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A very enjoyable holiday trip with a fun group and a variety of tropical birds, some eating big tropical fruits! This tour has a number of things going for it, but it must all start with Rancho Naturalista. A fantastic staff who cater to our every need preparing a varied assortment of delicious homemade meals (mint mousse and gallo pinto come to mind!) as well as the other tasks of preparing our rooms and don't forget replacing the gallons upon gallons of nectar water for the hummingbird feeders! Thanks to Lisa, Mario, Vinicio, and others for their hard work during our stay.
I also have the opportunity to work side by side with talented folks like Cali Rodriguez and Vernon Campos. Though Vernon pretends to be only our "driver," he is indeed a talented birding guide. So, folks on this tour actually have THREE guides! Now that is an excellent guide to participant ratio.
Highlights were many as would be expected from a location such as Costa Rica and Rancho Naturalista. The Snowcap and Blue-gray Tanager tied for top vote-getters. Runners-up included our pair of juvenile Mottled Owls, Squirrel Cuckoo, Common Potoo on a day roost, the delightful Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl at CATIE, and all those Gray-headed Chachalacas! However, almost as memorable as the birds were your experiences: mariachis singing Christmas carols, sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, all that rain and mud (!), the service in general at Rancho, and of course Mario bringing Chamomile tea for some. ;-)
Thanks once again to our group. I hope to see you all again soon. Best birding and wishes for 2013.
--Jesse Fagan (from Lima, Peru)
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)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – A number seen at Birris Reservoir on our first day. One of the few species of waterfowl that regularly winter in Costa Rica.
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – Also quite common at Birris and Lake Turire.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps) – One of the more common species to visit the feeders at Rancho
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens) [*]
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – A couple in the taller trees at Birris Reservoir.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – A nice adult was seen along the entrance road to EARTH.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Singles here and there.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Just one adult at Lake Turire.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Seen on every day of the trip!
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – One was at CATIE.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) – One was at CATIE and Lake Burire.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – This odd looking species with its shovel-like bill was seen above the reed beds at CATIE. Unfortunately, for most of the time it had its bill tucked into its body. This species is nocturnal and hunts at night for terrestrial crabs.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Seen well at CATIE and Lake Turire.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – One lovely adult was soaring above La Mina Road.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – One at Lake Turire.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – A splendid (but wet) adult was perched in a large tree along the entrance road at EARTH>
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – One was seen in San Jose.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Just a couple at Lake Turire.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – One adult flew over us while birding the road at Tapanti National Park. Named for this species' extra hook or "tooth" on the bill.
COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii) – A couple of singles soaring on different days.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – One was a regular at Rancho sitting above the feeders and watching for an opportunity.
BARRED HAWK (Leucopternis princeps) – One adult soaring distantly at Tapanti NP.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
GRAY HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – A sharp looking adult was perched at EARTH. The Gray Hawk complex was recently split and the species we saw is Buteo plagiatus. The birds found in southwest Costa Rica and further south into South America are now called Gray-lined Hawk (B. nitidus).
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – It seems to me that dark morphs outnumber light morphs in Costa Rica. The ratio changes as you move further north in favor of light morphs.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – The distinctive form is the subspecies costaricensis. It has reddish vents and a pale belly band. We saw it well at Tapanti and along Silent Mountain Road.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – One was seen soaring above Silent Mountain Road.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – One seen all too briefly as it zipped over us at Tapanti National Park. It was later spotted soaring well above the ridgeline.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Seen several times on this tour. Heard "laughing" as well.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Just one on our first day of birding.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – A calling trio were seen very nicely at La Mina.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – A few around the edges of the CATIE lake.
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – Just a few on Lake Turire.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Four individuals were seen in the fields at Hotel Turire. This species has only recently begun its expansion north through Central America; it arrived in Costa Rica just a few years ago.
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – One at Birris Reservoir.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Seen in the Caribbean lowlands around EARTH.
RED-BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris) – This large columbid is found on both slopes, but it is most common it seems on the Pacific side.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica) – Fairly common around San Jose.
INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – A nice looking male was scoped while birding the scrub outside the tall forest at EARTH. Its call is a far-carrying "whoop-whoop-whoop.."
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – A pair were seen on the ground just below the feeders at Rancho.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura hoffmanni) – At least 10 birds were seen in a fast moving flock on the ridgeline at Silent Mountain. This is usually how you come across them! [E]
CRIMSON-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga finschi) – Common nearly every day.
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – Several big flocks wheeled by while we birded Silent Mountain Road. This species is quite nomadic as they move around in search of fruiting trees and seeding bamboo.
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) – A pair were scoped at EARTH.
BROWN-HOODED PARROT (Pyrilia haematotis) – Fairly common around Rancho and the surrounding lowlands.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT (Pionus senilis) – The common psittacid at Rancho and during our trip. Seen almost every day.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – Numerous at EARTH.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – A pair flew over us at EARTH. Their call is a good field mark.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Always a group favorite!
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Strigidae (Owls)
CENTRAL AMERICAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium griseiceps) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – We found a pair in the tall bamboo while birding around the staff housing at CATIE. So cute!
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Heard most nights at Rancho. We had a pair of juveniles in a tree above the cabins.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Usually around hunting in the security light at Rancho.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – One on a day roost at Rancho was very convenient.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – One was over La Mina Road, and then again above CATIE.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – One of the more common species of hummers at the Rancho feeders.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Both male and female were regular visitors to the Rancho feeders.
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris) – Several squeaking through the forest at EARTH.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – This microhermit was seen around Rancho on most days.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) [*]
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Only on Volcan Irazu.
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – An elegant looking hummingbird that we thankfully saw well on a couple of different days. It was also seen at the bathing pools!
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – Both male and female seen a few times at Rancho.
BLACK-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis helenae) – Tanya spotted a male at Rancho Bajo during our siesta one afternoon. Nice work!
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens) – The subspecies in Costa Rica is spectabilis (sometimes called Rivoli's Hummingbird), which is longer billed than populations further north. Seen at the feeders on Volcan Irazu.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Panterpe insignis) – This Chiriqui highland endemic was seen very well at Volcan Irazu. [E]
WHITE-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis hemileucus) – Another Chiriqui highland endemic that we see at Tapanti NP. [E]
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis calolaemus) – Seen at Tapanti NP where it was slighly more common than the previous species. [E]
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus flammula) – Common on Volcan Irazu. [E]
VIOLET SABREWING (Campylopterus hemileucurus) – This large hummingbird with the machine-gun chatter and white patches in the tail was a regular at the Rancho feeders. However, surprisingly for its size it going bullied around a lot.
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia) – Not common and seen just a few times at the interior forest feeders.
VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
BLACK-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupherusa nigriventris) – This Chiriqui endemic was seen well at Tapanti NP. [E]
SNOWCAP (Microchera albocoronata) – One of the group favorites. The little white headlamp of the male is adorable.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL (Pharomachrus mocinno) – One female was seen well on the slopes of Volcan Irazu. Always a highlight, and a target species for many people.
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – A pair seen on the last day at Tapanti NP.
Momotidae (Motmots)
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (LESSON'S) (Momotus coeruliceps lessonii)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – One visited the moth cloth all too briefly at Rancho; another was seen on the trails. The largest of the motmots that we encounter on this tour.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Cali spotted a wet pair along the entrance road at EARTH. They sat quietly for us while we enjoyed them in the scope.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – The largest of the kingfishers on this tour, we saw it well on several days.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – A pair were along the river at La Mina.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – Similar to Amazon, but smaller in size with lots of white spotting on the wing.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – One of the few birds that was sitting up in the drizzling rain at EARTH.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – A spectacular male gave us all great looks in a mixed-species flock behind the visitor's center at EARTH.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
PRONG-BILLED BARBET (Semnornis frantzii) – This Chiriqui endemic was seen well at Tapanti NP. I really like their call! [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLUE-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus caeruleogularis) [*]
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus) – A fun bird to see at the feeders.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – Their loud croaking was heard most days, but also seen well at various times. Hard to believe that this lovely species is an opportunistic carnivore.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) – One at Volcan Irazu. The subspecies in Costa Rica is striatipectus. There has been talk of splitting many of the populations of Acorn Woodpecker.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
HOFFMANN'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hoffmannii) – A fairly localized species that is found mainly on the Pacific slope from southern Honduras to Costa Rica.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus) – We were all suprised to see how different this population looks from northern birds. The subspecies here is extimus, apparently endemic to the Chiriqui highlands.
RUFOUS-WINGED WOODPECKER (Piculus simplex) – One at EARTH was a surprise.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Always a favorite of the guides. Large and beautiuful and faithful to a little playback. ;-)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – At the Rancho bathing pools on several evenings.
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura) – We called one up near the entrance to La Mina road.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – In the mixed-species flock at Tapanti NP. Some spinetails are understory birds (genus Synallaxis), while others are canopy forages (like Cranioleuca).
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – Several in the flocks at Tapanti.
RUDDY TREERUNNER (Margarornis rubiginosus) – Just one that got away quickly at Tapanti. A Chiriqui highland endemic. [E]
STREAK-BREASTED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes rufobrunneus) – One of our great finds at Tapanti and a lifer for the guide! [E]
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – A couple were seen at Tapanti NP.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) [*]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – Singles on a few different days. Fairly common around Rancho.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – Also fairly common in the forest surrounding Rancho.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – This open country, lowland woodcreeper was seen well on a few different days.
SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – The highland equivalent of the previous species. We saw one nicely at Volcan Irazu.
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) [*]
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – Fantastic male seen in the open at EARTH.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – A few times in the mixed-species flocks at Rancho.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – A pair was a regular to the moth cloth.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – We saw one pair up high in the canopy feeding in the dead leaf clusters.
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – A pair were seen on the upper trail at Rancho and again at Tapanti. They have similar feeding behavior to Checker-throated.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul) [*]
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza laemosticta) – Seen pretty well in the steep wet understory at La Mina.
IMMACULATE ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza immaculata) – Mostly heard at Rancho, but we had one nice close encounter near the interior forest feeders. They can be tricky to see in the shadows of the forest.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THICKET ANTPITTA (Hylopezus dives) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus argentifrons) [E*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – This fruit-eating flycatcher was seen on the upper trails at Rancho.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
PALTRY TYRANNULET (Zimmerius vilissimus) – A mistletoe obligate. It feeds in the canopy on mistletoe berries, helping to spread the parasitic plant from tree to tree. This species has undergone some taxonomic changes recently. The population we saw in CR belongs to the Mistletoe group, subspecies parvus.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – A tiny flycatcher that can be difficult to see well. Heard a few times at Rancho, but eventually seen well at Tapanti.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – A very small canopy flycatcher with a loud ringing call. Seen well a few times.
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – One on the trail behind Rancho.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – Mostly heard, but one or two seen as well. Also known as Yellow-olive Flatbill.
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus) [*]
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – One was seen at the new forest clearing at Rancho.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
TAWNY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus capitalis) – This near endemic (also found in southern Nicaragua) was seen well at various times on the Rancho trails, but it also came to the moth cloth infrequently.
TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) – One was seen at Tapanti.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
DARK PEWEE (Contopus lugubris) [E*]
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – One of the common Empidonax flycatchers wintering in Costa Rica.
YELLOWISH FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flavescens) – We saw two at Tapanti NP. This species is found in the highlands of Central America.
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax atriceps) – This Chiriqui endemic was seen well at Volcan Irazu. [E]
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – Singles were seen, our first was sitting high up in the bamboo at EARTH.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra) – One was seen in the mixed-species flock on the upper trails at Rancho.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Common. Seen or heard most days.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Similar in appearance to the previous species, but has a very different call and a heavier arched bill. Seen or heard most days.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
GOLDEN-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes hemichrysus) – We had nice looks at this species in the scope while birding Silent Mountain Road.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN (Corapipo altera) – Several good looks at males with the white throats at Rancho.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus candei) – This species makes the loud snaps and wing flutters, along with strange calls. We heard several males at leks and saw them well deep inside the forest understory.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – One female was seen at EARTH and later a male on the upper forest trails at Rancho. Less common than the Masked Tityra.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – One seen at Rancho.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – We had this species near Rancho Bajo on our first walk at Rancho down the entrance road. This one isn't very common so it was a good one to find.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – A fairly common wintering vireo in CR. It has the long chatter call.
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus)
LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus) – A few times in the forest canopy. More often heard than seen.
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Cali got this one in the scope which was way up in the tops of the trees on the slopes of Volcan Irazu.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio) – Loud and common.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – The most common swallow seen on the tour.
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – This is as far south as Northern Rough-wings reach in the New World. Further south they are replaced by Southern RW. However, in this part of CR there is an overlap where both species can be seen side by side.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – Easily picked out from Northern RW by their paler rumps and tawny throats.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Numerous down on the Caribbean slope near EARTH.
MANGROVE SWALLOW (Tachycineta albilinea) – Common at EARTH. These look like Tree Swallows, but green above and with white rumps.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus) – Fairly common at different sites on the tour. Seen most days.
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN (GUATEMALAN) (Campylorhynchus rufinucha capistratus) – Seen well at the Hotel Bougainvillea in Santo Domingo. There has been talk of splitting this species into at least three taxa. This population in CR is the southern most range extension which belongs to the "Guatemala" group.
BLACK-THROATED WREN (Pheugopedius atrogularis) – Difficult to see well, but we managed to do so. Fairly common by voice.
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus thoracicus) – Like the previous species, it likes to stick to the forest understory and can be tricky to see well.
PLAIN WREN (Cantorchilus modestus) [*]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – A striking wren with a booming song. We had two follow us along the La Mina Road nearly the entire distance of our river walk!
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
OCHRACEOUS WREN (Troglodytes ochraceus) – This Chiriqui highland endemic was seen well at Irazu and again at Tapanti. [E]
TIMBERLINE WREN (Thryorchilus browni) – Not great, but we did see one skulking around in the thick treeline vegetation at Irazu.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – Really well at the moth cloth.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (WHISTLING) (Microcerculus marginatus luscinia) [*]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes melanops) – This Chiriqui endemic was seen nicely at Tapanti where it was feeding on small berries. [E]
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus gracilirostris) – Another Chiriqui endemic seen in the open at Volcan Irazu. [E]
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) – One responded nicely at Tapanti NP.
BLACK-HEADED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus mexicanus) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) [*]
SOOTY THRUSH (Turdus nigrescens) – This large thrush is a Chiriqui endemic, which we saw many times on the slopes of Irazu. [E]
MOUNTAIN THRUSH (Turdus plebejus) – A difficult one to see. We had one sit in the open (long enough for scope views) while birding the lower slopes of Irazu.
PALE-VENTED THRUSH (Turdus obsoletus) – Briefly at Tapanti.
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – The national bird of Costa Rica. We saw it a few times! ;-)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) – Has recently expanded into open areas of CR from the north. We saw them around the edges of open fields at Lake Turire.
Ptilogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHER (Phainoptila melanoxantha) – One was feeding at a fruiting bush at Tapanti NP. Chiriqui endemic. [E]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) [*]
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora cyanoptera) – One was on the upper forest trails at Rancho. Rare for this tour.
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) – This snazzy looking warbler was seen well more than a few times at Rancho incuding several brightly patterned males. They winter in good numbers in Costa Rica.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER (Oreothlypis gutturalis) – This Chiriqui endemic was seen pretty well on the slopes of Irazu. [E]
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) – A common wintering warbler on this tour.
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis poliocephala) – Seen very well and close at Lake Turire.
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
KENTUCKY WARBLER (Geothlypis formosa) [*]
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava) – Singing so closely to our group along the entrance road to EARTH.
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – Several males seen. This species winters in Costa Rica south to northern South America.
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) – A very common winterting warbler in Costa Rica. We started to separate out the males from the females!
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – This highland warbler was seen nicely at Tapanti. It can often be missed on tour.
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
COLLARED REDSTART (Myioborus torquatus) – A Chiriqui endemic that we were fortunate enough to see at Irazu. I have missed it on previous tours. [E]
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – A pair were a common presence at the Rancho feeders. The females look much different from the males.
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – This beauty was seen well near Rancho Bajo on our first day's walk.
PASSERINI'S TANAGER (Ramphocelus passerinii) – Another beauty that was thankfully a regular visitor to the Rancho feeders.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – The subspecies here is rava. In populations further south the belly and vents are white (not soft blue-gray as in Costa Rica). Seen well at EARTH and CATIE.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata) – One during our walk up Silent Mountain Road. Unfortunately, we missed a really good tanager flock here.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
SPANGLE-CHEEKED TANAGER (Tangara dowii) – Seemed these were everywhere at Tapanti! The most I have seen in one visit. We had at least 10 different individuals.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – Seen well (but not the scarlet thighs!) at CATIE.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
SHINING HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes lucidus) – One female was a surprise for the guides at EARTH.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR (Saltator atriceps) – Both Buff-throated and Black-headed were regular visitors to the Rancho feeders; this made for nice comparisons between the two species.
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina)
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila torqueola)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – Missed some years as this species appears to be somewhat nomadic. We had a number of males and females at the Birris Reservoir.
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus funereus)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa plumbea) – This nectar robbing species is a Chiriqui endemic. We saw several at Irazu. [E]
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis) – This species and the next are both Chiriqui endemics. Large-footed was seen quite nicely just below the crater on Volcan Irazu. [E]
SOOTY-FACED FINCH (Arremon crassirostris) – Seen very well at Tapanti NP. It was singing its head off! [E]
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis) [*]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
VOLCANO JUNCO (Junco vulcani) – Seen near our picnic table on Volcan Irazu. Endemic to Chiriqui highlands. [E]
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus) – Several small flocks on the last day at Tapanti. The subspecies here is novicius. The Common Bush-Tanager probably has multiple taxa involved. The ones we saw belong to the Middle American group.
SOOTY-CAPPED BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus pileatus) – A pair near our picnic grounds on Irazu were obliging. [E]
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (Habia fuscicauda)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (Chlorothraupis carmioli) – Formerly called Olive Tanager. A few people saw this species on the trails at Rancho. Loud and vocal.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris) – Several in the open fields at Hotel Turire. This is another species that has expanded into Costa Rica from the south.
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD (Dives dives) – This species first arrived to Costa Rica in the late 80's. It has expanded to all parts of the country now. Another species that has taken advantage of the fragmented and open forests.
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – This large bird lays its eggs in oropendola nests. We saw a number around Birris Reservoir on our first day, no doubt sticking close to the oropendola colony.
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE (Icterus prosthemelas)
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius) – Just one at EARTH.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – One at the Rancho feeders was a surprise. This skulky species can be difficult to see well. We were lucky!
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus uropygialis) – Always a favorite at the Rancho feeders. Their blue eyes are striking.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri) – Both species of oropendolas were regulars to the Rancho feeders; though this species was slightly less common. It is also dwarfed by the next species in size.
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius montezuma)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia luteicapilla) – This is a good tour for seeing euphonias. This species was one of the more commonly encountered ones on the tour.
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia hirundinacea)
ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima) – A pair were seen at Tapanti NP.
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA (Euphonia gouldi)
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia anneae) – Along with Yellow-crowned, this species was common on the tour. Seen well on the forest trails at Rancho.
GOLDEN-BROWED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia callophrys) [*]
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) – Two wet fur balls were seen along the entrance road to EARTH.
WHITE-THROATED CAPUCHIN (Cebus capucinus) – Two crossed the road in front of us while birding the taller forest at EARTH.
CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi) – Vernon spotted one distant in the taller forest at EARTH, but the prehensile tail was obvious.
NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO (Dasypus novemcinctus)
VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides) – This was the common large squirrel seen during our tour. It had a grayish tail with buffy spots behind the eyes. A regular to the Rancho feeders.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – Seen less frequently; just a few times around Rancho. It is smaller than Red-tailed with an entirely reddish tail.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
NORTHERN RACCOON (Procyon lotor) – This species was seen taking scraps from our picnic table on Irazu. It seemd offly high in elevation for a raccoon. I wonder if it was introduced to this site?
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We encountered other critters on our tour. A few of these included:
1) Leptophis sp. snake = this was the snake (commonly known as a parrot snake) we saw on the La Mina road foraging along the river boulders. I am not sure exactly what species, but the rounded nose and large rounded eyes seem to rule out a vine snake (Oxybelis sp.). Anyone have photos?
2) Pug-nosed Anole (Norops capito) = seen by the group birding on the upper forest trails at Rancho.
3) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) = the large iguanas that we saw at CATIE.
4) Basiliscus sp. = some of us saw a "Jesus Christ" lizard. There are three species found in Costa Rica.
5) Brazilian long-nosed Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso) = these were the small bats at our lunch spot in EARTH.
Totals for the tour: 311 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa