Field Guides Tour Report

Oaxaca 2015

Jan 17, 2015 to Jan 24, 2015Pepe Rojas & Eric Hynes

The little bands of Rufous-capped Warblers that we encountered daily went about their business seemingly indifferent to our presence. (Photo by guide Eric Hynes)

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

Historic ruins, mole, and endemics galore -- what an adventure we shared! Pepe and I truly enjoyed birding with all of you in this incredible valley oncedominated by the Zapotec people. From arid desert, to thorny scrub forest, then up through oaks and the oak-pine highlands, we covered a wonderfuldiversity of habitats. Monte Alban, Yagul, and Mitla added historical perspective to this culturally rich landscape.

Our first outing started with the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapulines area leading to Teotitlan del Valle. It was wasn't long before we racked upendemics like Boucard's Wren and Gray-breasted Woodpecker. Numerous Vermilion Flycatchers, Blue Grosbeaks, Lark Sparrows, and even a fewLoggerhead Shrikes were tallied. Presa Piedra Azul (PPA) or Blue Stone Reservoir attracts so many birds because it is the only water for many miles.We encountered multiple species here that we saw nowhere else on the tour. Most noteworthy were Redhead, Neotropic Cormorant, Green Heron,Green Kingfisher, and Little Blue Heron. The rest of the first day was spent climbing to over 7,000 feet and birding our way back down. Thehummingbird concentration at Rio Verde was excellent but let's not forget that fabulous Painted Redstart. Dinner was in the central plaza at thedelightful Asador Vasco where we tried chapulines!

We ascended Cerro San Felipe on day two for some wonderful birding in the area known as La Cumbre. Our early departure was focused on getting tothe highlands for the first rays of warming sun. Pepe's plan worked as we encountered one of the primary targets of the tour: Dwarf Jay. We were stillsavoring that wonderful endemic when the mountain subspecies of Northern Pygmy-Owl took offense to Pepe's whistling. What a performance that littleowl put on for us. Our picnic lunch at Corral de Piedra was capped by our first looks at Mountain Trogon.

Day three was focused on the amazing archaeological site of Monte Alban. Jorge, our bus driver, shared his wealth of knowledge about those impressiveruins and the people who once inhabited the region. In the evening we wound our way back up to Cerro San Felipe. As darkness descended, our earsmade us aware that we were surrounded by Mexican Whip-poor-wills. What a treat to find that one male remaining motionless.

The search for endemics started on the thorny scrub slopes of the mountains on day four. The vegetation added to the challenge, but eventually we spiedOaxaca Sparrow and Slaty Vireo. Serendipitously, several Red-headed Tanagers dropped in, providing some visual treats. Colibri Restaurant on theother side of the pass was delicious and a reliable spot for Magnificent Hummingbird. In the afternoon we birded along the Yuvila Road and scored anice mixed foraging flock and another endemic: the curious Gray-barred Wren. La Hosteria was another excellent restaurant to sample the localdelicacies.

Ocellated Thrasher finally cooperated for us in the switchbacks above Teotitlan del Valle. Bridled Sparrow and more looks at Oaxaca Sparrowpunctuated our fifth morning. Rosario and Marcelina Mendoza were our hosts for a delightful and educational lunch at Tlamanalli. After the dyeing andweaving exhibition, we revisited Presa Piedra Azul and picked up several more species absent during our first visit.

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Entrance roads treated us particularly well on this tour. Our last full day in the field began at Yagul and the road leading in was very birdy. Wonderfullooks at wrens, flycatchers, raptors, and the endemic Beautiful Hummingbird got us off to a great start. A quick detour up "Fandango Hill" was madeworthwhile by the appearance of a Lesser Roadrunner in the road. We learned all about the finer points of producing and enjoying mezcal at RanchoZapata, and the ruins at Mitla rounded out our cultural visits in the afternoon. An intimate setting on the back patio at La Teca was a truly special way towrap up our tour.

Thanks again for choosing Field Guides! Pepe and I hope our paths cross again with each of you in field some day soon.

Till then, good birding!

--Eric

KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a =austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDSAnatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)GADWALL (Anas strepera) – About a half dozen of these handsome dabblers were plying the waters of PPABLUE­WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – Roughly a dozen of these sharp puddle ducks were scattered along the shore of PPACINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – Not present at our first visit, about a half dozen of these striking ducks were concentrated in the corner of

PPA during our return tripNORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – One transitional drake was picked out of the dabbling horde on our second visit to PPAGREEN­WINGED TEAL (Anas crecca) – A drake and several hens were in the hot corner of PPA during our second visit thereREDHEAD (Aythya americana) – Undetected during our first visit, a hen was keeping company with the hen Ring­necked Duck during our second visit

to PPARING­NECKED DUCK (Aythya collaris) – A hen was paddling around PPA during both of our visitsLESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – We observed a hen both times we visited PPARUDDY DUCK (Oxyura jamaicensis) – More than 50 of this quirky little diving ducks bobbed on the surface of PPA during our first visit but only a

handful were visible during the second visit. In this remarkably arid landscape, where could they have gone?

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)WEST MEXICAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis poliocephala) – Perhaps hunting pressure makes this species particularly skittish in this region. We

flushed a couple from roadside trees and couldn't lure them back into the open. [E]

Podicipedidae (Grebes)LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – These diminutive waterbirds were easily observed on PPA

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – This species was most unexpected here in this arid region and at elevation but it was

easily observed both times we visited PPA

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – A few of these stately waders were mixed in with Snowy Egrets at PPASNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Dozens crowded the shoreline of PPALITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – At least one, possibly two, immature birds tried hiding among all the Snowy EgretsCATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – We observed flocks of Cattle Egrets foraging in the agricultural fields each time we drove east from the city.GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – We almost missed this species but an individual stalked along the shoreline at PPA

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Common but not numerous in the areas we visitedTURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – More common than the Black Vultures, we had plenty of great looks at this carrion seeker

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)WHITE­TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Our best looks occurred our last morning along the entrance road to Yagul. That pair definitely did not

like having a perched Red­tailed Hawk in their territory.NORTHERN HARRIER (AMERICAN) (Circus cyaneus hudsonius) – Pepe spotted one soaring past the parking area at Monte Alban but it flew out

of view before everyone got on it.SHARP­SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatus) – Pepe got us all on a soaring bird our first morning above Teotitlan del Valle.COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii) – An immature bird hunted the riparian corridor below the dam at PPAWHITE­TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – This species was on quite a few wish lists. Thankfully, a soaring bird bird provided a great

look on our last day.SHORT­TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Our first sighting was a light morph bird soaring above us at La Cumbre but the grand prize went to

the dark morph bird low overhead at Mitla.RED­TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – An everyday bird

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – Plenty on PPA

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Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – At least four noisy individuals around PPA

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Another species we found only at PPALEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) – Several dozen clustered on the back side of PPA

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Yes, here too [I]BAND­TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – We only encountered one perched high on the ridge off the road to YuvilaINCA DOVE (Columbina inca) – Our best views were right on the grounds of the hotelCOMMON GROUND­DOVE (Columbina passerina) – We had several fleeting encounters with this diminutive dove.WHITE­WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica) – Common and widespread in the valleyMOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) – A few here and there in the valley

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)LESSER ROADRUNNER (Geococcyx velox) – One of the real prizes of the tour ­­ we were lucky enough to come upon one hunting along the two

track up "Fandango Hill"

Strigidae (Owls)NORTHERN PYGMY­OWL (MOUNTAIN) (Glaucidium gnoma gnoma) – This little beauty was another major highlight of the tour and tied for

runner­up for favorite bird. We we watched and listened to this rufous owl toot away in the canopy. Be sure to click on the audio track below to hearit once again.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)MEXICAN WHIP­POOR­WILL (Antrostomus arizonae) – After a delightful picnic dinner, a chorus of four or possibly five nightjars began to sing.

Eventually we found a male loyal to a perch on the cut hillside and savored illuminated scope views.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Several feisty individuals were in the flower­filled drainage where Rio Verde crossed the road high

above Teotitlan. Our perched scope view came on the Yuvila Road after tracking down the calling bird.MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens) – Our first sighting was during the morning snack stop above PPA on day one but the perched

male during our lunch at Cafeteria Colibri Restaurante was a superior view.BLUE­THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lampornis clemenciae) – Several of these large hummingbirds worked the Rio Verde drainage high above

Teotitlan del Valle, flashing those white tail corners.BEAUTIFUL HUMMINGBIRD (Calothorax pulcher) – Just as Pepe had predicted, we found this tiny endemic among the organ pipe cacti on the

entrance road to Yagul. [E]RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus rufus) – A female was one of the last birds of the day during our afternoon walk along the Yuvila Road.DUSKY HUMMINGBIRD (Cynanthus sordidus) – It took a few days to catch up to this endemic but after the morning below Monte Alban, we

encountered this species regularly. [E]BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia beryllina) – Perhaps the most common hummingbird of the tourWHITE­EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis leucotis) – These noisy, large hummingbirds were mostly confined to the upper elevations.

Trogonidae (Trogons)MOUNTAIN TROGON (Trogon mexicanus) – Our first pair after lunch near Corral de Piedra was challenging but our second encounter above

Teotitlan proved more rewarding. In fact, along with Red Warbler, Mountain Trogon was voted bird of the trip.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – We found this charismatic species during both visits to PPA. A female was on the dam the first

time and a male was below the spillway the second time.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)GRAY­BREASTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes hypopolius) – The only time we spotted this endemic species not on cacti, it was clinging to rebar!

[E]LADDER­BACKED WOODPECKER (Picoides scalaris) – We detected several individuals in the thorny forest as we climbed above Teotitlan del

Valle the second time.HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus) – Our only detection of this species was a vocalization while we were up in La Cumbre.NORTHERN FLICKER (RED­SHAFTED) (Colaptes auratus cafer) – Repeated calls we heard along the Yuvila Road

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) – The agricultural area just east of the city was thick with this species.AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – These small falcons were a common roadside sighting.MERLIN (Falco columbarius) – Always in a hurry, we had a speedy Merlin zip past us on the entrance road to Yagul.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)SPOT­CROWNED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes affinis affinis) – The arrival of this species punctuated an exciting flurry of activity shortly

after starting down the Yuvila Road.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)NORTHERN BEARDLESS­TYRANNULET (Camptostoma imberbe) – This little flycatcher only allowed a few brief glimpses while we were

pursuing Slaty Vireo and Oaxaca Sparrow.GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata) – One of a flurry of new species we picked up in the roadside trees between PPA and our morning

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snack stop.TUFTED FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) – What a sharp looking little flycatcher! I was surprised it didn't receive any favorite bird votes.DUSKY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax oberholseri) – The default Empid on this tourBLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – Great looks below the spillway at PPASAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) – A few tried to sneak by us as Vermilion Flycatchers but we got themVERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – This striking species was very conspicuous everywhere we went in the valley.DUSKY­CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – It's mournful call was heard often on the thorny slopes above Teotitlan del Valle.ASH­THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) – The best look we had was in the parking area at Yagul.NUTTING'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus nuttingi) – Just one individual below PPABROWN­CRESTED FLYCATCHER (ARIZONA) (Myiarchus tyrannulus magister) – A very responsive bird came up the slope with crest raised at

Monte Alban.GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Usually heard first before seen, we see this big flycatcher well at PPA and the entrance road to Yagul.TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – These sputtering, long­billed kingbirds were easy to see on the grounds of the hotel but we also

have nice views on the entrance road to Yugal.CASSIN'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus vociferans) – The most common kingbird on this tour

Laniidae (Shrikes)LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE (Lanius ludovicianus) – Great scope views our first morning entering Teotitlan del Valle

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike­Babblers, and Erpornis)SLATY VIREO (Vireo brevipennis) – We had to work for this one but eventually we all got quick but clear views of this furtive endemic. [E]CASSIN'S VIREO (Vireo cassinii) – Just about an everyday speciesBLUE­HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius) – Tracking this one down just above PPA our first morning was a good primer for vireo IDHUTTON'S VIREO (Vireo huttoni) – The most memorable sighting was the individual sun bathing in the patch of lichen up in La Cumbre at Cabeza

de Vaca.WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus) – A few here and there but probably seen by most on the hotel grounds

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)DWARF JAY (Cyanolyca nanus) – This range­restricted endemic was a huge score. The guides sighs of relief were audible. [E]STELLER'S JAY (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Cyanocitta stelleri restricta) – This subspecies is restricted to the highlands of Oaxaca. I don't think we

would have found Dwarf Jay without them.WESTERN SCRUB­JAY (SUMICHRAST'S) (Aphelocoma californica sumichrasti) – We had several brief encountersCOMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax) – Our only sighting was a bird in flight over PPA toward the end of the tour.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)NORTHERN ROUGH­WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – Oaxaca is clearly a wintering stronghold for this species.VIOLET­GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina) – Not nearly as common as the previous species but we enjoyed decent looks over PPA and

at Monte Alban

Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)MEXICAN CHICKADEE (Poecile sclateri) – Just a few in the highlands

Aegithalidae (Long­tailed Tits)BUSHTIT (BLACK­EARED) (Psaltriparus minimus melanotis) – A pack of these energetic sprites worked the road edge below Monte Alban.

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)BROWN CREEPER (MEXICAN) (Certhia americana alticola) – The tone quality of the call and the cadence of the song was so different from any

population in the United States that I have heard that it took a few moments to recognize them. We came across this species several times atelevation.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)ROCK WREN (Salpinctes obsoletus) – They have a thing for Zapoteca ruinsCANYON WREN (Catherpes mexicanus) – The distinctive song could be heard cascading down from the cliffs above Yagul. [*]HOUSE WREN (BROWN­THROATED) (Troglodytes aedon brunneicollis) – A pair responded well to squeaking near the visitor center up at La

Cumbre.BEWICK'S WREN (Thryomanes bewickii) – Hearing this species proved easier than seeing it.GRAY­BARRED WREN (Campylorhynchus megalopterus) – This endemic had Pepe and I pretty nervous until we finally came upon a small flock on

the Yuvila Road. [E]BOUCARD'S WREN (Campylorhynchus jocosus) – You could ask for a better view but I don't think you could get it. [E]

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)BLUE­GRAY GNATCATCHER (Polioptila caerulea) – Clearly, this species winters in good numbers here.

Regulidae (Kinglets)RUBY­CROWNED KINGLET (Regulus calendula) – Our first morning up at La Cumbre, it was tough to get your bins on anything else

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)BROWN­BACKED SOLITAIRE (Myadestes occidentalis) – Pepe spied a motionless bird for us to study above Teotitlan del Valle, but the singing

bird on the Yuvila Road was the one that blew our socks off!RUSSET NIGHTINGALE­THRUSH (Catharus occidentalis) – We heard this species calling on more than one occasion but only a few folks got

glimpses of this furtive species. [E]Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 4

HERMIT THRUSH (Catharus guttatus) – One bird was working the edge of the power line cut after we enjoyed the pygmy­owl.CLAY­COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi) – On the hotel groundsRUFOUS­BACKED ROBIN (Turdus rufopalliatus) – one the hotel grounds; more easily heard than seen [E]AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius) – mostly at elevation

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)CURVE­BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma curvirostre) – We enjoyed some cooperative birds approaching YagulOCELLATED THRASHER (Toxostoma ocellatum) – Man, this species had us nervous. After only hearing birds at Monte Alban, we finally soaked in

a good scope view on the slopes above Teotitlan del Valle. [E]NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos) – A few here and there

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)AMERICAN PIPIT (Anthus rubescens) – A couple very cooperative birds were working the edges of PPA.

Ptiliogonatidae (Silky­flycatchers)GRAY SILKY­FLYCATCHER (Ptiliogonys cinereus) – What a gorgeous bird! Those long tails in flight were distinctive.

Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus) – We came upon several individuals in the mixed species flocks at elevation.

Parulidae (New World Warblers)LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – One bird was working the stream below the spillway. It even took a bath on the "mini­dam."BLACK­AND­WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) – Seen on several daysCRESCENT­CHESTED WARBLER (Oreothlypis superciliosa) – The sharp warbler with the blazing white supercilium and the insect­like songORANGE­CROWNED WARBLER (Oreothlypis celata) – Several seen dailyNASHVILLE WARBLER (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) – Just a few sightingsVIRGINIA'S WARBLER (Oreothlypis virginiae) – Found on multiple occasions, our best look at Virginia's Warbler was in the parking lot at Monte

Alban.MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Geothlypis tolmiei) – We had our best looks just below the parking area for Yagul.YELLOW­RUMPED WARBLER (AUDUBON'S) (Setophaga coronata auduboni) – Perhaps the most common migrant warbler we encountered.

Despite careful scrutiny, they were all this western subspecies. No Myrtles were detected.BLACK­THROATED GRAY WARBLER (Setophaga nigrescens) – We spotted this handsome warbler several times in the thorny forests.TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi) – The most common migrant warbler when we were up at elevationHERMIT WARBLER (Setophaga occidentalis) – Just a few sightings up in the mountainsRUFOUS­CAPPED WARBLER (NORTH MEXICO) (Basileuterus rufifrons rufifrons) – What a treat to see small bands of these charismatic birds

foraging each dayGOLDEN­BROWED WARBLER (Basileuterus belli) – One of the resident warblers we encountered in the highlands; tough to choose a favorite but

this one was definitely in the runningWILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla) – Surprisingly common in the winter in this regionRED­FACED WARBLER (Cardellina rubrifrons) – This is one of the species in the foraging flock at the start of the road to Yuvila that made the "hot

corner" so special.RED WARBLER (Cardellina rubra) – Wow, what a bird! Despite the name, the most conspicuous aspect of its plumage was the blazing white cheek. It

earned a tie for favorite bird of the tour with Mountain Trogon. [E]PAINTED REDSTART (Myioborus pictus) – Serious eye candy!SLATE­THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus miniatus) – We saw this bird after our picnic lunch the first day up in the mountains but it

left us wanting a better view.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)CINNAMON­BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa baritula baritula) – A female foraged in the dense low vegetation along the Yuvila Road but

never gave us a clean look.WHITE­COLLARED SEEDEATER (CINNAMON­RUMPED) (Sporophila torqueola torqueola) – A cooperative male got our walk along the

Yagul entrance road off to a great start. [E]

Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)RUFOUS­CAPPED BRUSH­FINCH (Atlapetes pileatus) – The one that got away for all but a few people after our snack break at Cabeza de Vaca [E]SPOTTED TOWHEE (Pipilo maculatus) – Several in the thick vegetation at the Red­headed Tanager spotOAXACA SPARROW (Aimophila notosticta) – We couldn't miss an endemic with the tour name in its proper name! We really had to work to see it

though. [E]WHITE­THROATED TOWHEE (Melozone albicollis) – A conspicuous endemic [E]BRIDLED SPARROW (Peucaea mystacalis) – The field guides just don't do just to this gorgeous, large sparrow. [E]CHIPPING SPARROW (Spizella passerina) – Have an affinity for ruinsCLAY­COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) – One flew off before I could get anyone on it along the entrance road to Teotitlan del Valle. Bill

and Charlotte discovered they had photographed one at the same place when they were editing at home.VESPER SPARROW (Pooecetes gramineus) – One of the numerous birds we saw well right from the start along the road to Teotitlan del ValleLARK SPARROW (Chondestes grammacus) – It was a treat this striking sparrow so well.GRASSHOPPER SPARROW (Ammodramus savannarum) – A couple of cooperative individuals teed up along the entrance road to Yagul.LINCOLN'S SPARROW (Melospiza lincolnii) – This snazzy little sparrow occupies remarkably different habitat from its breeding grounds in North

America.

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YELLOW­EYED JUNCO (Junco phaeonotus) – Surprisingly, only a few people got looks at this bird we expected to find more of.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)HEPATIC TANAGER (NORTHERN) (Piranga flava hepatica) – Multiple sightingsSUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – A brilliant male was in the willows below the dam at PPA.WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana) – So this is where they all go for the winter!RED­HEADED TANAGER (Piranga erythrocephala) – Spectacular eye candy ­­ a runner­up for favorite bird of the tour [E]ROSE­BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – We came upon just one male above PPABLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea) – The entrance roads to Yagul and Teotitlan del Valle were particularly attractive to this wintering species.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)GREAT­TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus) – Th farther we got from the city the fewer we sawBRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus) – We saw flocks on the hotel grounds and during our lunch at Rancho Zapata.BLACK­VENTED ORIOLE (Icterus wagleri) – The most common oriole of the tourHOODED ORIOLE (Icterus cucullatus) – We had just one quick look at a bird along the entrance road to Yagul.SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) – A young male perched long enough below Monte Alban for us all to get a scope view.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)ELEGANT EUPHONIA (Euphonia elegantissima) – Geez, this one was frustrating. We saw a pair three times but never got that hold still view for all

to enjoy.HOUSE FINCH (COMMON) (Haemorhous mexicanus roseipectus) – That red was something elseBLACK­HEADED SISKIN (Spinus notatus) – Just a couple flyovers unfortunately [*]LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – regular in the valley

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – even here [I]

MAMMALSEASTERN COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus floridanus) – We flushed one under the Beautiful Hummingbird.MEXICAN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus aureogaster) – A daily sighting in the forestHISPID COTTON RAT (Sigmodon hispidus) – Several scampered through the brush along the entrance road to Yagul.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 154 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa

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