BIRDSTEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

of the

An AnnotatedChecklist

GOMEZ FARIAS REGIONSOUTHWESTERN TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO

BY JOHN C. ARVINAUGUST, 2001

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An Annotated Checklist of theBirds of the Gómez Farías Region,Southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico

The Gómez Farías Region lies in the southwestern part of the state of Tamaulipas innortheastern Mexico, some 385 km. (240 mi.) to 425 km. (265 mi.) south of the UnitedStates border at Brownsville, Texas. As defined here, the Region includes the area along

and west of Mexico Highway 85 to a north-south line drawn along the main axis of the SierraMadre Oriental, some 32 km. (20 mi.) distant. Its northern limit lies approximately on a lati-tude with the village of Felipe Angeles on Hwy. 85, and its southern limit on a latitude with thejunction of Hwy. 85 and the side road to Gómez Farías. The Region thus contains virtually allthe drainage of the Rio Sabinas, a fairly narrow band of the coastal plain, and the eastern faceof the Sierra Madre Oriental. Since the first edition of this checklist was written, a “Man in theBiosphere Reserve” has been established to protect the rich diversity of the Region. The ElCielo Biosphere Reserve encompasses 144,530 ha., and is contained totally within the areacovered by this checklist. An intermontane valley just west of the crest of the main ridge marksthe western edge of the Region. Villages in the Region include Gómez Farías, El Encino and LaJoya de Salas. Rancho El Cielito is located on the Rio Sabinas at about l00 m. (330 ft.) andRancho del Cielo at about l500 m. (4000 ft.) on the eastern face of the Sierra Madre Oriental.These properties are biological stations owned and operated by the Gorgas Science Foundation,Inc. Most current ornithological research and bird observation is carried out by persons usingthese facilities.

explanation of the symbols used:

Abundance1 – virtually certain to be encountered, usually in some numbers2 – normally expected on most days in the field, but in lesser numbers3 – encountered on only about half the days in the field; usually only a few individuals are

seen4 – encountered about one-fourth of days afield; usually only l or 2 individuals seen5 – found on 10% or fewer of days afield; not to be expected6 – very few records; definitely unexpected and requiring careful documentation

ZonesA – semiarid tropical: low (ca. 150 m. [500 ft.]), more-or-less f lat coastal plain, now exten-

sively cleared for agriculture and villages. Patchy woodlands and hedgerows transitionalbetween thorn forest and tropical deciduous forest remain in some areas.

B – humid tropical and upper tropical: floodplain of the Rio Sabinas up the eastern face of theSierra Madre Oriental to about 930 m. (3000 ft.). Extensive tropical forest (mostly decidu-ous) exists above the narrow f loodplain, most of which is planted in sugar cane andtropical fruits. A narrow corridor of riverine woodland has been left along the Sabinasand relatively small tracts of tropical deciduous woodland persist in some areas (e.g.Rancho El Cielito).

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C – subtropical: from about 970 m. (3000 ft.) to about 1120 m. (4800 ft.) on the eastern faceof the Sierra. Extensive forests of oak, sweetgum, maple, magnolia and beech (in theupper elevations) occupy this zone.

D – humid temperate: a humid band of pine-oak forest extends from about 1120 m. (4800 ft.)to the crest of the main ridge at about 2135 m. (7000 ft.). Some of this forest has beenselectively lumbered.

E – arid temperate: a drier band of oak-pine forest occupies the western slope of the mainridge (2135 m. [7000] – 1950 m. [6400]). Included is the La Joya valley which is largelydenuded of its original vegetation and overgrazed. A great deal of scrubby chaparral hasdeveloped on the slopes of this valley. A small sinkhole lake is located at La Joya de Salas.

Seasonal statusr – resident throughout the yearm – migrant; passing through the region en route between breeding and winter rangesb – breeding; usually present between March and Octoberw – winter visitor; usually present between October and Aprilv – visitor; a species that occurs at unpredictable intervals(?) – indicates a degree of uncertainty about the status immediately preceding

Habitatt – tropical (mostly deciduous) forest and forest edge; also fragmented woodlands in partially

cleared areasc – “cloud” forest (humid subtropical forest of oak, sweetgum, magnolia and Podocarpus)p – humid pine-oak foresto – drier oak-pine forestd – dry montane chapparala – aerial; foraging on the wing overhead; used alone if over various habitats, with another

habitat symbol if primarily over one habitatf – open areas; cultivated fields, brushy hedgerows, small patches of second growth scrub,

pastures, savannasr – Rio Sabinas; associated with the aquatic habitats or the riverine vegetationm – damp marshy vegetation in ditches, etc.l – ponds and small lakes; open water and shoreliness – dense second growth that quickly occupies abandoned clearings in the tropical zonev – villages and small townsk – rocky spires, cliff faces, sink hole caves, and other bare, rocky areas typical of the karst

topography of the area

Special Notes* – a highland species that descends (usually in small numbers) to the lowlands in the

nonbreeding (dry) season# – heard much more frequently than seen@ – irregular in occurance with numbers fluctuating widely from one season to the next+ – increasing locally– – decreasing locally% – spring migrant only, not present in fall(1),etc. – numbered literature citation

Sequence and nomenclature (with one exception: Piculus aeruginosus) follows The A.O.U.Check-List of North American Birds, 7th ed.

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species accounts

Status Habitat

TINAMIFORMESTINAMIDAE (Tinamous)

___Thicket TinamouCrypturellus cinnamomeus ................................ 2ABCr tcs

PODICIPEDIFORMESPODICIPEDIDAE (Grebes)

___Least GrebeTachybaptus dominicus ....................................... 4Ar l

___Pied-billed GrebePodilymbus podiceps ............................................ 3AEw l

___Eared GrebePodiceps nigricollis .............................................. 4AEw l

PELECANIFORMESPELECANIDAE (Pelicans)

___American White PelicanPelecanus erythrorhynchos ................................. 5Am a

PHALACROCORACIDAE (Cormorants)___Double-crested Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus ......................................... 5Aw rl___Neotropic Cormorant

Phalacrocorax braziliensis ................................. 3Ar rlANHINGIDAE (Darters)

___AnhingaAnhinga anhinga .................................................. 3Am ar

CICONIIFORMESARDEIDAE (Bitterns & Herons)

___American BitternBotaurus lentiginosus .......................................... 5Am m

___Bare-throated Tiger-HeronTigrisoma mexicanum ........................................ 4Ar r

___Great Blue HeronArdea herodias ...................................................... 3Aw lm

___Great EgretArdea alba .............................................................. 3Ar lm

___Snowy EgretEgretta thula .......................................................... 3Ar lm

___Little Blue HeronEgretta caerulea .................................................... 4Am r

___Tricolored HeronEgretta tricolor ...................................................... 5Av lm

___Cattle EgretBubulcus ibis ......................................................... 1Aw o

___Green HeronButorides virescens .............................................. 2Am, 3w r

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Status Habitat

___Yellow-crowned Night-HeronNyctanassa violacea ............................................. 5Am r

___Boat-billed HeronCochlearius cochlearius ...................................... 6Ar r (13)

THRESKIORNITHIDAE (Ibises & Spoonbills)___White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi ........................................................ 5Av m___Roseate Spoonbill

Ajaia ajaja .............................................................. 5Av mCICONIIDAE (Storks)

___Wood StorkMycteria americana ............................................. 5Av lm

ANSERIFORMESANATIDAE (Swans, Geese & Ducks)

___Black-bellied Whistling-DuckDendrocygna autumnalis .................................... 3Ar lmr

___Muscovy DuckCairina moschata ................................................. 4Ar r

___Wood DuckAix sponsa .............................................................. 4Aw rl

___GadwallAnas strepera ......................................................... 3Aew l

___American WigeonAnas americana ................................................... 3AEw l

___Mallard (Mexican Duck)Anas platyrhynchos diazi .................................... 4Ew l

___Blue-winged TealAnas discors .......................................................... 1AEw l

___Northern ShovelerAnas clypeata ........................................................ 2AEw l

___Northern PintailAnas acuta ............................................................. 3AEw l

___Green-winged TealAnas crecca ........................................................... 3AEw l

___CanvasbackAythya valisineria ................................................. 4Ew l

___RedheadAythya americana ................................................ 4Ew l

___Ring-necked DuckAythya collaris ....................................................... 4Ew l

___Lesser ScaupAythya affinis ........................................................ 3Ew l

___BuffleheadBucephala albeola ................................................ 5Ew l

___Ruddy DuckOxyura jamaicensis ............................................. 3Aw l

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Status Habitat

FALCONIFORMESCATHARTIDAE (American Vultures)

___Black VultureCoragyps atratus ................................................... 1ABCr a

___Turkey VultureCathartes aura ....................................................... 2ABCDEr a

___King VultureSarcoramphus papa ............................................. 6Bv a

ACCIPITRIDAE (Kites, Eagles, Hawks & Allies)___Osprey

Pandion haliaetus ................................................ 4ABm r___Hook-billed Kite

Chondrohierax uncinatus ................................... 5ABr t___White-tailed Kite

Elanus caeruleus .................................................. 2Ar f___Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis ........................................ 4ABm a___Plumbeous Kite

Ictinia plumbea ..................................................... 4Bb at___Northern Harrier

Circus cyaneus ...................................................... 3Aw f___Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus .................................................. 2ABm, 3w t___Cooper’s Hawk

Accipiter cooperii ................................................. 3ABw t___Bicolored Hawk

Accipiter bicolor ................................................... 6Br? t (6)___Crane Hawk

Geranospiza caerulescens ................................... 4Br t___Common Black-Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus ..................................... 5ABr r?___Great Black-Hawk

Buteogallus urubitinga ........................................ 4Br t___Gray Hawk

Asturina nitida ...................................................... 2ABr t___Harris’s Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus ........................................... 5Av f___Roadside Hawk

Buteo magnirostris ............................................... 1ABr ts___Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus ....................................................... 4Aw t___Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus ................................................. 1Am a___Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus ................................................. 3ABCr a___Swainson’s Hawk

Buteo swainsoni ................................................... 3Am af___White-tailed Hawk

Buteo albicaudatus .............................................. 5Av af

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Status Habitat

___Zone-tailed HawkButeo albonotatus ................................................. 4ABCDEr a

___Red-tailed HawkButeo jamaicensis ................................................ 2AEw, 4Er? af

___Black-and-white Hawk-EagleSpizastur melanoleucus ...................................... 6Bv? t (1, 16)

___Black Hawk-EagleSpizaetus tyrannus ............................................... 6Cv? c

___Ornate Hawk-EagleSpizaetus ornatus ................................................. 4BCr at #

FALCONIDAE (Caracaras & Falcons)___Collared Forest-Falcon

Micrastur semitorquatus ..................................... 2AB,3Cr tc #___Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway ............................................... 3Ar f___Laughing Falcon

Herpetotheres cachinnans .................................. 5Av? f___American Kestrel

Falco sparverius .................................................... 1Aw f___Bat Falcon

Falco rufigularis ................................................... 3Br tr___Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus ................................................... 5BCDm a

GALLIFORMESCRACIDAE (Curassows & Guans)

___Plain ChachalacaOrtalis vetula ......................................................... 2AB, 3Cr tcs #

___Crested GuanPenelope purpurascens ........................................ 4BCr tc #

___Great CurassowCrax rubra ............................................................. 5Br t –

ODONTOPHORIDAE (Quails)___Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus .............................................. 2Ar f___Singing Quail

Dactylortyx thoracicus ........................................ 2BCr tc #

GRUIFORMESRALLIDAE (Rails, Gallinules & Coots)

___SoraPorzana carolina .................................................. 5Aw m #

___Common MoorhenGallinula chloropus .............................................. 5Ar? ml

___American CootFulica americana ................................................. 5A, 2Ew l

HELIORNITHIDAE (Sungrebes)___Sungrebe

Heliornis fulica ..................................................... 5Br r

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Status Habitat

CHARADRIIFORMESCHARADRIIDAE (Plovers & Lapwings)

___KilldeerCharadrius vociferus ........................................... 3Aw fl

RECURVIROSTRIDAE (Stilts & Avocets)___Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus ...................................... 5Am mlJACANIDAE (Jacanas)

___Northern JacanaJacana spinosa ...................................................... 5Av m

SCOLOPACIDAE (Sandpipers & Allies)___Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca ............................................. 5Am ml___Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa f lavipes ...................................................... 5Am ml___Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria ..................................................... 5Bm mr___Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularia .................................................. 2Bw r___Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda ......................................... 5Am a #___Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri ....................................................... 4Aw lm___Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla ................................................. 4Aw l___Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago ............................................... 4Aw m___American Woodcock

Scolopax minor ..................................................... 6Bw r

COLUMBIFORMESCOLUMBIDAE (Pigeons & Doves)

___Rock DoveColumba livia ........................................................ 3Ar v

___Red-billed PigeonColumba f lavirostris ............................................ 1ABCr tc

___Band-tailed PigeonColumba fasciata .................................................. 3DEr po

___White-winged DoveZenaida asiatica ................................................... 1ABm, 3b t

___Mourning DoveZenaida macroura ............................................... 3Aw f

___Inca DoveColumbina inca .................................................... 1Ar v

___Common Ground-DoveColumbina passerina ........................................... 3Ar f

___Ruddy Ground-DoveColumbina talpacoti ............................................. 4ABr ts

___Blue Ground-DoveClaravis pretiosa ................................................... 3Br ts

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Status Habitat

___White-tipped DoveLeptotila verreauxi ............................................... 1AB, 2Cr tcs #

___Gray-headed DoveLeptotila plumbeiceps .......................................... 6Br t #

___Ruddy Quail-DoveGeotrygon montana ............................................. 6Bv? t (10)

PSITTACIFORMESPSITTACIDAE (Parrots & Allies)

___Green ParakeetAratinga holochlora .............................................. 1Br t

___Olive-throated ParakeetAratinga nana ....................................................... 5ABv? t

___Military MacawAra militaris .......................................................... 3D, 4BCr pct –

___Maroon-fronted ParrotRhynchopsitta terrisi ........................................... 4?Dv? p

___White-crowned ParrotPionus senilis ........................................................ 2B, 4Cr tc

___Red-crowned ParrotAmazona viridigenalis ......................................... 4ABr t –

___Red-lored ParrotAmazona autumnalis ........................................... 3Br t –

___Yellow-headed ParrotAmazona oratrix .................................................. 5Av? t –

CUCULIFORMESCUCULIDAE (Cuckoos, Roadrunners & Allies)

___Black-billed CuckooCoccyzus erythropthalmus .................................. 5ABm t

___Yellow-billed CuckooCoccyzus americanus .......................................... 3ABb t #

___Mangrove CuckooCoccyzus minor .................................................... 5ABr? t (13)

___Squirrel CuckooPiaya cayana ......................................................... 2ABCr tc

___Greater RoadrunnerGeococcyx californianus ..................................... 5Ar f

___Groove-billed AniCrotophaga sulcirostris ........................................ 2ABr fs

STRIGIFORMESTYTONIDAE (Barn Owls)

___Barn OwlTyto alba ................................................................. 3Ar f

STRIGIDAE (Typical Owls)___Whiskered Screech-Owl

Otus trichopsis ...................................................... 4Er o #___Vermiculated Screech-Owl

Otus guatemalae ................................................... 4BCr tc #

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Status Habitat

___Great Horned OwlBubo virginianus .................................................. 6?A?r t

___Northern Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium gnoma ............................................... 5?Dr p

___Tamaulipas Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium sanchezi ........................................... 3Cr c #

___Ferruginous Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium brasilianum ..................................... 2ABr t #

___Burrowing OwlAthene cunicularia ............................................... 5Aw f

___Mottled OwlCiccaba virgata ..................................................... 3ABCr tc #

CAPRIMULGIFORMESCAPRIMULGIDAE (Goatsuckers)

___Lesser NighthawkChordeiles acutipennis ........................................ 4?Ab? atf

___Common NighthawkChordeiles minor .................................................. 4?Am a

___Common PauraqueNyctidromus albicollis ......................................... 4Ar t #

___Tawny-collared NightjarCaprimulgus salvini ............................................. 3Ar? t #

___Whip-poor-willCaprimulgus vociferus ......................................... 4Am, 3DEr tpo #

NYCTIBIIDAE (Potoos)___Northern Potoo

Nyctibius jamaicensis .......................................... 4ABr tf

APODIFORMESAPODIDAE (Swifts)

___Black SwiftCypseloides niger .................................................. 6Bv? a

___White-collared SwiftStreptoprocne zonaris ......................................... 5BCv a @

___Chimney SwiftChaetura pelegica ................................................. 2Am a %

___Vaux’s SwiftChaetura vauxi ...................................................... 1BCr a

___White-throated SwiftAeronautes saxatalis ............................................ 3DEr apo

TROCHILIDAE (Hummingbirds)___Wedge-tailed Sabrewing

Campylopterus curvipennis ................................ 2BCr tcs #___Green Violet-ear

Colibri thalassinus ............................................... 6Bv t___Green-breasted Mango

Anthracothorax prevostii ..................................... 3ABb t___Canivet’s Emerald

Chlorostilbon canivetii ......................................... 4Br ts

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Status Habitat

___Broad-billed HummingbirdCynanthus latirostris ........................................... 5ABb? ts

___White-eared HummingbirdHylocharis leucotis ............................................... 4DEr? po

___Azure-crowned HummingbirdAmazilia cyanocephala ....................................... 3Cb, 5w c

___Rufous-tailed HummingbirdAmazilia tzacatl .................................................... 6?Bv? t (16)

___Buff-bellied HummingbirdAmazilia yucatanensis ........................................ 2ABb, 4w ts

___Violet-crowned HummingbirdAmazilia violiceps ................................................ 6Dv? ?

___Amethyst-throated HummingbirdLampornis amethystinus ..................................... 3?Cb, 6?w c

___Blue-throated HummingbirdLampornis clemenciae ........................................ 5?Dr? p

___Magnificent HummingbirdEugenes fulgens ..................................................... 4DEr?5BCv cpo

___Ruby-throated HummingbirdArchilochus colubris ............................................ 3ABm ts

___Black-chinned HummingbirdArchilochus alexandri ......................................... 5?Am ts

___Bumblebee HummingbirdAtthis heloisa ......................................................... 2DEr?4Cv poc

___Broad-tailed HummingbirdSelasphorus platycercus ...................................... 4Db p

TROGONIFORMESTROGONIDAE (Trogons)

___Mountain TrogonTrogon mexicanus ................................................ 2CDr cp *

___Elegant TrogonTrogon elegans ...................................................... 2ABr t

CORACIIFORMESMOMOTIDAE (Motmots)

___Blue-crowned MotmotMomotus momota ................................................. 2BCr tc #

ALCEDINIDAE (Kingfishers)___Ringed Kingfisher

Ceryle torquata ..................................................... 2Br r___Belted Kingfisher

Ceryle alcyon ......................................................... 4ABw lr___Amazon Kingfisher

Chloroceryle amazona ......................................... 3Br r___Green Kingfisher

Chloroceryle americana ...................................... 2Br r

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Status Habitat

PICIFORMESPICIDAE (Woodpeckers & Allies)

___Acorn WoodpeckerMelanerpes formicivorus .................................... 3CDEr cpo

___Golden-fronted WoodpeckerMelanerpes aurifrons ........................................... 3ABr tr

___Yellow-bellied SapsuckerSphyrapicus varius ............................................... 3ABCw tc

___Ladder-backed WoodpeckerPicoides scalaris ................................................... 3Ar t

___Hairy WoodpeckerPicoides villosus .................................................... 4Dr p

___Smoky-brown WoodpeckerVeniliornis fumigatus .......................................... 4BCr tc

___Bronze-winged WoodpeckerPiculus aeruginosus ............................................. 3BCr tc

___Northern FlickerColaptes auratus ................................................... 3DEr po

___Lineated WoodpeckerDryocopus lineatus .............................................. 3ABr t

___Pale-billed WoodpeckerCampephilus guatemalensis ............................... 3BCr tc

PASSERIFORMESDENDROCOLAPTIDAE (Woodcreepers)

___Olivaceous WoodcreeperSittasomus griseicapillus .................................... 4BCr tc

___Ivory-billed WoodcreeperXiphorhynchus f lavigaster .................................. 2ABCr tc

___Spot-crowned WoodcreeperLepidocolaptes affinis .......................................... 2Cr, 5Bv ct *

THAMNOPHILIDAE (Antbirds)___Barred Antshrike

Thamnophilus doliatus ........................................ 2Br ts #TYRANNIDAE (Tyrant Flycatchers)

___Northern Beardless-TyrannuletCamptostoma imberbe ......................................... 2ABr ts

___Greenish ElaeniaMyiopagis viridicata ............................................. 5?Br t (13)

___Tufted FlycatcherMitrephanes phaeocercus .................................... 2CDr, 3Bw cptr *

___Olive-sided FlycatcherContopus cooperi .................................................. 3ABCm tc

___Greater PeweeContopus pertinax ................................................ 2CDEr, 2Bw cpot *

___Western Wood-PeweeContopus sordidulus ............................................ 4Dm? ? (14)

___Eastern Wood-PeweeContopus virens .................................................... 2ABCm tc

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Status Habitat

___Yellow-bellied FlycatcherEmpidonax f laviventris ....................................... 2BCm, 4Bw tc

___White-throated FlycatcherEmpidonax albigularis ........................................ 6Cb? c (11)

___Least FlycatcherEmpidonax minimus ........................................... 2ABw ts

___Hammond’s FlycatcherEmpidonax hammondii ...................................... 2CDE?w cpo?

___Dusky FlycatcherEmpidonax oberholseri ....................................... 5?AE?w tsd

___Cordilleran FlycatcherEmpidonax occidentalis ...................................... 3DEr? po

___Black PhoebeSayornis nigricans ............................................... 5Bv r

___Eastern PhoebeSayornis phoebe .................................................... 1ABCw sf

___Say’s PhoebeSayornis saya ........................................................ 5AEw f

___Vermilion FlycatcherPyrocephalus rubinus .......................................... 3AEw f

___Dusky-capped FlycatcherMyiarchus tuberculifer ........................................ 1BCr tc

___Ash-throated FlycatcherMyiarchus cinerascens ........................................ 5AE?w td? (14)

___Great Crested FlycatcherMyiarchus crinitus ............................................... 2Bm, 5w t

___Brown-crested FlycatcherMyiarchus tyrannulus .......................................... 1Ab t

___Great KiskadeePitangus sulphuratus ........................................... 2ABr tr

___Boat-billed FlycatcherMegarhynchus pitangua ...................................... 1Br t

___Social FlycatcherMyiozetetes similis ................................................ 1ABr ts

___Streaked FlycatcherMyiodynastes maculatus ...................................... 3Bb t

___Sulphur-bellied FlycatcherMyiodynastes luteiventris .................................... 2Bb ts

___Tropical KingbirdTyrannus melancholicus ..................................... 4Ar f

___Couch’s KingbirdTyrannus couchii .................................................. 1ABb, 3w t

___Eastern KingbirdTyrannus tyrannus ............................................... 1ABm tsf

___Scissor-tailed FlycatcherTyrannus forficatus ............................................. 1Am f

INCERTAE SEDIS___Gray-collared Becard

Pachyramphus major ........................................... 2CDr, 4Bw cpt *

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Status Habitat

___Rose-throated BecardPachyramphus aglaiae ........................................ 2ABr tr

___Masked TityraTityra semifasciata ............................................... 2ABr t

___Black-crowned TityraTityra inquisitor .................................................... 5?Abr t

LANIIDAE (Shrikes)___Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus ............................................. 3AEw f

VIREONIDAE (Vireos & Allies)VIREONINAE (Typical Vireos)

___White-eyed VireoVireo griseus .......................................................... 3ABr ts

___Bell’s VireoVireo bellii .............................................................. 5Am ts

___Blue-headed VireoVireo solitarius ..................................................... 1ABCw tc

___Yellow-throated VireoVireo f lavifrons ..................................................... 3ABm, 5w t

___Hutton’s VireoVireo huttoni ......................................................... 3DEr po

___Warbling VireoVireo gilvus ............................................................ 3ABm, 5w t

___Brown-capped VireoVireo leucophrys ................................................... 3Cr c

___Red-eyed VireoVireo olivaceus ...................................................... 3ABm t

___Yellow-green VireoVireo f lavoviridis .................................................. 2ABb t

CYCLARHINAE (Peppershrikes)___Rufous-browed Peppershrike

Cyclarhis gujanensis ............................................ 3BCD?Er tscop?CORVIDAE (Jays, Magpies & Crows)

___Green JayCyanocorax yncas ................................................ 1ABCr tc

___Brown JayCyanocorax morio ................................................ 1ABr t

___Mexican JayAphelocoma ultramarina .................................... 2DEr po

___Tamaulipas CrowCorvus imparatus ................................................. 2Ar fv

___Common RavenCorvus corax ......................................................... 3DEr, 5ABv pof

HIRUNDINIDAE (Swallows)___Purple Martin

Progne subis .......................................................... 3Am a___Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor .............................................. 3Amw a

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Status Habitat

___Violet-green SwallowTachycineta thalassina ........................................ 4Am, DEr? a

___Northern Rough-winged SwallowStelgidopteryx serripennis .................................. 3Ar, 2m a

___Bank SwallowRiparia riparia ...................................................... 3Am a

___Barn SwallowHirundo rustica .................................................... 1Am, 3Eb? a

___Cliff SwallowPetrochelidon pyrrhonota ................................... 2Am a

PARIDAE (Titmice)___Bridled Titmouse

Balaeophus wollweberi ........................................ 3DEr po___Tufted (Black-crested) Titmouse

Balaeophus bicolor atricristatus ....................... 4Ar tREMIZIDAE (Penduline Tits & Verdins)

___VerdinAuriparus f laviceps .............................................. 4Er d

AEGITHALIDAE (Long-tailed Tits & Bushtits)___Bushtit

Psaltriparus minimus .......................................... 4DEr poSITTIDAE (Nuthatches)

___White-breasted NuthatchSitta carolinensis .................................................. 4DEr po

CERTHIIDAE (Creepers)___Brown Creeper

Certhia americana ............................................... 3DEr poTROGLODYTIDAE (Wrens)

___Rock WrenSalpinctes obsoletus ............................................. 4DEr, BCv k

___Canyon WrenCatherpes mexicanus ........................................... 3BCDEr k #

___Spot-breasted WrenThryothorus maculipectus .................................. 1ABCr tcs

___Carolina WrenThryothorus ludovicianus ................................... 5Br t #

___Bewick’s WrenThryomanes bewickii ........................................... 3Er od

___House WrenTroglodytes aedon ................................................. 4DEr, 2Aw pos

___Marsh WrenCistothorus palustris ............................................ 4Aw m

___White-bellied WrenUropsila leucogastra ............................................. 4?Ar t –

REGULIDAE (Kinglets)___Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Regulus calendula ................................................ 1ACBw tcSYLVIIDAE (Gnatcatchers)

___Blue-gray GnatcatcherPolioptila caerulea ............................................... 1ABCw tc

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Status Habitat

TURDIDAE (Solitaires, Thrushes & Allies)___Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis ............................................................ 4Aw f___Brown-backed Solitaire

Myadestes occidentalis ......................................... 2BCDEr tcpo *___Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush

Catharus aurantiirostris ..................................... 3Er o *___Russet Nightingale-Thrush

Catharus occidentalis .......................................... 3Dr p___Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush

Catharus mexicanus ............................................ 1CDb, 5w cp___Swainson’s Thrush

Catharus ustulatus ............................................... 3ABm, 5w t___Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus ................................................. 3ABCDEw tcpo___Black Robin

Turdus infuscatus ................................................. 5CDr cp (7)___Clay-colored Robin

Turdus grayi .......................................................... 1ABCb, 3w tc___White-throated Robin

Turdus assimilis .................................................... 1Cb, 4w c *MIMIDAE (Mockingbirds, Thrashers & Allies)

___Gray CatbirdDumetella carolinensis ........................................ 2ABm, 4w t

___Northern MockingbirdMimus polyglottos ................................................. 3AEr? f

___Sage ThrasherOreoscoptes montanus ......................................... 6Em d (9)

___Long-billed ThrasherToxostoma longirostre ......................................... 4BCr tcs

___Curve-billed ThrasherToxostoma curvirostre ......................................... 3Er d

___Blue MockingbirdMelanotis caerulescens ........................................ 2BCr ct *

MOTACILLIDAE (Wagtails & Pipits)___American Pipit

Anthus rubescens .................................................. 3AEw lfBOMBYCILLIDAE (Waxwings)

___Cedar WaxwingBombycilla cedrorum .......................................... 3ABCw tc @

PTILOGONATIDAE (Silky-flycatchers)___Gray Silky-flycatcher

Ptilogonys cinereus .............................................. 3DEr, 4CBv po @PEUCEDRAMIDAE (Olive Warblers)

___Olive WarblerPeucedramus taeniatus ....................................... 4DEr po

PARULIDAE (Wood-Warblers)___Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora pinus ................................................... 4Bm, 5w t

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Status Habitat

___Tennessee WarblerVermivora peregrina ............................................ 3Bm t

___Orange-crowned WarblerVermivora celata .................................................. 2ABw tsf

___Nashville WarblerVermivora ruficapilla .......................................... 2ABmw t

___Crescent-chested WarblerParula superciliosa ............................................... 2CDEr, 5Bv cpo *

___Northern ParulaParula americana ................................................ 3ABm, 5w t

___Tropical ParulaParula pitiayumi ................................................... 2AB, 3Cr trc

___Yellow WarblerDendroica petechia .............................................. 3ABm

___Chestnut-sided WarblerDendroica pensylvanica ...................................... 4ABm t %

___Magnolia WarblerDendroica magnolia ............................................ 4ABm t %

___Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) WarblerDendroica coronata coronata ............................ 3Am, 4w tf

___Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) WarblerDendroica coronata auduboni ........................... 3DE, 5CBAw po *

___Black-throated Gray WarblerDendroica nigrescens .......................................... 5Bw t

___Golden-cheeked WarblerDendroica chrysoparia ........................................ 5CDm cp (5, 8)

___Black-throated Green WarblerDendroica virens .................................................. 1ABCw tc

___Townsend’s WarblerDendroica townsendi ........................................... 2CDEw cpo

___Hermit WarblerDendroica occidentalis ........................................ 4DEw po

___Blackburnian WarblerDendroica fusca ................................................... 4ABm t

___Yellow-throated WarblerDendroica dominica ............................................ 4Bw tr

___Bay-breasted WarblerDendroica castanea ............................................. 4Bm t %

___Black-and-white WarblerMniotilta varia ...................................................... ABCw tc

___American RedstartSetophaga ruticilla ............................................... 4Bm t

___OvenbirdSeiurus aurocapillus ............................................ 3Bw t

___Northern WaterthrushSeiurus noveboracensis ....................................... 5Aw ml

___Louisiana WaterthrushSeiurus motacilla .................................................. 2Bw r

___Kentucky WarblerOporornis formosus ............................................. 3Bm, 5w t

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Status Habitat

___Mourning WarblerOporornis philadelphia ........................................ 4ABm sf

___MacGillivray’s WarblerOporornis tolmiei ................................................. 4ACm, 5w sf

___Common YellowthroatGeothlypis trichas ................................................. 3Aw m

___Altamira YellowthroatGeothlypis f lavovelata .......................................... 3Ar mf

___Hooded YellowthroatGeothlypis nelsoni ................................................. 4Er, 5CAw df *

___Gray-crowned YellowthroatGeothlypis poliocephala ....................................... 3Ar f

___Hooded WarblerWilsonia citrina .................................................... 3Bm, 5w t

___Wilson’s WarblerWilsonia pusilla .................................................... 1ABCw tsc

___Canada WarblerWilsonia canadensis ............................................ 4Bm t

___Painted RedstartMyioborus pictus .................................................. 3DEr, 4BCv poc *

___Slate-throated RedstartMyioborus miniatus ............................................. 5Pr p

___Fan-tailed WarblerEuthlypis lachrymosa ........................................... 3Br t

___Golden-crowned WarblerBasileuterus culicivorus ...................................... 1AB, 3Cr tc

___Rufous-capped WarblerBasileuterus rufifrons ......................................... 3BCr sf *

___Golden-browed WarblerBasileuterus belli .................................................. 1DEb, Cw poc

___Yellow-breasted ChatIcteria virens ......................................................... 3ABw t

THRAUPIDAE (Tanagers)___Red-crowned Ant-Tanager

Habia rubica ......................................................... 4Br t___Red-throated Ant-Tanager

Habia fuscicauda ................................................. 3ABr t___Hepatic Tanager

Piranga f lava ........................................................ 3DEr, 5CBv poct *___Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra ........................................................ 2ABw t___Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana ............................................. 4Bw t___Flame-colored Tanager

Piranga bidentata ................................................. 2CDEr, 4Bv poc *___White-winged Tanager

Piranga leucoptera ............................................... 3Br t___Yellow-winged Tanager

Thraupis abbas ..................................................... 3Br t

17

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Status Habitat

___Scrub EuphoniaEuphonia affinis ................................................... 3Ar tf

___Yellow-throated EuphoniaEuphonia hirundinacea ...................................... 2B, 4Cr tc

___Elegant EuphoniaEuphonia elegantissima ...................................... 3DEr, 4Cv poc *

EMBERIZIDAE (Emberizine Finches)___Blue-black Grassquit

Volatinia jacarina ................................................. 1Ab, 3w f___White-collared Seedeater

Sporophila torqueola ........................................... 1Ar f___Yellow-faced Grassquit

Tiaris olivacea ....................................................... 2ABr fs___Rufous-capped Brush-Finch

Atlapetes pileatus .................................................. 1CDEr cpof___Olive Sparrow

Arremonops rufivirgatus ..................................... 2ABCr tsc___Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus ................................................... 2DEr po___Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Aimophila ruficeps ............................................... 3Er d___Rusty Sparrow

Aimophila rufescens ............................................. 4Er fd___Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina ................................................. 3AEw fo___Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida ...................................................... 4AEmw? f___Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus ............................................ 4AEw f___Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus ....................................... 3AEw f___Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis ................................. 3Aw f___Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum ................................ 4Aw f___Lincoln’s Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii ............................................... 2Aw sf___Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana ............................................ 4Aw m___White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis ........................................... 6ABw t___White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys ........................................ 5AEw fs___Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis ...................................................... 6Aw tCARDINALIDAE (Cardinals, Grosbeaks & Allies)

___Grayish SaltatorSaltator coerulescens ........................................... 5Br f

___Black-headed SaltatorSaltator atriceps ................................................... 2Br t

18

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Status Habitat

___Crimson-collared GrosbeakRhodothraupis celaeno ........................................ 2ABr t

___Northern CardinalCardinalis cardinalis ........................................... 4Ar sf

___PyrrhuloxiaCardinalis sinuatus .............................................. 5AEw fd

___Rose-breasted GrosbeakPheucticus ludovicianus ..................................... 3Bw t

___Black-headed GrosbeakPheucticus melanocephalus ............................... 3Eb, 4Bw ot

___Blue BuntingCyanocompsa parellina ....................................... 3ABr t

___Blue GrosbeakGuiraca caerulea .................................................. 3Aw f

___Indigo BuntingPasserina cyanea .................................................. 2ABw tf

___Varied BuntingPasserina versicolor ............................................. 4Aw f

___Painted BuntingPasserina ciris ...................................................... 3ABw sf

___DickcisselSpiza americana ................................................... 3Am f #

ICTERIDAE (Blackbirds & Allies)___Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus ............................................. 4Am mf___Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna ................................................... 3Ar f___Melodious Blackbird

Dives dives ............................................................. 1ABr t___Brewer’s Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus .................................... 1Aw v___Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus ........................................... 1Ar vf___Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus ................................................. 2ABb, 1w vft___Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater ....................................................... 3Aw f___Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius ...................................................... 3Am ts___Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus ................................................. 3ABb, 5w t___Bullock’s Oriole

Icterus bullockii .................................................... 5Aem td___Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis ....................................................... 2ABr t___Audubon’s Oriole

Icterus graduacauda ............................................ 2ABCr tc___Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula ...................................................... 2ABw t

19

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20

Status Habitat

___Scott’s OrioleIcterus parisorum ................................................ 5Er?w? d

___Yellow-billed CaciqueAmblycercus holosericeus ................................... 3Br ts #

FRINGILLIDAE (Fringilline & CarduelineFinches & Allies)

___House FinchCarpodacus mexicanus ....................................... 5Av, 4Er fv

___Red CrossbillLoxia curvirostra .................................................. 6CDEv po

___Pine SiskinCarduelis pinus ..................................................... 3DEw po @

___Black-headed SiskinCarduelis notata ................................................... 3CDr cp *

___Lesser GoldfinchCarduelis psaltria ................................................. 4Av, 3Er f

___American GoldfinchCarduelis tristis ..................................................... 3ABCw tc @

___Hooded GrosbeakCoccothraustes abeillei ........................................ 1Cr, 4Bv ct *

PASSERIDAE (Old World Sparrows)___House Sparrow

Passer domesticus ................................................. 3AEr v

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21

appendix a

Species whose ranges include the Gomez Farias Region and which are expected tooccur there, but for which there seem to be no definite records.

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)Eastern Screech-Owl (Otus asio)Western Screech-Owl (Otus kennicottii)Flammulated Owl (Otus f lameolus)Chuck-wills-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis)Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailli)Pine Flycatcher (Empidonax affinis)Cassin’s Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferus)Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea)Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)Spotted Wren (Campylorhynchus jocosus)Veery (Catharus fuscescens)Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus)Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica caerulea)Canyon Towhee (Pipilo fuscus)Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus)

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literature cited

(1) Amadon, D., and D. R. Eckelberry, 1955. Observations on Mexican birds. Condor.57:65-79.

(2) American Ornithologists’ Union, 1998 (plus supplements), Checklist ofNorth American Birds, 7th ed. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington,D. C., 829 p.

(3) Eaton, S. W., and E. P. Edwards, 1948. Notes on Birds of the Gomez FariasRegion of Tamaulipas. Wilson Bull. 60:109-114.

(4) Harrell, B. E., 1951. The Birds of Rancho del Cielo, An Ecological Investigationin the Oak-Sweet gum Forests of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Unpublished MS thesis:U. of Minnesota.

(5) Johnson, K., J. Johnson, R. Albert, and T. Albert. 1988. Sightings of Golden-cheeked Warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia) in northeastern Mexico. WilsonBull. 100:130-131.

(6) Martin, P. S. 195la. Bicolored Hawk in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Wilson Bull. 63:337. (7) _____. 195lb. Black Robin in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Wilson Bull. 63:340. (8) Perrigo, G., R. Brundage, R. Barth, N. Damude, C. Benesh, C. Fogg, and J. Gower.

1990. Spring migration corridor of Golden-cheeked Warblers in Tamaulipas,Mexico. American Birds. 44:28.

(9) Robins, C. R., and W. B. Heed, 1951. Bird Notes from La Joya de Salas, Tamaulipas.Wilson Bull. 63: 263-270.

(10) Sutton, G. M. 1950. Ruddy Quail Dove in Tamaulipas. Condor. 52:93-94.(11) _____. 195l. Empidonax albigularis in Tamaulipas. Auk. 63. 339.(12) _____, and T. D. Burleigh, 1939. A list of the birds observed on the 1938

Semple Expedition to northeastern Mexico. Occa. Papers of the LouisianaState Univ. Mus. of Zoo. 3:15-46.

(13) _____, R. B. Lea, and E. P. Edwards, 1950. Notes on the ranges and breedinghabits of certain Mexican birds. Bird Banding. 21:45-59.

(14) _____, and O. S. Pettingill, Jr., 1942. Birds of the Gomez Farias Region, South-western Tamaulipas. Auk. 59:1-34.

(15) Webster, F. S., Jr. 1974. Resident birds of the Gomez Farias Region, Tamaulipas,Mexico. Amer. Birds. 28:3-10.

(16) Zimmerman, D. A., 1957. Notes on Tamaulipas Birds. Wilson Bull. 69:273-277.

22

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acknowledgements

I am deeply indebted to Juanita Coalson, the late John Hunter, Larry Lof, the lateBarbara Warburton, the Gorgas Science Foundation, and Fred and Marie Webster forproviding numerous opportunities over a 30-year period to do field work in theregion. I also thank F. P. (Tony) Bennett, Jr., Oscar Carmona, and Will Carter forsharing their unpublished records with me. Will Carter and Mark Lockwood revieweda draft of this checklist and made several valuable suggestions which substantiallyimproved this final version. Thanks to Cliff Shackelford with Texas Partners in Flightfor the production of this checklist. Printing was made possible thanks to Texas Parksand Wildlife, The World Birding Center and Pronatura Noreste. Permission to use theSquirrel Cuckoo on the cover by the late George M. Sutton was graciously granted bythe Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, University of Oklahoma.

______________________________For common names of birds in Spanish,please see: www.ibiologia.unam.mx/cnav/nc.html

23

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© 2001 Texas Parks and Wildlife PWD BK W7000-682 (8/01)In accordance with Texas Depository Law, this publication is available at theTexas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.

4200 Smith School RoadAustin, Texas 78744www.tpwd.state.tx.us

PWD BK W7000-682 11.12.2003, 7:38 AM28