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La Amistad National Park from the Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Reserve. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
It had been 10 years since my last visit with Team Emerald. This was our 10th anniversary tour! It was just fantastic to see old friends again, and it was my first time meeting Erin. The tour was a rousing success tempered only slightly by Kathy's unfortunate fall. However, she is one tough cookie and we rallied around her for support, urging her down the trail, up and out of the boat, and, yes, you must climb the tower!
Thanks for a great reunion and inaugural tour to Western Panama. Both sites were unique and wonderful in their own ways. World-class cuisine, lodging, coffee, snorkeling, sunrises, and sunsets. Many thanks to Jeff and Alma (Mount Totumas) and Jay, Renee, and Jim at Tranquilo Bay, along with Renaldo and Ramon!
I really hope we don't have to wait 10 more years for another trip. I look forward to guiding y'all again and looking for that Western Tanager. Hugs and all the best for a remaining 2017.
Jesse aka Motmot (from Savannah, 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) – This was a surprise and a rare wintering duck to Panama. Seen at the mouth of the Rio Changuinola River. A flock of about 75 birds.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – Small numbers were seen in the lowlands.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus guttatus) – Coveys were flushed along the trails at Mount Totumas (but never really seen well?). In comparison to northern populations, the song in the Chiriqui Highlands sounds much faster.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds)
RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon aethereus) – Our trip out to Bird Island was certainly an adventure. It paid off with memorable looks at tropicbirds soaring and zipping by our boat. It was fun to watch them try (and try again) to land at their nests.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster) – This species was also nesting in good numbers at Bird Island.
Jeff Dietrich from Mount Totumas points out to the group the "lay of the land." Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – Just singles (and mainly juveniles) in the waters around Tranquilo Bay.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – One was flushed along the Canal during our boat ride. Very rare and local on the Caribbean slope of Panama.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – All of the following long-legged waders were seen during our boat ride along the Canal.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Seen during our drives through cutover habitat.
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – We saw one returning to a day roost during our early morning departure from the Tranquilo Bay dock. Rare in the Bocas del Toro area.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Fantastic looks of this odd-looking species at our secret spot behind the gas station bathrooms.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – This lovely species was seen a few times in the highlands at Mount Totumas. A couple of close flybys from the dining area had us all in awe.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – One was seen soaring (and calling!) over Popa Island during our afternoon visit.
We saw Double-toothed Kite a few times in the Caribbean lowlands. This individual was photographed by participant Max Rodel.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
COMMON BLACK HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus subtilis) – The "common" large "black" hawk soaring among the mangroves at Tranquilo Bay. They often are seen hunting crabs along the muddy shoreline.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) [*]
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
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) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – Nearly our only shorebird species. A group was seen foraging among the dead "crocs" at the mouth of the Changuinola River.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Our other shorebird species for the trip.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis) – Not nearly as common as the previous species, but seen in good numbers mixed with Royals. Some taxonomic authorities split the American populations as "Cabot's" Tern. Sandwich Tern would then be found only in the Old World.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Not common, but a few seen in the Bocas area.
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Singles flew by the tower at dusk during our visit at Tranquilo Bay.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – The common large pigeon at Mount Totumas.
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris) – Good looks at a pair feeding on Cecropia fruit at Tranquilo Bay.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
GRAY-HEADED DOVE (Leptotila plumbeiceps) [*]
CHIRIQUI QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon chiriquensis) – Seen well on the trails at Mount Totumas. This species is a Chiriqui Highland endemic.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) – A pair were flying around the clearing near the cabins at Tranquilo Bay.
Apodidae (Swifts)
BLACK SWIFT (Cypseloides niger) – Migrants heading north (or, in this case, west!) were seen from the tower on two different days.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – These were seen in the lowlands on the Caribbean slope. Replaced by Vaux's on the Pacific side.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – The two violetears were regular visitors to the hummingbird feeders at Mount Totumas. Brown was less common, however.
Lesser Violetear is a recent split from "Green" Violetear. The species was common at the Mount Totumas feeders. This excellent photo was taken by participant Max Rodel.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – A lovely species even more so when seen bathing at the forest pools!
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – A male was visiting the Totumas feeders.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis) – We were lucky to see this Chiriqui highland endemic which visited the feeders at Mount Totumas. It was seen one day, but didn't return. There may be some seasonal-altitudinal migration involved here.
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus) – Another Chiriqui highland endemic hummingbird seen at Mount Totumas.
WHITE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis castaneoventris) – This was the common Lampornis hummingbird seen at the Mount Totumas feeders.
MAGENTA-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox bryantae) – Wow. A real treat was watching a male feeding at the Totumas feeders. It moved slowly, bee-like, but not bothered by the larger hummingbirds buzzing around it.
SCINTILLANT HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus scintilla)
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa eximia) – The white tail feathers "stripes" were obvious on this one in flight.
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – Fairly common in the forest behind Tranquilo Bay.
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward niveoventer)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – Always a treat of the Central American cloud forests. Mount Totumas didn't dissapoint with amazing looks of several males and females.
SLATY-TAILED TROGON (Trogon massena)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – It was pretty incredible finding both Rufous and Broad-billed Motmots perched side-by-side (also a little confusing). A good trip for motmots! ;-)
It's always a good tour when you see a motmot. ;-) This Broad-billed was photographed by participant Max Rodel.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – Seen a few times on walks at Mount Totumas. Usually in the canopy, but one male was seen low down near the quarry along the entrance road to Mount Totumas.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii) – One showed very well during our walk on Romelo's Trail. Only two members of this genus, Semnornis "toucan-barbets," but all barbets (including Capitonidae) may soon be moved into a subfamily of the toucans (Ramphastidae). Regardless, toucans and barbets are very closely related.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis) – There has been talk for many years of potentially splitting the Emerald Toucanets into several species (this has already been done in the case of Wagler's Toucanet, a Mexico endemic). This subspecies is a Chiriqui highland endemic and quite distinctive in having a blue throat. Seen well at Mount Totumas.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus flavotinctus) – Singles were seen along the entrance road to Mount Totumas.
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) – The common woodpecker of Mount Totumas. The southern most distribution of this species is the highlands of Colombia.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus) – This was the common woodpecker on the Caribbean lowlands. Likes disturbed habitats.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Surprisingly, just one the entire trip.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis) – We had a couple of pairs on this tour. Always a favorite.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) – This species was a local rarity in Bocas where we had one near Puerto Robalo.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – These were seen by the hundreds from the tower at Tranquilo Bay. We also had a few, uh-hum, behaving very naughty.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Not many; just one in fact.
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni) – This Chiriqui Highland Endemic is quite common at Mount Totumas. One of the best places to see this species it appears.
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Eupsittula nana astec)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara finschi)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) – A pair were seen at our stop along Fortuna Road (Willie Mazou).
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) – Common on the grounds at Tranquilo Bay.
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Sipia laemosticta) – Incredible looks at Willie Mazou as one approached to within a few feet of our group.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Hafferia zeledoni) [*]
SPOTTED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevioides) – Wow. Another fantastic encounter with an antbird. Max got an incredible shot.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THICKET ANTPITTA (Hylopezus dives) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) [*]
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – The population in the Chiriqui highlands sounds much different than northern birds. More work needed here.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – A pair seen at Mount Totumas is rare for Central America.
STREAK-BREASTED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes rufobrunneus) – This Chiriqui Highland Endemic was seen a few times at Mount Totumas. Rare and local in its range, though Mount Totumas seems like a good place to see it!
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus)
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
Puerto Robalo was our loading and unloading spot for many of our adventures from Tranquilo Bay, including the famous Fortuna Road. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii) – One of the most common highland flycatchers at Mount Totumas.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) [*]
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus)
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) [*]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – This tiny flycatcher (one of the smallest in the world) was seen super close during our boat ride in the Canal.
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris)
STUB-TAILED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus cancrominus) [*]
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – It was nice to see this boreal migrant at Mount Totumas. Already north bound?
DARK PEWEE (Contopus lugubris)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – We found these along the entrance road to Mount Totumas. This is about as far south as this species winters.
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis) – Seems appropriate that we would have seen thsi species. ;-)
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) – This species is rare and local in the Caribbean lowlands of Panama. Annual as a wintering resident in Panama, but very (very) low density.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
THREE-WATTLED BELLBIRD (Procnias tricarunculatus) – One of the specialties of Mount Totumas where they breed. Unfortunately, the males were just arriving (unusually late, it seems) back, but we did have a male in flight and several distant birds calling on perches.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) [*]
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei) – These were along the canal, though difficult to see well in flight, and on a moving boat. These were the Almirante variety that have lemon collars, a product of hybridization with Golden-collared.
Golden-collared Manakin was one of two manakin species found on Bastimento Island at Tranquilo Bay. Their active leks were fun to watch. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) – Awesome lek experiences at Tranquilo Bay.
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – A pair were nest building over the Fortuna Road.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) – Small numbers were seen along the entrance road to Mount Totumas.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis) – One was seen at our gas station stop between Totumas and Tranquilo Bay (on Pacific side).
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
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) – It was cool to see a couple of migrants one evening from the Tranquilo tower.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – A few were mixed in with the Barn Swallows around Tranquillo Bay.
We enjoyed a morning birding hike at the cocoa farm. This would be a good place to retire, eh? Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
NIGHTINGALE WREN (Microcerculus philomela) [N]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus) – Small, arboreal and Winter Wren-like, it was seen in the highlands at Mount Totumas. Always tough to get a good look at, but our group managed to get several low and close.
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis)
CANEBRAKE WREN (Cantorchilus zeledoni) [*]
ISTHMIAN WREN (Cantorchilus elutus) – Canebrake and Isthmian wrens are recent splits from the old "Plain" Wren. Isthmian Wren was seen on the Pacific side at Totumas while Canebrake occurs in the Caribbean lowlands.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – A lovely wren with a big song seen a few times at Tranquilo Bay.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
AMERICAN DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus) – One was seen below Totumas.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops) – Fairly common (at least by voice) at Mount Totumas. A Chiriqui Highland Endemic.
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris)
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) – Fantastic looks at a secretive bird along the Continental Divide. We weren't expecting it!
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus frantzii)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [*]
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys caudatus) – These were quite common on the grounds of Mount Totumas. Both silky-flycatchers in the region are endemics.
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) – This Chiriqui Highland Endemic was seen in the oak forest at Mount Totumas.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (CHIRIQUI) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis chiriquensis)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava) – These were common in the Caribbean lowlands and up to the Continental Divide. Song very similar to Collared Redstart!
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)
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi) – Super rare as a winter resident in Panama. We had a female plumaged bird on Romelo's Trail in the oak forest.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons)
BLACK-CHEEKED WARBLER (Basileuterus melanogenys) – Good numbers were seen in the taller forest at Mount Totumas.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – This species is fairly common in the forest on Bastimento.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii) – Similar to the next species (the real differences are in the females), but found on the Caribbean side. Cherrie's on the Pacific side (like at Mount Totumas).
CHERRIE'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus costaricensis)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
Speckled Tanager is a real beauty. We were thankful this one sat a long time for us. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata) – Nice studies of this gorgeous Tangara on the Fortuna Road.
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – One of the more common Tangara tanagers on the Fortuna Road.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – Always great when you see the scarlet thighs! Wait. Can I say that?
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – A near Chiriqui Highland Endemic (also found in the highlands of Eastern Panama) seen well in several large mixed-species flocks along the Fortuna Road.
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea) – Very common at Mount Totumas.
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
NICARAGUAN SEED-FINCH (Sporophila nuttingi) – An extremely local bird that we saw well (perched and singing) along the old canal.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – Large flocks along the Fortuna Road. Very vocal.
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) – These skulky guys were seen around the Mount Totumas lodge.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
I would say this Flame-colored Tanager is aptly named, wouldn't you? Photo by participant Max Rodel.
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Piranga bidentata) – This beautiful species was easily seen in the forest at Mount Totumas. There was talk of a Western Tanager in the mix. We are still waiting on evidence of its existence.
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli)
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes poliogaster) – Loud and raucous. Seen in mixed-species flocks along the Fortuna Road.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – This was a bit of a surprise at the Continental Divide.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – The most common euphonia on the grounds of Tranquilo Bay.
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae) – Nice looks at the Continental Divide in several flocks.
GOLDEN-BROWED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia callophrys) – We chased down this gaudy looking species in the oak forest at Mount Totumas. Good looks for most. Its low, mournful whistles are heard frequently. Finding them is the problem.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
Always nice to see, this male Yellow-bellied Siskin was singing near the dining area at Mount Totumas. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus) – Common at Mount Totumas.
MAMMALS
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) – Three species of primate were seen on this tour. The howlers were loud and vocal at Mount Totumas. Crazy seeing a young male being knocked out of a tree by an aggressive alpha male.
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi)
HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni) – Both species of sloths were seen in the Caribbean lowlands. The two species are found in two different families ("two-toed" and "three-toed" families) and are not closely related. The ancestor of both species diverged some 35 million years ago. There resemblance is due to a form of convergent evolution.
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
ALFARO'S PYGMY SQUIRREL (Microsciurus alfari) – Cool seeing this tiny squirrel along the Fortuna Road. May also be called Central American Pygmy Squirrel.
Team Emerald on their 10th anniversary tour!
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other critters seen on the tour:
1) Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)= One was seen along the canal in the Caribbean Lowlands.
2) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) = Several large ones were in trees along the Old Canal.
Totals for the tour: 290 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa