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Our spectacular Spectacled Owl (photo by participant Max Rodel)
Ours was a holiday tour to a fine lodge that offers great birds and good food, and at this time of year, some special festivities, including an unexpected New Year's Eve cocktail party at owner Raul and Denise Arias's home. The Canopy Lodge continues to be an excellent offering for relaxed birding in a cool, pleasant clime. Our tour began in Panama City (night of arrival) and proceeded the next morning (via a quick stop at Metro Park) to the Canopy Lodge in El Valle, Cocle, our base for the next six nights. We birded a variety of habitats, returning some days to the lodge for lunch, time off, then a late afternoon of birding nearby. There are a variety of places to bird near the Lodge so that one can only visit a few of them during a week’s stay. We birded La Mesa and Las Minas Road, Cara Iguana Trail, Valle Chiquito, Altos del Maria, and the xeric Pacific lowlands of El Chiru/Juan Hombron/Playa Santa Clara.
The birds were great, if not unfailingly cooperative. We started off with a big hit—a Common Potoo on its day-roost in Metro Park; our tiny hit was a Southern Bentbill, not found in the area of the Lodge. Among the least commonly seen species we saw in the immediate vicinity of the Lodge were Tody Motmot (one of which sat for fifteen minutes not two meters away!), a pair of roosting Mottled Owls (at a stakeout), a roosting Tropical Screech-Owl (stakeout at a yard in El Valle), a family of four Spot-crowned Barbets, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, and Buff-rumped Warbler. Of course the regular visitors to the banana feeders were captivating, and we had many fine views of some colorful and less-than-colorful feathered creatures, as well as squirrels and agoutis. In the Las Mesa area we had some good mixed flocks, in the Cara Iguana area we had a day-roosting Spectacled Owl and a lot of mosquitoes. We visited a new trail off the Las Minas Road where we had an extraordinary view (long and sweet) of White-tipped Sicklebill hanging on the heliconia bracts and a singing Streak-chested Antpitta.
Altos del Maria, the highland area under development, held Snowcaps (6-8 males scattered over the area, more than I’ve ever seen there), Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Brown Violet-ear, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Dull-mantled Antbird, two more day-roosting Spectacled Owls—a white juve and an accommodating adult—Orange-bellied Trogon, Northern Schiffornis, Black-and-yellow Tanagers, Eye-ringed Flatbill, and an absolutely electric Black-crowned Antpitta that finally sat for some of us not more than 15 feet away (and of which we got some cool video). The juve Spectacled mentioned above flew before everyone could get bins on it, so I tried some playback of the adult during mid-morning, having had some success in the past getting adults to appear during the day, when on territory. After no more than four or five playbacks of the song, an adult flew right in and settled for all to absorb and photograph! Terrific. Many listed this as one of their three trip favorites. In general, Tanagers, Parulids, Wrens, and Broad-winged Hawks (numbers strong) were good, although the numbers of wintering Parulids seemed down considerably.
The feeding stations at the Lodge were very popular, and many photos were taken of Rufous Motmots, Dusky-headed Tanagers, Thick-billed Euphonias, Collared Aracaris, Chachalacas, etc. In fact, most of you took some memorable photos during the tour, some of which I've been able to include in this triplist, some of which you'll have to watch for in "Fresh From the Field" or visit the Smugmug sites to enjoy. Our group was a perfect delight for me to guide, always the more so when such a group gels as readily as did ours. It was a pleasure to have Abbie along with us for the holiday and to benefit from the keen guiding of Eliecer Rodriguez and his assistant, Danilo Rodrigues, both of whom carried scopes and were quick to set them on birds!
John
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – What nice studies of these Cracids attending the feeders at the Lodge--some 8-10 at once at one point!
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
Gray-headed Chachalaca ready to pounce on the feeder (photo by participant Max Rodel)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – Pacific birds.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Most of our herons/egrets were in the rice fields along the coast, except for Cattles.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Several in the rice fields near Juan Hombron.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Widespread.
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – A couple of birds seen in the rice fields near Juan Hombron.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – Several seen well above the rice fields near Juan Hombron in the dry El Chiru region; we noted the contrasting pale brown base to the primaries as seen from above, as well as the partially yellow heads.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Big, handsome, long-legged raptors seen near the rice fields and in the savannah country along the coast.
A well-marked Savannah Hawk soaring over us and the rice fields (photo by participant Dixie Mills)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – A healthy number of wintering birds throughout the area. [b]
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus blakei) – One adult got away quickly as we birded the dry, coastal scrub; I believe Ed and I were the only ones to glimpse it.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Several seen in Altos del Maria and near El Valle, all light morphs.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – One seen by part of the group.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Big, pretty plovers. All were seen in the La Mesa area, including a couple of precocial chicks.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (BLACK-BACKED) (Jacana jacana hypomelaena) – Seen in the rice field wetlands.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata) – One along the coast near Juan Hombron. [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
ROYAL TERN (AMERICAN) (Thalasseus maximus maximus) [b]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
An elegant Southern Lapwing (photo by participant Ed Hunter)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina minuta elaeodes) – Seen in the road next to a Ruddy Ground-Dove in the dry Juan Hombron-El Chiru area; not much of a look!
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Nice studies of a bird in Altos del Maria; several heard and seen throughout the area.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Seen in the rice fields
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – Also in the rice fields near Juan Hombron.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba luctisonus) – Sumptuous study of the intricate patterning on this fine little owl's feathering at a stakeout off "Millionairess Road," El Valle.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – Fantastic! First, an adult at a stakeout along the Cara Iguana Road (along with many mosquitoes); then a juve and another adult in Altos del Maria, the latter of which flew into view in response to playback and sat, singing, for fifteen minutes; we finally walked away! One of the highlights of the trip. This was a new site for the species.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (FERRUGINOUS) (Glaucidium brasilianum ridgwayi) – A calling bird seen well in response to playback along a coastal road; this species is scarcely distributed in the drier areas of Panama.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – A cool pair roosting in dense cover along the Chorro el Macho Trail, El Valle.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – A great surprise at Metropolitan Park on our first morning before we headed to El Valle. We got to appreciate its cryptic patterning and deceptive stance well in the scopes.
Apodidae (Swifts)
What you thought was a knobby stump is a Common Potoo... (photo by participant Dixie Mills)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus) – Seen by some over the lake where we had lunch in Altos del Maria.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A good-looking male sat for us in Altos del Maria.
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) – Another highlight of the trip was enjoying one of these tough-to-nail-down hummers feed on the flowers of a heliconia by perching on the bracts to reveal its sickle bill and striped underparts! An uncommonly good view of a hummer that can be difficult to see well. Seen along the Candelaria Trail just off the Las Minas Road.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Seen quite well on several days in La Mesa and in Altos del Maria.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – About half a dozen of these mites seen at a lek off the Las Minas Road, active tails a-pumping.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – A fine telescopic study, in Altos del Maria, of a singing bird--if singing it can be called.
VERAGUAN MANGO (Anthracothorax veraguensis) – Good views of a distinctively marked female as it fed on heliconia flowers near Juan Hombron. For most intents and purposes, a Panama endemic, though it may be expanding its range a bit into Costa Rica. [E]
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) – Seen in Altos del Maria.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – Seen checking the cobwebs for insects along the guard rain at Valle Chiquito.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus calolaemus) – A quick look in Altos del Maria.
GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis) – This dry country species was seen first at Valle Chiquito, then again at Raul's beach house.
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii) – At least one, perhaps more, near the Lodge.
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia) – One bird glimpsed at the beginning of the Las Minas Road.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica) – The common forest hummer in Cocle; seen daily, both males and females.
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – Excellent views of 6-8 males at several sites in Altos del Maria, the greatest number I've had in one area in Panama. A striking hummer!
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – Seen best in the La Mesa area.
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward collata) – A pretty hummer seen regularly around El Valle and at the Lodge. The subspecies--collata, not nominate edward (as it incorrectly appears on our checklist)--is endemic to central Panama and is the taxon found over most of Cocle. This taxon has the dull rufous tail, not steel blue as in niveoventer to the west and bright rufous as in nominate edward to the east. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – The common edge hummer in central Panama.
SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis coeruleogularis) – A beautiful male was seen near Juan Hombron at the flowers where we saw the Veraguan Mango. The nominate taxon is endemic to western Panama, east to the Canal Zone. The species is almost a Panama endemic, ranging from western Panama to northern Colombia. [E]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
This lovely Orange-bellied Trogon posed for all of us. (photo by participant Max Rodel)
ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON (Trogon aurantiiventris) – Our best sighting was of a beautiful male beside the road in Altos del Maria! This species is found only in Costa Rica and Panama.
Momotidae (Motmots)
TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) – WOW. What a remarkable look we had at this smallest of motmots only a few meters away! One of the tour highlights. This species is almost a Middle American endemic, just reaching extreme northwestern Colombia.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – A big showy motmot that sat out nicely for us on the feeders at the Lodge; also seen in the forest.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Nice looks at a bird near the lodge; we noted the green chin feathers and the bizarre vocalization!
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – A scarce migrant as far south as Altos de Maria, where we had a wintering bird on the lake where we had lunch. [b]
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – Seen nicely at the Lodge.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SPOT-CROWNED BARBET (Capito maculicoronatus maculicoronatus) – Dynamite views of a family of Spot-crowns near La Mesa! This taxon is endemic to Panama from Veraguas east to the Canal Zone; the species is almost a Panama endemic, occurring only into northwestern Colombia. It was exciting to hear that this cool bird is doing so well in Cocle. [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
Digiscoped Broad-billed Motmot with noticeable green chin (photo by participant Ed Hunter)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – Mostly distant views, though not uncommon during our stay; heard "croaking," as well.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) – One seen perched.
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus) – The common woody in Cocle.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus) – One reluctant bird seen in Altos del Maria. Since the range of this species shows a gap between western Panama and Darien, it is unclear to what taxon our bird belongs; it is scarce in the Cocle mountains.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Our best sighting was of a bird seen splendidly in Altos del Maria; we noted how similar the voice is to "our" Pileated, a member of the same genus.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – A female seen and photographed at Metro Park.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) – Seen in the dry Pacific lowlands.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Also seen in the lowlands near Juan Hombron, both adults and juves.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) – The common small parakeet in Panama; we had mostly fly-overs.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – The common Pionus parrot in Panama. We had a few brilliant studies through the scope at Valle Chiquito.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala panamensis) – Quick views of fly-overs in the Pacific lowlands. This taxon is found from western Panama into northwestern Colombia.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (VERAGUAS) (Eupsittula pertinax ocularis) – The Veraguas taxon, ocularis, is restricted to southwestern Costa Rica and Panama. We saw several in the Pacific lowlands where we got a scope on a distant group.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – Nice, close looks at a family in Metro Park our inaugural morn. We noted that the immature male had a pale (not red) iris and a somewhat paler bill than the adult male.
A seldom-so-well-captured male Checker-throated Antwren (photo by participant Max Rodel)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Seen well on several occasions.
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – This is the antshrike we saw so well (female and male) at Metro Park. I called it Western Slaty-Antshrike at the time. Turns out the English name has been changed since I last birded in Panama, and the ornithologists working on the Slaty-Antshrike group found that it was not a Slaty-Antshrike at all, though it remains in the same genus. Atrinucha refers to the male's black nape, but black-crowned won out over black-naped! Max noticed that it had been omitted from the checklist (as it's not really a Canopy Lodge bird), which accounts for my having failed to add it the night we read the list.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – Seen best in a mixed-species flock at La Mesa.
SPOT-CROWNED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus puncticeps) – This mixed flock leader was seen well on several occasions.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – A responsive male was seen well at La Mesa where Max captured it in a prize flight photo!
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) [*]
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra tyrannina) – Seen at Metro Park, along with Black-crowned Antshrike.
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes) – Heard at Metro Park and Valle Chiquito. [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul) – A responsive bird seen nicely at La Mesa; also seen off the Las Minas Road near the Sicklebill spot.
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza laemosticta) – Seen on a couple of occasions in Altos del Maria. We noted its bright red iris.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor bicolor) – Heard at a raiding ant swarm in Altos del Maria, but only glimpsed by some as birds crossed the road.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
Our extraordinary Black-crowned Antpitta (video by guide John Rowlett)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus) – We saw a singing bird on the Candelaria Trail off Las Minas Road. Sometimes called Spectacled Antpitta.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – We had several good encounters with the small woodcreeper.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) – Heard on a couple of days and seen on Candealria Trail.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – Seen on several days, usually above 2500 feet, so infrequent at the Lodge.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – Seen at La Mesa and in Altos del Maria.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – Heard along the forested trail behind the lake in Altos del Maria; response to playback did not permit a visual. [*]
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – One seen in the Smoky-brown Woodpecker flock in Altos del Maria.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (MOUSE-COLORED) (Phaeomyias murina eremonoma) – Seen and heard giving its distinctive call in the dry lowlands near Juan Hombron; this northernmost occurring taxon is endemic to lowland Pacific Panama. [E]
This digiscoped Tody Motmot thinks we don't see him. (photo by participant Mona Gardner)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Seen on three days, best, I think, in the Pacific lowlands near Juan Hombron.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – Several seen in the La Mesa and Altos del Maria areas. This species is more of a "berry-catcher" than a flycatcher--at least diet-wise.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – One seen briefly along a trail off Las Minas Road.
RUFOUS-BROWED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes superciliaris) – Satisfying views of this scarce little tyrannulet in Altos del Maria--through the fog.
PALTRY TYRANNULET (MISTLETOE) (Zimmerius vilissimus parvus) – Seen on various occasions but more frequently heard. We all agreed that "Paltry" is an insulting moniker for this somewhat distinctively marked Tyrannid. "Mistletoe Tyrannulet," based on what the bird consumes, would be an improvement.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Seen quickly several times; heard more often.
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris wilcoxi) – The taxon wilcoxi of this miniscule Tyrannid is endemic to Panama's dry Pacific lowlands where we viewed a bird responding to playback near Juan Hombron. [E]
SOUTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma olivaceum) – We saw this odd-looking flycatcher with the distinctively shaped bill at Metro Park; its range is limited to Panama (from the Canal Zone eastward) and northern Colombia.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Seen best along the road in the Pacific lowlands near Juan Hombron.
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – Seen in a mixed-species flock on the forested trail behind the lake in Altos del Maria; we also noticed several hanging nests of this species still in tact from the previous breeding season.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (COSTA RICAN) (Mitrephanes phaeocercus aurantiiventris) – Several pairs of this pert, richly plumaged little Tyrannid seen very well; aurantilventris is limited to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Two of these fine boreal migrants were studied well through the scopes at Valle Chiquito; they put on a real show for us northerners. [b]
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – One studied through the scope at Valle Chiquito; we also heard it vocalize later in the afternoon. [b]
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – One seen at the lake in Altos del Maria; a fancy Tyrannid.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – A couple of birds seen in Altos del Maria; heard as well along the Las Minas Road.
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis) – Excellent study of a bird in the Pacific lowlands near Juan Hombron. We noted its complete lack of rufous in the wings and tail.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Several seen.
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Our best view was of a bird at the Lodge.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Seen daily.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – Seen on our first afternoon along the road above the Lodge.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Daily.
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Nice looks at a good-looking individual perching on the wire above the highway into the Pacific lowlands our last day.
Pipridae (Manakins)
This Rufous Motmot, at the other end of the motmot scale, knows we see him. (photo by participant Max Rodel)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – A group of males was enjoyed along the trail in Altos del Maria near where we saw the Orange-bellied Trogon and Spectacled Owl. Showy!
GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (NORTHERN) (Schiffornis veraepacis dumicola) – One seen by most of the group while a few were catching up with the Black-crowned Antpitta; we all heard it, but it refused to show again. I was surprised to encounter but one Schiffornis in Altos del Maria. This taxon is endemic to western Panama, from Chiriqui to Cocle, and possesses a distinctive song which Danilo and Eliecer were good at imitating. [E]
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Heard singing at La Mesa, but this becard would not show in response to playback. [*]
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – One seen along the roadside above the Lodge on our first afternoon.
GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Hylophilus aurantiifrons aurantiifrons) – Seen first at Metro Park but really nailed along the roadside in the Pacific lowlands near Juan Hombron.
GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) – Heard only, alas, in Metro Park our first morning. [*]
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (NORTHERN) (Cyclarhis gujanensis perrygoi) – A pair seen at Raul's beach house; currently 20 taxa of this widespread species are recognized, this one endemic to Cocle and extreme eastern Veraguas, making it one of the most limited in distribution of all the taxa! Perrygoi is one of 15 taxa in the nominate, or Northern, group. [E]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis) – Heard on several occasions; a dozen or so of these big, striking jays were seen at a distance in Altos del Maria.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
The Red-crowned Woodpecker shows affinities with Red-bellied Woodpecker. (photo by participant Dixie Mills)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Over the rice fields in the Pacific lowlands.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Ditto.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon inquietus) – Daily.
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus ligea) – Heard only along the forest boardwalk--or rather, concretewalk--behind the lake in Altos del Maria; it did not respond to playback. [E*]
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) – A pair seen at Metro Park our first morning.
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus) – Seen best near La Mesa/Las Minas.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) – A pair seen along the trail beside Las Minas Road. We marvelled at their remarkably rich song.
PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) – Seen well around La Mesa; heard often.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – The common wren around the Lodge; note that it has been taken out of Thryothorus and placed in Cantorchilus.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – Nice looks along the Candelaria Trail.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Seen several times in Altos del Maria; nice song.
SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) – Seen at Metro Park our first morning.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris) – Wonderful views of a bird just off the ground in a mixed-species flock in the La Mesa area. Rich cheeks! Adorable--and one of the tour favorites.
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea) – Seen in Metro Park.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
Pale-vented Thrush showing--what else? (photo by participant Max Rodel)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – Daily; widespread.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (TROPICAL) (Mimus gilvus tolimensis) – Seen near where we had the Pygmy-Owl in the Pacific lowlands. [I]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – One seen along the Lodge stream by some. [b]
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – Also seen along the Lodge stream by some. [b]
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – Several seen here and there. Lovely! [b]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) – Males and females seen throughout the area. [b]
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) – One seen in the Pacific lowlands near Juan Hombron. [b]
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) – Seen throughout; some persistent individuals were seen especially well at the Lodge feeders, where they fed on bananas as well as on nectar from the garden flowers. [b]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – A female seen on the Candelaria Trail. [b]
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea) – Not uncommon throughout; we observed the manner in which this warbler slings its tail to one side. [b]
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – A few. [b]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – One seen in the Pacific lowlands near the rice fields. [b]
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) – Several seen in various plumages. [b]
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) – One seen. [b]
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus) – This taxon is the southernmost occurring of the species.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – Nice looks at a pair along the Lodge stream.
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – A male in the La Mesa area. [b]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
Tawny-crested Tanager with crest raised (photo by participant Max Rodel)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – Nice looks on several occasions of these exciting and excitable tanagers that lead the mixed flocks around; they appear always on the move unless the sun strikes them, when they become quiet.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – One at La Mesa; "white-lined" refers to the white wing-linings, visible only when the bird flies.
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – A beautiful tanager frequenting the Lodge feeders on a regular basis; the male is strikingly crimson!
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – Regular visitor to the Lodge feeders. The black body of the male is downright posh; the female possesses a different but distinct beauty.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Regular at the feeders; can take on different appearances depending on the light.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Also a regular at the feeders.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) – This beauty was seen at La Mesa.
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – Inornata about sums it up--unless you see the purplish patch on the shoulder that is usually concealed.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – A beauty seen on several days; improved views of this tanager which she had seen in Costa Rica was one of Mona's trip targets.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – Brilliantly put together and not uncommon; has a distinctive call note. We noted the lovely green wing feather edgings.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Several seen.
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus) – Males and females seen nicely, the yellow legs and feet noted.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – A beautiful male seen at Valle Chiquito.
Flame-rumped Tanagers in a domestic spat, female in charge (photo by participant Max Rodel)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – Electrifying males and demure females seen on both days in Altos del Maria.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina hoffmannii) – Seen in the Pacific lowlands.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Frequent at the Lodge feeders.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus) – Common around La Mesa and along roadsides.
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – Best looks were of birds on the feeders; we noted their pale iridi showing prominently against their dark faces.
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) – A male and female were seen by some of the group, glimpsed by others, at Metro Park; also heard at Cara Iguana.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Best seen at the Lodge feeders.
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps) – Nice views of responsive, "smacking" birds at the beginning of Las Minas Road.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus) – One at Metro Park; another in the Pacific lowlands our last morning.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Nice looks at a responsive bird along a trail just off the Las Minas Road. That puffy white throat really stands out on the dark forest floor!
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – One seen close to the track in Metro Park.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris) – Seen at La Mesa/Las Minas.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (CENTRAL PANAMA) (Chlorospingus flavopectus punctulatus) – Seen nicely in Altos del Maria where these birds travel in flocks, often joined by other species. The Chlorospingus, formerly known as Bush-Tanagers, are found from Mexico to Argentina, but the range of this taxon is one of the more limited of 27 taxa (!), being found only in central Panama (Cocle and Veraguas). [E]
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
Bay-headed Tanager (photo by participant Max Rodel)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – Seen and heard on several days. [b]
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica vinacea) – Our best views of males and females came at the Lodge feeders.
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (RED-THROATED) (Habia fuscicauda willisi) – Heard at Metro Park; glimpsed it there, perhaps, by a few. [*]
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) – Nice views of a female in Metro Park
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus) – Almost daily.
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater giraudii) – A beautiful pair, glowing in the late afternoon light, was seen at Valle Chiquito. This oriole is found from Mexico to northern South American, but curiously it leapfrogs Costa Rica.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) – Two males, one in Altos, one in the Pacific lowlands. [b]
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) – Seen in Altos del Maria; the scarlet rump is hard to detect until the bird flies.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – A few flyovers at the Lodge, usually early in the morning.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri) – Almost daily.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – This Euphonia of dry scrub was best seen at Metro Park and in the Pacific lowlands; heard elsewhere around El Valle.
Thick-billed Euphonias at the Lodge feeder (photo by participant Max Rodel)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae) – The Euphonia of a little more elevation than that of the Lodge; seen in La Mesa, along Las Minas Road, and in Altos del Maria.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – Seen in residential Cara Iguana.
MAMMALS
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – Two individuals seen, our first at Metro Park.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – The common Lodge feeder Sciurus.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata) – Regular below the Lodge feeders, their locomotion often providing amusement.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 216 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa