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Enjoying the views from Volcan Irazu (above) and birding along a creek at EARTH (below). (Photos by guide Chris Benesh)
It was great fun to get back down and visit Costa Rica on the Rancho Naturalista Holiday Costa Rica tour. What a super talented team to work with, both guide Ernesto Carman and driver/guide Vernon Campos being excellent birders and bird spotters. And the warmth and hospitality of the Rancho crew was welcome and unlikely to be forgotten by any of us. Thanks to Lisa, Mario, and the gang for making our stay there so comfortable.
Though things were damp underfoot at times, we were fortunate to avoid a lot of the rain that had fallen a week earlier. We started off birding at Volcan Irazu, where we got a taste of some of the highland specialties of Costa Rica. The vistas were spectacular at times, though the birds took some teasing out. The next several days were spent at and around Rancho Naturalista. The highlights were many and varied as evidenced by the wide variety of birds that made it onto the "top three" list. A few birds received two votes, but none were clear runaway winners. These included Violet-crowned Woodnymph (the males that seemed to glow at the hummingbird pools), the cooperative Common Potoo, the Green-breasted Mango, and the Spotted Barbtail seen at Tapanti. We all agreed that there were many wonderful hummers, super-colorful and varied tanagers, and a nice assortment of flycatchers.
In addition to the wildlife, we were treated to a first-rate lesson in coffee growing, and had a couple of wonderful, impromptu musical performances. The first brought in the New Year at Rancho with a terrific guitar and vocal performance. Then Niji, our Nigerian host at EARTH, performed an a cappella version of the EARTH original "Christmas Feelings" on our tour bus while we waited out a shower. The full version is on YouTube.
Thanks to all of you for coming along and making the trip such a joy to lead. Though I was battling a cold throughout the trip, it was still a treat to be sharing in the tropical birdfest with you. Until our paths cross again, I wish you all the best in birding.
-- 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
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – Well heard at EARTH. [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) [b]
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – Great time with these at Rancho. Most memorable for me was the one sunning itself on the lawn with partially spread wings.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) [*]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
BUFFY-CROWNED WOOD-PARTRIDGE (Dendrortyx leucophrys) – For most, this was a heard only experience. But a few lucky folks saw this shy species moving around us on Volcan Irazu.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – Ernesto spotted one perched on rocks in the fast running river below Rancho.
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – Nice study of one in the lowlands.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
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) – Nice scope views of several at CATIE.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Two of these were perched in trees at Angostura Lagoon.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
The group posing at Tapanti. (Photo by tour participant David Smith)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Nice scope view of a perched adult bird at EARTH.
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – One flew over Rancho on our first day of birding there.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – An immature bird was foraging at Angostura Lagoon.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – A decent scope view of a perched adult at Rancho. This is a scarce neotropical species.
BARRED HAWK (Leucopternis princeps)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Great study of one below Rancho. A few others heard.
MERLIN (Falco columbarius) [b]
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
A Sunbittern foraging along a rushing stream at La Mina. (Video by guide Chris Benesh)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) – Heard only by most of us, but a few were fortunate to see it.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – One at Angostura Lagoon was noteworthy.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
The tiny Green Thorntail. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas nigrirostris)
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassini)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni)
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga finschi)
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Aratinga nana astec)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – A couple of flocks seen and heard flying high overhead.
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis)
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
A male Black-crested Coquette feeds insectlike at Rancho. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Strigidae (Owls)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – A wonderful find while looking in vain for the Mottled Owls. This silent bird put on quite a show.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Great scope views of one at CATIE one late afternoon.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – A daily and almost nightly sight at Rancho.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SPOT-FRONTED SWIFT (Cypseloides cherriei) – It was great having Ernesto on the scene to talk us through the ID of this cryptic swift seen at EARTH. Records of this species have been increasing in the Caribbean lowlands, no doubt due to better coverage and understanding of ID points.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Among the magical treats at Rancho are the hummingbird pools. Here a male Violet-crowned Woodnymph takes a plunge. (Video by guide Chris Benesh)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
BRONZY HERMIT (Glaucis aeneus) – One of Bob's nemesis birds that fell on this trip. Good scope views at EARTH.
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri) [*]
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – Wonderful to watch this species bathing at the pools at Rancho.
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – This tiny hummer is full of character.
BLACK-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis helenae) – Another tiny, bug-like character that is pretty spectacular.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis) – Very numerous on the slopes of Volcan Irazu providing some wonderful looks.
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus) – Several seen well at Tapanti NP. This species occurs in a narrow elevational band.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus)
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula)
GARDEN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon assimilis)
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus)
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia)
VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris)
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – Perhaps the most emblematic bird at Rancho. We had wonderful views of it feeding at Rancho Bajo and again at the pools.
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
The always lovable Squirrel Cuckoo. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Mostly heard, but seen in part by some.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis) [*]
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus) – A treat to see these coming to the Rancho feeders.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius) [b]
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex) – A nice look at one through the scope at EARTH.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus guatemalensis)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Good views of this shy species by spotlight at the pools at Rancho. You could clearly see the tawny throat!
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura) – This one was slightly elusive for some at Angostura Lagoon.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – Everyone connected with this active species at Tapanti.
A Spotted Barbtail in a mixed flock at Tapanti. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
STREAK-BREASTED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes rufobrunneus) – In the same flock with the barbtail.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) [*]
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis)
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – Great looks at this long billed species in a mixed flock at Rancho.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – A male was in one of the big Rancho flocks.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – A really cooperative bird came out for us at EARTH.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – A pair of these were regular visitors to the moth cloth at Rancho.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza laemosticta) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THICKET ANTPITTA (Hylopezus dives) – Mostly heard on the trail just above Rancho, but a few lucky folks were able to get good looks at it singing from deep cover.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) – Experienced by all, though that mostly meant quick peeks and hearing its distinctive, loud calls.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
The Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher is one tiny bird. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – One of the more unusual flycatchers well seen on a fast moving stream.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
PALTRY TYRANNULET (MISTLETOE) (Zimmerius vilissimus parvus) – Well seen and heard at Rancho. There is some unsettled taxonomy here. Clements lists three subspecies groups. One of these has been split already by the IOC (Venezuelan). The Paltry and Mistletoe groups appear to differ vocally from one another, with the Mistletoe birds having higher pitched, more drawn out calls. If split, Rancho birds are part of the Mistletoe group.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Many of the smaller flycatchers pack some cuteness punch, but perhaps none more than this species.
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – Great looks at one low down for those of us that opted out of the higher trails at Rancho.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (GRAY-HEADED) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens cinereiceps) – It is worth noting that this species as it is currently configured is made up of several good species. The birds we saw (and more importantly heard) are part of the northernmost Gray-headed group. They are very vocally different from other groups. Sometimes known as Yellow-olive Flatbill.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – Another favorite, owing to its cuteness.
TAWNY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus capitalis) – A very localized endemic seen well around the moth cloth at Rancho.
Not all empids are tough to ID. This Black-capped Flycatcher sports a distinctive black cap. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
DARK PEWEE (Contopus lugubris) – Seen and heard on our last day at Tapanti. Its three-parted dawn song is rarely heard.
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus) – Great views of this bird at CATIE.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) [b]
WHITE-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax albigularis) – Vernon spotted this one way out in a field.
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps) – Some terrific views of this highland endemic on the first day of the trip.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – Birds here have minimal white.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [b]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
GOLDEN-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes hemichrysus) – Two seen on the lower slopes of Silent Mountain.
Winner of the plain Jane award was this wing-flicking Ochre-bellied Flycatcher. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera)
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – Mary was our tityra spotter, at one point nailing both species within minutes of each other.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
THRUSH-LIKE SCHIFFORNIS (NORTHERN) (Schiffornis turdina veraepacis) – Seen by those who did the upper trails. Another species in flux. Stay tuned.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – A female was with a flock at Tapanti.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) [b]
YELLOW-WINGED VIREO (Vireo carmioli)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) [b]
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) [*]
LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
This Rusty-tipped Page was one of the many cool butterflies seen on the trip. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis) – Great looks at this species on our visit to EARTH.
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus) – Cooperative birds at Rancho.
PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) – A few saw this species at Ernesto's family finca.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus)
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni) – Eventually, we had good views of this species at Volcan Irazu. A very range and elevation restricted species.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – Most memorable were the ones visiting the moth cloth.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) – After hearing this species a number of times, we were able to spotlight one visiting the Rancho pools.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) [b]
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – The national bird of Costa Rica.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) [b]
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
A handsome White-necked Jacobin, one of the regulars at Rancho's feeders. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [b]
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) [b]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) [b]
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) [b]
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia) [b]
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) [b]
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava)
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas) [b*]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) [b]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) [b]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) [b]
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) [b]
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) [b]
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WARBLER (Basileuterus melanogenys) – Briefly seen by a few at Volcan Irazu.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus) – Great views of this species as it visited the moth cloth.
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla) [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus) – A great catch up bird at Tapanti.
WRENTHRUSH (Zeledonia coronata) – Tough to see, but well heard at Tapanti. [*]
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – What color!
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii) – That bright scarlet rump appealed to some.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
EMERALD TANAGER (Tangara florida) – Good looks at Silent Mountain in a mixed tanager flock.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
Golden-hooded Tanager is always a crowd pleaser. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
SPANGLE-CHEEKED TANAGER (Tangara dowii) – Nice views of a few on our last day at Tapanti.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – A few at CATIE attracted our attention.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps)
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus funereus)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea)
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis) – Eventually well seen at Volcan Irazu.
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris) – A terrific look at one at Tapanti NP that hoped right out into the open! Very cool!
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) [*]
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – Very striking for a sparrow.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis) – At Finca Cristina.
A Volcano Junco at Volcan Irazu. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani) – This species joined us for lunch at the summit of Volcan Irazu despite the noisy weekend crowd there.
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus)
SOOTY-CAPPED BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus pileatus)
ASHY-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus canigularis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) [b]
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) [b]
BLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
Long-nosed Bats roosting under a shelter at EARTH. (Photo by guide Chris Benesh)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) [b]
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus uropygialis)
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma) – What a crazy display! Regulars at the Rancho feeders.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla)
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae)
GOLDEN-BROWED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia callophrys) [*]
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – These were the smaller bats seen at our lunch spot at EARTH.
GREATER WHITE-LINED BAT (Saccopteryx bilineata) – The two larger and darker bats were these.
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) – Seen on the road soon after leaving EARTH.
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi) – At Earth.
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica) – We had a quick look at a tatty one on Volcan Irazu, and then had a sleek looking one at Tapanti.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 306 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa