A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour COSTA RICA: The Introtour · 2016-10-19 · Tropical Birding Trip Report Costa Rica: The Introtour February 2016 +1-409-515-0514 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Costa Rica: The Introtour February 2016

www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-0514 [email protected] Page

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A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour

COSTA RICA: The Introtour 13-23 February 2016

Tour Leader: Cameron Cox

Scarlet Macaw. Photo by John Turner

Thanks to trip participants John and Maggie Turner for contributing outstanding photos

(The species in the photos are highlighted in RED).



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INTRODUCTION

For birders and lovers of wildlife Costa Rica offers an experience that is hard to top. While there are plenty of birds, Costa Rica offers an experience that is more than just typical birding experience; it offers phenomenal views of species that are often tough, like Great Curassow and several species of tinamou, it’s the opportunity to consistently see rarely observed tropical mammals like sloths and other wildlife like the impressive basilisk lizards, better known as Jesus Christ lizards that run across the surface of the water when startled, it offers incredible sights around every corner be it bird, bug, or scenic view. Costa Rica boasts both quality and quantity! Costa Rica’s quality was apparent on this trip over and over but particularly when a male Black-crested Coquette repeatedly hovering right in front of us, in the stunning looks at both Great Green and Scarlet Macaws we enjoyed, in watching a Northern Tamandua, an arboreal anteater, tear into a termite mound, in the surprise of a Streak-chested Antpitta hopping into the trail right in front of us, in exceptional view after exceptional view of stunning Resplendent Quetzals, and in the surprise Three-wattled Bellbird at the 11th hour of the trip. On the quantity front we enjoyed 29 species of hummingbirds, 13 species of doves, 8 species of trogons, 12 species of parrots, 15 species of wrens, and 21 species of tanagers. Clearly Costa Rica is overflowing with wildlife, but what really sets Costa Rica apart is the ease with which you can encounter it. The country has an excellent network of National Parks, numerous private reserves, well maintained trails, and very little hunting pressure. This means birds and other animals are numerous, easy to get to, and often easy to see with less of the wariness common in tropical regions. This gorgeous and diverse country well deserves its reputation as a birding paradise. Our trip explored Caribbean influenced lowlands, lush, cool mountain valleys, humid forests on the edge of the Pacific, and dripping cloud forests that hosted numerous hummingbirds. The combination of the hospitality, beauty, and incredible birdlife of Costa Rica made our trip a pleasure from beginning till end.

Day 1 (of birding): Braulio Carri l lo National Park to La Selva

We start our first day of birding at Hotel Robledal, a quiet family hotel near the airport in San Jose with attractive grounds that also host some attractive birds. While we had very little time before getting on the road but we did see a striking SPOT-BREASTED ORIOLE to jumpstart the trip.

Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush. Photo Maggie Turner



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Soon though our bus driver, Rodrigo, who was destined to be a key contributor to the success of this trip, arrived and we all loaded up and headed to Braulio Carrillo National Park. We climbed out of the sunny Central Valley and descended down into the heavily forested Caribbean slope while threatening clouds formed overhead. Arriving at Braulio our luck kept the rain away, as it did virtually the entire trip, and we were greeted by a CROWNED WOOD-NYMPTH in the parking lot. As is often the case with Braulio our trek along the trail system started out very quiet but eventually birds began to show themselves. We had several quick but good looks at TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIAS, a Caribbean slope specialty. Then we obtained strikingly good looks at a feisty DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD, usually a dedicated skulker. Then after enjoying the sweet, musical song of a BLACK-HEADED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH it decided to gives us one of those world beating, I-can’t-believe-it’s-so-close moments that remain engraven in the mind forever, particularly when such a strikingly beautiful bird is involved. It seemed that great views of key species was going to be the theme of the day! Our final highlight on the trail was watching the supercharged antics of a pair of TAWNY-FACED GNATWRENS foraging along the edge of an army ant swarm. Talk about high energy!

The always impressive Black-crested Coquette! Photo John Turner

Just a short way down the road we stopped in at El Tapir Hummingbird Gardens; a tiny little gem of a reserve that is always loaded with birds. Nearly as soon as we walked in a BLACK-CRESTED COQUETTE began to put on an unbelievable show! It hovered right in front of us and landed in the open on a bare branch. An absolute stunner! It was far from the only one though; El Tapir was like a faucet of birdlife on full blast! GREEN THORNTAILS flitted in and out among the flowers and occasionally chased the coquette. A PALE-VENTED THRUSH gorged itself on palm berries. Several TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGERS and a couple of EMERALD TANAGERS added spice to large flocks of SILVER-THROATED TANAGERS moving through the treetops. A female SNOWCAP gave good views but the male remained elusive. A BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER buzzed through and gave quick looks. Both GREEN and STRIPE-THROATED HERMITS also made quick appearances. The noisy and ever impressive BAY WREN popped out the undergrowth long enough for all to appreciate this handsome bird. Finishing up at El Tapir we headed to lunch where we were serenaded by an overly enthusiastic Valentine Day crooner and enjoyed scopes views of a BAT FALCON. La Selva Biological Station, our home for the next two days, was our next stop after lunch. After settling into our rooms the group



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gathered and headed out to explore. While there were a wide variety of birds to capture our attention, initially raptors stole the show. Exceptional scope views of a LAUGHING FALCON gave everyone good tropical raptor vibes, then a pair of hunting BAT FALCONS staged an impressive aerial show, finally a several CRESTED CARACARAS flew by at close range. Then the parrot show took over; flock after flock of RED-LORED PARROTS, a handful of WHITE-CROWNED PARROTS viewed in the scope, then a pair of MEALY PARROTS that flew into a tree right above us and began to eat right out in the open. All paled though before the largest and loudest show in town, a stunning pair of GREAT GREEN MACAWS that gave us incredible views both in flight and perched for over twenty minutes! It was a great capper to an excellent day! Day 2: La Selva

As we headed to breakfast our driver, Rodrigo, spotted a woodpecker which proved to be a striking CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER. Soon afterward, right before breakfast, a pair of KING VULTURES flew directly overhead as GRAY-RUMPED SWIFTS whipped back and forth. After breakfast we ventured out onto the trails with our local guide Joel. Before we even started out we had a BLACK-THIGHED GROSBEAK, a migrant to the lowlands from the mountains and a good bird at La Selva. Soon afterwards we were enjoying eye-level views of a pair of SLATY-TAILED TROGONS. Next we encountered a gorgeous pair of RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMARS and then a surprisingly cooperative pair of FASCIATED ANTSHRIKES, so close we could see the red of their eyes. A pair of BROAD-BILLED MOTMOTS became our first members of the motmot family. Farther down the trail, near the bridge a TROPICAL GNATCATCHER came in to check us out and several CRESTED GUANS placidly ate berries from a laden tree, allowing us point-blank views.

Northern Tamandua. Photo John Turner



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Across the bridge we went on a lengthy hike through the old growth forest. Sometimes old growth is loaded with birds and sometimes it just a pleasant walk through an impressive tropical jungle almost devoid of birds. It seemed like it was going to be the later on this day but finally we hit a home run, though a mammalian one not avian. Rodrigo, who had come along with us, spotted a NORTHERN TAMANDUA, a small arboreal anteater, tearing apart a termite mound! It was one of highlights of the entire trip! Joel, though he walks these trails daily, sees anteaters only about twice a year. It made short work of the termites while we looked on with awe and glee! We weren't done with mammals that morning though, as we walked on the trails back towards the entrance we found two HOFFMAN’S TWO-TOED SLOTH’S. Just before lunch we located a pair of breathtaking GREAT CURRASOWS walking casually along the edge of the forest. Poking around the clearing right after lunch we enjoyed good looks at the striking WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN that, predictably, drew rave reviews.

No place like Costa Rica to see the gleam in the eye of a Great Curassow!

Photo John Turner In the afternoon we were back in the old growth forest hoping for a stellar bird or two. We quickly located several of the normally retiring OLIVE-BACKED QUAIL-DOVES and where able to get excellent looks at them after several minutes of crouching and staring into the deep shadows of the understory. Farther down the trail a GREAT TINAMOU stalked out right in front of the group as if it had not care! Costa Rica is the place to see game birds that are often highly elusive in most locations. In very few places can you see Great Tinamous with no fear of humans. A female BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE, often an elusive species, was our final prize of the afternoon. Finally just before dinner our last sight of the day was a noisy flock of ten Great Green Macaws flight directly over us.



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Day 3: La Selva to Sevagre

Our final morning at La Selva began with a GRAY-CHESTED DOVE walking around right in the middle of the road in plain view. This was a reoccurring theme on this trip, secretive species that suddenly forgot that they were supposed to be secretive! It's better to be lucky than good! In a fruit bearing tree we enjoyed a stately male WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN and an eye-popping RED-CAPPED MANAKIN as well as a large number of OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIAS. In the gardens across the main bridge a SHORT-BILLED PIGEON was gorging itself in another fruit tree. Our first SQUIRREL CUCKOO of the trip put on an excellent show. A whole flock of BLACK-FACED GROSBEAKS invaded the garden and allowed us to take our time viewing them in the scope. A group of tityras flitting through the treetops proved not to be the expected Masked Tityras, but the much scarcer BLACK-CROWNED TITYRAS. Another venture into the old growth forest proved even quieter than our previous jaunts but we did get our first good looks at the impressive PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER and the unassuming OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. Then, in keeping with the theme of the trip, we had excellent looks at BLACK-THROATED WREN, a species that generally keeps itself hidden deep in vine-choked thickets. Right before heading back for lunch we were able to get phenomenal scope views of the largest of the motmot clan, the monstrous RUFOUS MOTMOT. Finally as we were loading on the bus we were able to watch a BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER sitting in the open and preening.

Soon after leaving, along the road, we were able to get good views of a perched ROADSIDE HAWK and a BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON.

Then we left the lowlands and headed to the cool temperatures of the mountains. As we approached the mountains the sun was shining and the wind was calm, perfect conditions for visiting the high mountain peaks of Cerro De La Muerte. These conditions were too good to waste so we changed our plans and headed up to the famous antennas at the mountain’s peak. Immediately upon arrival we located a pair of very cooperative VOLCANO JUNCOS, always a crowd-pleaser because of their confiding behavior. Next a pair of TIMBERLINE WRENS worked themselves into a frenzy of anger and indignation at our presence but we were able to get a few reasonable looks at them. A flock of SOOTY-CAPPED CHLOROSPINUS also included an ahhh-inducing FLAME-THROATED WARBLER. VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRDS were buzzing everywhere and a few adult males flashed their unique purplish-blue throats.

Volcano Junco. Photo John Turner



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After enjoying the mountaintop birds and the stunning mountaintop views we headed down to our lodging in the Savegre Valley and dinner.

Day 4: Savegre

The gorgeous, flower-laden, mountain valley of Savegre is best-known for its most beautiful resident, the Resplendent Quetzal, more striking than any flower or mountain scenery. We awoke and soon loaded on the bus and headed back up the valley to a well-known spot for quetzals. Well-known enough that quite a crowd had gathered before we got there. But the crowd was well-rewarded for rising early. Over the course of the next hour we enjoyed crushing views of five different RESPLENDANT QUETZALS, two adult males with full tails that were truly resplendent, two males with shorter tails, and a female. The glowing green backs and flashing crimson bellies in addition to the billowing tails of the males made for an exceptional show. It was the perfect day-after-birthday present for one of our group and everyone was ecstatic. A cooperative male COLLARED TROGON and an EMERALD TOUCANET added to the show. Before boarding the bus to head back for breakfast we picked up a small flock of BLACK-CHEEKED WARBLERS working along at eye level.

Resplendent Quetzal. Wow! Photo John Turner

Back at the hotel we enjoyed an excellent breakfast and headed out onto the beautiful grounds of our hotel. The hummingbird feeders were attracting MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRDS, gorgeous WHITE-THROATED



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MOUNTAIN-GEMS, GREEN VIOLETEARS, STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS, SCINTILLANT HUMMINGBIRD, and a few VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRDS. Several striking YELLOW-THIGHED FINCHES were coming to the seed feeder. Walking around the property we located several FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS, stunning COLLARED REDSTARTS, YELLOW-WINGED VIREO, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, SLATY FLOWERPIERCER, and the always impressive FLAME-THROATED WARBLERS.

Magnificent Hummingbirds are pretty magnificent!

Photo John Turner At the nearby Waterfall Trail we had brief but good looks at SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEETS and found another BLACK-THIGHED GROSBEAK and even got scope views of it. On the way out a large flock of COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS had a WILSON’S WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, and an OLIVACOUS WOODCREEPER moving with them.

After lunch we headed to Trogon Lodge where we located a BLACK PHOEBE. On the back trail we enjoyed a picturesque mountain stream. Finally after a bit of searching we located the bird we were looking for, a pair of LARGE-FOOTED FINCHES. We even located the nest and watched them bring in nest material to the growing nest cup. Up the slope from Trogon Lodge we found another pair of RESPLENDANT QUETZALS and were able to enjoy this pair and take all the photos we wanted without have to engage in elbow-to-elbow combat with the crowd like we did in morning. As dusk began to fall we were able to get views of a pair of WRENTHRUSHES bouncing about in a dense thicket.



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As dusk became darkness we were up near the top of the valley and began to hear the throaty calls of DUSKY NIGHTJARS over the rising wind. The wind did us no favors but we were able to call in a Dusky Nightjar briefly that part of the group glimpsed. While better views of the nightjar would have been nice, overall it was an exceptional day!

Slaty Flowerpiercer in the scenic valley of Savegre. Photo John Turner

Day 5: Savegre to Carara

The following morning before breakfast the exceptional birding continued. We first went looking for wood-quail and soon we heard their loud, boisterous calls. Another group was looking at a small group of SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL, but as they moved away from the other birders they moved right in front of us, giving excellent looks of this usually elusive species. Next a SPOT-CROWNED WOODCREEPER hitched itself up a nearby tree. Then an absolutely stunning male RED-HEADED BARBET dropped everyone's jaws. A BLACK GUAN flew right past us to keep the excitement up. Then a drab but scarce species and always a great find, a DARK PEWEE sat out in the open for views in the scope. All this in just an hour before breakfast!

After breakfast we went looking for Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, a bird that I had heard calling a number of times around our hotel but the group had yet to connect with. So began an epic quest that required us to walk all over the hotel grounds seemingly one step behind our quarry for nearly half an hour before finally a male LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER perched out in the open on a dead snag and we were able to get the scope on it briefly. Finally! In addition, we obtained excellent looks at TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD while looking for the silky.



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Rainbow-throated Hummingbird in the rain. Photo John Turner

With this final success we loaded on the bus and left this mountain paradise. We climbed out of the valley but we stayed in the mountains for our next stop at Paraiso de Quetzals, home of Fiery-throated Hummingbirds and exceptional coffee. Arriving at Paraiso we found the feeders packed with FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS; glowing, iridescent rainbows clad in feathers. Stunning! A pair of BLACK-AND-YELLOW SILKY-FLYCATCHERS became our next new bird. Then a SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH was seen by some members of our group and heard by all. A small feeding flock included a pair of RUDDY TREERUNNERS and BARRED PARAKEETS could be heard as flocks flew overhead but could not be seen due to low cloud cover.

We loaded on the bus and headed towards the coast but made a stop halfway there at a little roadside open-air restaurant with an incredible view of a forested valley to enjoy the view. Sipping sodas and looking out at soaring vultures suddenly I noticed a large dark raptor with very flat wings, then it gave a little flap and I could see fine white barring on the underwing. There was a moment of disbelief, I couldn’t possibly be seeing a Black Hawk-Eagle at this this random roadside stop. Disbelieving or not I couldn't let my group miss this bird so I went running through the restaurant screaming, “GET ON THIS BIRD!” trying to get the entire group gathered up so all could see it. If any of the locals at the restaurant harbored any doubts about the sanity of this group of



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binocular-wielding gringos my behavior put us far beyond any hope of redemption. Definitely insane! However we did get everyone looking at the bird just in time for it to head directly away giving completely unsatisfying views. But wait, when just a little dot it turned and began coming back. The dot grew and grew into an unmistakable BLACK HAWK-EAGLE and then things got really crazy as two dark-morph SHORT-TAILED HAWKS took umbrage with the presences of this huge flying menace and began to swoop on and harass it. It was one of those moments that words cannot capture, UNBELIVABLE!

Back on the bus just a few miles down the road we pulled over when a juvenile KING VULTURE cruised by at eye level, but had disappeared by the time the bus got stopped. However several SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were swooping all over the place and put on a great show making the stop very worthwhile. Our next stop was down in the lowlands when a striking CHERRIES TANAGER crossed the road in front of us. Hopping off the bus we got to see the Cherries Tanager, a few PALM TANAGERS, a group of ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEETS, a calling RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER, a glimpse of a flyby LINEATED WOODPECKER, and a group of WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATERS. A productive stop!

Driving north along the coast we began to encounter lowlands raptors, a ROADSIDE HAWK, several GRAY HAWKS, and two WHITE-TAILED KITES; also several SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS hawking insects from wires. A bit farther north we made two stops at roadside wetlands that netted a number of new species for our trip: RINGED KINGFISHER, LEAST GREBE, ANHINGA, ORCHARD ORIOLE, and a large number of wading birds highlighted by a WOOD STORK and ROSEATE SPOONBILL. A BAT FALCON came ripping past at such speed that we could hear the wind whistling through its wings. Pressing on we saw a distant SCARLET MACAW winging its way heavily over a distant treeline. The final bird of the day before dusk fell but only the first of many Scarlet Macaws. Just after darkness fell we arrived at Hotel Villa Lapas.

Day 6: Carara National Park & Tarcoles River Cruise

Scarlet Macaw. Maggie Turner



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Early the next morning we got our first taste of birding on the grounds of Hotel Villa Lapas. A pair of MUSCOVY DUCKS flew in along stream behind the hotel and landed right in front of us, showing off the green highlights to their blackish plumage. Overhead large numbers of COSTA RICAN SWIFTS coursed. Three FIERY-BILLED ARICARIS plucked fruits from a tree right overhead giving excellent looks. Then a pair of SCARLET MACAWS flew over and landed on the slope above the hotel creating a quintessential tropical scene as they scrambled around the tree using their bills to help pull themselves along. A YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER attracted our attention, several ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS munched berries, and ROSE-THROATED BECARD capped our prebreakfast birding.

Muscovy Duck. John Turner

After breakfast we departed for the River Trail at Carara National Park. Our first bird along the trail was a cooperative BLACK-HOODED ANTSHRIKE. Then a STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT buzzed through a stand of flowers and a PLAIN XENOPS hung upside down on a limb that stretched over the path. Then a pair of BARRED ANTSHRIKES performed so well that we could clearly see their tails waggling as they called. A perched PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY was seen by part of the group. A WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD down near eye-level gave us exceptional views. Walking back along the trail we located a very vocal group of wrens singing loudly from a dense thicket. In time we were able to get good views of the handsome BLACK-BELLIED WREN and a few quick glimpses of a RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN. Nearby a BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH hopped into an open spot for a moment and with luck we were able to get most of the group glimpses of this secretive ground-dweller. A STREAKED FLYCATCHER was a bit of a surprise so deep in the forest but cooperatively gave good views. Finally an attractive pair of RIVERSIDE WRENS was uncharacteristically confiding. We next made a quick jaunt around the main trail at Carara, netting great views of GREAT TINAMOU, a family group of PALE-BILLED WOODPECKERS, and a BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK.



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No one told this Great Tinamou that it is supposed to be hard

to see! Photo John Turner In the afternoon we headed out for a boat ride on the Rio Tarcoles, always an extravaganza of birds and this day was no exception. Before even setting foot on the boat we saw TRICOLORED HERON, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, and plenty of close views of MANGROVE SWALLOWS. Once on the boat we soon were enjoying excellent looks at several COMMON BLACK-HAWKS then we floated right up to a CRESTED CARACARA, the closest I've even been to this species. Several shorebirds ran along the shoreline, a WHIMBREL, several WILLETS, and several SPOTTED SANDPIPERS while a GREEN HERON looked on. An OSPREY tore into a large fish on an exposed perch and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS stalked along the shore. We were looking at a group of BLACK-NECKED STILTS when suddenly a CRANE HAWK tried to sneak behind us, giving us only a quick glimpse. Two highly colorful species shone in the afternoon sun, a gleaming PURPLE GALLINULE and several noisy NORTHERN JACANAS. Then a GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL was located strutting through a small puddle and while that was a surprise, a bigger surprise was a second Gray-necked Wood-Rail nearby standing on a bunch of bananas that were ripening on a tree, bending over to peck vigorously at the fruit! Several BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERONS moved along the river nonchalantly occasionally flushing groups of GROOVE-BILLED ANIS. Then the boat driver brought us right up to a group of three stunning TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOTS, without question among the most gorgeous birds in the world! Finally at farthest point up the river we were treated to views of a number of SOUTHERN LAPWINGS, a large handsome plover. We headed back toward the mouth of the river adding RINGED KINGFISHER and a BELTED KINGFISHER along the way. While we had seen several American Crocodiles up to this point, our captain brought us alongside a monster, an eighty-year-old behemoth, seventeen feet long, dubbed “Osama” by our captain, an old confederate of this impressive croc. On the mudflat near the river’s mouth BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and RUDDY TURNSTONES probed steadily while groups of ROYAL TERNS and LAUGHING GULLS stood in groups. Nearby a large swirl of MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRDS were dropping on baitfish with elegant vengeance while BROWN PELICANS joined the feast. A vision of pink, a ROSEATE SPOONBILL swung its head back-and-forth, sifting food from a tidal pool. At the beginning of a mangrove channel the boat driver brought us right up to a roost of BOAT-BILLED HERONS, nearly twenty of these solemn birds with deep, soulful eyes. A few BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, a scarce species here, were mixed in with the Boat-billeds. Much more colorful were several MANGROVE WARBLERS, males with their chestnut heads gleaming in the sun, flitted about the nearby mangroves. A MANGROVE HUMMINGBIRD hovered along the boat



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for a moment, but didn’t relocate it because the boat captain had spotted a Pygmy Kingfisher. After some coaxing all were able to get excellent views of a male AMERICAN PYGMY-KINGFISHER, a tiny, active gem of a bird and a true crowd pleaser. Everyone was ecstatic! Short after the captain brought us into a tiny creek surrounded by tower mangroves. Here the loud yelping calls of YELLOW-NAPED PARROTS could clearly be heard. We roused another MANGROVE HUMMINGBIRD that most were able to see. Several PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS looked like tiny bits of yellow flame in the deep shade of the mangroves. Finally a MANGROVE VIREO popped up and gave excellent views. Heading back to the dock a pair of YELLOW-NAPED PARROTS flew right over us and several SCARLET MACAWS shone in the afternoon sun as they winging by. It had been an amazing spectacle of birds!

The tiny American Pygmy Kingfisher. Photo John Turner

Stepping off the boat Rodrigo mentioned to me that he had a surprise bird staked out nearby. We drove a short way and Rodrigo led us down a short trail, and after a few minutes of searching pointed out a pair of roosting BLACK-AND-WHITE OWLS. They were sitting in deep shadow but their dark, sinister faces and neatly dark barred bellies were clearly visible in the scope. As surprises go this was



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just about as good as it gets! On a nearby beach we watched the last bits of light staining the sky orange above the placid Pacific. Several LESSER NIGHTHAWKS and a single SHORT-TAILED NIGHT-HAWK hawked insects around us. A good day, a bird-filled day, we had seen a total of 126 bird species since the morning.

Day 7: Carara to Monteverde

A curious Spectacled Owl! Photo John Turner

After yesterday’s full day of birding only one member of the group met me very early in hopes of locating the Spectacled Owl I had heard the morning before. Soon we were hearing the unique call of a Spectacled Owl and after some searching we located a pair of gorgeous SPECTACLED OWLS! We watched the pair for a while as they continued to call to each other, as the light increased the views in the scope were crippling. Next we called in a COLLARED FOREST-FALCON, another pretty incredible experience. It flew right over us and landed in a tree for views in the scope just as the rest of the group roused themselves and were able enjoy it as well. Since the owls were still calling most of the group wandered over to see them, while a few of us enjoyed good views of a BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA. When the group regathered we tracked down a family group of BLACK-HEAED TROGONS. Then on a short walk around the hotel grounds we added a YELLOW-GREEN VIREO and a PIRATIC FLYCATCHER, both new for the trip. Near the breakfast area we watched a SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD hovering over the stream while a GREEN KINGFISHER hunted nearby.



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Intimate encounter with a White-whiskered Puffbird. Photo John Turner

After breakfast we headed back to the main trail at Carara National Park. Immediately after entering the trail we got an even better look at a WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD than we had the day before! Just an outstanding bird. Next a bird we had seen glimpses of several times, an ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW, hopped right into the path in the open, the first of several great looks at this species this morning. Walking deep into the forest we got another good look at a GRAY-CHESTED DOVE near the bridge. We were standing on the bridge when I suddenly noticed a jet black bird with a gleaming cerulean crown, a BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN. Mind= blown! An unbelievably stunning bird! A bit farther down the trail we encountered an even more surprising though not as colorful bird. Hopping just off the trail was a little tennis ball with legs. There is no way that's an antpitta, HOLY COW THAT’S AN ANTPITTA! A STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA calmly hopping right in the middle of the trail! If the antpitta was calm it was the only creature in the vicinity that was, certainly none us were calm! We all got exceptional views of this completely unexpected bonus species. In the same area we tracked down a tiny, but highly energetic GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL flitting about like a tiny tan blur. Walking back we encounter several great looks at DOT-WINGED ANTWRENS.



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Finally we located a WHITE-WINGED BECARD and after a few minutes got everyone good looks at it.

A remarkably confiding Streak-chested Antpitta! Photo John Turner

Back at Hotel Villa Lapas we had lunch and squeezed out one last bird, a SOUTHERN BEARDLESS TYRANNULET, before loading the bus and heading towards Monteverde. We were eager for the cooler temperatures in the mountains but before we left the lowlands we connected with a large group of Mantled Howler monkeys along the side of the road. As we headed up the mountain the wind began to pick up, then it REALLY picked up. By the time we arrived at picturesque Cala Lodge it was positively howling. Some of us did a short walk just before dusk that was largely fruitless though we did see a large flock of GRAY-HEADED CHACALACAS jumping through the treetops. Day 8: Monteverde

The wind was still whipping the following morning but we got much better looks at a BLACK GUAN at breakfast and point blank looks at a stunning BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT that was coming into the fruit feeder. A couple of RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS played hide-and-seek with us, bouncing in and out along the fenceline of the property. Also a PLAIN WREN hopped about the garden, incensed at our presence. After breakfast we headed to Monteverde Reserve but on the way we were delayed by a gorgeous male ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON that was perched by the road begging to be photographed.



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Orange-bellied Trogon. Photo John Turner

Once we arrived at Monteverde the forest is almost a show unto itself. It is a beautiful example of a cloud forest, towering trees laden with dripping moss and epithetic growth. Walking through the forest what did we happen upon but a pair of RESPLENDANT QUETZALS checking out a cavity! The male sat in the open for a long period, his extraordinary tail streamers blowing gently in the breeze. Any day with a quetzal is a good day. After some encouragement an OCHRACEOUS WREN came down low enough that we could get a look at it. A super cooperative BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE sang at eye-level right in front of us! Farther along the trail flocks of THREE-STRIPED WARBLERS entertained us and one mixed flock contained a LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER. After walking the



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trails for a little while we headed to the hummingbird garden where the action was fast and furious! The VIOLET SABERWINGS were the big bruisers; going to whichever feeder they wished, knocking aside any lesser birds in their way. PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEMS were the showiest, the males flashing purple throats and electric blue crowns. Somber (for a hummingbird) GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANTS, tiny, hovering MAGENTA-THROATED WOODSTARS, STRIPE-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS white flashing in their tails, and perhaps most notably tiny, COPPERY-HEADED EMERALDS, a bird found nowhere else but Costa Rica. The overall show was impressive, hundreds of hummingbirds darting in every direction, often within millimeters of startled watchers. We spent enough time to fully enjoy the spectacle but we had places to be so soon we loaded up and headed to Bajo Del Tigre.

Long-tailed Manakin. One of many impressive manakins seen on

this trip! Photo Maggie Turner Bajo Del Tigre is much drier than Monteverde and hosts a different suite of birds, most notably Long-tailed Manakin. We headed down the trail and soon encountered a stunning male LONG-TAILED MANAKIN, long tail quivering, melodious voice ringing in the still afternoon air, the final manakin of a trip strewn with these tiny Neotropical avian gems and among the most spectacular. Farther down the trail we added BROWN-CAPPED VIREO to the trip list, got a quick look at a female GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, and quick glimpses of a troop of GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLERS.



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The stunning White-throated Magpie-Jay.

Photo John Turner Back at Cala Lodge in the late afternoon a GOLEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER poked its head out of its hole to see who was making all the noise and a gorgeous pair of WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAYS provided the final highlight of the day other than the tasty hamburgers at dinner. Day 9: Monteverde to San Jose

Before breakfast we went on a nightingale-thrush hunt that was quite frustrating. An ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH that skulked and hid, and hopped and generally was impressively obnoxious. Most people got glimpses or bits of movement and only a few saw it well. However while at breakfast everybody enjoyed a much better show, a White-headed Capuchin monkey came to have breakfast with us and managed to charm me out of half a banana and some watermelon that she took straight from my hand!



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A White-headed Capuchin thinking deep thoughts about bananas! Photo Maggie Turner

Curi Cancha, another reserve in the Monteverde area, was our destination after breakfast. Soon after heading out onto the trails we lucked into a major bonus bird, a group of eight BLACK-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL standing right out in the open! We got terrific looks at these attractive skulkers, a great way to kick off our morning! Walking up the trail we found ourselves on the tail-end of an army arm invasion crossing the trail. Most birds were already out of sight at the head of the column but several SLATY-BACKED NIGHINGALE-THRUSHES still hopped along the trail and a pair of NORTHERN BARRED WOODCREEPERS were hitching their way up the trees alongside the trail in plain view. We tried several locations for Gray-throated Leaftosser without success and just when I had given up on it we came across a couple of other birders trying to puzzle out a little bird scratching in the leaf-litter, a GRAY-THROATED LEAF-TOSSER. We obtained excellent looks as the bird did exactly what its name suggests, tossed leaves out of its way as it foraged on the ground. Several SLATE-THROATED REDSTARTS delighted the group with their brilliant yellow bellies and jaunty behavior. In the hummingbird garden we encountered the same species we had seen the day before in Monteverde but hummingbirds were not the only colorful birds to be seen here. The trees above were filled with mistletoe berries and it didn’t take long to locate an absolutely gorgeous male ELEGANT EUPHONIA, a stunning mix of copper, sky blue, and deepest black. After some further searching we also turned up a few GOLDEN-BROWED CLOROPHONIAS, another stunning bird garbed in lemon yellow and electric green. A flash of blue drew the group’s attention to several male SCARLET-



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THIGHED DACNIS, another show stopper! Not quite as flashy but still very attractive and with the benefit of being easily observed without craning the neck, a troop of YELLOW-

Elegant Euphonia. Photo John Turner Golden-browed Chlorophonia. Photo John Turner FACED GRASSQUITS fed in the grass right in front of us. A male YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA regarded us from another patch of mistletoe. It had been a great morning but we still had to find something to cap it. Back on the trails the song of a male Three-wattled Bellbird echoed from nearby! This is a bird that typically arrives in the area a bit later. Sometimes scouting males arrive early enough for this trip to pick them up though it is not expected. As exciting as hearing a bellbird is, a bellbird heard is not a bellbird seen, they can be a real challenge to spot, sitting motionless high in the canopy. We were motivated though and after a bit I found a tiny window where I could put the scope on the bird. However only a couple of the group got looks before it took off. Fortunately it landed right over the trail and I was about to get the scope on it again by pointing it straight up! Success! THREE-WATTLED BELLBIRD. That proved to be the final new bird of the trip and a great finale. Leaving Monteverde on the way back to San Jose we were treated to unbelievable views of a perched GRAY HAWK and another good view of a LAUGHING FALCON. Back in San Jose everyone was all smiles, except when we had goodbye to Rodrigo, it had been a great trip.

The Capper! Three-wattled Bellbird. Photo John Turner



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Day 10: The Central Val ley

On our day to depart San Jose we mostly took it easy as the wind once again was whipping, but those of us with later departures did pay homage to the FERRIGINOUS PYGMY-OWL that resides in the garden of Hotel Robledal. Frame-filling views of this fierce-eyed predator were a great sendoff to a bird-filled exploration of the beautiful country of Costa Rica.

BIRD & MAMMAL LISTS

The taxonomy of the bird list follows: Clements, James F., White, Anthony W., and Fitzpatrick, John W. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. Cornell, 2007. This list is up to date with the major changes published by Cornell up until August 2015.

Regional endemic bird species are indicated in RED (mostly shared with W Panama). H indicates a species that was HEARD only. GO indicates a species recorded by the GUIDE ONLY. SITES each species were recorded at are denoted on the right hand side, with sites abbreviated:

CV Central Valley BC Braulio Carrillo N.P.

ET El Tapir hummingbird garden

LS La Selva

SAV Savegre

CDM Cerro de la Muerte

CAR Carara

TAR Tarcoles river cruise

MON Monteverde

BAJ Bajo del Tigre

CC Curi-Cancha



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ER En-route (during a journey)

MANY Many sites

TINAMOUS: TINAMIDAE

Great Tinamou Tinamus major LS, CAR Little Tinamou HO Crypturellus soui LS DUCKS, GEESE, AND WATERFOWL: ANATIDAE

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis ER Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata CAR Blue-winged Teal Anas discors ER GUANS, CHACHALACAS, AND CURASSOWS: CRACIDAE

Gray-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps MON Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens LS Black Guan (E) Chamaepetes unicolor SAV, MON Great Curassow Crax rubra LS NEW WORLD QUAIL: ODONTOPHORIDAE

Black-breasted Wood-Quail (E) Odontophorus leucolaemus CC Spotted Wood-Quail Odontophorus guttatus SAV GREBES: PODICIPEDIDAE

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus ER STORKS: CICONIIDAE

Wood Stork Mycteria americana ER, TAR FRIGATEBIRDS: FREGATIDAE

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens TAR CORMORANTS AND SHAGS: PHALACROCORACIDAE

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus TAR ANHIGAS: ANHINGIDAE

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga ER PELICANS: PELECANIDAE

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis TAR HERONS, EGRETS, AND BITTERNS: ARDEIDAE

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum ER, TAR Great Blue Heron Ardea Herodias ER, TAR Great Egret Ardea alba ER, TAR Snowy Egret Egretta thula ER, TAR Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea ER, TAR Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor ER, TAR Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis MANY



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Green Heron Butorides virescens TAR Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticora TAR Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea TAR Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius TAR IBISES AND SPOONBILLS: THRESKIORNITHIDAE

White Ibis Eudocimus albus ER, TAR Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja TAR NEW WORLD VULTURES: CATHARTIDAE

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus MANY Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura MANY King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa LS, ER OSPREY: PANDIONIDAE

Osprey Pandion haliaetus TAR HAWKS, EAGLES, AND KITES: ACCIPITRIDAE

White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus ER Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus ER Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus ER Double-toothed Kite HO Harpagus bidentatus LS Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens TAR Common Black Hawk (Mangrove) Buteogallus anthracinus TAR Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris ER Gray Hawk Buteo plagiatus ER, TAR Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus TAR Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus TAR Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis SAV, ER RAILS,GALLINULES, AND COOTS: RALLIDAE

White-throated Crake HO Laterallus albigularis LS Gray-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajaneus TAR Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus TAR STILTS AND AVOCETS: RECURVIROSTRIDAE

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus TAR PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS: CHARADRIIDAE

Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola TAR Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis TAR JACANAS: JACANIDAE

Northern Jacana Jacana spinose TAR SANDPIPERS & ALLIES: SCOLOPACIDAE

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius TAR Willet Tringa semipalmata TAR Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus TAR



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Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres TAR Western Sandpiper GO Calidris mauri TAR GULLS, TERNS, AND SKIMMERS: LARIDAE

Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla TAR Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus TAR PIGEONS AND DOVES: COLUMBIDAE

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia CV Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis LS, ER Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris MANY Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata SAV Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea SAV Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris LS, CAR Inca Dove Columbina inca MANY Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina ER Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti MANY Olive-backed Quail-Dove Leptotrygon veraguensis LS White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi MANY Gray-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii LS, CAR White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica MANY CUCKOOS: CUCULIDAE

Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana MANY Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris MANY OWLS: STRIGIDAE

Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata CAR Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum CV Black-and-white Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata TAR NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES: CAPRIMULGIDAE

Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis CAR Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus CAR Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis LS, CAR Dusky Nightjar (E) Antrostomus saturates SAV SWIFTS: APODIDAE

White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris MANY Costa Rican Swift (E) Chaetura fumosa CAR, TAR Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris LS HUMMINGBIRDS: TROCHILIDAE

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora LS Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus LS Green Hermit Phaethornis guy ET Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris CAR Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis MANY Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus SAV, MON



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Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti CAR Green Thorntail Discosura conversii ET, LS Black-crested Coquette Lophornis helenae ET Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula MON, SAV Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens SAV Fiery-throated Hummingbird (E) Panterpe insignis CDM Purple-throated Mountain-gem (E) Lampornis calolaemus MON White-throated Mountain-gem Lampornis castaneoventris SAV Magenta-throated Woodstar (E) Calliphlox bryantae MON Volcano Hummingbird (E) Selasphorus flammula CDM, SAV Scintillant Hummingbird (E) Selasphorus scintilla SAV Canivet's Emerald GO Chlorostilbon canivetii MON Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti ET, LS Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii CAR Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus MON Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer Chalybura urochrysia ET, LS Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica BR, LS Stripe-tailed Hummingbird Eupherusa eximia SAV, MON Coppery-headed Emerald (E) Elvira cupreiceps MON Snowcap (E) Microchera albocoronata ET Mangrove Hummingbird (E) Amazilia boucardi TAR Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerottei MON Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl MANY Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila CV TROGONS: TROGONIDAE

Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno SAV, MON Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon Massena LS Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus LS Gartered Trogon Trogon caligatus LS Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus CAR Orange-bellied Trogon (E) Trogon aurantiiventris CAR Collared Trogon Trogon collaris SAV Baird’s Trogon (E) HO Trogon bairdii CAR MOTMOTS: MOMOTIDAE

Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus coeruliceps MON, CC Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii LS Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum LS Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa TAR KINGFISHERS: ALCEDINIDAE

Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata ER, TAR Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon TAR Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana TAR, CAR American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea TAR PUFFBIRDS: BUCCONIDAE



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White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis CAR JACAMARS: GALBULIDAE

Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda LS NEW WORLD BARBETS: CAPITONIDAE

Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii SAV TOUCANS: RAMPHASTIDAE

Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus SAV, MON Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus LS Fiery-billed Aracari Pteroglossus frantzii CAR Yellow-thrtd Toucan (Chestnut-mandibled) Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii BC Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus LS WOODPECKERS: PICIDAE

Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus SAV Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani LS Red-crowned Woodpecker HO Melanerpes rubricapillus ER Hoffmann's Woodpecker (E) Melanerpes hoffmanni MANY Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus SAV Rufous-winged Woodpecker (E) HO Piculus simplex LS Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus MON Chestnut-colored Woodpecker Celeus castaneus LS Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus ER Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis LS, CAR FALCONS AND CARACARAS: FALCONIDAE

Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus CAR Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway LS, ER Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima TAR, ER Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans LS, ER Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis ER, LS NEW WORLD & AFRICAN PARROTS: PSITTACIDAE

Barred Parakeet HO Bolborhynchus lineola CDM Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis MANY White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis LS Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis MANY Yellow-naped Parrot Amazona auropalliata TAR Mealy Parrot Amazona farinose LS Sulphur-winged Parakeet (E) Pyrrhura hoffmanni SAV Olive-throated Parakeet Eupsittula nana LS Orange-fronted Parakeet Eupsittula canicularis ER Great Green Macaw Ara ambiguus LS Scarlet Macaw Ara macao CAR, TAR Crimson-fronted Parakeet (E) GO Psittacara finschi ER

TYPICAL ANTBIRDS: THAMNOPHILIDAE



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Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus LS Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus CAR Black-crowned Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha LS Black-hooded Antshrike (E) Thamnophilus bridgesi CAR Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis CAR Dusky Antbird Cercomacroides tyrannina LS Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul MANY Dull-mantled Antbird Myrmeciza laemosticta BC Zeledon's Antbird HO Myrmeciza zeledoni BC ANTPITTAS: GRALLARIIDAE

Streak-chested Antpitta Hylopezus perspicillatus CAR TAPACULOS: RHINOCRYPTIDAE

Silvery-fronted Tapaculo (E) HO Scytalopus argentifrons SAV, CDM ANTTHRUSHES: FORMOICARIIDAE

Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis CAR OVENBIRDS AND WOODCREEPERS: FURNARIIDAE

Gray-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus albigularis CC Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus SAV, CC Ruddy Woodcreeper Dendrocincla homochroa CC Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa LS Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus LS Northern Barred-Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae CC Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans MANY Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii LS, CAR Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis SAV, MON Plain Xenops Xenops minutus LS, CAR Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris MON Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner GO Automolus ochrolaemus CAR Ruddy Treerunner (E) Margarornis rubiginosus CDM TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: TYRANNIDAE

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum CAR Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster LS Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii MANY Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus MON Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleaginous LS Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus MANY Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus LS Northern Bentbill GO Oncostoma cinereigulare CAR Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum MANY Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens LS, CAR Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus CAR Royal Flycatcher HO Onychorhynchus coronatus LS Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus MON



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Dark Pewee (E) Contopus lugubris SAV Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens LS Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens SAV, MON Black-capped Flycatcher Empidonax atriceps SAV Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans SAV Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus LS Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus MANY Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer MANY Great Crested Flycatcher GO Myiarchus crinitus LS Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus MANY Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis MANY Gray-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis LS, CAR White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus LS Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus CAR Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius CAR Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus MANY Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus ER COTINGAS: COTINGIDAE

Three-wattled Bellbird (E) Procnias tricarunculatus CC MANAKINS: PIPRIDAE

Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis BAJ White-ruffed Manakin Corapipo altera LS Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronate CAR White-collared Manakin Manacus candei LS Red-capped Manakin Ceratopipra mentalis LS TITYRAS AND ALLIES: TITYRIDAE

Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor LS Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata LS Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus LS White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus CAR Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae CAR VIREOS, SHRIKE-BABBLERS & ERPORNIS: VIREONIDAE

Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens TAR Yellow-winged Vireo (E) Vireo carmioli SAV Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys BAJ Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus SAV, BAJ Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis CAR Lesser Greenlet Pachysylvia decurtata MANY Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis TAR CROWS, JAYS, AND MAGPIES: CORVIDAE

White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa MON Brown Jay Psilorhinus morio CAR, MON SWALLOWS: HIRUNDINIDAE



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Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca MANY Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis LS Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis LS Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea LS, CAR Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea MANY Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica CAR, TAR WRENS: TROGLODYTIDAE

Nightingale Wren Microcerculus Philomela BC House Wren Troglodytes aedon MANY Ochraceous Wren (E) Troglodytes ochraceus SAV, MON Timberline Wren (E) Thryorchilus browni CDM Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus LS Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha CV, CAR Black-bellied Wren (E) Pheugopedius fasciatoventris CAR Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus CAR Black-throated Wren Pheugopedius atrogularis LS Stripe-breasted Wren (E) HO Cantorchilus thoracicus LS Plain Wren Cantorchilus modestus MON Riverside Wren (E) Cantorchilus semibadius CAR Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus ET White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticte MANY Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys MANY GNATCATCHERS: POLIOPTILIDAE

Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris BC Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea LS DIPPERS: CINCLIDAE

American Dipper GO Cinclus mexicanus SAV THRUSHES AND ALLIES: TURDIDAE

Black-faced Solitaire (E) Myadestes melanops MON, SAV Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush (E) Catharus gracilirostris SAV Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris MON Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater CDM, CC Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush Catharus frantzii SAV Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus mexicanus BC Swainson's Thrush GO Catharus ustulatus MON Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina MANY Sooty Thrush (E) Turdus nigrescens SAV Mountain Thrush Turdus plebejus MANY Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus BC, LS Clay-colored Thrush Turdus grayi MANY MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS: MIMIDAE

Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus SAV



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SILKY-FLYCATCHERS: PTILOGONATIDAE

Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher(E) Phainoptila melanoxantha CDM Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher (E) Ptiliogonys caudatus SAV NEW WORLD WARBLERS: PARULIDAE

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla CAR Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum CAR Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis CAR Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera BAJ Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia MANY Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea TAR Flame-throated Warbler (E) Oreothlypis gutturalis SAV, CDM Tennessee Warbler Oreothlypis peregrine MANY Yellow Warbler (Northern) Setophaga petechia (aestiva) MANY Yellow Warbler (Mangrove) Setophaga petechia (erithachorides) TAR Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica MANY Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens MANY Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons MON Black-cheeked Warbler (E) Basileuterus melanogenys SAV Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus BAJ, CC Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus MON, CC Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda BC, LS Wilson's Warbler Cardellina pusilla MANY Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus MON, CC Collared Redstart (E) Myioborus torquatus SAV Wrenthrush (E) Zeledonia coronate SAV, CDM TANAGERS AND ALLIES: THRAUPIDAE

Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii ET Passerini's Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii MANY Cherrie's Tanager (E) Ramphocelus costaricensis ER, CAR Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus MANY Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum ER, CAR Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata LS, CAR Spangle-cheeked Tanager (E) Tangara dowii SAV, MON Emerald Tanager Tangara florida ET Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala MANY Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta CC Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus LS, CAR Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza LS Black-and-yellow Tanager (E) Chrysothlypis chrysomelas ET Slaty Flowerpiercer (E) Diglossa plumbea SAV, CDM Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina LS Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina MANY White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola ER, CAR Bananaquit Coereba flaveola MANY Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus MON



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Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii LS Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps ET Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus MANY BUNTINGS AND NEW WORLD SPARROWS: EMBERIZIDAE

Sooty-capped Chlorospingus (E) Chlorospingus pileatus SAV, MON Common Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavopectus SAV, MON Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris LS, CAR Chestnut-capped Brushfinch Arremon brunneinucha SAV, CC Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis MANY Volcano Junco (E) Junco vulcani CDM Large-footed Finch (E) Pezopetes capitalis SAV White-eared Ground-Sparrow Melozone leucotis MON, CC Yellow-thighed Finch (E) Pselliophorus tibialis SAV, CDM White-naped Brushfinch Atlapetes albinucha CC CARDINALS AND ALLIES: CARDINALIDAE

Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava MON Summer Tanager Piranga rubra MANY Flame-colored Tanager Piranga bidentate SAV Red-throated Ant-Tanager GO Habia fuscicauda LS Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster LS Black-thighed Grosbeak (E) Pheucticus tibialis LS, SAV Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus LS, CAR Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides CAR Blue Grosbeak GO Passerina caerulea ER TROUPIALS AND ALLIES: ICTERIDAE

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus TAR Melodious Blackbird Dives dives LS Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus MANY Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis LS Bronzed Cowbird GO Molothrus aeneus ER Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas LS Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius ER Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis CV Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula SAV, CAR Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri LS Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius Montezuma LS FINCHES, EUPHONIAS, AND ALLIES: FRINGILLIDAE

Yellow-crowned Euphonia (E) Euphonia luteicapilla CC Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea CAR Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima CC Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi ET, LS White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta LS Tawny-capped Euphonia (E) Euphonia anneae BC Golden-browed Chlorophonia (E) Chlorophonia callophrys CC



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Lesser Goldfinch GO Spinus psaltria SAV Yellow-bellied Siskin GO Spinus xanthogastrus SAV OLD WORLD SPARROWS: PASSERIDAE

House Sparrow Passer domesticus MANY

MAMMAL LIST

Brazilian Long-nosed (Proboscis) Bat Rhynchonycteris naso CAR

Honduran White Bat/White Tent Bat Ectophylla alba LS

Northern Ghost Bat Diclidurus albus CAR

Mantled Howler Alouatta palliate ER

White-headed Capuchin Cebus capucinus MON

Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni LS

Northern Tamandua Tamandua mexicana LS

Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides MANY

Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis SAV

Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata LS,

White-nosed Coati Nasua narica MON Collared Peccary Pecari tajacu LS CAR, MON,

OTHERS

Marine Toad Rhinella marina CAR

Strawberry Poison Frog Oophaga pumilio SA

Common Basilisk Basiliscus basiliscus CAR

Brown Basilisk Basiliscus vittatus LS

Green Iguana Iguana iguana LS

Common House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus MANY

Documents

A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour COSTA RICA: The Introtour · 2016-10-19 · Tropical Birding Trip Report Costa Rica: The Introtour February 2016 +1-409-515-0514 [email protected]