Costa Rica

 

22nd January – 6th February 2006

 

 

Guide:  Paco Madrigal

 

The Group:  John Allcock                 Tony Critchley

Keith Corbett                Nigel Davis                           Gordon Ellis                Ian Ellis    

Dennis Heffernan        Craig Howat  

John Szczur             Jenny Swindells

John Wightman     

      

Day 1 – 21st January.

 

The early hours of 21st January found eight of the group setting off from a rather chilly Nottingham. It wasn’t long before the first bird of the trip flew across the M1 – a Barn Owl. We were soon at Heathrow, where we met up with Tony and John S. A quick change of planes in Madrid went smoothly enough, but the long haul flight to San Jose proved fairly taxing. A brief touch down at Guatemala provided our first two neotropical birds – Great-tailed Grackles and Black Vultures.

 

We eventually arrived in San Jose, with one small problem, Gordon’s baggage failed to appear. After lots of confusion the airline staff concluded that it was enjoying an unplanned holiday in Madrid. Luckily our party didn’t have to forbear an unwashed Gordon as Iberia has a policy of providing free bags of overnight toiletries. The fact that they only had women’s toiletry bags left failed to lift Gordon’s gloom and he had to settle for a promise from Iberia to ship out the bag to Golfito.

 

We were met outside the airport by Paco, and Carlos, who would be our driver for the duration of the trip. We then made our way through the darkness to the distinctly luxurious Hotel Bougainvillea, once there we met up with the final member of the group: John A. who had arrived from Hong Kong.  John had arrived a good 10 hours previously and had already bagged 20 lifers in the hotel garden. Carlos and Paco then set off overnight on the tortuous route to Golfito, with the majority of our luggage. Apparently the plane we were due to take in the morning has nowhere near enough room to cope with our luggage.

 

Day 2 – 22nd January. Golfito / Las Cruces

 

We were up early but perhaps not so bright for a 4 am drive down to the airport. After successfully ignoring the dawn chorus of a House Sparrow, we climbed into the tiny 12 seater plane heading for Golfito in the pacific south west of Costa Rica. The flight was truly breathtaking as it went over the peaks bordering the central valley and then down the pacific coast dominated by mangroves and lowland forest. The best was saved till last as our plane banked in off the coast at canopy level to land on a tiny strip cut into the forest.

 

As our group deplaned it became obvious that we were in the midst of an overwhelming selection of birds in the forest surrounding the runway. We were treated almost immediately to such classic species as Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, White-crowned Parrots and best of all a Scarlet Macaw giving close flight and perched views. Hard as it was, we tore ourselves away in order to get to our l destination. However a breakfast stop wasn’t too bad either with several Magnificent Frigatebirds and an adult King Vulture setting the pulses racing until we set off uphill towards Las Cruces. Of course we made a couple of further stops along the way. First Paco spotted two Brown-throated Parakeets, which is a new arrival from Panama into Costa Rica and a lifer for everyone, Paco included. A second stop was for a small colony of Crested Oropendolas which are also recent arrivals to the country and not illustrated in the field guide. Another stop further up the road was initially for some stunning Swallow-tailed Kites and turned out to be quite fortuitous as a calling Black Hawk-Eagle soared in and out of the clouds, and a small flock along the roadside yielded an Olivaceous Piculet and several species of American wood warbler. We arrived at the Wilson Botanical Gardens at Las Cruces for lunch, which was interrupted by a beautiful White Hawk soaring over the forest.

 

After lunch we headed off into the forest and we weren’t far into the trees when Paco spotted some movement on the ground – Marbled Wood-quails! We all got superb views of four of these shy birds. Other birds seen in the afternoon included several Speckled Tanagers, our first hummingbirds including Snowy-bellied and Charming, with a supporting cast including Spot-crowned Euphonias and a brief Streaked Saltator. The fourth species of woodcreeper of the afternoon – an Olivaceous – was spotted by Jenny. An awesome first day wasn’t finished until after dinner as a brilliant Mottled Owl was spotlighted at point blank range.

 

 

Day 3 – 23rd January. Las Cruces / San Vito / Esquinas

 

We were up for the soon to become standard 5 am start, which for most of the group wasn’t quite early enough as Paco and Gordon, who were out a few minutes before the rest of us watched a Short-tailed Nighthawk hunting around our cabins. We set off round the grounds with one particular bird in mind. We were quickly distracted however by a Grey-necked Wood-rail showing out in the open and a wonderful Black-faced Antthrush called in by Paco. We reached a suitable vantage point for our target bird and after a painful wait Nige came up with goods. He had spotted a stunning Turquoise Cotinga at such a huge range the bird could well have been in Panama. Perhaps not the views we were hoping for of this Chiriqui endemic but its dazzling blue colour and the deep purple belly were certainly visible. A Scaled Pigeon was spotted at a similar range but several Fiery-billed Aracaris and Crested Guans allowed far closer inspection.

 

It was time to leave Las Cruces after breakfast and a stop near San Vito produced an excellent pair of Masked Ducks and a Double-toothed Kite although Chriqui Yellowthroats were nowhere to be found. We headed back down to the Pacific lowlands to Las Esquinas Lodge scoring several Red-breasted Blackbirds and Blue Ground-dove along the access track. However the most anticipated sighting was present at the lodge itself – Gordon’s bag had made it, producing expressions of relief and excitement to rival seeing the cotinga earlier in the day! We were joined at lunch by a Long-tailed Hermit feeding on insects inside the restaurant which also held many roosting White-lined Bats. Meanwhile John A spotted an excellent female Baird’s Trogon during dessert.

 

After lunch we got to grips with Slaty-tailed Trogon, Rufous and Riverside Wrens, all three species of honeycreeper, Laughing Falcon and Golden-naped Woodpecker. Momentary confusion was caused when John S shouted “Hornbill!” as a rather toucan-like bird flew over. John was of course gently informed what continent he found himself in. Before dinner several pale-phased terrestrial mammal spp. were spotted using a convenient water body close to our cabins.

 

 

Day 4 – 24th January. Esquinas / La Gambas

 

We met the local guide (name??) and a Ruddy Quail-dove on the access road bright and early and headed for the Riverbed Trail. Almost immediately we were amongst an Orange-collared Manakin lek, with several of these birds produced amazing firecracker like noises with their wings. A predictably difficult White-throated Crake was eventually seen well by just about everyone, well apart from Craig that is. A Great Currasow was to provide even more frustration as despite giving out its bizarre bovine like call for a long period it refused to approach the group of birders trying to impersonate a cow – badly. Soon more new birds came thick and fast, Black-cheeked Ant-tanagers were the main quarry and an excitable pair of this very localised endemic gave great views. An excellent mixed flock revealed Black-bellied Wren, Dot-winged Antwren, Northern Bentbill, Long-billed Gnatwren and Plain Xenops amongst others.

 

After breakfast we returned to the trail, the birding was slower but some superb birds were found including Striped Woodhaunter, White-whiskered Puffbird and Eyeringed Flatbill. Gordon decided there was nothing to lose in playing a quick blast of a recording of Black-striped Woodcreeper and amazingly within seconds, an individual of probably the best looking woodcreeeper in Costa Rica flew into a tree right above us! A relaxing lunchtime was rudely interrupted when Gordon and Ian found a Rufous Piha behind the swimming pool. A hardcore (or foolhardy) few then continued into the forest in the heat of the day only picking up a male Red-capped Manakin for their efforts. As the bedraggled group made it out of the forest they could easily have been mistaken for men that had been lost for weeks (or in Tony’s case years).

 

The afternoon session was spent along the access road with excellent birds which are generally confined to the southwest in Costa Rica such as Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Pale-breasted Spinetail and Ruddy-breasted and Yellow-bellied Seedeaters being seen. A Streaked Saltator showed well allowing everyone to catch this one up, while John W spotted a Grey-crowned Yellowthroat. However, a ridiculously close flock of Costa Rican Swifts at eye level was probably the highlight.

 

After dinner Paco decided we should tear Dennis away from his pina coladas and try for some nocturnal birds. A calling Spectacled Owl gave us the slip by the lodge, but close pair of Common Potoo’s on fence posts in La Gambas village were well appreciated. Their hilarious Clanger-like call only enhanced their status as bird of the day.

 

Day 5 – 25th January. Esquinas / El Brujo / Vista Del Valle / Cerro De La Muerte

 

The last session at Esquinas went out with a bang when a pair of rather agitated Spectacled Owls were found behind the cabins, making up for and more, for the frustration the night before. Also added to the list were a pair of Great Antshrikes and Craig had another chance to miss White-throated Crake.

After breakfast we set off northwards and we hadn’t got far when Carlos spotted a perched White Hawk, a bird you could never get tired of seeing. When stopping for petrol in El Brujo Gordon ignored the advice that a bird on a wire was a Tropical Kingbird (observers name withheld) to shout “it’s a Pearl Kite!”. This beautiful raptor is a recent arrival into Costa Rica and was Paco’s second lifer of the trip.

 

 

A further stop at a much higher altitude at Vista Del Valle did not produce the hoped for Scaled Antpitta, but we saw its nest which is just about good enough, right? Two Blue-throated Toucanets were of at least some compensation. It was quickly time to continue heading ‘uphill’ to Cerro de la Muerte which we reached in the last half hour of daylight by virtue of some excellent driving from Carlos. We quickly got superb views of Volcano Junco, but the other paramo specialist, Timberline Wren was much more difficult, although two were seen briefly. On the drive down from the “Mountain of Death” John W tried desperately to avoid developing septicaemia / gangrene in a flesh wound by reaching for his extensive medical supplies at the back of the bus. Unfortunately this ‘coincided’ with the nearby cool box falling off the seat and causing a mini-tsunami of ice and water within the bus. 

 

Day 6 – 26th January. Savegre

 

We didn’t go far for our pre-breakfast session as we walked around the lodge in beautifully temperate conditions. There were many new hummingbirds on the feeders including Magnificent, Grey-tailed Mountain-gem and the tiny Volcano and Scintillant Hummingbirds. A Slaty Flowerpiercer was seen, well, piercing flowers and a wonderful group of Sulphur-winged Parakeets were eating apples in the orchard. A major highlight was an awesome Tayra, a large mustelid which was seen climbing a tree. Paco then found the big one - a Resplendent Quetzal – impressive as it was it was only a female. Now where was the male?

 

After breakfast we travelled up the steep track to Los Robles (the oaks) by the means of a truck normally used for carrying apples. After being thrown about remorselessly, only Keith was heard to describe the journey as ‘a thrill’. The birding was excellent in the forest with a covey of Spotted Wood-quail seen at close range, several stunning Flame-throated Warblers and a mixed flock where we gleaned Yellow-thighed and Large-footed Finches and Streak-breasted Treehunter amongst others. One of our main targets Costa Rican Pygmy-owl, was heard calling several times but frustratingly refused to respond to the tape. Just when we were about to give up Paco brilliantly spotted our target high up in a tree. Superb views were had of this diminutive and localised resident of the highlands.

 

The afternoon was spent along the access road where we stumbled across an excellent flock which produced birds such as Buffy Tuftedcheek, Ruddy Treerunner, Black-cheeked Warbler and several Hairy Woodpeckers. Two ridiculously bright Golden-browed Chlorophonias were spotted by John A, but the biggest surprise was a flock of 27 Barred Parakeets that gave a couple of flypasts. This species is far more often heard than seen due to its tendency of flying at extreme heights. The highlight, however, was prpbably a pair of Resplendent Quetzal’s found feeding in a low roadside tree and giving stunning views.

 

After yet another excellent meal, despite the weather looking less than perfect we made an attempt at nightbirding. As we got out of the bus on the hillside we found that the weather was indeed far less than perfect and could easily be described as horrendous. Not surprisingly no Unspotted Saw-whet Owl stirred in the darkness. Further down into the valley we gave it one more go and amazingly a Dusky Nightjar immediately reacted, nearly decapitating several of us. We had amazing views of the bird spotlighted on a nearby wire before it flew off struggling in the wind.

 

Day 7 – 27th January. Savegre / Finca Mirador Des Quetzales / Cartago / Orotina

 

The weather had hardly improved when we woke up and the hardy few who made it out pre-breakfast had only a Golden-bellied Flycatcher to show for their efforts, although the (presumably) same flock of Barred Parakeets gave another flypast. Saying goodbye to the superb Savegre Lodge, we headed up to Finca Mirador De Quetzales more in hope than in expectation that we would see any of over remaining highland targets. If anything the weather was even worse at the farm, but we gave it a go regardless. Amazingly we had then had a quite brilliant 45 minutes or so of birding  - first came several Fiery-throated Hummingbirds after Paco imitated a Pygmy-Owl, then a Black Guan, a flock of at least 30 Spangle-cheeked Tanagers which also yielded a pair of Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatchers. The best of all was a 10 minute spell when we got stunning views of the two master skulkers confined to these altitudes – first a male Silvery-fronted Tapaculo gave its best mouse impression then a fantastic Zeledonia remained in full view for several minutes. The effort in the mud and rain had paid off.

 

Heading down towards San Jose the weather predictably changed for the better and a quick stop near Cartago where John S flushed out a Sedge Wren

 

 and an amazing pale phase Short-tailed Hawk swooped to catch some prey only yards from where we were standing. The next stop was Orotina, a small town the opposite side of San Jose. The town square is a well known stake out for Black-and-white Owl which was pointed out to us roosting in a tree by some friendly locals. Great views were had of what is surely one of the best looking neotropical owls. Also present were a couple of Hoffmans Two-toed Sloths, which somehow have taken it upon themselves to be confined to this town park. It was then onto our next base – Villa Lapas, set in lowland forest close to the Pacific coast. It was a return to humid climes and also a return to cocktail drinking. Dennis was ecstatic to find out that pina coladas were included in the room price.

 

Day 8 – 28th January. Carara NP / Villa Lapas / Jaco

 

In a dramatic contrast to the previous mornings wind and rain, we woke up to the pacific lowlands with weather that only got hotter and more humid as the day progressed. We made it to the entrance of the River Trail at Carara National Park at first light, which was immediately busy with birds – Black-hooded Antshrikes and Dusky Antbirds were amongst the most obvious. There was no contest for the star bird of the morning – a superb adult male Three-wattled Bellbird, which Paco tracked down just off the trail. We watched the bird for nearly 20 minutes repeatedly letting out its far carrying clanging call.

                                                          

 

 

 

 More new birds were coming thick and fast with highlights being a male Northern Royal Flycatcher, Lineated and Rufous-winged Woodpeckers, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper and two confiding pairs of Rufous-tailed Jacamars.

 

By lunch the heat hat got to a few members of the group so we returned for a siesta, although a Ferruginous Pygmy-owl showing brilliantly in front of our rooms raised plenty of enthusiasm.

 

 The afternoon was spent on the headquarters trail at Carara, where it was still a bit of a struggle particularly for Nigel and Ian, who stumbled through in a bit of a daze. Fortunately Jenny hit a superb run of form picking up a Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher and a brilliant pair of Golden-crowned Spadebills. A small flock produced many Chestnut-backed and at least four Bicoloured Antbirds, a Black-faced Antthrush and for a lucky few, a couple of Grey-headed Tanagers. A Muscovy Duck flushed from the river in the forest was a welcome surprise. Well over 100 species were seen in Carara over the day – an exhaustingly excellent days birding.

 

A nightbird session around the nearby town of Jaco produced excellent views of Pauraque, a brief Striped Owl. 

 

Day 9 – 29th January. Villa Lapas / Playa Azul

 

The early morning was spent walking the track on the hillside above Villa Lapas, which provided great views across to the Pacific and some excellent birds. There were good numbers of Fiery-billed Aracaris, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans and excellent numbers of North American migrants including Western Tanagers, Ovenbird, Indigo Bunting and a surprise Magnolia Warbler.

 

Next stop was Playa Azul for mangrove specialties. Within minutes we were fortunate to pick up a female Mangrove Hummingbird feeding on roadside flowers – this often elusive species was our second Costa Rican endemic of the trip. A mixed flock in the mangroves revealed a Mangrove Vireo, Panama Flycatcher, Scrub Greenlet and several glowing Prothonotary Warblers. While watching waders from the porch of the nearby Tarcol Lodge John A picked out a Zone-tailed Hawk doing its best Turkey Vulture impression.

 

At Tarcol Bridge we skilfully avoided being hit by the volume of holiday traffic and deflected into the waiting jaws of several huge Central American Crocodiles waiting beneath. Only John S stuck it out though and called us back to see our target species - a superb adult Collared Plover that had 3 well grown chicks.

 

Back at Villa Lapas after lunch we walked the trails of the lodge looking for Streak-chested Antpitta and Long-tailed Manakin. The antpitta avoided us like only antpittas can do, however we were rewarded with stunning views of two male Long-tailed Manakins. Other notable birds were Slaty Antwren, 2 Painted Buntings and a brief Kentucky Warbler. We also finally got good views of Blue-throated Goldentail by virtue of Craig – this was a hummingbird that had given only frustratingly brief views until now. A fitting end to the day was the site of two Scarlet Macaws which decided to come into the Villa Lapas grounds to roost.

 

 

Day 10 – 30th January. Villa Lapas / Hacienda  Solimar / Las Salinas De Colorado

 

After a final Villa Lapas breakfast we travelled northwards up the pacific coast through the dry, arid region of Guanacaste. The first new bird was a soaring Harris’ Hawk and then a small roadside pond produced 23 Least Grebes and a Solitary Sandpiper. After reaching Hacienda Solimar we went on a pre-lunch walk with the local guide, Dimitrio. Some species typical of dry forests came easily and included Banded Wren, Cinnamon Hummingbird, White-lored Gnatctacher, Olive Sparrows and Streak-backed Oriole. Quite predictably Lesser Ground-cuckoo took a little bit more work, but after a bit of perseverance we were treated to wonderful close views of this awesome bird.

 

Dimitrio then led us on a trip out of the Solimar grounds to the Las Salinas De Colorado. These salt pans were teeming with shorebirds including Marbled Godwits, Short-billed Dowitchers, Western, Least and Semi-palmated Sandpipers and many Willet. A large flock of Royal Terns and Black Skimmers on closer inspection held several Gull-billed and Sandwich Terns and also a single Elegant Tern. At this point the heat started to take its toll again and we travelled back via a local beer ‘shop’ – quickly bypassing local children trying to encourage us to watch some cock fighting, we achieved our goal in packing the cool box with many cans of Imperial. On the journey back to Solimar Ian won a round of beer from Paco by spotting a pair of Double-striped Thick-knees, while also turning several clumps of earth into a small covey of Spot-bellied Bobwhite.

 

Beyond the lodge Dimitrio then led us to one of the true spectacles of the holiday. First was a nest holding an adult and two young Jabiru. Even at the distance the nest was at, the sheer size of the adult was impressive.

Then we progressed onto some marshy fields which were covered in waterbirds – over 300 Wood Storks and 50 Limpkins were present along with many herons, Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling-ducks and a few Muscovy Ducks. The highlight was again Jabiru – two imperious adults were watched at close range from the bus. Snail Kites sauntered around us while a crocodile refused to get out of the way of the bus as we tried to get across a ford on the road. Oh and I forgot the beautiful Spot-breasted Orioles in the nearby trees. Incredible  stuff.  Things weren’t finished though – as we drove back to the lodge many Yellow-naped Parrots came into roost and a Pacific Screech-owl was spotlighted in the garden.

 

Day 11 – 31st January. Hacienda Solimar / Arenal Observatory Lodge

 

Up before first light again, in the company of Dimitrio we visited a different section of dry forest soon picking up Scrub Euphonia and Grey-headed Kite near the bus. Within the gallery forest a White-necked Puffbird had the honour of being our 400th bird of the trip. Thereafter though things got a tougher; a roosting pair of Spectacled Owls were well appreciated and after Craig had recorded his customary shaky video shot he strolled round the corner to find a Thicket Tinamou on the trail. Although the bird called several times only metres away no one else could get on to it. A very vocal Collared Forest-falcon then also made it onto the ‘so near yet so far’ list when Dimitrio spotted it in the crown of a tree, ensuring a rapid dash through the tall grass. Tony quickly succumbed to the terrain gashing his elbow. Most of the other participants carefully jumped over his stricken form only to find that his desperate cries of agony had seemingly flushed the falcon.

 

We left Guanacaste and on to the tortuous route around Lake Arenal, which was enlivened by the bizarre sight of a flock of Anhingas soaring on thermals. As well as the condition of the road, the weather was also deteriorating. Arriving at Arenal Lodge things were definitely on the damp side. In a brief respite we quickly added 3 new species of wren including the superb Black-throated. Suddenly the rain then got turned up to 11. Game over.

 

Tinamou apart, the major dip of the day was Arenal Volcano, which was altogether elusive in the poor conditions. However, it did go down as a ‘heard’ due to the several threatening rumbles that emanated from somewhere within the cloud. This of course only encouraged Dennis and Craig to sample the ‘lava flow’ cocktail in the bar.

 

Day 12 – 1st February. Arenal Observatory Lodge / Fortuna

 

We woke up expecting the worst but miraculously the rain had lifted, so we quickly hit the waterfall trail. Calling Thicket Antpittas frustrated us but there was plenty of other action to focus on, including an excellent perched Semi-plumbeous Hawk, Streak-crowned Antvireo and several stunning and confiding Spotted Antbirds. Heading back to breakfast a male Black-crested Coquette was feeding in the garden. This amazing bird was voted hummer of the trip so far. After breakfast we were straight back on the trail and if anything activity had picked up; we spent half an hour watching a mixed feeding group which revealed Bicoloured and Spotted Antbirds, Rufous Motmot, Olive Tanagers and Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner amongst others. Other new birds further along the trail were Black-and-white Becard, Black-headed Nightingale-thrush and amazing views of Song Wren (although pride of place has to got to go to its totally ridiculous song).

 

Back for lunch we were treated to the hordes of birds visiting the feeders outside the restaurant, which included Hepatic Tanager. Also observed were boulders tumbling down the side of the volcano which was now showing well, as was Craig’s voracious appetite, which mirrored the spectacle of the flock of Montezuma Oropendolas devouring bananas outside. A mystery Dendroica warbler that was observed in the rain the previous day was also still present and a lengthy discussion concluded that it was a Blackpoll – a rarity in Costa Rica.

 

After lunch we covered sections of the peninsula road, with a couple of fairly unrealistic target species in mind. Sometimes miracles do happen and in the space of a couple of minutes we had seen a pair of brilliant Bare-crowned Antbirds and a stupidly rare Keel-billed Motmot. Amongst the excitement a Broad-billed Motmot and Band-backed Wren were pretty much ignored. Things almost came unstuck though, when Dennis timed his daily fall to coincide with the critical moment when the antbirds were about to show. Fortunately he only took Keith down with him and eventually everyone got on  to the birds. The motmot is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by BirdLife International and is regularly seen at only a handful of places on earth. Awesome stuff.

 

Down the road in Fortuna we got to grips with pairs of Southern Lapwing and Tropical Mockingbird, which while not rare in global terms, but have only recently been recorded in Costa Rica.

 

In celebration the Cocktail List hit new heights in the evening, with new sightings including a ‘White Hawk’ and champage all round to celebrate the day.

 

Day 13 – 2nd February. Arenal Observatory Lodge / Mirador De Colibris / La Paz Waterfall Gardens / La Virgen Del Socorro

 

Our final morning at Arenal resembled how it was when we arrived – rain. We were therefore very grateful for the previous days conditions. We did have one thing in mind though – Mission Thicket Antpitta. Yet again many were heard though one bird gave itself up to around half of the group.

 

With no time to waste we quickly travelled on to the Caribbean slope, with a few stops along the way before we reached our lowland destination. The first was the Mirador de Colibri’s Café, where although there were not as many hummers about as we had hoped, we got excellent views of the final mainland Costa Rican endemic – Coppery-headed Emerald. Other new birds included Brown Violet-ear, Green-crowned Brilliant, Sooty-faced Finch and both Red-headed and Prong-billed Barbets. Then it was up the hill to the increasingly commercial La Paz Waterfalls – where the normally nailed on Black-bellied Hummingbirds gave us the slip. Compensatory birds took the form of Purple-throated Mountain-gem and Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush. Compensatory measures for John W and Jenny took the form of the ubiquitous souvenir shops.

At the base of the waterfall outside of the gardens Paco spotted a Green-fronted Lancebill which was amazingly flycatching from a rock in the middle of the rushing water! A quick final stop was a La Virgen del Soccoro where we got views of a female Immaculate Antbird, Spotted Barbtail, Smoky-brown Woodpecker and some close Collared Trogons.

 

 

Day 14 – 3rd February. La Selva / Selva Verde

 

The majority of the today was spent at the famous La Selva research station. The entrance track alone was stunning – Yellow-tailed Oriole, pairs of both Chestnut-coloured and Cinnamon Woodpeckers and best of all a male Snowy Cotinga. At the field station we were joined by the OTS guide Rodolfo who gave us the news that Sungrebe had been seen 3 days ago and tantalisingly, an umbrellabird only 2 days ago. A check of the river produced no sign of Sungrebe – so far so predictable. However, we were soon watching a excellent pair of Tiny Hawks giving unprecedented prolonged perched views and Rodolfo tracked down a Slaty-breasted Tinamou that silently walked ahead of us by the trail. We then started the hunt for our main quarry and as time ticked on all we had for our efforts was a Semi-plumbeous Hawk. Just as defeat seemed unavoidable Paco whispered “I see it!” – and there it was, just 20 metres away perched at eye level – a male Bare-necked Umbrellabird. A truly memorable bird that none of us had expected to see.

 

Back at Selva Verde for lunch, Gordon quickly tracked down one of the resident Sunbitterns along the river and we were then later treated to amazing views of a Streak-chested Antpitta. On the way back to La Selva a Bat Falcon was watched perched by the roadside. Within the field Station a Little Tinamou gave us the runaround for the best part of an hour, only brief flight views and silhouettes of a small chicken-type bird were as good as it got. As dusk fell we waited on the suspension bridge over the river and before long we were joined by a Short-tailed Nighthawk feeding bat like around the trees. A nightbird hunt produced a brief Mottled Owl and an out of sight calling Vermiculated Screech-owl but nothing else of note (including snakes, thankfully).

 

Day 15 – 4th February. Selva Verde / La Selva / El Tigre Marsh

 

The pre-breakfast session within the forest surrounding the bungalows at Selva Verde got off to a late start due to some oversleeping on someone’s behalf (mentioning no names…Nige). This proved to be a fatal error as while waiting for the rest of the group some of the bungalow residents, were treated to a flyover of two absolutely huge Great Green Macaws. Although of little consolation the bungalow ‘front garden’ held an excellent selection of North American migrants including Willow Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, two Kentucky, male Hooded and Golden-winged Warblers.

 

It was then back to La Selva to try and clear up on any species we missed the previous day. The bogey bird of the trip so far had clearly been Green Shrike-vireo, which we had heard on numerous days in several locations. Despite extensive scans through canopies and repeated playback of a tape, it was quite frankly getting embarrassing that we hadn’t even had a glimpse. However, just over the suspension bridge at La Selva, Paco did the trick when spotting a superb Shrike-vireo just 10m off the ground following a flock of Black-faced Grosbeaks. Relief! Despite this early success La Selva was strangely quiet and we were struggling with Antshrikes in particular. We eventually scored a pair of Western Slaty-Antshrikes but Fasciated were unusually keeping out of sight. Back for lunch at Selva Verde there was more last minute relief for Tony, Nige and John S (who missed the previous days bird), when a Snowy Cotinga appeared by the bus as we were loading luggage.

 

The afternoon involved a drastic change of habitat with a visit to El Tigre Marsh. Wellies were the order of the day. Unfortunately Keith and John W weren’t too quick off the mark and were left with some rather comical boots which barely went over their ankles.

 

At the marsh we were quickly onto many Nicaraguan Seedfinches with their daft pink bills and also several Green Ibis in the trees. Suddenly a fantastic Pinnated Bittern was flushed and gave good flight views. We were soon past the magical 500 for the trip when a pair of Olive-crowned Yellowthroats appeared. Craig also got his just rewards for his now long standing crake frustration, when a White-throated Crake was caught exposed on a ditch bank. Synchronised panic by both the bird and Craig ensured that a fine spectacle was on display. Happy with our achievements we got a bit blasé about the correct route back to the bus and quite predictably, pungent mud was quickly flowing into Keith’s boots. Ian of course, found this highly amusing and distracted by laughter unfortunately found himself sunk down into 3 feet of mud.

 

After dinner Paco led us on a night walk around Selva Verde hoping for a Great Potoo. To the concern of some this took us in pitch black darkness along the Fer De Lance trail. No birds were seen, which is perhaps unsurprising when someone twitchily flashes his torch light at his feet every 5 seconds.

 

 

Day 16 – Selva Verde / El Gavilan Lodge / Braulio Carillo NP / Hotel Bougainvillea

 

Heavy rain the previous afternoon had the realists among us concluding that the Great Green Macaws would have roosted somewhere near Braulio and would not return over the lodge this morning. Despite this a hardy few staked out a suitable position at 0600 on the dot. Miraculously there they came squawking over the canopy at precisely the same time as yesterday morning. Just rewards for putting in the effort or extreme luck?!

 

We were then quickly back on the road, stopping quickly at El Gavilan Lodge where Central American Pygmy-owl called but refused to show and so prevented us from completing the Pygmy-owl set. Although in time added on, Nige spotted a last ditch Chestnut-headed Oropendola amongst the Montezuma’s. It was then on to Braulio Carillo National Park, which consists of an excellent extent of mid-elevation forest. A first roadside stop was actually an old fruit farm which attracts many hummingbirds. The highlight was a cracking male Snowcap picked up by Craig, whilst also present were a male Blue-chested Hummingbird, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer and Green Thorntail. The trail at the ranger station proved slow going although we were picking up some great birds – an immature Ornate Hawk-eagle soared over the canopy, then a mixed flock caused some excitement. Ian first picked up a gaudy Blue-and-gold Tanager but his rather poor directions consisted of “erm well, its in the tree..” or something to that effect. Fortunately John S soon picked it up amongst several Black-and-yellow Tanagers. The trail at this point was narrow causing a few viewing difficulties. The strain of a long trip was obviously taking it toll and tempers were frayed. One of the most memorable quote at this point included “It’s only a Baltimore Oriole you tw@t!”.  Calming down, a female Lattice-tailed Trogon showed well and a lower down flock held Tawny-crested Tanagers, Ashy-throated Bush Tanager (for John A at least) and Cinnamon Woodpecker. With the skies darkening we tried the trail across the road, which produced a quality male White-crowned Manakin but little else. Ian and John strolled back hoping to pick up some other goodies when they suddenly realised everyone else had retreated to the bus. So possibly prematurely we traded primary rainforest for a garden in San Jose.

 

The grounds at Hotel Bougainvillea are no ordinary gardens however – both Prevosts and White-eared Ground Sparrows, Greyish Saltator and Melodious Blackbird were new trip birds. The luxury of the hotel wasn’t appreciated as much as it could have been though – it was quickly discovered that the bar was closed due to some bizarre clause in the electoral code that prevents the sale of alcohol during the general elections which had started today. Not even the offer of $100 could shift the barman, so Fanta it was for our last night in Costa Rica.

 

 

Day 17 – Hotel Bougainvillea / Volcan Barva

 

Our last morning and John A left early for his flight back to Hong Kong via LA. Four surprise Chimney Swifts flew over the hotel and we then travelled up to the slopes of Volcan Barva. We had excellent views of several highland species including Scintillant and Volcano Hummingbirds, Flame-coloured Tanager and Yellowish Flycatcher. Best of all were a pair of Chestnut-capped Brushfinches which were new for the trip. A perched accipiter proved unidentifiable through the foliage, while a calling Orange-billed Nightingale-thrush remained hidden. We then relaxed on the porch of Paco’s house with spectacular views over the valley below.

 

A smooth journey home involved a stop over in Panama airport where there were several potential cocktail lifers on the menu. We were soon stopped in our tracks when the waiter only offered “beer, beer, beer”, which turned out to be a brand called Soberana. What an anti-climax!

 

 

Many thanks to everyone, especially Paco and Carlos, for contributing to such a successful and fun trip. The final species total reached a staggering 514 species seen with 4 other species being “single observer records”. Twelve other species were “heard only’s”.

 

Trip List

 

Bold=Endemic

C=Common

 

 

Species

Scientific Name

Days /17

High Count

Total Count

1

Great Tinamou

Tinamous major

1

1

1

2

Little Tinamou

Crypterellus soui

1

2

2

3

Slaty-breasted Tinamou

Crypterellus boucardi

1

1

1

4

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

1

22

22

5

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

3

200

244

6

Olivaceous Cormorant

Phalacrocorax brasilianus

5

30

65

7

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

4

30

41

8

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

3

25

51

9

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

5

25

29

10

Great Egret

Ardea alba

7

100

130

11

Tricoloured Heron

Egretta tricolour

3

3

5

12

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

11

5

23

13

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

7

15

35

14

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

13

C

C

15

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

5

2

8

16

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

1

6

6

17

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

1

3

3

18

Boat-billed Heron

Cochlearius cochlearia

1

4

4

19

Bare-throated Tiger-heron

Tigrisoma mexicanum

4

20

24

20

Fasciated Tiger-heron

Tigrisoma fasciatum

2

1

2

21

Pinnated Bittern

Botaurus pinnatus

1

1

1

22

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

3

350

380

23

Jabiru

Jabiru mycteria

1

5

5

24

Green Ibis

Mesembrinibus cayennensis

1

5

5

25

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

6

30

75

26

Roseate Spoonbill

Ajaja ajaja

2

6

8

27

Fulvous Whistling-duck

Dendrocygna bilcolor

1

1

1

28

Black-bellied Whistling-duck

Dendrocygna autummnalis

1

400

400

29

Muscovy Duck

Cairina moschata

2

2

3

30

Blue-winged Teal

Anas discors

2

18

28

31

Masked Duck

Oxyura dominica

1

2

2

32

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

17

C

C

33

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

17

C

C

34

King Vulture

Sarcoramphus papa

3

3

5

35

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

5

2

7

36

Grey-headed Kite

Leptodon cayenensis

3

3

5

37

American Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoided forficatus

6

15

35

38

Pearl Kite

Gampsonyx swainsonii

1

1

1

39

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

5

3

10

40

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

1

5

5

41

Double-toothed Kite

Harpagus bidentatus

1

1

1

42

Plumbeous Kite

Ictinia plumbea

1

2

2

43

Tiny Hawk

Accipiter superciliosus

1

2

2

44

Semiplumbeous Hawk

Leucopternis semiplumbeus

2

1

2

45

White Hawk

Leucopternis albicollis

2

1

2

46

Mangrove Black-hawk

Buteogallus subtitles

1

4

4

47

Harris’ Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

1

3

3

48

Grey Hawk

Buteo nitidus

6

5

14

49

Roadside Hawk

Buteo magnirostris

5

3

11

50

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6

2

9

51

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

5

2

6

52

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albontatus

1

1

1

53

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

2

4

5

54

Black Hawk-eagle

Spizaetus tyrannus

1

1

1

55

Ornate Hawk-eagle

Spizaetus ornatus

1

1

1

56

Crested Caracara

Plancus cheriway

5

5

11

57

Yellow-headed Caracara

Milvago chimachima

6

4

10

58

Laughing Falcon

Herpetotheres cachinnans

5

1

5

59

Merlin

Falco columbarius

1

1

1

60

Bat Falcon

Falco rufigularis

1

1

1

61

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

2

1

1

62

Grey-headed Chachalaca

Ortalis cinereiceps

4

5

18

63

Crested Guan

Penelope purpurascens

6

9

27

64

Black Guan

Chamaepetes unicolor

2

3

4

65

Spot-bellied Bobwhite

Colinus leucopogon

1

3

3

66

Marbled Wood-quail

Odontophorus gujanensis

1

4

4

67

Spotted Wood-quail

Odontophorus erythrops

1

7

7

68

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

1

45

45

69

White-throated Crake

Latterallus algigularis

2

1

2

70

Grey-necked Wood-rail

Aramides cajanea

2

2

3

71

American Purple Gallinule

Porphyrula martinica

1

6

6

72

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

1

4

4

73

Sunbittern

Eurypyga helias

3

2

5

74

Northern Jacana

Jacana spinosa

9

40

61

75

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

3

156

156

76

Double-striped Thick-knee

Burhinus bistriatus

1

2

2

77

Southern Lapwing

Vanellus chilensis

1

2

2

78

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

2

100

105

79

Semi-palmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

2

6

9

80

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

1

1

1

81

Collared Plover

Charadrius collaris

1

4

4

82

Wilson’s Snipe

Gallinago delicate

1

3

3

83

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limodromnus griseus

1

80

80

84

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

1

6

6

85

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

2

50

56

86

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

1

1

1

87

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

1

5

5

88

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

2

2

3

89

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularia

5

10

20

90

Willet

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

2

100

107

91

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

3

35

48

92

Semi-palmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

2

50

51

93

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

2

40

50

94

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

2

30

45

95

Laughing Gull

Larus atricilla

2

45

65

96

Gull-billed Tern

Sterna nilotica

1

10

10

97

Elegant Tern

Sterna elegans

1

1

1

98

Sandwich Tern

Sterna sandvicensis

2

5

6

99

Royal Tern

Sterna maxima

1

300

300

100

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

1

40

40

101

Feral Pigeon

Columba livia

5

N/C

N/C

102

Scaled Pigeon

Patagioenas speciosa

1

1

1

103

Band-tailed Pigeon

Columba fasciata

3

9

17

104

Pale-vented Pigeon

Columba cayennensis

5

6

20

105

Red-billed Pigeon

Columba flavirostris

2

3

6

106

Short-billed Pigeon

Columba nigrirostris

4

4

9

107

Ruddy Pigeon

Columba sunvinacea

1

1

1

108

Mourning Dove

Zenaida macrooura

1

1

1

109

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

2

180

220

110

Common Ground-dove

Columbina passerina

3

4

7

111

Ruddy Ground-dove

Columbina talpacoti

10

30

140

112

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

5

30

51

113

Blue Ground-dove

Claravis pretiosa

3

25

29

114

White-tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi

10

6

29

115

Grey-chested Dove

Leptotila cassinii

1

2

2

116

Ruddy Quail-dove

Geotrygon montana

2

2

3

117

Great Green Macaw

Ara ambigua

1

2

2

118

Scarlet Macaw

Ara macao

4

20

40

119

Crimson-fronted Parakeet

Aratinga finschi

3

10

13

120

Brown-throated Parakeet

Aratinga pertinax

2

3

4

121

Olive-throated Parakeet

Aratinga nana

2

7

13

122

Orange-fronted Parakeet

Aratinga canicularis

2

8

14

123

Sulphur-winged Parakeet

Pyrrhura hoffmanni

2

20

32

124

Barred Parakeet

Bolborhynchus lineola

2

27

27

125

Orange-chinned Parakeet

Brotogeris jugularis

6

4

9

126

Brown-hooded Parrot

Pionopsitta haematotis

2

5

7

127

White-crowned Parrot

Pionus senilus

8

40

113

128

White-fronted Parrot

Amazona albifrons

2

2

4

129

Red-lored Parrot

Amazona autimnalis

5

4

15

130

Yellow-naped Parrot

Amazona auropalliata

2

60

80

131

Mealy Parrot

Amazona farinosa

5

4

12

132

Squirrel Cuckoo

Piaya cayana

6

2

8

133

Smooth-billed Ani

Crotophaga ani

4

6

15

134

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

7

60

151

135

Striped Cuckoo

Tapera naevia

4

1

4

136

Lesser Ground-cuckoo

Morococcyx erythropygus

1

1

1

137

Pacific Screech-owl

Megascops cooperi

1

1

1

138

Mottled Owl

Ciccaba virgata

2

1

2

139

Black-and-white Owl

Ciccaba nigrolineata

1

1

1

140

Spectacled Owl

Pulsatrix perspicillata

2

2

4

141

Costa Rican Pygmy-owl

Glaucidium costaricanum

1

1

1

142

Ferruginous Pygmy-owl

Glaucidium brasilianum

3

3

5

143

Striped Owl

Asio clamator

1

1

1

144

Common Potoo

Nyctibius griseus

1

3

3

145

Short-tailed Nighthawk

Lurocalis semitorquatus

1

1

1

146

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

2

10

11

147

Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis

3

6

8

148

Dusky Nightjar

Caprimulgus saturatus

1

1

1

149

White-collared Swift

Streptoprocne zonaris

7

200

438

150

Costa Rican Swift

Chaetura fumosa

4

100

123

151

Grey-rumped Swift

Chaetura cinereiventris

2

40

50

152

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

1

4

4

153

Vaux’s Swift

Chaetura vauxi

1

4

4

154

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift

Panyptila cayennensis

1

2

2

155

Band-tailed Barbthroat

Threnetes ruckeri

3

2

4

156

Green Hermit

Phaethornis guy

4

8

14

157

Western Long-tailed Hermit

Phaethornis longirostris

5

2

6

158

Stripe-throated Hermit

Phaethornis striigularis

7

1

7

159

Green-fronted Lancebill

Doryfera ludovicae

1

1

1

160

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird

Phaeochroa cuvierii

4

2

5

161

Violet Sabrewing

Campylopterus hemileucurus

4

5

8

162

White-necked Jacobin

Florisuga mellivora

6

3

15

163

Brown Violet-ear

Colibri delphinae

1

1

1

164

Green Violet-ear

Colibri thalassinus

3

40

66

165

Green-breasted Mango

Anthracothorax prevostii

4

2

5

166

Violet-headed Hummingbird

Klais guimeti

4

6

15

167

Black-crested Coquette

Lophornis helenae

1

2

2

168

Green Thorntail

Discosura conversii

2

4

5

169

Fiery-throated Hummingbird

Panterpe insignis

1

10

10

170

Coppery-headed Emerald

Elvira cupreiceps

1

8

8

171

Violet-crowned Woodnymph

Thalurania columbica

6

3

9

172

Blue-throated Goldentail

Hylocharis eliciae

2

3

4

173

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

Amazilia tzacati

12

C

C

174

Cinnamon Hummingbird

Amazilia rutila

2

2

4

175

Blue-chested Hummingbird

Amazilia amabilis

2

1

2

176

Charming Hummingbird

Amazilia decora

1

2

2

177

Mangrove Hummingbird

Amazilia boucardi

1

1

1

178

Steely-vented Hummingbird

Amazilia saucerottei

3

3

5

179

Snowy-bellied Hummingbird

Amazilia edward

1

1

1

180

Snowcap

Michrochera albocoronata

1

1

1

181

Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer

Chalybura urochrysia

4

4

9

182

Purple-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis calolaema

2

1

2

183

Grey-tailed Mountain-gem

Lampornis cinereicauda

2

20

26

184

Green-crowned Brilliant

Heliodoxa jacula

1

20

20

185

Magnificent Hummingbird

Eugenes fulgens

2

40

60

186

Purple-crowned Fairy

Heliothryx barroti

4

2

6

187

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

3

3

9

188

Scintillant Hummingbird

Selasphorus scintilla

3

15

20

189

Volcano Hummingbird

Selasphorus flammula

3

5

9

190

Black-headed Trogon

Trogon melanocephalus

3

2

6

191

Baird’s Trogon

Trogon bairdii

2

1

2

192

Violaceous Trogon

Trogon violaceous

3

3

5

193

Collared Trogon

Trogon collaris

2

2

4

194

Orange-bellied Trogon

Trogon aurantiiventris

1

1

1

195

Black-throated Trogon

Trogon rufus

1

3

3

196

Slaty-tailed Trogon

Trogon massena

4

2

7

197

Lattice-tailed Trogon

Trogon clathratus

1

1

1

198

Resplendent Quetzal

Pharomachrus mocinno

1

3

3

199

Belted Kingfisher

Ceryle alcyon

1

1

1

200

Ringed Kingfisher

Ceryle torquata

5

2

6

201

Amazon Kingfisher

Chloroceryle amazona

5

2

6

202

Green Kingfisher

Chloroceryle americana

6

2

10

203

American Pygmy Kingfisher

Chloroceryle aenea

1

1

1

204

Blue-crowned Motmot

Momotus momota

6

3

10

205

Rufous Motmot

Baryphthengus martii

1

1

1

206

Keel-billed Motmot

Electron carinatum

1

1

1

207

Broad-billed Motmot

Electron platyrhynchum

4

2

5

208

Turquoise-browed Motmot

Eumomota superciliosa

3

1

3

209

Rufous-tailed Jacamar

Galbula ruficauda

2

4

5

210

White-necked Puffbird

Bucco macrorhynchos

2

2

3

211

White-whiskered Puffbird

Malacoptila panamensis

3

1

3

212

Red-headed Barbet

Eubucco bourcierii

1

2

2

213

Prong-billed Barbet

Semnornis frantzii

1

1

1

214

Blue-throated Toucanet

Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis

1

2

2

215

Collared Aracari

Pteroglossus torquatus

5

12

33

216

Fiery-billed Aracari

Pteroglossus frantzii

3

7

16

217

Keel-billed Toucan

Ramphastos sulfuratus

5

8

15

218

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan

Ramphastos swainsonii

7

12

48

219

Olivaceous Piculet

Picumnus olivaceus

1

1

1

220

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

2

15

17

221

Golden-naped Woodpecker

Melanerpes chrysauchen

2

2

3

222

Black-cheeked Woodpecker

Melanerpes pucherani

6

8

22

223

Red-crowned Woodpecker

Melanerpes rubricapillus

4

10

25

224

Hoffmanns’ Woodpecker

Melanerpes hoffmannii

3

3

6

225

Hairy Woodpecker

Picoides villosus

1

4

4

226

Smoky-brown Woodpecker

Veniliornis fumigatus

1

2

2

227

Rufous-winged Woodpecker

Piculus simplex

2

1

2

228

Golden-olive Woodpecker

Piculus rubiginosus

1

2

2

229

Cinnamon Woodpecker

Celeus loricatus

2

2

3

230

Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker

Celeus castaneus

1

2

2

231

Lineated Woodpecker

Dryocopus lineatus

1

3

3

232

Pale-billed Woodpecker

Campephilus guatemalensis

1

2

2

233

Pale-breasted Spinetail

Synallaxis albescens

1

1

1

234

Red-faced Spinetail

Cranioleuca erythrops

1

1

1

235

Spotted Barbtail

Premnoplex brunnescens

1

1

1

236

Ruddy Treerunner

Margarornis rubiginosus

3

4

9

237

Plain Xenops

Xenops minutus

2

2

4

238

Buffy Tuftedcheek

Pseudocoloptes lawrencii

1

1

1

239

Streak-breasted Treehunter

Thripadectes rufobrunneus

1

1

1

240

Lineated Foliage-gleaner

Hyloctistes subalaris

1

1

1

241

Striped Woodhaunter

Hyloctistes subulatus

1

1

1

242

Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner

Philydoe rufus

1

1

1

243

Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner

Automolus  ochrolaemus

2

1

2

244

Tawny-winged Woodcreeper

Dendrocincla anabatina

1

3

3

245

Plain-brown Woodcreeper

Dendrocincla fulginosa

2

1

2

246

Olivaceous Woodcreeper

Sittasomus griseicapillus

3

1

3

247

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper

Glyphorhynchus spirurus

7

3

12

248

Northern Barred Woodcreeper

Dendrocolaptes sanctihomae

2

3

4

249

Cocoa Woodcreeper

Xiphorhynchus sussurans

3

3

5

250

Black-striped Woodcreeper

Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus

1

1

1

251

Spotted Woodcreeper

Xiphoryhnchus erythropygius

4

2

5

252

Streak-headed Woodcreeper

Lepidocolaptes souleyetii

9

2

13

253

Spot-crowned Woodcreeper

Lepidocolaptes affinis

2

12

14

254

Great Antshrike

Taraba major

2

2

3

255

Barred Antshrike

Thamnophilus doliatus

4

4

9

256

Black-hooded Antshrike

Thamnophilus bridgesi

4

10

23

257

Western Slaty Antshrike

Thamnophilus atrinucha

1

1

1

258

Russet Antshrike

Thamnistes anabatinus

2

4

5

259

Plain Antvireo

Dysithamnus mentalis

2

3

4

260

Streak-crowned Antvireo

Dysithamnus striaticeps

1

2

2

261

Slaty Antwren

Myrmotherula schisticolor

2

1

2

262

Dot-winged Antwren

Microrhopias quixensis

2

4

6

263

Dusky Antbird

Cercomacra tyrannina

4

6

9

264

Bare-crowned Antbird

Gymnocichla nudiceps

1

2

2

265

Chestnut-backed Antbird

Myrmeciza exsul

3

5

9

266

Immaculate Antbird

Myrmeciza immaculata

1

1

1

267

Bicoloured Antbird

Gimnopithys leucaspis

2

4

7

268

Spotted Antbird

Hylophylax naevioides

1

7

7

269

Black-faced Antthrush

Formicarius analis

2

1

2

270

Streak-chested Antpitta

Hylopezus perspicillatus

1

1

1

271

Fulvous-bellied Antpitta

Hylopezus dives

1

1

1

272

Silvery-fronted Tapaculo

Scytalopus argentifrons

1

1

1

273

Rufous Piha

Lipaugus unirufus

1

1

1

274

Turquoise Cotinga

Cotinga ridgwayi

1

1

1

275

Snowy Cotinga

Carpodectes nitidus

2

1

2

276

Bare-necked Umbrellabird

Cephalopterus glabricollis

1

1

1

277

Three-wattled Bellbird

Procnias tricarunculata

1

1

1

278

White-collared Manakin

Manacus candei

2

2

3

279

Orange-collared Manakin

Manacus aurantiacus

2

3

6

280

White-ruffed Manakin

Corapipo leucorrhoa

5

2

6

281

Long-tailed Manakin

Chiroxiphia linearis

1

2

2

282

White-crowned Manakin

Pipra pipra

1

1

1

283

Blue-crowned Manakin

Pipra coronata

2

3

4

284

Red-capped Manakin

Pipra mentalis

2

2

4

285

Southern Beardless-tyrannulet

Camptostoma obsoletum

1

2

2

286

Yellow Tyrannulet

Capsiempis flaveola

4

6

11

287

Yellow-bellied Elaenia

Elaenia flavogaster

7

1

7

288

Mountain Elaenia

Elaenia frantzii

3

6

11

289

Torrent Tyrannulet

Serpophaga cinerea

2

3

5

290

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher

Mionectes oleagineus

2

2

4

291

Slaty-capped Flycatcher

Leptopogon superciliaris

1

4

4

292

Paltry Tyrannulet

Zimmerius vilissimus

6

6

12

293

Black-capped Pygmy-tyrant

Myiornis atricapillus

1

1

1

294

Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant

Lophotriccus pileatus

2

4

5

295

Northern Bentbill

Oncostoma cinereigulare

2

2

3

296

Black-headed Tody-flycatcher

Todirostrum nigriceps

1

1

1

297

Common Tody-flycatcher

Todirostrum cinereum

9

8

23

298

Eye-ringed Flatbill

Rhynchocyclus brevirostris

1

1

1

299

Yellow-olive Flycatcher

Tomomyias sulphurescens

2

2

4

300

Yellow-margined Flycatcher

Tolomyias assimilis

2

2

3

301

Golden-crowned Spadebill

Platyrinchus coronatus

1

2

2

302

Northern Royal Flyactcher

Onychorrhynchus mexicanus

1

1

1

303

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher

Terenotriccus erythrurus

1

2

2

304

Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher

Myiobius sulphureipygius

1

2

2

305

Tufted Flycatcher

Mitrephanes phaeocercus

1

1

1

306

Dark Pewee

Contopus lugubris

1

2

2

307

Tropical Pewee

Contopus cinereus

2

2

3

308

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

4

2

5

309

Acadian Flyactcher

Empidonax virescens

1

1

1

310

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

1

2

2

311

Yellowish Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviscens

2

2

3

312

Black-capped Flycatcher

Empidonax altriceps

2

3

4

313

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

1

1

1

314

Long-tailed Tyrant

Colonia colonus

2

1

2

315

Bright-rumped Attila

Attila spediceus

1

2

2

316

Rufous Mourner

Rhytipterna holerythra

3

2

4

317

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

5

2

7

318

Panama Flycatcher

Myiarchus panamensis

1

1

1

319

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

2

4

6

320

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

3

2

5

321

Great Kiskadee

Pitangus sulphuratus

16

C

C

322

Boat-billed Flycatcher

Megarhynchus pitangua

6

4

10

323

Social Flycatcher

Myiozetetes similis

11

C

C

324

Grey-capped Flycatcher

Myiozetetes granadensis

6

10

22

325

White-ringed Flycatcher

Coryphotriccus albovittatus

1

2

2

326

Golden-bellied Flycatcher

Myiodynastes hemichrysus

2

2

3

327

Streaked Flycatcher

Myiodynastes maculatus

2

1

2

328

Piratic Flycatcher

Legatus leucophaius

2

3

4

329

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

17

C

C

330

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

3

4

9

331

Fork-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus savana

1

3

3

332

Cinnamon Becard

Pachyramphus cinnamomeus

2

3

5

333

White-winged Becard

Pachyramphus polychopterus

3

5

7

334

Black-and-white Becard

Pachyramphus albogriseus

1

1

1

335

Rose-throated Becard

Pachyramphus aglaiae

7

3

15

336

Masked Tityra

Tityra semifasciata

7

9

24

337

Black-crowned Tityra

Tityra inquisitor

1

6

6

338

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5

30

58

339

Grey-breasted Martin

Progne chalybea

3

10

16

340

Mangrove Swallow

Tachycineata albilinea

5

10

22

341

Blue-and-white Swallow

Notiochelidon cyanoleuca

10

C

C

342

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

4

10

24

343

Southern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

7

10

42

344

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica erythrogaster

4

50

84

345

Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher

Pahinoptila melanoxantha

1

2

2

346

Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher

Ptilogonys caudatus

2

20

21

347

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

1

1

1

348

Band-backed Wren

Campylorhynchus zonatus

1

2

2

349

Rufous-naped Wren

Campylorhynchus rufinucha

4

12

25

350

Black-throated Wren

Thryothorus atrogularis

2

2

3

351

Black-bellied Wren

Thryothorus fasciatoventris

1

2

2

352

Rufous-breasted wren

Thryothorus rutilus

2

1

2

353

Riverside Wren

Thryothorus semibadius

2

8

11

354

Bay Wren

Thryothorus nigricallus

1

3

3

355

Stripe-breasted Wren

Thryothorus thoracicus

4

4

8

356

Banded Wren

Thryothorus pleurostictus

1

1

1

357

Rufous-and-white wren

Thryothorus rufalbus

2

2

3

358

Plain Wren

Thryothorus modestus

4

3

6

359

Southern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon musculus

8

8

34

360

Ochraceous Wren

Troglodytes ochraceus

2

2

3

361

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus platensis

1

1

1

362

Timberline Wren

Thryorchilus browni

2

2

3

363

White-breasted Wood-wren

Henicorhina leucosticta

5

2

7

364

Grey-breasted Wood-wren

Henicorhina leucophrys

3

2

4

365

Song Wren

Cyphohrinus phaeocephalus

1

2

2

366

Grey Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

1

1

1

367

Tropical Mockingbird

Mimus gilvus

1

2

2

368

Black-faced Solitaire

Myadestes melanops

2

3

4

369

Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush

Catharus fuscater

1

1

1

370

Black-billed Nightingale-thrush

Catharus gracilirostris

3

12

17

371

Ruddy-capped Nightingale-thrush

Catharus frantzii

1

3

3

372

Black-headed Nightingale-thrush

Catharus mexicanus

2

1

2

373

Swainson’s Thrush

Catharus ustulantus

5

3

7

374

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

7

2

8

375

Sooty Thrush

Turdus nigrescens

2

25

40

376

Mountain Thrush

Turdus plebejus

3

10

20

377

Pale-vented Thrush

Turdus obsoletus

3

10

14

378

Clay-coloured Thrush

Turdus grayi

17

C

C

379

White-throated Thrush

Turdus assimilis

3

1

3

380

Tawny-faced Gnatwren

Microbates cinereiventris

2

1

2

381

Long-billed Gnatwren

Ramphocaenus melanurus

2

1

2

382

White-lored Gnatctacher

Polioptila albiloris

1

2

2

383

Tropical Gnatctacher

Polioptila plumbea

7

3

11

384

White-throated Magpie-jay

Calocitta formosa

2

8

11

385

Brown Jay

Cyanocorax morio

3

2

7

386

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

2

8

9

387

Mangrove Vireo

Vireo pallens

1

1

1

388

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4

2

5

389

Yellow-winged Vireo

Vireo carmioli

2

2

3

390

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

2

1

2

391

Scrub Greenlet

Hylophilus flavipes

1

1

1

392

Tawny-crowned Greenlet

Hylophilus ochraceiceps

1

1

1

393

Lesser Greenlet

Hylophilus decurtatus

7

16

36

394

Green Shrike-vireo

Vireolanius pulchellus

1

1

1

395

Yellow-bellied Siskin

Carduelis xanthogastra

1

3

3

396

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

4

1

4

397

Tennessee Warbler

Vermivora peregrina

16

C

C

398

Flame-throated Warbler

Parula gutturalis

1

3

3

399

Tropical Parula

Parula pitiayumi

6

2

7

400

Yellow Warbler

Dendroica petechia

10

8

29

 

Mangrove Warbler

Dendroica petechia erithacorides

1

2

2

401

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Dendroica pensylvanica 

15

C

C

402

Magnolia Warbler

Dendroica magnolia

1

1

1

403

Black-throated Green Warbler

Dendroica virens

4

15

19

404

Blackburnian Warbler

Dendroica fusca

2

3

4

405

Blackpoll Warbler

Dendroica striata

3

1

1

406

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7

5

11

407

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

1

2

2

408

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

1

6

6

409

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapillus

1

1

1

410

Northern Waterthrush

Seiurus noveboracensis

5

4

13

411

Louisiana Waterthrush

Seiurus motacilla

1

2

2

412

Kentucky Warbler

Oporornis formosus

4

2

5

413

Mourning Warbler

Oporornis philadelphia

1

1

1

414

Olive-crowned Yellowthroat

Geothlypis semiflava

1

2

2

415

Grey-crowned Yellowthroat

Geothlypis poliocephala

2

1

2

416

Hooded Warbler

Wilsonia citrina

2

1

2

417

Wilson’s Warbler

Wilsonia pusilla

7

30

61

418

Slate-throated Whitestart

Myioborus miniatus

4

6

16

419

Collared Whitestart

Myioborus torquatus

1

8

8

420

Golden-crowned Warbler

Basileuterus culicivorus

3

4

8

421

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

4

2

5

422

Black-cheeked Warbler

Basileuterus melanogenys

2

2

4

423

Three-striped Warbler

Basileuterus tristriatus

1

2

2

424

Buff-rumped Warbler

Phaeothlypis fulvicauda

7

6

20

425

Zeledonia

Zeledonai coronata

1

1

1

426

Bananaquit

Coereba flaveola

8

20

57

427

Common Bush-tanager

Chlorospingus opthalmicus

5

30

60

428

Sooty-capped Bush-tanager

Chlorospingus pileatus

2

40

65

429

Black-and-yellow Tanager

Chryothlypis chrysomelas

1

3

3

430

Dusky-faced Tanager

Mitrospingus cassinii

1

6

6

431

Olive Tanager

Clorothraupis carmiloi

3

10

24

432

Grey-headed Tanager

Eucometis penicillata

1

2

2

433

White-shouldered Tanager

Tachyphonus luctuosus

4

4

9

434

White-lined Tanager

Tachyphonus rufus

1

2

2

435

Tawny-crested Tanager

Tachyphonus delatrii

1

7

7

436

Red-throated Ant-tanager

Habia fuscicauda

2

5

7

437

Black-cheeked Ant-tanager

Habia atrimaxillaris

1

3

3

438

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

2

4

5

439

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

12

5

32

440

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

1

10

10

441

Flame-coloured Tanager

Piranga bidentata

4

12

19

442

Crimson-collared Tanager

Phlogothraupis sanguinolenta

3

2

5

443

Passerini’s Tanager

Ramphocelus passerinii

6

C

C

444

Cherrie’s Tanager

Ramphocelus costaricensis

5

C

C

445

Blue-grey Tanager

Thraupis episcopus

16

C

C

446

Palm Tanager

Thraupis palmarum

14

C

C

447

Blue-and-gold Tanager

Bangsia arcaei

1

2

2

448

Scrub Euphonia

Euphonia affinis

1

3

3

449

Yellow-crowned Euphonia

Euphonia luteicapilla

1

2

2

450

Yellow-throated Euphonia

Euphonia hurundinacea

5

3

11

451

Thick-billed Euphonia

Euphonia laniirostris

2

3

4

452

Spot-crowned Euphonia

Euphonia imitans

4

6

14

453

Olive-backed Euphonia

Euphonia gouldi

5

3

13

454

White-vented Euphonia

Euphonia minuta

1

2

2

455

Tawny-capped Euphonia

Euphonia anneae

2

1

2

456

Golden-browed Chlorophonia

Chlorophonia callophrys

2

2

4

457

Plain-coloured Tanager

Tangara inornata

1

1

1

458

Emerald Tanager

Tangara florida

3

3

6

459

Silver-throated Tanager

Tangara icterocephala

9

50

93

460

Speckled Tanager

Tangara guttata

2

6

9

461

Bay-headed Tanager

Tangara gyrola

5

6

16

462

Golden-hooded Tanager

Tangara larvata

10

6

28

463

Spangle-cheeked Tanager

Tangara dowii

1

30

30

464

Scarlet-thighed Dacnis

Dacnis venusta

1

1

1

465

Blue Dacnis

Dacnis cayana

2

1

2

466

Green Honeycreeper

Chlorophanes spiza

4

12

18

467

Shining Honeycreeper

Cyanerpes lucidus

2

4

5

468

Red-legged Honeycreeper

Cyanerpes cyaneus

4

8

19

469

Blue-black Grassquit

Volatinia jacarina

11

C

C

470

Variable Seedeater

Sporophila aurita

9

C

C

471

White-collared Seedeater

Sporophila torqueola

4

4

9

472

Yellow-bellied Seedeater

Sporophila nigricollis

1

20

20

473

Ruddy-breasted seedeater

Sporophila minuta

1

1

1

474

Nicaraguan Seed-finch

Oryzoborus nuttingi

1

25

25

475

Thick-billed Seed-finch

Oryzoborus funereus

4

2

6

476

Yellow-faced Grassquit

Tiaris olivacea

5

8

20

477

Slaty Flowerpiercer

Diglossa plumbea

2

4

7

478

Sooty-faced Finch

Lysurus crassirostris

1

1

1

479

Yellow-thighed Finch

Pselliophorus tibialis

2

4

7

480

Large-footed Finch

Pezopetes capitalis

2

6

10

481

Chestnut-capped Brush-finch

Atlapetes brunneinucha

1

2

2

482

Orange-billed Sparrow

Arremmon aurantiirostris

6

2

10

483

Olive Sparrow

Arremon rufivirgatus

1

2

2

484

Black-striped Sparrow

Arremonops conirostris

7

6

19

485

Prevost’s Ground-sparrow

Melozone biarcuatum

1

1

1

486

White-eared Ground-sparrow

Melozone leucotis

1

3

3

487

Stripe-headed Sparrow

Aimophila ruficauda

3

3

6

488

Rufous-collared Sparrow

Zonothrichia capensis

7

C

C

489

Volcano Junco

Junco vulcani

1

4

4

490

Streaked Saltator

Saltator striatipectus

2

1

2

491

Greyish Saltator

Saltator coerulescens

1

3

3

492

Buff-throated Saltator

Saltator maximus

11

C

C

493

Black-headed Saltator

Saltator atriceps 

1

3

3

494

Black-faced Grosbeak

Caryothraustes poliogaster

3

20

40

495

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheuticus ludovicanus

5

8

16

496

Blue-black Grosbeak

Cyanocompsa cyanoides

2

1

2

497

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

1

1

1

498

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

1

2

2

499

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

4

15

18

500

Red-breasted Blackbird

Sturnella militaris

4

15

24

501

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

2

5

7

502

Melodious Blackbird

Dives dives

1

10

10

503

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

16

C

C

504

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

6

100

155

505

Giant Cowbird

Scaphidura oryzivora

1

1

1

506

Yellow-tailed Oriole

Icterus mesomelas

1

1

1

507

Spot-breasted Oriole

Icterus pectoralis

1

3

3

508

Streak-backed Oriole

Icterus pustulatus

1

4

4

509

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

16

C

C

510

Black-cowled Oriole

Icterus prosthemelas

2

2

3

511

Yellow-billed Cacique

Amblycercus holosericeus

1

2

2

512

Crested Oropendola

Psarocolius decumanus

2

4

5

513

Chestnut-headed Oropendola

Psarocolius wagleri

1

1

1

514

Montezuma Oropendola

Psarocolius montezuma

7

C

C

 

 

 

Species Heard Only

 

 

 

Collared Forest-falcon

Micrastur semitorquatus

 

Great Currasow

Crax rubra

 

Vermiculated Screech-owl

Otus guatemalae

 

Central American Pygmy-owl

Glaucidium griseiceps

 

Fasciated Antshrike

Cymbilaimus lineatus

 

Ocellated Antbird

Phaenostictus mcleannani

 

Nightingale Wren

Microcerculus philomela

 

Scaly-breasted Wren

Microcerculus marginaus (luscinia)

 

Silvery-throated Jay

Cyanolyca argentigula

 

Orange-billed Nightingale-thrush

Catharus aurantirostris

 

Rufous-browed Peppershrike

Cyclarhis gujanensis

 

Black-thighed Grosbeak

Pheuticus tibialis

 

One observer records

 

 

Thicket Tinamou

Crypturellus cinnamomeus

 

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorus

 

Ashy-throated Bush-tanager

Chlorospingus canigularis

 

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

 

Other Taxa

 

Mammals

Central American Squirrel Monkey

Saimiri oerstedii

 

Mantled Howler Monkey

Alouatta palliate

 

White-faced Capuchin

Cebus capucinus

 

Hoffmans’ Two-toed Sloth

Chloepus hoffmanii

 

Three-toed Sloth

Bradypus variegates

 

Central American Agouti

Dasyprocta punctata

 

White-nosed Coatimundi

Nasua narica

 

Tayra

Eira Barbara

 

Southern Tamandua Anteater

Tamandua tetradactyla

 

Collared Peccary

Tayassu tajaru

 

Variegated Squirrel

Sciurus variegatoides

 

Red-tailed Squirrel

Sciurus granatensis

 

Greater White-lined Bat

Saccopteryx bilineata

 

 

 

Reptiles & Amphibians

American Crocodile

Crocodylus acutus

 

Spectacled Caiman

Caiman crocodiles

 

Green Iguana

Iguana iguana

 

Spiny-tailed Iguana