Day 1, January 6th
We began our trip in the lovely surrounds of our hotel garden where Clay-colored Thrush, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Melodious Blackbird and Rufous-backed Wrens greeted us with abundant songs and calls. We spent some time looking through the birdlife also picking up Rufous-collared Sparrow, Wilson’s Warbler, Hoffmann’s Woodpecker, Blue-diademed Motmot and Squirrel Cuckoo.
After breakfast we loaded up and headed east out of the city of San Jose to Cartago first stopping at the edge of town in a place called Tres Rios. Here we walked the road picking up some common species like Tropical Kingbird, Groove-billed Ani, Great Kiskadee, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Red-billed Pigeon and Brown Jay. A pair of Masked Tityras did a flyby and we picked up Black and Turkey Vultures overhead, both of which we would encounter everyday of our trip.
From here we continued onto to Rio Loro where we stopped for Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush and White-eared Ground Sparrow before making the long, winding drive up Irazu Volcano. Once into an area of higher forest we pulled over for Slaty Flowerpiercer, Green Violetear, Scintillant Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk and Sooty Thrush. Several Blue-and-white Swallows circled overhead with American Black and White-collared Swifts.
From this high peak we made our way down for lunch and continued on to the river where we stopped for Finsch’s Parakeet eventually making our way to our lodge for the evening. The birding didn’t stop there though. As we were eating dinner we were able to watch several Pauraque from the balcony hawing for insects around the parking lot lights.
After a filling dinner we again loaded up for a long drive back up to the cold and breezy upper reaches of Volcan Irazu. With some local help we began in an open area next to the road with some playback of our target but this yielded nothing in the twenty minutes we waited out in the dark with the lights of the city winking below us. Undaunted we continued higher up till we found another spot and over the course of the next half hour we continued to play back for our target with nothing but a wailing cat in response. We then decided to head on down and try for another owl when the single call of an Unspotted Saw-whet Owl reached our ears from somewhere below us. We tried more playback but again nothing. This time we were almost at the vehicles when it responded after one last effort from our local guide. A constant, even set of toots came up from the forest below us and we listened for a bit to make sure we had the spot correct before plunging down through a potato field towards the trees.
As we got closer the song got louder but remained constant. Once everyone was in place we switched on our torches and began to scan the trees around us. The small owl hid well in the foliage but then in the beam of my torch the light body and rufous face of the bird came into view. We stared at this rare owl with joy and forgot the cold and wind while we enjoyed the bird. It moved to another perch and remained hidden again till it flushed one more time to a perch right above us for some amazing views. Once satisfied with our looks we made our way back up through the potato field and to the vehicle so we could warm up and head back down to our lodge for the night.
Day 2, January 7th
The morning began cool with the calls of Pauraque echoing from the wooded slope above the lodge. We loaded up after breakfast and hit the road into the Orosi valley. We made several stops through the valley for roadside birds like White-crowned Parrot, Montezuma and Chestnut-headed Oropendola and Short-tailed Hawk. We stopped at a small village where flowering bushes attracted Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and Stripe-throated Hermit. The foliage nearby also attracted Grey-capped Flycatcher, Black-headed Saltator, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Social Flycatcher, Short-billed Pigeon and Blue-grey Tanager.
We continued on down this road stopping at another set of verbena flowers where we picked up Green Thorntail, Steely-vented Hummingbird, Coppery-headed Emerald and more Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds. A local area of forest produced Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Eye-ringed Flatbill, Tropical Parula and Blue-black Grassquit. We also explored along a jeep track that produced Red-headed Barbet, Golden-browed Chlorophonia and Mistletoe Tyrannulet. Riverside stops yielded Torrent Tyrannulet just before lunch.
We arrived at our lunch stop in cool and rainy weather but it abated and the hummingbird feeders became active. Our first Violet Sabrewing showed up followed by Green-crowned Brilliant and Coppery-headed Emerald. Chestnut-capped Brush Finch sang from the thick foliage next to the lodge but was only seen by one of us. A rich, hearty lunch distracted us from the birds and after we’d dined we spent a bit more time at the feeders and tried a few more birds before we had to depart.
We crossed out of the Orosi valley into Tapanti National Park where we birded for a short while picking up great looks at Orange-bellied Trogon before we moved into the Caribbean slope and down to our lodge for the evening.
Day 3, January 8th
Dawn came early with a Mottled Owl outside my room before daybreak. We all met up on the veranda overlooking the gardens to watch the feeders before breakfast. Hot coffee was a welcome relief as the feeders got humming, pun intended! White-necked Jacobin, Crowned Woodnymph, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Brown Violetear, Green Violetear, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, on the feeders and a Snowcap fed on the verbenas below us to add to the hummingbird action. Orange-billed Sparrow, Mourning Warbler and a small rodent fed below the bushes while the first calls of Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blue-diademed Motmot and Brown Jay echoed around us.
We also checked the light trap near the lodge but found few insects but the bird life was great. Black-throated Wren sang from a vine tangle while a Gartered Trogon added a splash of color. Our first Cocoa Woodcreeper foraged in a close tree and our first of many Wilson’s Warblers was seen. The wing snapping of White-collared Manakins got our attention and we tracked down a fast moving group but never got good looks at them. A Long-billed Gnatwren sang its long descending song close by and a close female Olive-backed Euphonia buzzed away as she foraged for fruit.
After a quick breakfast we headed out to walk the trails picking up a croaking Keel-billed Toucan perched on a tall snag outside the lodge. The trails close by yielded Bay Wren, White-vented Euphonia, Mistletoe Tyrannulet, Cinnamon Becard, Yellow-bellied Elaenia and Flycatcher, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, House Wren and several flybys of Montezuma Oropendola.
Farther along we scanned some more open areas finding Broad-winged Hawk circling overhead, our first Purple-crowned Fairy feeding on a flowering tree, a Black-cheeked Woodpecker foraging in the bark of an old cecropia and the a pair of Grey-headed Chachalacas who were being drowned out by some Brown Jays.
On the main forest trail we stopped at the forest feeders to check for any new hummingbirds but the usual suspects were there. We continued along the trail for a while picking up the loud calls of Rufous-tailed Jacamar which would never show themselves from the tangled canopy. White-vented Euphonias were seen several times bouncing around the canopy and several Buff-throated Saltators chased each other through the trees.
Back at the lodge several Passerini’s Tanagers were attending the fruit feeder while a Tennessee Warbler was using the bird bath to clean up.
After lunch we headed to a nearby river and walked the jeep track. The rocky river bed made for a nice shallow flow which attracted Buff-rumped Warbler, Fasciated Tiger Heron, several stunning Sunbitterns, Amazon Kingfisher and Bay Wrens. This made for a nice finish the days birding.
Day 4, January 9th
We checked the forest light trap but were stopped before we could get there by the calls of a Tawny-chested Flycatcher which we managed to track down and get great looks at. We did check the light trap but as it was already getting light by this time we headed back to the lodge for breakfast.
The feeders were quite busy this morning and we got great looks at Blue-diademed Motmot while a Tropical Parula showed really well at the edge of the forest in the canopy. A Snowcap came to the verbenas again and we got some more great looks at this stunning little hummingbird.
After breakfast we headed for some riverine habitat and open farmland where we found Olive-striped and White-throated Flycatcher, Grey-crowned Yellowthroat and a rather odd brown and black Melodious Blackbird.
Farther up the trail we ran into a nice tanager flock which allowed us some great views of Crimson-collard, Black-and-Yellow, Emerald, Passerini’s, Silver-throated, Speckled, Golden-hooded Tanagers and Green Honeycreeper. The fields also yielded Groove-billed Ani and Great-tailed Grackle along with several Rufous-collared Sparrows and Variable Seedeaters.
We returned to the river where we’d seen Sunbittern the day before and found another again this time quite close for some great looks before we returned to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon we headed to a local lake and gardens to check out the birds there finding several Northern Jacanas, some with chicks, amid the many floating lily pads. American Purple Gallinule were numerous and a pair of Yellow-headed Caracara put in an appearance. From the reed bed we were able to get close to the edge to find a small group of Boat-billed Herons which showed really well.
Back at the lodge we did some owling in the light drizzle that was falling and managed to lure in a Mottled Owl which we got great looks at. Sadly the drizzle was getting worse so we headed for bed.
Day 5, January 10th
This morning we headed back to the light trap while dawn was breaking with much better results. The trap was full of bugs and attending birds like Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Golden-crowned Warbler, Red-throated Ant Tanager, White-breasted Wood Wren, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Rufous Motmot, Plain Antvireo, Buff-throated Foliage-Gleaner and the persistent calls of Bright-rumped Attila which we caught a glimpse of before it moved back up into the canopy. Undaunted we headed back to the veranda to get coffee and try from there. With the recording of the bird I’d just made we lured it in close and we managed to get some brief but good looks at the bird from the tall vine tangle it had moved into.
During breakfast several Grey-headed Chachalacas and a Montezuma Oropendola attended the feeders along with the usual suspects. Sadly after breakfast we had to head north to Braulio Carillo so we packed up and said our goodbyes and hit the road.
After some driving we arrived at Quebrada Gonzalez and birded around Braulio Carillo for the next couple of hours. The cool forest here started with a bang and a nice tanager flock giving us our first Tawny-crested Tanagers as well as White-lined and Silver-throated as well as Common Bush Tanager. Shortly after the calls of a Wedge-billed Woodcreeper got our attention and we enjoyed some great looks at this bird. We also managed to find a really nice White-crowned Manakin next to the trail that provided us some great looks. A tough Tawny-crowned Gnatwren was eventually coaxed out for snippets of views several times and the Buff-rumped Warbler that called continuously was eventually seen in the undergrowth. A Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush showed well with its pale eye.
We also visited a small garden where we found the verbena plants very active with Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Green Hermit, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Green Thorntail and the stunning little Snowcap. Tanagers were in abundance here and we got great looks at Emerald, Silver-throated, Speckled and Golden-hooded. Mountain Thrush, Black-cowled Oriole and Bay Wren also gave us good looks.
From here we continued down slope to the Sarapiqui region and our lodge. We arrived in time to take a quick walk down to the river and across the bridge before darkness caught up with us. We did manage some nice views of Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Olive-backed Euphonia and fantastic views of Broad-billed Motmot before we headed back to the lodge for dinner.
Day 6, January 11th
We began the morning near the lodge entrance picking up Lineated Woodpecker, Black-cowled Oriole, Blue-grey and Palm Tanager, White-crowned Amazon, White-necked Jacobin, Montezuma Oropendola, Yellow-crowned Euphonia and Black-faced Grosbeak.
We then walked the main trail to the canopy bridge finding a nesting White-necked Jacobin with two tiny chicks in it and on our way across the bridge we stopped to check for birds here seeing several Keel-billed and Black-mandibled Toucans as well as a rather confiding Slaty-tailed Trogon perched on the railing of the bridge. In the fruiting trees at eye level we got great looks at Collared Aracari and Olive-backed Euphonias and on our walk back for breakfast we caught up with a nice, close Chestnut-backed Antbird.
During breakfast we found out about a nesting Purple-crowned Fairy which we also stopped to get a great look at before crossing the bridge again into the forest. We then spent the rest of the morning walking the trails inside the main part of the park. The many trails and canopy bridges afforded some nice birds like Broad-billed Motmot, Western Slaty Antshrike, Rufous Mourner, White-fronted Nunbird, Brown-capped Tyrannulet, Slate-colored Grosbeak, White-collared Manakin and some ridiculous views of a pair of Great Tinamou walking down the trail.
After our lunch break we returned to the forest and though it was quieter we did find White-flanked Antwren, Red-throated Ant Tanager and Short-billed Pigeon.
We also spend some time in the gardens where we found Streak-headed and Cocoa Woodcreeper. The vines near the road had Variable Seedeater, Grey-capped and Social Flycatcher as well as Passerini’s Tanagers.
Day 7, January 12th
We left very early this morning and headed north to the Cano Negro region. Stops for coffee along the way helped, supplemented by Tres Leches, which kept us going till we got to our destination. We organized at the jetty for our boat ride on the Rio Frio and while the boat was swinging into place we picked up Limpkin and some distant Black-winged Stilts before we set off down the river. We spent several hours along the river here picking up great views of immature and adult Bare-throated Tiger Heron, crippling views of White-collared Manakin, Grey-necked Wood Rail and Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher. We also picked up other kingfishers like Amazon, Ringed and Green. We also picked up nice close looks at Groove-billed Ani, Prothonotary Warbler and Northern Waterthrush. One of the real treats was when I found a Common Potoo roosting in a palm tree and while we were first scanning for that our local guide found a Lesser Nighthawk on day roost in the next tree over. Scoping them proved a bit of a challenge but once we’d grounded the boat in the soft mud of the bank we were able to all get good looks at both birds. We also had loads of Black and Turkey Vultures flying over as well as a Peregrine Flacon and a pair of brightly colored Roseate Spoonbills and several Wood Storks also flew past. Loads of Neotropical Cormorants were mixed in with Anhingas and one of our main targets here, a Nicaraguan Grackle was found too.
At lunch we found a pair of nesting Orange-chinned Parakeets as well as Black-striped Sparrow before we had to continue west towards the mountains. We spent the rest of the day driving arriving at our lodge for the night in much cooler temps than what we had enjoyed in the morning.
Day 8, January 13th
We woke to find a cool and slightly damp forest around us but warmed by some coffee we set off into the forest. The constant drizzle didn’t help and the birding was tough but with the let up the late morning and afternoon was more productive. We had Great Curassow walking across the trail in front of us and from the canopy walkways we enjoyed Blue-throated Sapphire, Yellow-margined Flycatcher, Rufous Mourner and Plain-brown Woodcreeper.
Forest trails gave us great looks at Northern Nightingale Wren, Spotted, Bicolored and Zeledon’s Antbird, though the constantly singing Black-headed Antthrush wouldn’t show, we did enjoy Northern Barred and Wedge-billed Woodcreeper.
A fruiting tree attracted Black-throated Trogon and a fabulous male Lovely Cotinga. Song wren was musical but not visible. Carmiol’s Tanager was common in mixed groups. A real treat came with great looks at Tody Motmot in the understory and its more brightly colored cousin Broad-billed.
Day 9, January 14th
Another cold morning saw us out on the canopy tower between two walkways where we had great looks at Purple-crowned Fairy and Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer. Early wind though kept the birds quiet and when the drizzle came again we headed back for a warm breakfast and coffee. The Pacific lowlands beckoned and with its warmer temps we headed down slope arriving at the edge of the Golfo de Nicoya in the early afternoon. We were not even at the lodge when we found one of our targets in the statuesque form of a Double-banded Thick-knee sitting motionless in the field next to the road. The parking area of the lodge was alive with Orange-fronted Parakeets and a Squirrel Cuckoo that showed really well.
We set about birding right away finding great looks at Spot-breasted and Baltimore Oriole, Rufous-backed Wren and at the edge of the water there were huge flocks of Western Sandpipers twisting and turning about the shore as they jostled for better positions as the water rose. Close to the lodge we found a nice White-throated Magpie-Jay and a day roosting Pacific Screech Owl. Black-headed Trogon was seen in a tree next to the lodge as well before we tucked into some lunch.
The afternoon session was also good with a venture into the local woods finding Streak-backed Oriole, Inca Dove and Common Ground Dove, Blue-black and Yellow-faced Grassquit, Scrub Euphonia and several northern migrants like Western Tanager, Chestnut-sided and Black-and-white Warblers and Yellow-throated Vireo. Several calling Long-tailed Manakins gave us good looks but the elusive Three-wattled Bellbirds constantly “bonked” from the surrounding woodland but never showed.
Several flycatchers like Piratic, Brown-crested, Scissor-tailed and Social were common. Hoffmann’s Woodpecker put in an appearance and hummingbirds like Mangrove, Steely-vented, Cinnamon and Ruby-throated plus Canivet’s Emeerald all gave us good looks.
In the evening we walked the entrance road finding Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and with another showing up they put on a good show calling back and forth.
Day 10, January 15th
We rose early and with a few quick shots of coffee headed down the entrance road to some pre-breakfast birding. Streak-backed, Baltimore, Orchard and Spot-breasted Orioles showed well including Rufous-backed and Barred Wren. A female Rose-throated Becard and Hoffmann’s Woodpecker were also picked up before we headed back for some food.
This morning we headed out onto the gulf in our own boat and began scouting the center of the channel where fishing boats were attracting large numbers of Magnificent Frigatebirds and Brown Pelicans. Several Tern species like Royal, Gull-billed, Caspian and Cabot’s were all seen. Laughing Gulls were common they were all jostling for position behind the boats as they churned up the water and flushed the fish.
Along the shores we picked up a myriad of waterbirds in the muddy verges like Tricolored, Green, Great Blue, Little Blue and Yellow-crowned Night Heron. Whimbrel and Willet were common as well as several smaller shorebirds including Short-billed Dowitcher, Spotted Sandpiper and Grey Plover. We did several shore pull offs for Common Black Hawk, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Roseate Spoonbill and some fantastic views of close Mangrove Warbler. On our return we also found a small group of Surfbirds along the rocky shoreline.
Our afternoon started off with a bang when I heard a Lesser Ground Cuckoo sing from the gardens below my cabana. I managed to locate the bird and with good timing on the group’s behalf I managed to get everyone fresh from their rooms onto the bird before it disappeared into the underbrush. We managed fantastic full frame looks at this normally skulking bird before we continued up into the forest for the rest of the afternoon. On the way up through the cow pastures we found Stripe-headed Sparrow and Steve’s keen eyes found a roosting Lesser Nighthawk that kept a weary, slit eye on us as we passed below it into the forest.
Our quest this afternoon was the Three-wattled Bellbird. Having eluded us the day before, we managed to locate a juvenile bird next to the trail and after listening to its ventriloquial song booming through the surrounding forest we managed to get onto the yellow-green juvenile for all to see. Satisfied with this target we continued on finding Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cinnamon Hummingbird and a possible Yellowish Flycatcher that looked right for the species but really shouldn’t have been this low. A walk along the edge of the forest yielded Green-breasted Mango and Steely-vented Hummingbird as well as Yellow-headed Caracara before we returned to the lodge.
Some evening birding got us short views of a Spectacled Owl at dusk before it flew across a cane field and wasn’t coaxed into a return. Over these cane fields we were treated to a spectacle of thousands of swallows coming in to roost for the night. This was interspersed with both Lesser and Common Nighthawk.
Day 11, January 16th
This morning we left early with a quick snack to arrive at the mangroves early. The short trip up the gulf with the sunrise behind us saw us into the twisting avenues of mangroves that were alive with plenty of activity. Shorebirds and water birds were in abundance but nothing we’d not already seen. With some playback one of our targets was eventually found in the form of a Mangrove Vireo which moved continuously through the tangle of boughs.
Further on our second target also proved elusive till we heard the cackled response to our playback and turned up a Mangrove Cuckoo. It showed quickly and we almost all got good looks at it before it dropped. We continued to look for it finding it moving back through the foliage and at one point we watched as two flew through a gap in the mangroves before we had to move on as the tide was heading out and our drought was getting dangerously low and our captain didn’t fancy the idea of spending the next six hours beached in the mud. We headed back to the lodge and breakfast.
The rest of the day was spent in the futile search of Palo Verde National Park for Jabiru. We did manage some good looks at Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Anhinga, Purple Gallinule, Snail Kite, Northern Jacana, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Wood Stork and several species of heron.
Day 12, January 17th
We did some birding around the lodge this morning heading up to the overlook where we found White-lored Gnatcatcher, Barred Antshrike and Great Crested Flycatcher. The walk down produced Barred Wren, Turquoise-browed Motmot and Black-crowned Tityra. As we continued along the road out we stopped by a small flowing creek that was quite active. Here we found Yellow-olive Flatbill, Yellow-crowned Euphonia, Painted and Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, two Bare-throated Tiger Heron chasing each other around, Philadelphia Vireo and Ruddy Ground Dove. As it was beginning to get late we needed to move on to our next destination so began our drive south.
After a nice stop for lunch we made our way to Carara for the afternoon. Though the noise of traffic along the road was quite persistent it didn’t seem to bother the birds and in short order we were already on to some good stuff like Black-hooded Antshrike, Dot-winged Antwren and Dusky Antbird. Farther on we could hear the constant song of Rufous-breasted Wren and Yellow-crowned Euphonia punctuated by the long rattle of Long-billed Gnatwren. We found an active lek of Orange-collared Manakins that showed really well and were all able to watch them dart about and snap their wings. Next a Spot-crowned Euphonia sang from a tree next to the trail and cave us some great looks before our attention was dragged away by Northern Bentbill and a pair of passing Scarlet Macaws.
An army ant swarm delivered Grey-headed Tanager but was sadly lacking in antbird activity so we continued on farther into the park. We pulled up when we found two male Rufous-tailed Jacamars next to the trail patiently sitting on vines hawking for insects and completely oblivious to our presence. Dusky Antbirds foraged behind them and the loud blast of song from a Black-bellied Wren let us know this skulker was close but it never showed. A pair of Black-hooded Antshrikes foraged in the vines above us only feet away giving us great looks at both male and female.
On the way back we pulled out a Riverside Wren while above us sang Golden-tailed Sapphire, Bright-rumped Attila, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Rufous-breasted Wrens. Having exhausted the daylight we made our way to our lodge for the night.
Day 13, January 18th
We had an early start this morning and while enjoying some coffee we could hear a pair of Spectacled Owls above the creek calling and with torches we soon had great looks at the pair. An auspicious start to the day. At the park entrance we hit the trail and in the dawn light we could hear the birds coming to life. Buff-throated Saltator, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Black-hooded Antshrike and Rufous-breasted Wrens were all calling. As we were making our way along the paved path to the main forest trail we heard the song of Black-faced Antthrush but it wasn’t to be coaxed out. We did manage to get to grips with Golden-crowned Spadebill and we all got nice looks at this small flycatcher.
Along the main forest trail we spent a very productive morning kicked off by another Black-faced Antthrush which did show well creeping across the forest leaf litter. Great looks at a White-whiskered Puffbird were had in the understory canopy and Chestnut-backed Antbirds sang close and showed quickly. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was seen along here and at a creek crossing we found another Golden-crowed Spadebill, Sulphur-rumped Myiobius, a bathing Red-capped Manakin and while crossing a bridge we were overflown by five Muskovy Ducks.
Farther along the trail we tried for Streak-breasted Antpitta and were rewarded with some great looks next to the trail of this magic little bird. As we passed some lekking Stripe-throated Hermits we came across a pair of Great Tinamou next to the trail happily feeding in the leaf litter with no concern over our presence. Above us some activity drew us away and we could make out Northern Bentill, Scrub Greenlet and Streak-headed Woodcreeper.
Further along we came across a nice pair of Baird’s Trogon that with some tracking were able to get great looks at before we headed back for lunch. Along the way we picked up a Rufous Piha whose loud song next to the trail alerted us to its presence. I recorded its song and played it back and the bird shot in right above us from some great looks. As we made our way back to the parking area we found another Orange-collared Manakin but as the heat was picking up the activity was slowing down so we headed off for lunch.
After lunch we began our long drive up into the mountains and all the way up to Cerro de la Muerte. After the heat and moisture of the Pacific coastal lowlands it was quite a transition to stunted growth and cold wind. Never mind, we had birds to find. First on the list was a calling Large-footed Finch that eventually showed well and began singing. This was joined by a Timberline Wren which snuck up so close to me that it was no less than feet from me as I crouched next to a bush searching for it. Totally unconcerned it popped out inches from my face foraging in the densely packed brush. Volcano and Scintillant Hummingbird were both seen here and the local subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk soared above us. On the way down we could hear the high pitched song of Wrenthrush (Zeladonia) and pocking our heads into the bush we were able to see these adorable little birds whose taxonomic affinity is still in question. They were soon overpowered by a rush of Sooty-capped Bush Tanagers moving close by through the tops of the stunted brush and bushes. Feeling the effects of the high altitude we loaded up and headed down into the Sevegre Valley where we would spend the next couple of nights.
As we checked in and sorted our rooms out we all hung out by the feeders to watch the comings and goings of Magnificent and Scintillant Hummingbirds along with Green Violetear and the new endemic Grey-tailed Mountaingem. We spent the rest of the late afternoon settling in.
Day 14, January 19th
We woke early while it was still dark after hatching a plan of action last night. We sucked down some coffee and were gone before it was dawn. We drove up the mountain road that had brought us down into the valley until we found a suitable area of habitat for our target. Now with faint light around us and birds beginning to call we began to playback for our quarry. After a short while we saw some movement and with bins raised we managed to get some looks at a female Resplendent Quetzal. We continued to scan to see if a male was somewhere in attendance but not finding one we moved back down the valley a little ways. We soon realized a male must be close by the traffic that had parked on the side of the road and sure enough a pair was sitting next to the road the male in full regalia showing magnificently well. We spent a while here taking in the stunning beauty of the male with his iridescent green back and flowing upper tail coverts which hung well below his body in a cascade of emerald hues. The bright red of the chest and the golden green mohawk added a nice touch to his finery. The fifty or so birders gathered here were treated to a wonderful spectacled before the bird flew off up the hill after his mate stopping frequently to survey his domain. A bonus was a Black Guan in one of the adjoining pastures feeding in the grass of all places. Well satisfied with our looks at this wonderful pair we headed down for breakfast.
After breakfast we began birding round the lodge picking up Flame-colored Tanager, Mountain Elaenia, Grey-breasted Wood Wren, Scintillant Hummingbird and Wilson’s warbler. We continued downhill finding Brown-capped Vireo and Rufous-winged Woodpecker and along the road we picked up Dark Pewee, Flame-throated Warbler, Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, Steely-vented Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker and Northern Tufted Flycatcher.
Farther down we walked a trail along a flowing river where we picked up great looks at Black-faced Warbler and Collared Whitestart, Yellow-winged Vireo, Yellowish Flycatcher and Black Phoebe were also seen here.
We started the afternoon session around the feeders where we picked up Yellow-bellied Siskin before walking along the road picking up a group of feeding warblers where we managed great looks at Black-throated Green and Blackburnian Warbler along with Spot-crowned Woodcreeper.
Higher up we picked up great looks at Yellow-thighed Finch and Band-tailed Pigeon. Farther down we ran into another group of birds where we got better looks at Northern Tufted Flycatcher and Ruddy Treerunner.
At the entrance to the lodge we got great looks at Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, Mountain Thrush, Silver-throated Tanager and both Common and Soot-capped Bush Tanager.
We ended up back at the lodge to watch the evening comings and goings from one of the balconies sipping the local coffee, picking up further looks at Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, Magnificent Hummingbird on his lek, Blue-and-white Swallows overhead and a group of Sulphur-winged Parakeets in flight along the face of the hill across from us.
Day 15, January 20th
We started early up the trail behind the lodge where we heard the beautiful, metallic song of Black-faced Solitaire but the Costa Rican Pygmy Owl we were trying for only sang once and couldn’t be located.
After breakfast we made the slow accent out of the valley stopping at the top along the Cerro de la Muerte where did some birding picking up Scintillant Hummingbird again but while checking some forest edge we spooked a Wilson’s Snipe from some wet grass, an unexpected find here. Hearing a pair of Zeledonia we managed to get some great looks at these birds before we crossed to an open area of trees and brush finding Black-billed Nightingale Thrush and Slaty Flowerpiercer and several Fiery-throated Hummingbirds singing but none showing.
We tried along the road at the antennas again this time finding Peg-billed Finch, Slaty Flowerpiercer and Black-capped Flycatcher. We also made a stop at a local restaurant to check the feeders picking up looks at Fiery-throated Hummingbird and a female Magenta-throated Woodstar being new for the trip.
Our journey continued into the lowlands to Palma Norte for lunch where I watched a pair of Great Kiskadee Flycatchers chasing a Black-mandibled Toucan away from their nest but not before it had stolen two of the eggs.
We arrived in the afternoon at Rincon to check the birds here. We did really well over the next couple of hours here picking up Turquoise and Yellow-billed Cotinga, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Red-breasted Blackbird, Green Kingfisher, Mangrove Swallow, Smooth-billed Ani, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Ringed Kingfisher, Pale-vented Pigeon, Passerini’s Tanager and Grey-capped Flycatcher. The river also held several water birds like American White Ibis, Whimbrel, Least and Spotted Sandpiper and Little Blue Heron.
A quick roadside stop at a dead snag gave us great looks at Pale-billed and Golden-naped Woodpecker before we arrived in time to get settled in before dinner at the lodge.
Day 16, January 21st
We woke this morning to the sounds of the forest beginning with Buff-throated Foliage-Gleaners above us and Blue-diademed Motmot in the surrounding forest. Once we’d loaded up on coffee we headed onto the trails. Black-cheeked Ant Tanagers sang in the distance while we were looking at Chestnut-backed Antbird and a Grey-chested Dove scurried off the trail in front of us. We followed this by trying to tempt out some calling Marbled Wood Quail but they didn’t show so we continued on finding a nesting Rufous Piha and a calling Little Tinamou responded well to playback and crossed the path in front of us for some great looks. Ochre-bellied Flycatchers sang next to the path where we could see them well and the booming voices of Great Curassows competed with the equally deep songs of Ruddy Quail Dove the latter crossing the path in front of us moving up hill and disappearing.
In an area of open woodland and pastures we found Grey-capped Flycatcher, Roadside Hawk, Blue Ground Dove, Yellow-billed Cotinga in the distance, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Streaked and Piratic Flycatcher and a pair of Scarlet Macaws flying past.
Back in the forest we came across Slaty-tailed Trogon, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher and Dot-winged Antwren and farther along the trail we located a lekking Band-tailed Barthroat. In a more open patch of forest we found a Gartered Trogon and Grey-headed Kite before dropping down the trail where we found a Southern Nightingale-Wren. We checked a small wooded lagoon finding Boat-billed and Green Heron. The walk back to the lodge gave us really close looks at several Scarlet Macaws over the trail as well as Black-hooded Antshrike and a Buff-throated Foliage-Gleaner. Back at the lodge a pair of calling Baird’s Trogon led us to their location and a female Orange-collared Manakin was nesting next to the rooms while Grey-breasted and White-tipped Doves, Buff-throated Saltator, Passerini’s, Black-cheeked Ant and a Summer Tanager attended the fruit feeders.
After breakfast we headed to the river and some more open areas of forest and grasses where we began to rack up the raptors with Great Black Hawk, White Hawk, King Vulture, Black Vulture and Turkey Vulture. We found Red-rumped Woodpecker next to the river along with Rose-throated Becard and Costa Rican and White-collared Swifts. On the way back we picked up Lesser Greenlet and Long-billed Starthroat before lunch.
During the lunch break the feeders were still hopping with the aforementioned species as well as Riverside Wren forging next to the lodge and both Inca Dove and Grey-necked Wood Rail were attending the rice feeders.
After lunch we changed tack and headed into the village to find a few more open area species. Along the way we picked up a pair of Slaty-tailed Trogons and Red-rumped Woodpeckers next to the road and some bathing Tennessee Warblers and a circling Short-tailed Hawk, we also located Yellow Tyrannulet, Olive-sided Flycatcher, a perched White Hawk, Short-billed Pigeons, Northern Barred Woodcreeper and Stripe-throated Hermit. In small local marsh we tried for White-throated Crake but movement in the grass was the closest we got. We were compensated by nice looks at Purple Gallinule before we headed back to the lodge.
Day 17, January 22nd
This morning we headed back into the forest at first light and spent the rest of the morning here finding new species that included Fiery-billed Aracari and Tawny-crowned Greenlet and we also managed great looks at Dot-winged Antwren doing an arched back and puffed out display while pursuing another male.
After breakfast we began our drive east towards Panama and up into the hills. We stopped along the way to find Crested Oropendola and Least Grebe before arriving at a small marsh where we found Bran-colored Flycatcher, Tropical Mockingbird and spooked a Wilson’s snipe.
We arrived at the Las Cruces Biological station for lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon in the grounds picking up Acadian Flycatcher, White-throated Thrush, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Rufous-breasted Wren, American Redstart, Red-faced Spinetail, Charming Hummingbird, Northern Caracara, Spot-crowned Euphonia, Finsch’s Parakeet and great looks at Crested Guan.
Day 18, January 23rd
While it was still dark a Barred Forest Falcon began calling from the forest below us and was heard again as we approached the canopy tower but could not be tempted out. Up on the canopy tower we found Mistletoe Tyrannulet and several tanagers including Silver-throated and Bay-headed while Bright-rumped Attila and Black-throated Trogon called nearby. This short foray was before breakfast and after we’d eaten we headed down along the trails below the lodge first stopping at the feeders. They were hopping with birds coming to the bananas like Speckled and Silver-throated Tanagers, male and female Green Honeycreeper, Passernini’s Tanagers and Blue-diademed Motmot.
Along the trails a Plain Antvireo was seen right off the bat in some bamboo then we ran into a mixed flock containing Golden-browned Chlorophonia, Russet Antshrike, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, White-lined Tanager, Buff-throated Foliage-Gleaner, Rose-throated Becard, Tawny-crowned and Lesser Greenlet.
Once we’d sifted through this group we continued birding along the trails picking up lekking Green Hermit, Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Plain Xenops, Slaty Antwren and Eye-ringed Flatbill. Another quick check through the gardens gave us another shot at Red-faced Spinetail before lunch.
During the lunch break a quick check of the verbenas from the balcony gave us great views of White-crested Coquette as well as skyward we picked up Short-tailed Hawk and Black Hawk-Eagle amongst the many Black and Turkey Vultures.
We began the afternoon with great looks at Collared Trogon along one of the forest trails and though it was quieter this afternoon we managed great looks at Northern Schiffornis. We also found White-tailed Emerald in the garden to add to the list of new birds.
Some local night birding gave us great looks at Black-and-White Owl to round of the day.
Day 19, January 24th
We hit the tower again this morning but with little results other than birds we’d currently seen. A Great Tinamou at the base of the tower was a good show and we also picked up Broad-winged Hawks in the grounds. As we were loading up the head back to San Jose we got great looks at some Crested Guans in the flowering trees in the gardens.
We also stopped for lunch below Cerro de la Muerte and picked up further looks at Magnificent and Fiery-throated Hummingbirds and Green Violetear plus Ruddy Treerunner, Mountain Thrush and Elaenia.
We arrived back in San Jose just before the rush hour and over dinner had a good yarn about the birds we’d seen.
Day 20, January 25th
Some of us remained at our hotel while others moved to new ones before our flights home.
Over all a successful trip with a few hiccups and rain a few days but we saw almost 500 species with all of the true endemics and many regional endemics. Birds of the trip in no particular order apart from the first which we all agreed on was the mega Unspotted Saw-whet Owl, because it’s such a rare owl and not often found the rest follow:
Turquoise Cotinga, because of its stunning colors
Timberline Wren, because it came in so close and we got such great views
Snowcap, just a stunning little hummer and we managed great looks a few times
Yellow-thighed Finch, one of our party really wanted to see this bird and they behaved so well
Tody Motmot, probably one of the hardest momots and we got scope views of the bird
Orange-collared Manakin, such a pleasure to see them lekking
Wrenthrush, two pairs found so close and that smart chestnut cap really sets them off
Cherrie’s Tanager, it was actually the females that got the vote such a contrast to Passerini’s
Boat-billed Heron, finding four together so close with those amazing bills.
Photos from this tour can be found here
Sounds from this trip can be found here
TINAMIFORMES: Tinamidae
1 Great Tinamou Tinamus major
2 Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui
GALLIFORMES: Cracidae
3 Grey-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps
4 Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens
5 Black Guan Chamaepetes unicolor
6 Great Curassow Crax rubra
GALLIFORMES: Odontophoridae
7 Spot-bellied Bobwhite Colinus leucopogon
8 Marbled Wood Quail H Odontophorus gujanensis
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
9 Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
10 Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
11 Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
12 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae
13 Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus
CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae
14 Wood Stork Mycteria americana
PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae
15 Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis
16 American White Ibis Eudocimus albus
17 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
18 Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja
PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae
19 Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum
20 Bare-throated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum
21 Agami Heron L Agamia agami
22 Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
23 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
24 Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
25 Green Heron Butorides virescens
26 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
27 Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
28 Great Egret Ardea alba
29 Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens
30 Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
31 Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
32 Snowy Egret Egretta thula
PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae
33 Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
SULIFORMES: Fregatidae
34 Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
SULIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae
35 Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
SULIFORMES: Anhingidae
36 Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Cathartidae
37 Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
38 Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
39 King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae
40 Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae
41 Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis
42 Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
43 White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
44 Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis
45 Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus
46 Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor
47 White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis
48 Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus
49 Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga
50 Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus
51 Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus
52 Grey-lined Hawk Buteo nitidus
53 Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
54 Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
55 Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
56 White-tailed Hawk Buteo albicaudatus
57 Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
58 Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
59 Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
60 Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
61 Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans
62 Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis
63 American Kestrel Falco sparverius
64 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
EURYPYGIFORMES: Eurypygidae
65 Sunbittern Eurypyga helias
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
66 Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus
67 Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus
68 Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata
GRUIFORMES: Aramidae
69 Limpkin Aramus guarauna
CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae
70 Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
71 Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
72 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
73 Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae
74 Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa
CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
75 Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata
76 Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus
77 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
78 Willet Tringa semipalmata
79 Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius
80 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
81 Surfbird Aphriza virgata
82 Sanderling Calidris alba
83 Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
84 Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae
85 Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
86 Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla
87 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
88 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
89 Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus
90 Cabot's Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
91 Rock Dove Columba livia
92 Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
93 Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis
94 Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris
95 Ruddy Pigeon H Patagioenas subvinacea
96 Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris
97 White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica
98 Inca Dove Columbina inca
99 Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina
100 Plain-breasted Ground Dove Columbina minuta
101 Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti
102 Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa
103 White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
104 Grey-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii
105 Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
106 Scarlet Macaw Ara macao
107 Finsch's Parakeet Aratinga finschi
108 Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis
109 Sulphur-winged Parakeet Pyrrhura hoffmanni
110 Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis
111 Brown-hooded Parrot Pyrilia haematotis
112 Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
113 White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis
114 White-fronted Amazon Amazona albifrons
115 Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis
116 Yellow-naped Amazon Amazona auropalliata
117 Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
118 Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
119 Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
120 Lesser Ground Cuckoo Morococcyx erythropygus
121 Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
122 Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
123 Pacific Screech Owl Megascops cooperi
124 Mottled Owl Strix virgata
125 Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata
126 Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata
127 Costa Rican Pygmy Owl H Glaucidium costaricanum
128 Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
129 Unspotted Saw-whet Owl Aegolius ridgwayi
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Nyctibiidae
130 Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
131 Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis
132 Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
133 Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
APODIFORMES: Apodidae
134 American Black Swift Cypseloides niger
135 White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
136 Costa Rican Swift Chaetura fumosa
137 Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cineriventris
138 Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis
APODIFORMES: Trochilidae
139 Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus
140 Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri
141 Green Hermit Phaethornis guy
142 Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris
143 Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis
144 Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii
145 Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
146 White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
147 Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae
148 Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus
149 Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii
150 Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti
151 White-crested Coquette Lophornis adorabilis
152 Green Thorntail Discosura conversii
153 Garden Emerald Chlorostilbon assimilis
154 Canivet's Emerald Chlorostilbon caniveti
155 Fiery-throated Hummingbird Panterpe insignis
156 White-tailed Emerald Elvira chionura
157 Coppery-headed Emerald Elvira cupreiceps
158 Stripe-tailed Hummingbird Eupherusa eximia
159 Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
160 Blue-throated Sapphire Hylocharis eliciae
161 Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila
162 Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
163 Charming Hummingbird Amazilia decora
164 Mangrove Hummingbird Amazilia boucardi
165 Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerrottei
166 Snowcap Microchera albocoronata
167 Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer Chalybura urochrysia
168 Grey-tailed Mountaingem Lampornis cinereicauda
169 Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula
170 Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens
171 Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
172 Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris
173 Magenta-throated Woodstar Calliphlox bryantae
174 Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris
175 Volcano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula
176 Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla
TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
177 Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno
178 Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena
179 Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus
180 Baird's Trogon Trogon bairdii
181 Gartered Trogon Trogon caligatus
182 Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus
183 Elegant Trogon Trogon elegans
184 Collared Trogon Trogon collaris
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
185 Green-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda
186 Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
187 Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
188 Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata
189 Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon
CORACIIFORMES: Momotidae
190 Tody Motmot Hylomanes momotula
191 Blue-diademed Motmot Momotus lessonii
192 Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii
193 Keel-billed Motmot Electron carinatum
194 Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum
195 Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa
PICIFORMES: Galbulidae
196 Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
PICIFORMES: Bucconidae
197 White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis
198 White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus
PICIFORMES: Capitonidae
199 Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii
PICIFORMES: Ramphastidae
200 Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus
201 Fiery-billed Aracari Pteroglossus frantzii
202 Black-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus
203 Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus
PICIFORMES: Picidae
204 Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus
205 Golden-naped Woodpecker Melanerpes chrysauchen
206 Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani
207 Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus
208 Hoffmann's Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii
209 Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus
210 Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii
211 Rufous-winged Woodpecker Piculus simplex
212 Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus
213 Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
214 Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis
PASSERIFORMES: Furnariidae
215 Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops
216 Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus
217 Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus
218 Ruddy Foliage-gleaner H Automolus rubiginosus
219 Tawny-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus mexicanus
220 Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
221 Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa
222 Tawny-winged Woodcreeper Dendrocincla anabatina
223 Long-tailed Woodcreeper Deconychura longicauda
224 Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
225 Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus
226 Northern Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae
227 Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans
228 Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
229 Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
230 Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis
PASSERIFORMES: Thamnophilidae
231 Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus
232 Black-hooded Antshrike Thamnophilus bridgesi
233 Western Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha
234 Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus
235 Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis
236 Spot-crowned Antvireo Dysithamnus puncticeps
237 Checker-throated Antwren Epinecrophylla fulviventris
238 White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris
239 Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor
240 Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis
241 Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina
242 Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul
243 Zeledon's Antbird Myrmeciza zeladonia
244 Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis
245 Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevioides
PASSERIFORMES: Formicariidae
246 Black-headed Antthrush H Formicarius nigricapillus
247 Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis
PASSERIFORMES: Grallariidae
248 Streak-chested Antpitta Hylopezus perspicillatus
PASSERIFORMES: Tyrannidae
249 Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata
250 Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
251 Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii
252 Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillus
253 Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum
254 Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea
255 Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola
256 Mistletoe Tyrannulet Zimmerius parvus
257 Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus
258 Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus
259 Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris
260 Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus
261 Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus
262 Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare
263 Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus
264 Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
265 Eye-ringed Flatbill Rhynchocyclus brevirostris
266 Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens
267 Yellow-margined Flatbill Tolmomyias flavotectus
268 Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus
269 Tawny-chested Flycatcher Aphanotriccus capitalis
270 Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
271 Northern Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus
272 Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
273 Dark Pewee Contopus lugubris
274 Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus
275 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris
276 Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens
277 White-throated Flycatcher Empidonax albigularis
278 Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus
279 Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens
280 Black-capped Flycatcher Empidonax atriceps
281 Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius
282 Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
283 Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis
284 Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
285 Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus
286 Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus
287 Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
288 Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
289 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus
290 Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana
291 Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra
292 Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
293 Panamanian Flycatcher Myiarchus panamensis
294 Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
295 Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus
296 Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus
PASSERIFORMES: Cotingidae
297 Lovely Cotinga Cotinga amabilis
298 Turquoise Cotinga Cotinga ridgwayi
299 Three-wattled Bellbird Procnias tricarunculatus
300 Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus
301 Yellow-billed Cotinga Carpodectes antoniae
PASSERIFORMES: Pipridae
302 White-ruffed Manakin Corapipo altera
303 White-collared Manakin Manacus candei
304 Orange-collared Manakin Manacus aurantiacus
305 Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis
306 White-crowned Manakin Dixiphia pipra
307 Red-capped Manakin Dixiphia mentalis
PASSERIFORMES: Tityridae
308 Sulphur-rumped Myiobius Myiobius sulphureipygius
309 Black-tailed Myiobius Myiobius atricaudus
310 Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus
311 Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor
312 Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
313 Northern Schiffornis Schiffornis veraepacis
314 Speckled Mourner H Laniocera rufescens
315 Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
316 Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae
PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae
317 Green Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius pulchellus
318 Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens
319 Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons
320 Yellow-winged Vireo Vireo carmioli
321 Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
322 Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys
323 Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus
324 Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis
325 Scrub Greenlet Hylophilus flavipes
326 Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps
327 Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
328 Brown Jay Psilorhinus morio
329 White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa
PASSERIFORMES: Ptilogonatidae
330 Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher Ptilogonys caudatus
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
331 Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
332 Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea
333 Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
334 Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
335 Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
336 Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
337 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
PASSERIFORMES: Troglodytidae
338 Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus
339 Rufous-backed Wren Campylorhynchus capistratus
340 Black-throated Wren Pheugopedius atrogularis
341 Black-bellied Wren Pheugopedius fasciatoventris
342 Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus
343 Banded Wren Thryophilus pleurostictus
344 Plain Wren Cantorchilus modestus
345 Riverside Wren Cantorchilus semibadius
346 Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus
347 Stripe-breasted Wren Cantorchilus thoracicus
348 House Wren Troglodytes aedon
349 Timberline Wren Thryorchilus browni
350 White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticta
351 Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
352 Northern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus philomela
353 Southern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus marginatus
354 Song Wren H Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus
PASSERIFORMES: Polioptilidae
355 Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris
356 Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus
357 White-lored Gnatcatcher Polioptila albiloris
358 Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea
PASSERIFORMES: Mimidae
359 Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
360 Black-faced Solitaire Myadestes melanops
361 Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus gracilirostris
362 Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris
363 Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater
364 Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush Catharus frantzii
365 Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
366 Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
367 Sooty Thrush Turdus nigrescens
368 Mountain Thrush Turdus plebejus
369 Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus
370 Clay-colored Thrush Turdus grayi
371 White-throated Thrush Turdus assimilis
PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
372 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae
373 Tricolored Munia Lonchura malacca
PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae
374 Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis
375 Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla
376 Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
377 Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea
378 Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima
379 Spot-crowned Euphonia Euphonia imitans
380 Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi
381 White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta
382 Tawny-capped Euphonia Euphonia anneae
383 Golden-browed Chlorophonia Chlorophonia callophrys
384 Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra
PASSERIFORMES: Parulidae
385 Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla
386 Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis
387 Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera
388 Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia
389 Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea
390 Flame-throated Warbler Oreothlypis gutturalis
391 Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina
392 Nashville Warbler Leiothlypis ruficapilla
393 Grey-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala
394 Mourning Warbler Geothlypis philadelphia
395 American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
396 Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi
397 Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia
398 Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca
399 American Yellow Warbler Setophaga aestiva
400 Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia
401 Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica
402 Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens
403 Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda
404 Black-cheeked Warbler Basileuterus melanogenys
405 Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
406 Wilson's Warbler Cardellina pusilla
407 Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus
408 Collared Whitestart Myioborus torquatus
PASSERIFORMES: Incertae Sedis
409 Wrenthrush Zeledonia coronata
PASSERIFORMES: Icteridae
410 Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri
411 Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus
412 Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma
413 Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus
414 Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis
415 Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas
416 Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius
417 Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula
418 Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus
419 Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus
420 Melodious Blackbird Dives dives
421 Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
422 Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus
423 Nicaraguan Grackle Quiscalus nicaraguensis
424 Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris
425 Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
PASSERIFORMES: Coerebidae
426 Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae
427 Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
428 Volcano Junco Junco vulcani
429 Stripe-headed Sparrow Peucaea ruficauda
430 White-eared Ground Sparrow Melozone leucotis
431 Olive Sparrow H Arremonops rufivirgatus
432 Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris
433 Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris
434 Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Arremon brunneinucha
435 Large-footed Finch Pezopetes capitalis
436 Yellow-thighed Finch Pselliophorus tibialis
437 Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
438 Sooty-capped Bush Tanager Chlorospingus pileatus
PASSERIFORMES: Thraupidae
439 Carmiol's Tanager Chlorothraupis carmioli
440 Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata
441 Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii
442 White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus
443 Crimson-collared Tanager Ramphocelus sanguinolentus
444 Passerini's Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii
445 Cherrie's Tanager Ramphocelus costaricensis
446 Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus
447 Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
448 Emerald Tanager Tangara florida
449 Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala
450 Speckled Tanager Tangara guttata
451 Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola
452 Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata
453 Spangle-cheeked Tanager Tangara dowii
454 Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta
455 Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
456 Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus
457 Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza
458 Black-and-yellow Tanager Chrysothlypis chrysomelas
459 Slaty Flowerpiercer Diglossa plumbea
460 Peg-billed Finch Acanthidops bairdi
461 Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
462 Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina
463 White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola
464 Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus
465 Flame-colored Tanager Piranga bidentata
466 Tooth-billed Tanager Piranga lutea
467 Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
468 Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
469 Red-crowned Ant Tanager Habia rubica
470 Red-throated Ant Tanager Habia fuscicauda
471 Black-cheeked Ant Tanager Habia atrimaxillaris
PASSERIFORMES: Cardinalidae
472 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
473 Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster
474 Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus
475 Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps
476 Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
477 Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
478 Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus
479 Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides
480 Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea
481 Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea
482 Painted Bunting Passerina ciris