FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: Panama's Canopy Lodge: El Valle de Anton 2018

Field Guides Tour Report

Panama's Canopy Lodge: El Valle de Anton 2018

Dec 29, 2018 to Jan 5, 2019

Chris Benesh & Tino 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.

This formation, known as Picacho, is a familiar sight between El Valle and Altos del Maria. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Issues with weather seem to be commonplace these days, with conditions too wet or too dry, too cold or too hot. The weather on our Panama Canopy Lodge New Years Tour was refreshingly perfect. We had almost no rain at all and the only heat we experienced was on our final morning in the Pacific lowlands around Juan Hombron. Thanks to the wonderful local leadership of Tino Sanchez, we saw a wonderful assortment of birds and butterflies and had a lot of laughs. We all marveled at Tino’s abilities to whistled an amazing variety of bird species vocalizations.

Our trip started with a visit to the Parque Natural Metropolitano in Panama City. This amazing site is home to a huge diversity of birds including the endemic Yellow-green Tyrannulet. We saw this plus a great deal more in a couple of hours birding before heading west toward El Valle. Holiday traffic was heavy so Tino and our driver Eduar took us through the back roads to our destination. Once we arrived at the Canopy Lodge, we settled in for lunch followed by some productive afternoon birding near the lodge.

Over the next few days, we visited some areas in and around La Mesa, the plateau looming over the town of El Valle, birding Las Minas trail and the Candelaria trail. Further afield, we paid a couple of visits to Altos del Maria, a rich cloud forest area with some special birds. Other spots included the Cara Iguana area where we had our wonderful encounter with a pair of Spectacled Owls, the Canopy Adventure area with its Mottled Owls and female Blue Seedeater, and the Camino Mata Ahogados where we had great looks at Tody Motmot and a slew of other species.

One evening we switched gears and a few of us went for a night walk on the lodge property to see some of the amazing arthropods and frogs that are active there at night. Some had their first experience seeing scorpions glow under ultraviolet light.

In the end, we made a great deal of new memories. The charismatic Barred Antshrike and Spectacled Owls won out as trip favorites, but there were numerous contenders. Thanks to all of you for making the trip a great success and it was a real treat bringing in the new year with each of you. I wish you all a joyous 2019. — 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

Our gang together for the last time at Playa Santa Clara, about to say goodbye to Tino and make our way to Panama City. Photo by Eduar Rodriguez.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus) – Quail are generally challenging to see and this species was no exception. We had a covey at Juan Hombron that showed mainly in flight, though we could hear them well.

BLACK-EARED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanotis) – We all heard this species calling on the hillside above us at Altos del Maria and a couple of lucky folks caught a glimpse.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)

PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina minuta elaeodes) – Nice comparisons with Ruddy at Juan Hombron.

RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)

Many of us enjoyed the antics of this Barred Antshrike at Juan Hombron. Photo by Rob McNab.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)

GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)

Apodidae (Swifts)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)

SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)

BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila)

BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri) – We had a terrific flight view of this species visiting a heliconia flower at La Mesa.

GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)

One of the characteristic species of the cloud forests above El Valle is this Orange-bellied Trogon. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)

BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)

VERAGUAN MANGO (Anthracothorax veraguensis) [E]

GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – A couple of females were spending time around the lodge and the Canopy Adventure site.

RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – A handsome male was hanging out near the Canopy Adventure.

GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis)

VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)

WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)

BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia)

One of the Lesson's Motmots we encountered during our afternoon birding along Cara Iguana. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)

SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata)

BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)

SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia edward collata) [E]

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)

SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis coeruleogularis) – A few of these were present at Juan Hombron. [E]

VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Juliamyia julie panamensis) – A nice treat from our morning visit to the Metro Park in Panama City.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – A pair of these put on quite a show for us around the lodge grounds, often perching right on the feeder!

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – A few of these were in open fields on La Mesa.

Of the several motmot species seen, the Tody Motmot pictured here is the smallest. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (BLACK-BACKED) (Jacana jacana hypomelaena)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (HUDSONIAN) (Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus)

SANDERLING (Calidris alba)

SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)

WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)

ROYAL TERN (AMERICAN) (Thalasseus maximus maximus)

Ciconiidae (Storks)

WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)

One of the wonderful Spectacled Owls we encountered at Cara Iguana. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Anhingidae (Anhingas)

ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga leucogaster)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

One of the pair of Mottled Owls peers back at us sleepily. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)

COMMON BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus)

SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

This Lineated Woodpecker was hanging out near the Canopy Lodge. Photo by Rob McNab.

WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

Strigidae (Owls)

SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – One of the definite highlights of the tour was seeing a pair of these hanging out near Cara Iguana. Sadly, their habitat is being cleared so there future presence there is uncertain.

MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – We were successful on our second effort to see the resident Canopy Adventure pair.

Trogonidae (Trogons)

SLATY-TAILED TROGON (MASSENA) (Trogon massena hoffmanni) – A nice find just before departing the Metro Park on our first morning.

BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) [*]

ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON (Trogon aurantiiventris) – It was a good trip for this species with several sightings. This species is very closely related to Collared Trogon.

Momotidae (Motmots)

TODY MOTMOT (Hylomanes momotula) – Tino was able to call one in for us that sat a for a bit so we could all enjoy it through the scope.

After several flybys this Blue-headed Parrot came in and sat close by! Photo by Rob McNab.

LESSON'S MOTMOT (Momotus lessonii lessonii) – A relatively recent breakup of the Blue-crowned Motmot resulted in several species including Lesson's. We had great looks at a pair at Cara Iguana.

RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Another favorite was this giant that would come to the feeders regularly.

BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – This one was a bit of a surprise at the Metro Park in Panama City.

Capitonidae (New World Barbets)

SPOT-CROWNED BARBET (Capito maculicoronatus maculicoronatus) – We had a pair of barbets on our way up to La Mesa. [E]

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

NORTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis) – Great views of this species at Altos del Maria. The taxonomy of this species complex has been in flux in recent years with the number of recognized species varying from one to several. At the moment there are two.

COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)

KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

One of the more cooperative Northern Emerald-Toucanets we encountered at Altos del Maria. Photo by Rob McNab.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)

RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)

LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Always a treat to see these big, crested woodpeckers. This wide ranging species is common throughout much of the tropics.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – Another real highlight of the trip was the chance encounter with this species as we were finishing the nature trail loop in Altos del Maria.

CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

MERLIN (Falco columbarius)

APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)

Gray-cowled Wood Rails put on a great show for us at the Canopy Lodge feeder. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)

BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis) – Wonderful to see them chowing down on bananas on our way to Altos del Maria.

BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – A fair number seen with some fantastic looks on the way to La Mesa one morning.

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

YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala panamensis) – Nice scope view of a perched bird at the Radisson Hotel Panama Canal.

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – This amazing bird became the most popular bird of the trip. We had a wonderful look at a male at Juan Hombron.

RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus)

In the mountains we had several encounters with the White-ruffed Manakin. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)

SPOT-CROWNED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus puncticeps)

CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) [*]

WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)

DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)

DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)

WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes)

CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)

DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Sipia laemosticta) – We eventually tracked down a responsive pair that came in close enough for a wonderful view.

This cloud forest dwelling Tufted Flycatcher was at Altos del Maria. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor bicolor)

Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)

BLACK-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Pittasoma michleri michleri) [*]

Grallariidae (Antpittas)

STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus perspicillatus) [*]

Formicariidae (Antthrushes)

BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – After a bit of patience, we eventually had good looks at this species strutting around on the ground.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)

WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)

COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)

SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)

PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)

An uncommonly good view of a Rufous-browed Tyrannulet from Altos del Maria. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)

RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) [*]

MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (NORTHERN) (Phaeomyias murina eremonoma) [E]

YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)

FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)

GREENISH ELAENIA (GREENISH) (Myiopagis viridicata accola) – We bumped in to this species at the Metro Park. Like a few of the other cryptically patterned flycatchers, there are likely splits in this group, based on some distinct vocal differences.

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)

LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)

A nice image of this tiny Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant showing off its crown to good effect. Photo by Rob McNab.

OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)

OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – Seen briefly by a couple of folks.

RUFOUS-BROWED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes superciliaris) – A canopy dwelling species that travels in mixed flocks around Altos del Maria, we had a couple a bit lower in the mid-story that provided good views.

MISTLETOE TYRANNULET (Zimmerius parvus) – Until quite recently part of the the larger Paltry Tyrannulet species, birds occupying mostly lowland areas from southern Mexico through Panama are now this species.

SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)

PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris wilcoxi) [E]

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)

EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris)

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-OLIVE) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens flavoolivaceus) – Yet another species with unsettled taxonomy. There are several populations that are vocally distinct with more subtle plumage differences.

This is the Panama Flycatcher, a good sized Myiarchus found throughout Panama's lowlands. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) [*]

WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)

RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)

SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius)

TUFTED FLYCATCHER (COSTA RICAN) (Mitrephanes phaeocercus aurantiiventris) – Some wonderful views of this species at Altos del Maria. This species has a rather interesting abrupt change in voice and plumage separated by the Nicaraguan lowlands. The southern birds occupy cloud forest while those to the north favor oak-pine forest.

EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – There was one calling at Cara Iguana while we were there though it never came into view. [*]

TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)

BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]

RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra) – We had unbelievably good looks at one that came in right over our heads.

At the Canopy Adventure we found this Eye-ringed Flatbill. The name really says it all! Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)

PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis)

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)

RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Rusty-margined and Social flycatchers can be hard to separate visually. In central Panama, Social Flycatchers are greener above with more noticeable wingbars and slightly paler cheeks.

SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)

GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) – This was a nice find near the small houses on our way up to La Mesa. Looking a bit like a poorly marked Social Flycatcher, lacking the white eyebrow and having a paler eye.

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Always a crowd pleaser, Fork-tails are essentially long tailed kingbirds that favor savannas. We saw ours at Juan Hombron.

One of the wonderful Fork-tailed Flycatchers that entertained us at Juan Hombron. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Pipridae (Manakins)

LANCE-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) – Not too much in evidence this trip, we did have a young male at Juan Hombron.

WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – A few nice looks at this cloud forest species.

GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus) – Several of these were seen along Las Minas Trail on New Years Eve day.

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (NORTHERN) (Schiffornis veraepacis dumicola) – A few years back, Thrushlike Schiffornis was split into several species. The northernmost species occurs at higher elevations in central Panama while being more widespread at lower elevations at the northern part of its range. [E]

WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – This was seen and photographed by Rob.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (NORTHERN) (Cyclarhis gujanensis perrygoi) [E]

SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)

GREEN SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius pulchellus) [*]

GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Pachysylvia aurantiifrons aurantiifrons)

This Rufous Mourner swooped in to check us out one morning at La Mesa. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus)

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]

HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon inquietus)

OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus ligea) – This tiny, buffy ball of energy was seen moving between mossy limbs at Altos del Maria. [E]

RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)

RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) – Tino managed to get one in the scope for us to enjoy. Quite a feat for this species.

One of the many un-flashy species of flycatchers seen included this Mouse-colored Tyrannulet at Juan Hombron. Photo by Rob McNab.

ISTHMIAN WREN (Cantorchilus elutus) – Following the break up of Plain Wren into three species birds from southwestern Costa Rica through Panama adopted this difficult to pronounce name.

BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – There was a cooperative family group living near the footbridge at the lodge that often showed well and was certainly well heard.

WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)

GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris) [*]

LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]

TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – A couple of birds were seen at Altos del Maria.

PALE-VENTED THRUSH (Turdus obsoletus) – With a bit of patience we had some nice looks at a couple that were coming to a fruiting tree at Altos del Maria.

The shocking color of this male Crimson-backed Tanager looks like red velvet. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

WHITE-THROATED THRUSH (Turdus assimilis)

CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – Very common with lots coming regularly to the feeders at the lodge. We had one eye catching bird that had some plumage aberration resulting in paler, washed out coloration. There are a few mechanisms that could result in this pattern.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (TROPICAL) (Mimus gilvus tolimensis) [I]

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla)

THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – This was the common species around the lodge feeder.

WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – Well seen at Altos del Maria.

TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)

LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (CENTRAL PANAMA) (Chlorospingus flavopectus punctulatus) – For years these were known as Common Bush Tanagers, but are no longer considered to be tanagers.

One of the Common Chlorospingus seen at Altos del Maria. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)

ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna) [*]

YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)

CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)

SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) [*]

YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater giraudii) [*]

BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)

This female Blue Seedeater generated some excitement at the Canopy Adventure site and appears to be wondering just what exactly is going on below. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)

GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla)

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera)

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)

TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)

MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)

A family of Central American Agoutis hanging out at the lodge. Photo by Rob McNab.

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica)

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)

RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus) – Some day in the future someone will write up a proposal to split populations occupying much of Central America from those found in Mexico and northern Central America as they differ in voice, structure, and coloration.

BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – Each morning at the lodge we could hear the loud, ringing song of these along the creek. The iridescent buff rump really glows in the shadows.

CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – Nice to see, this species winters at higher elevations mainly from Costa Rica south through much of the Andes.

Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)

DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)

This Three-toed Sloth was just too tired. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava testacea) – Brighter colored and with a different call note compared with forms we are more familiar with from US border states south through Belize.

SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)

RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (NORTHERN) (Habia rubica vinacea)

BLUE SEEDEATER (Amaurospiza concolor) – This drab brown bird caused some excitement among the guides. Amaurospiza seedeaters are bamboo specialists, and follow flowering and seeding bamboo around, which makes for a scattered and unpredictable distribution. As a result, they are only infrequently seen.

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)

TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)

WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)

FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – The name Flame-rumped seems odd for a bird with a bright yellow rump, but the subspecies here in Panama has a yellow one while further south the rump coloration is much redder. The name icteronotus means jaundice-yellow backed.

A few of Panama's wonderful butterflies that Tino pointed out and identified for us. Upper left is Blue and Orange Eighty-eight (Callicore tolima); lower two images are Aegina Numberwing (Callicore lyca); and upper right is a Split-banded Owl Butterfly (Opsiphanes cassina) bookended by two Dirce Beauties (Colobura dirce). Photos by guide Chris Benesh.

CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – The males of this species look like they are covered in glowing red velvet. Quite a sight!

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)

GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)

PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)

BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)

SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)

SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)

A few of the other critters seen around the lodge included the emerging cicada upper left; the giant Corydalus dobsonfly upper right; the bizarre fulgorid Phrictus sp. lower left; and a Brilliant Forest Frog (Lithobates warszewitschii). Photos by guide Chris Benesh.

SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus)

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)

BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – These were also crowd pleasers, looking a bit like plump Prothonotary Warblers. Seen at Altos del Maria.

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)

VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina hoffmanni)

YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)

BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)

YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)

A final collection of critters seen including Tityus pachyurus upper left; the spider Trachelia extensa upper right; a wonderful weevil from Altos del Maria lower left; and an amazing grasshopper from there (family Rhytidochrotinae) lower right. Photos by guide Chris Benesh.

BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)

BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)

STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)

SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – Great view of one along the road at Altos del Maria.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni)

BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)

VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides) – We did have one pay a visit to the lodge feeder one morning.

RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – This was the common squirrel seen around the lodge feeders.

Panama has the wonderful custom of bringing in the New Year by sending off the old one. These life sized caricatures, known as Munecos, are filled with firecrackers and set ablaze at midnight. Photo by guide Chris Benesh.

WESTERN PYGMY SQUIRREL (Microsciurus mimulus) – We saw one of these darting around through the trees at Altos del Maria.

CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata) – These strange rodents were a constant feature around the feeder at the Canopy Lodge.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 248 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa