected. This species continues to expand throughout Middle America.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Elegant and graceful. Always a treat to see. There were good numbers soaring over the ridges at Mount Totumas.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – One soaring quickly away from us while birding the Continental Divide.
COMMON BLACK HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus subtilis) – This was the common large raptor around Tranquilo Bay.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – Rare in Bocas del Toro, we saw one soaring over our boat at Isla Popa.
RED-TAILED HAWK (COSTARICENSIS) (Buteo jamaicensis costaricensis) – The resident subspecies was seen at Mount Totumas.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) – Heard a few times, but one or two folks saw it skulking in the dense grass near the bridge crossing.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths were literally just outside our cabins at Tranquilo Bay. Photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Expanding into the Bocas area. We saw at least two different individuals.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – The following three species of shorebirds were seen at or near the mouth of the Changuinola River.
SANDERLING (Calidris alba)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Stercorariidae (Skuas and Jaegers)
PARASITIC JAEGER (Stercorarius parasiticus) – Several individuals were seen in the waters around Tranquilo Bay. Most (all?) were immatures. Identified by the pale wing crescents and structure/size of bill. Always difficult in this plumage.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus) – Common around Tranquilo Bay. Sandwich Tern was less common.
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Uncommon in the lowlands around Tranquilo Bay. Several were seen flying to evening roosts from the tower.
WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON (Patagioenas leucocephala) – Seemed rare in the Tranquilo Bay area. Just one was seen. They probably make seasonal movements to the mainland depending on breeding or fruiting trees.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – One seen very well at the Continental Divide.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii) [*]
GRAY-HEADED DOVE (Leptotila plumbeiceps) [*]
CHIRIQUI QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon chiriquensis) – Seen at the Continental Divide, but better at Mount Totumas. Endemic to the Chiriqui Highlands.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata) – One of my favorite owls that we saw incredibly well near the tower at Tranquilo Bay.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) – A pair (or three?) were flying around the tower at dusk.
Apodidae (Swifts)
BLACK SWIFT (Cypseloides niger) – More migrants were seen from the tower at Tranquilo Bay. Presumably these individuals will continuing flying west along the isthmus then head north along the Pacific Coast.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi) – The Chaetura seen on the Pacific side.
This male Violet Sabrewing was captured perfectly in flight by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – The Chaetura seen in the lowlands and foothills of Bocas del Toro.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – Several from the Tranquilo Bay tower.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – One during a bathroom break while birding the canal. Just Josh?
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – Several singing on leks in the forest at Tranquilo Bay.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – Good numbers singing in the forest at Mount Totumas. However, much less common than the next species.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – A nice experience with a female bathing in the hummingbird pools at Tranquilo Bay.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – One was hanging out around the Totumas feeders.
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus) – Seen along the Fortuna Road at the Continental Divide.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus) – One male was visiting the Totumas feeders where very rare, but somewhat expected (?).
WHITE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis castaneoventris) – The most common Lampornis at the Totumas feeders.
MAGENTA-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox bryantae) – A female put in a brief appearance for a few folks.
SCINTILLANT HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus scintilla)
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa eximia)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward niveoventer)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – We were all super happy to find a lovely male (with long streamers) in the forest at Mount Totumas. Thanks, Jeff!
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) [*]
ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON (Trogon aurantiiventris) [*]
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii) [*]
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – We really tried hard for a six kingfisher day! Alas, the Green-and-rufous alluded us.
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – A lifer kingfisher for several folks! Several were seen along our boat ride through the canal.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) [*]
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii) – Nice looks at this Chiriqui Highland Endemic were had along Romelo's Trail at Mount Totumas. Everyone loved its call.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis) – The subspecies here is distinctive to the Chiriqui Highlands. Split by some authorities as Blue-throated Toucanet.
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
Enjoying the patio at Mount Totumas, guide Jesse Fagan (R) and Joshua Horner. The local cerveza, Casa Bruja, was also quite tasty.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) – The most common woodpecker in the highlands. They reach their southern most distribution in the mountains of Colombia.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) – The most common woodpecker in the Caribbean lowlands.
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (COSTA RICAN) (Picoides villosus extimus) – This subspecies is darker below and lacks the heavy spotting on the wings of northern populations. Smaller billed? Sounds pretty much the same, however.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – One was perched in a large Ceiba tree during our ride along the canal.
MERLIN (Falco columbarius) – A large female was perched in a distant tree along the entrance road to Mount Totumas.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One was seen soaring over our boat during our canal trip.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – The common medium parrot in the Bocas area.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – Hundreds flying to roost from the Tranquilo Bay tower. Several pairs (always in pairs!) perched close to the tower for nice photo opps.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni) – This Chiriqui Highland Endemic was super common at Mount Totumas. It was nice to see them feeding so low.
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Eupsittula nana astec)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – A pair along the Mount Totumas entrance road were new for the property.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – Small groups were seen in the forest at Tranquilo Bay. The females are quite distinctive looking.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Sipia laemosticta) – Fantastic looks along the Fortuna Road.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Hafferia zeledoni) – Heard up at the Continental Divide, but just seen by a few folks. This is the old "Immaculate" Antbird.
SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THICKET ANTPITTA (Hylopezus dives) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) – Seen super well (as tapaculos go) along the trail at Mount Totumas.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – The common woodcreeper in the forest at Mount Totumas. Based on its voice this would appear a different taxon from northern populations.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
A male Golden-collared Manakin displays in the dappled light within the Tranquilo Bay forest. Photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
STREAK-BREASTED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes rufobrunneus) – This Chiriqui Highland Endemic was encountered a few times in the forest at Mount Totumas.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus)
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – This arboreal spinetail was seen in the canopy at Mount Totumas. Not super common.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii) – Very common in the open areas at Mount Totumas. Shared space with the previous species.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – Along Fortuna Road and again at Mount Totumas where new for the property.
ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias burmeisteri) – Split by some authorities as "White-fronted" Tyrannulet, which is found in Central America. This is a rare and local species that we saw well at the Continental Divide.
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus)
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) – This diminutive flycatcher was seen directly above us at Willie Mazous. It hoped around a few times, but always difficult b/c the branches are wider than its body!
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – We saw a juvenile along the Totumas entrance road which was new for the property.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
STUB-TAILED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus cancrominus) – Seen very well on the Tranquilo Bay property. The islands of Bocas del Toro are (oddly) the only place to find this species in Panama.
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus) – Good looks at one along the Quetzal Trail, Mount Totumas.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
DARK PEWEE (Contopus lugubris)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – A couple of individuals were along the entrance road to Mount Totumas. The southern most wintering distribution for this species.
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) – A very rare winter visitor to Panama. Seen along the canal.
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
THREE-WATTLED BELLBIRD (Procnias tricarunculatus) – Finally caught up with a few birds at Mount Totumas including scope looks at a male. Cool sound, too.
SNOWY COTINGA (Carpodectes nitidus) – Yes! Always good to find this species. We saw one sitting in the forest canopy at Isla Popa. Found only from eastern Honduras to western Panama.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei) [*]
GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) – The leks on the property of Mount Totumas were really fun to watch. Amazing behavior.
Slaty Flowerpiercer could be seen nectar robbing just outside the dining hall at Mount Totumas. This is a Chiriqui Highland Endemic. Great photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – Both species of tityras were seen from the Tranquilo Bay tower. Both species were checking out the cavities in the tall dead tree in the clearing.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
YELLOW-WINGED VIREO (Vireo carmioli) – Excellent looks at this Chiriqui Highland Endemic along Romelo's Trail.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis) – A pair (nesting?) were at our gas station stop.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
AZURE-HOODED JAY (Cyanolyca cucullata) – Always a treat to find this secretive species. They didn't stick around long, unfortunately. Seen at the Continental Divide along the Fortuna Road.
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – Cool seeing a few northbound migrants from the tower.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – One at the Puerto Robalo dock.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
NIGHTINGALE WREN (Microcerculus philomela) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus)
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis) – Fairly common in the Bocas lowlands. Seen well along the canal.
CANEBRAKE WREN (Cantorchilus zeledoni) – A pair were called in from our boat while birding the canal. A recent split from Plain Wren.
ISTHMIAN WREN (Cantorchilus elutus) [*]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) [*]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
AMERICAN DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus) – Nearly the southern most distribution of this species. Seen along the entrance road to Mount Totumas.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops) – Fairly common in the forest of Mount Totumas. Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris)
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) – Awesome looks at the divide.
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
White-naped Brushfinch (Yellow-throated) was a common visitor near the "Moth Wall" at Mount Totumas. Photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus) – Seemed to be the most common Turdus at Mount Totumas.
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys caudatus) – Good numbers on the property at Mount Totumas.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis) – Seen well on Romelo's Trail. A gorgeous Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia) [*]
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
BLACK-CHEEKED WARBLER (Basileuterus melanogenys) – Small groups were encountered along the trail at Mount Totumas. Nearly an endemic to the Chiriqui highlands.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – Rare on the property at Mount Totumas. We saw them along the Big Tree Loop Trail.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus) – A nice looking bird seen well on Romelo's Trail.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – Fairly common on the Tranquilo Bay property, but also again on the Fortuna Road.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii) – Caribbean lowlands where common.
CHERRIE'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus costaricensis) – Pacific lowlands, but also recently colonized the property at Mount Totumas. This and the previous species were formerly lumped as Flame-rumped Tanager. The males are very similar, but the females look different.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata)
SPANGLE-CHEEKED TANAGER (Tangara dowii) – Nice catching up with this species in a mixed-species flock at the Continental Divide.
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
Kinkajou! A pair were seen at a daytime roost (?), but they were still pretty active. Photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus) – On the grounds at Tranquilo Bay.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – These were in several of the mixed-species flocks along the Fortuna Road. The females are confusing, but the males look like Prothonotary Warblers!
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea) – Super common at Mount Totumas.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
NICARAGUAN SEED-FINCH (Sporophila nuttingi) – Awesome looks of several singing males during our canal ride. Rare and local along the Caribbean Coast; Western Panama to Nicaragua only.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – Large flocks were seen (and heard!) along the Fortuna Road.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
YELLOW-THIGHED FINCH (Pselliophorus tibialis) – Seen well near the lodging at Mount Totumas. They were coming in to pick moths off the "Moth Wall."
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha brunnescens)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes poliogaster) [*]
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas) – A male was seen along the canal near the mouth of the Changuinola River.
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – Good looks were had of this normally skulky species along the Fortuna Road.
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) [*]
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima) – Seen a few times along the entrance road to Mount Totumas.
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – Fairly common on the grounds of Tranquilo Bay.
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
GOLDEN-BROWED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia callophrys) – A striking bird that was heard more than seen at Mount Totumas. Likes to feed on mistletoe berries.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus)
MAMMALS
GRAY-BELLIED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus lemurinus) – A pair visited the deck during dinner at Tranquilo Bay. We saw four species of primates on this tour!
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) – Quite vocal at Mount Totumas where we also had a few nice visual encounters.
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – Several close encounters with sloths at Tranquilo Bay.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
ALFARO'S PYGMY SQUIRREL (Microsciurus alfari)
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
KINKAJOU (Potos flavus) – Wow. What a unique experience we had with two daytime Kinkajous as the cocoa farm. Very cool.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other critters seen on the tour:
1) Green-and-Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) = Pretty common in the leaf litter at the cocoa farm.
2) Talamancan Rocket Frog (Allobates talamancae) = also seen at the cocoa farm.
3) Brown Vine Snake (Oxybelis aeneus) = seen on the grounds at Tranquilo Bay by a few folks.
4) Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) = A nice individual was seen near our outhouse bathroom stop along the canal.
5) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) = Good numbers in the trees during our canal boat ride.
6) Striped Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) = The "Jesus Christ" lizard seen a few times in the lowlands.
7) Emerald Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) = a pretty one that we saw in Bocas del Toro, Caribbean lowlands.
Totals for the tour: 326 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa