With many of the couples arriving a few days before and Chris and I on the 27th we all met up in the garden on the morning of the 28th. I was out early greeted by the usual suspects of Clay-colored Thrush, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and Greyish Saltator. Both House and Plain Wren were calling and by the time we all managed to gather together we found Hoffman’s Woodpecker, Rufous-naped Wren; performing well with three singing and displaying in the trees above us, Rufous-collared Sparrows hopped around the grassy open areas and Blue-grey Tanagers sang in the trees above us before we ventured further into the grounds.
At the back of the garden we found a spot in the back corner where we could come to grips with White-eared Ground Sparrow, there was no sign of Prevost’s, Tropical Kingbird perched high up with a Hoffman’s Woodpecker and later on in this same spot we managed across a Squirrel Cuckoo with its fine chestnut plumage. The raucous calls of Boat-billed Flycatchers alerted us to their presence and the constant circling of Black and Turkey Vultures kept us looking skywards for an odd raptor only to be placated by Blue-and-white Swallows. By now the last couple had shown up from Peru and were enjoying the common birds of this lovely garden with us.
Crimson-fronted Parakeets whistled by overhead with their bright green livery and the loud shouts of Brown Jays in the distance allowed us some not brilliant but countable views. A Red-billed Pigeon showed well in the canopy of one of the trees and White-winged Dove was also found. The only Rufous-capped Warbler of the trip was found later in a tree just over the wall and as we backed up enough to get a view over the top of the wall it was enjoyed by all.
June 29th
With the tour starting officially this morning I was up early and letting in some cool air from the open window when I heard a Ferruginous Pygmy Owl calling close by. I managed to get out and find it and with it being close to five we managed to drag out everyone before breakfast and all get scope views of the bird. Not a bad start. We spent the next hour checking through the garden and had a nice show from a Melodious Blackbird but this was the only new bird from the bevy we’d picked up the day before.
After breakfast we headed to Cartago to get some of the common area birds in the fields there. A pair of White-breasted Wood Wrens skulked in the bush line and were seen in patches and bits as we followed them down the road. White-collared Seedeater sang from the trees overlooking some agriculture and a Short-tailed Hawk put in an appearance with two Black Vultures.
We continued on down the road till we got to some pine woods lining the road and stopped to check out the barrage of new birds here. Piratic Flycatchers sang from the top of the pines and Blue-and-White Swallows circled constantly. The buzzy song of Yellow-faced Grassquit alerted us to the presence of several birds feeding in the short grass next to the road. The much louder song of Black-headed Saltator lead us to it signing from the bush line next to a wall and the more melodious song of Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush from the gulley behind us had all bins glued to where it was coming from for brief looks when it would pop out for us. A White-naped Brush Finch was seen feeding a Bronzed Cowbird chick that dwarfed its surrogate parent while the onomatopoeic song of Great Kiskadee showed us a pair sitting on the power lines.
Another brief stop near a small pond we found a Least Grebe and shortly after the hoped for Tropical Mockingbirds were found in an open patch of pastureland with Groove-billed Ani and two Yellow-breasted Elaenias.
From here we continued southwest through the mountains to the lush Sevegre Valley. Just past the turn off we stopped to check the surrounding trees and the cool air and cold rain hampered things here a bit but we did get onto Sooty Thrush, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, a bedraggled little Scintillant Hummingbird and a Flame-colored Tanager before the rain beat us back into the bus.
At the Sevegre lodge we checked in and spent some time around the feeders during lunch taking in some stunning hummers in the form of Magnificent Hummingbird, endemic Grey-tailed Mountaingem and Green Violetear.
After lunch we walked the grounds and before we could get to the dining area to meet up we were already scoping birds like Mountain Elainia, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher and Sulphur-winged Parrots. Grey-breasted Wood Wren sang from a bush line and the first of many Black-faced Solitaires showed up.
A quick look through the feeders revealed the usual suspects so down the driveway we went out to the main road. We were stopped halfway down at some pink flowers by Slaty Flowerpiercer and farther down by a couple of Stripe-tailed Hummingbirds.
At the road we turned left and walked down the river course finding Torrent Tyrannulet and Acorn Woodpeckers, which became quite common, as well as a Yellowish Flycatcher. Afternoon rain forced us back to the lodge so we sat at the feeders to watch the comings and goings of the local hummers.
June 30th
We met in front of the main building for some early morning birding around the feeders before breakfast. Grey-tailed Mountaingem, Magnificent Hummingbird and Green Violetear were all seen before we all took a short walk out to the gravel road. As we crossed the bridge we had a look round for a Dipper without luck. At the edge of the woods surrounding the river we could head a Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush but it never showed, though for compensation we did get nice close looks at Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush before making our way back across the bridge into the lodge grounds. A small flock of Sooty-capped Bush Tanagers were close by as we walked up to grab a quick breakfast. After our first meal of the day we lingered round the gardens while others went to the rooms to gather stuff for the day. The gardens proved to be quite fruitful with White-naped Brush Finch, Yellow-thighed Finch, Scintillant Hummingbird, Yellow-winged Vireo, Acorn Woodpecker, Spot-crowned Woodcreeper and the very common Rufous-collared Sparrow.
We loaded up the van and began to head up the valley and once into an area of good forest we stopped to look at a Black-billed Nightingale Thrush but soon were inundated with other birds. Several singing Large-footed Finches were soon located as well as a Northern Tufted Flycatcher. A Flame-throated Warbler was found which we all enjoyed and a Black-capped Flycatcher showed a bit poorly being backlit but was still checked off.
Back in the van we continued higher till we got to our first stop only to find it closed. Frustrated we continued higher till we got to the Pan American highway where we got out to look round the intersection finding Sooty Thrush, Black-billed and Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush and Rufous-collared Sparrows before venturing along the road to an open area where we found Black-capped Flycatcher and a small group of Large-footed Finches.
We retreated back to the van and began to check spots on the way back for Quetzal. Several fruiting trees and a walk along the river revealed nothing. Though some nice looks at Yellow-bellied Siskin helped and when we reached the end of the walk along the river we paused on the bridge for a while as several birds moved through in a flock including, Golden-bellied Flycatcher, Silver-throated Tanager, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Common Bush Tanager and Blue-grey Tanager. On the way back it began to pour and we got soaked.
We made our way back up the valley to check another spot as it was getting later in the day. We checked a stretch of road where they had been seen recently and the lady from one of the lodges informed us she’d seen one fly past the restaurant 20 minutes earlier. This was good news. We located a nest so set up around here hoping the rain would hold off. We enjoyed scope views and a nicely plumaged Red-tailed Hawk and when it took flight it was joined by another circling the valley. Nice to watch but we were not sure if this would keep the Quetzals at bay. Fortune came with one of the guides from Sevegre who told us that the avocado tree near where we were stopped had been a usual haunt for the birds and he’d seen them in the tree the day before. We lingered about till it began to rain, waiting for a chance to see the bird. As we were getting wet again we hatched a plan to come back in the morning and set up here so retreated back to the lodge for the night.
July 1st
The mission was on, no rain, all up early and into the van. Off we went and before first light we were all set up at the fruiting tree waiting. It was a bit cool and with hushed and muffled voices we waited the arrival of our prize. Twenty minutes went by before an excited voice told us one was in the tree. We all turned to focus on the fruiting tree to watch a lovely male Resplendent Quetzal all resplendent in green and red sitting on a moss and lichen covered branch staring at us. It flew up once and grabbed one of the fruits and used its weight to pull it from the tree before landing to consume it. We all took in the majesty of the bird before it flew off back into the forest from whence it had come. An audible sigh of relief crept out after the bird had gone. The frustration of the day before had gone in an instant. We decided to wait around for a while longer and were rewarded with very close looks at Flame-throated Tanager, Yellow-thighed Finch and Sooty-capped Bush Tanagers. Twenty minutes later the male was back. This time the light was better and the bird lingered longer and we all feasted on the beauty of the bird as it flew around a couple of times gathering fruit. This time it sat facing us and we could see the fantastic plumage before it dropped from its perch and flew across the field back into the forest to feed its chick.
With the Quetzal in the bag we made our way back down past the lodge to check the river finding Torrent Tyrannulet, Acorn Woodpecker and Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush but no Dipper. Hungry we all headed back to the lodge for breakfast in a much brighter mood than the day before.
After breakfast we headed up a trail behind the lodge and the thick forest along the slope gave us a chance for a few small flocks and some good birding. A distant Black-faced Solitaire sang briefly and Grey-breasted Wood Wrens chimed in. Up slope a group of birds including Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Mountain Elaenia and a Yellow-green Vireo were all seen, the vireo feeding a chick. In a dense forest patch we found another flock containing Sooty-capped Bush Tanager and the regional endemic Black-cheeked Warbler and Ruddy Treerunner. A Yellow-winged Vireo put in an appearance and a pair of juvenile House Wrens came quite close. Having to move on we tore ourselves away from the birding and headed to the lodge to pack up.
Once loaded we headed out of the valley up to Cerro de la Muerte and once a suitable open spot was found we got out and birded. The high, lichen covered bog soon revealed the pale eyed Volcano Junco and while searching around we also found Volcano Hummingbird. Timberline Wren performed well showing up at the edge of some stunted bushes singing quite vigorously. Also a flock of Sooty-capped Bush Tanagers and Large-footed Finch was seen well before we took a walk into the forest to check there. The cool, damp air really clung to the trees here and the only bird we found was a Magnifcent Hummingbird hunkered down in the trees. We gradually made our way back out and into the van for the long decent down to the Osa Peninsula.
The heat down here was a palpable change. Hot moist air shot into the van when we stopped to check out several Yellow-headed Caracaras in the forest next to the road. Another open area along the way looked promising and we decided to bird it finding Black-striped Sparrow, Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Thick-billed Seedfinch and Variable Seedeater along with Cherrie’s Tanager, Yellow-crowned Euphonia and a Bananaquit. Satisfied we loaded up again and continued on to the peninsula and to the town of Rincon where we stopped along a gravel road the bird here for a while.
Red-lored Amazons showed well in several of the trees here along with a great look at Lineated and Red-crowned Woodpecker. Bare-throated Tiger Heron and Grey-headed Chachalaca showed up but were both backlit in the evening sun. The rattle of White-throated Crake was heard often but not seen and as it was getting late we needed to head to the lodge. At the village our hosts Liz and Abraham met us with their 4 x 4’s to get the luggage across. We were soon loaded in ourselves and taken across the river to our lodging for the night. Liz gave us the tour and we settled in before dinner and the checklist and were soon off the bed.
July 2nd
We all woke early to the sounds of the waking forest, a quick coffee and we were out in the grounds enjoying the local denizens like Orange-billed Sparrow, Buff-throated Saltator and two fairly tame Black-faced Antthrushs that we were able to get quite close to. Abraham found us some lekking Charming Hummingbirds and a couple of loud Riverside Wrens sang close to the lodge moving through the undergrowth.
We hit the trail behind the lodge and proceeded by walking up hill getting closer to several singing Chestnut-backed Antbirds which were eventually spotted in the thick jungle surrounding the trail. Gartered, Slaty-tailed and Baird’s Trogons all began singing and were soon tracked down with some fantastic looks at Baird’s farther up the trail. The onomatopoeic song of several Blue-diademed Motmots rang out through the greenery but were never seen.
Once we started to descend the trail Black-striped Woodcreepers let out their loud calls and were soon found shimmy up some of the large trees around us. The high pitched whistle of Tawny-crowned Greenlet was heard from way above us and a momentary pause by a Black-tailed Myiobius on a forest vine enabled it to be viewed by a few of us.
The trail ended upslope on another, more open path and we could hear the songs of two Black-hooded Antshrikes which were eventually coaxed into view. A female Black-throated Trogon called from a vine overhanging the trail and she was soon forgotten by the raucous calls of several endemic Black-cheeked Ant Tanagers as they moved as a group through the understory. More high pitched calls overhead lead us to a pair of Fiery-billed Aracaris while a pair of Masked Tityras looked on.
Continuing farther up we negotiated a muddy slope before we came to the top of the rise as it opened up over some pasture land. Distant forest surrounded us and we set up to look out for Cotingas. Several close Turkey Vultures and Black-striped Sparrow kept us company till a Grey-headed Kite was found perched on a distant tree. Nice scope views were had by all till the rattle of two pairs of Golden-naped Woodpeckers drew our attention. From the same tree they had been singing in we found a Yellow-Olive Flatbill which was soon joined by a much more colorful Squirrel Cuckoo. With our stomachs groaning for breakfast we began to make our way back down, this time circumventing the mud which was fortuitous as it enabled us to see eye level into the forest across from us and at a Rufous-tailed Jacamar. Having all had nice looks at this bird we continued back down into the single track path that lead down to the lodge. A bit of a buzz and some wing snapping stopped us all in our tracks till we could find the Red-capped Manakin that was making the noise. It soon moved up slope towards us and we were all rewarded with some great views of this cracking bird.
While enjoying breakfast we were fortunate to happen upon a few other birds like Green Honeycreeper and up in the dead snag above the lodge we found Long-billed Starthroat, White-tufted Coquette and Ochre-bellied Flycatcher. Once we’d scoped all of these Abraham lead us down to the pond to check the goings on. Along the way we passed a number of lekking Charming Hummingbirds and a Blue-diademed Motmot.
At the pond we found Ringed and Amazon Kingfisher and a Green Heron. A small flock moving through the canopy above us contained Plain Xenops, Cherrie’s Tanager and several Riverside Wrens. Yellow-billed Cacique was heard close by but never showed up. A Purple Gallinule ventured out of cover for a brief showing and a small Spectacled Caiman showed nicely too.
Making our way back we took another trail leading up again finding a close Baird’s Trogon that sat patiently for everyone to have a look and get some snaps. When the forest opened up at the top of the trail we joined the main trail and were given some brief flight views of White Ibis before it disappeared back down to the river. With black clouds brewing on the horizon we decided to head back to the lodge so we could stay dry this afternoon. The rain held off during lunch and we enjoyed a visit by three Salty-tailed Trogons but this was cut short by a thankfully brief rain shower.
Once that was over we relaxed around the lodge in the heat of the day till it came time to head out again. This time we crossed the river into town and checked the marsh and trees around the village. Another quick storm had us sheltering under a local shops canopy while we set up scopes and watched several Orange-chinned Parakeets going in and out of a nest cavity in a dead Cecropia. An adult Purple Gallinule sat close under some brush at the edge of the marsh with a juvenile which we also enjoyed through the scope. Once the rain had died off we made our way out onto the road overlooking the marsh. There was plenty of activity here as mixed flocks surrounded us in the trees with Red-legged Honeycreeper, Golden-hooded Tanager, Thick-billed Euphonia, Blue Dacnis and Palm Tanager. This was augmented by several Piratic Flycatchers that had built their nest in the power lines. The next treat came when found the nest of a Grey-headed Tanager next to the road.
Roy picked us up in the van and we made our way to some open fields but it had begun to rain in earnest so we hunkered down as did the birds. Once this had broken we headed out to walk the roadside and were rewarded with a Little Tinamou walking across the road for all to see. It made its way into some cover before flushing back out and across the road. The fields were filled with Great Kiskadee, Great Egret and a pair of Red-crowned Woodpeckers that were inspecting a dead snag next to the road.
Near the end of the road we found a pair of Yellow Tyrannulets and several Cherrie’s Tanagers before a pair of Scarlet Macaws was found gathering fruit from a lone tree next to a building. We all managed to see the birds before it began to pour again so we headed back.
A pair of Black-mandibled Toucans next to the road had us stopping as this was one of the best views we’d gotten of the birds. Thankfully they stayed put and while enjoying them I was scanning the canopy when I found a Turquoise Cotinga. It hung around patiently while we got the scope up and everyone got a look at this fantastic bird.
We had a look through the marsh just as we’d gotten out Abraham found a White-throated Crake which soon scurried back into the thick vegetation before anyone could see it. It sang a few times and came close with some playback but lost interest. We all sat motionless for a brief glimpse if one was to be had but after a few minutes we began to give up hope. Then I found one close to the road but not with the best looks. It soon disappeared like the others so we went back to where we had tried before. We all stood patiently as the tiny rail made its way closer to the edge of the marsh. A glimpse here and there was had but soon it ran out of grass. We figured it would about face and head back in but much to our surprise it began a slow walk across a small branch in the water across to the other side out in plain view. Cameras blazed away while we all watched in awe as this little rail walked across the snag oblivious to our presence only 20 feet away. Once on the other side it moved into the greenery and was gone again.Well satisfied we all made our way back down the trail to meet Liz to get a ride across the river to the lodge for the night.
July 3rd
This morning we got up and piled into and early breakfast before gathering gear to get ready to head out. Motmots, Riverside Wrens and lekking Stripe-throated Hermits ushered our departure and once loaded up we forded the river and got loaded up on the bus. About 40 minutes later we were at Rincon where we crossed the bridge and pulled into a restaurant parking lot. Once out we began to check the trees around the river and within seconds I had found a Yellow-billed Cotinga shining brightly in the morning sun. With the humidity and warm air all our gear fogged up and we were all furiously wiping down our bins, scopes and cameras to try and get some looks at the bird which thankfully stayed put while we all had some nice scope views.
Finally satisfied with our looks at the Cotinga we had a look round finding a pair of Great Kiskadees and a Bananaquit in the tree in the parking lot but since that was it we moved up the road a ways and found an area of mangroves to bird in for a while. There was a nice wooded slope across the road and from behind the safety of the barrier we were able to view both.
A Green Heron kicked things off followed by a Ringed Kingfisher in the mangroves. This was followed by a pair of White-shouldered Tanagers up the hill behind us. A Purple Gallinule behind in the mangroves was spotted then Andrew found a female Turquoise Cotinga, which was convenient as he’d missed it the day before when he stayed back at the lodge. A distant Barred Antshrike called in the forest beyond visual range but this was soon forgotten by a Mangrove Hummingbird feedings on flowers sprouting from one of the vines dangling from the hillside across the street. Suddenly there was a young Yellow-billed Cotinga above us with a female attending in a Cecropia. We got some fantastic views as the birds hung around for a few minutes while we all watched. Then the boomerang shaped wings of a Bat Falcon was circling overhead mixed in with some swifts. I spent some time luring in the pair of Golden-hooded Tanagers for some photos while everyone tried to find a young or female Spot-crowned Euphonia hiding in the bush tangle next to the mangroves. We had to head out to get to our next stop and we were serenaded away by a Little Tinamou before we left this fantastic spot.
The drive to Las Esquinas was broken up by a nice stop next to the pond where we found Ringed Kingisher sitting on the wire with Grey-breasted Martin and Southern Rough-winged Swallow. As we got close to the lodge we made our way through some pasture land which gave us the chance to take in a Red-breasted Blackbird, Northern Jacana, Variable Seedeater, a Blue Ground Dove cooling off in a river and plenty of Great-tailed Grackles.
Once checked in we explored the gardens finding a Green Kingfisher over the small river that flowed through the back of the garden. Both Long-billed and Stripe-throated Hermits were coming to the Heliconia flowers and several Orange-billed Sparrows danced about the grass. A tailless Buff-rumped Warbler was seen near the river and several Spot-crowned Euphonias were coming to a fruiting tree where we could get some really close looks. A Wedge-billed Woodcreeper shimmied up one of the trees in the garden while the musical song of a Blue-Black Grosbeak was heard coming from the forest. It was soon tracked down along with a Violet-crowned Woodnymph that had settled on a spot just across the river in a vine tangle. While taking this all in there was some commotion from the dining hall and we soon figured out the problem when a four foot Neotropical Bird-eating Snake was found slinking through the rafters.
Despite the chance of rain we headed out with one of the local guides who’d seen a Collared Forest Falcon but when we got there it was long gone. This was rewarded though with some nice looks at Blue-headed Parrots in a dead tree. While enjoying these two Short-billed Pigeons landed in a dead snag behind us so we could all get some nice looks before they fled the scene. This was followed by us fleeing the scene as the wind whipped up and an afternoon storm rolled in drenching the place. Though just before that happened I came across the snake crossing the patch and managed to catch it for all to see before ushering it back into the forest.
The rain was really solid for quite a while and most of us just hung around the dining area keeping an eye on the Heliconias in case something showed up. When the rain stopped we headed for our rooms to clean up for dinner.
After dinner we loaded up in the van and headed out for a night drive and quite soon after leaving the lodge we came across several Common Pauraque sitting in the road. They circled up ahead of us and settled back down onto the gravel surface. With torches in hand we headed out to have a look at them some being very approachable. With great looks at these birds we continued down the road scanning the fields for eye shine and finding some we checked everything finding more Pauraque. Eventually we came across a Striped Owl which showed well and hung about till we all got scope views and some photos. On the way back we found a Boat-billed Heron in a palm tree but no decent views were had. With that we headed back to the lodge for the night.
July 4th
This morning we hit the trails behind the lodge making our way deeper into the jungle. After a few creek crossings we came to a nice open patch of forest where we could hear some birds and tracked down Red-capped Manakin and we all got to see its bright red head before we moved on. We tried to track down a Ruddy Quail-Dove that ventured across the trail behind us but infuriatingly it never showed again but for a short glimpse that not everyone saw. We also came across a small bird party in the canopy and everyone strained their necks to find Blue Dacnis, Shining Honeycreeper, Cherrie’s Tanager and Blue-grey Tanager.
I circled back around us to look for the Quail-Dove and spooked a male Great Curassow but once I got the group back it had melted away back into the forest not to be seen again.
Disappointed we circled round again and continued through the forest slowly making the loop again and managed after some time to get fleeting glimpses of a Southern Nightingale Wren that would shoot by then sing with its drawn out whistles deep in the forest before venturing past us again. It finally settled and foraged near the forest floor while above us a female Black-throated Trogon sat on a lone vine before disappearing back into the forest.
We continued on from here till I caught a glimpse of our Quail-Dove again but my attention was drawn to two much larger birds foraging closer. It was a pair of female Great Curassows and we all managed to get a glimpse before they moved across our line of vision. We quickly made our way down the trail to where it opened up and there they were slowly making their way through the forest. We were so close we could make out all the fine details in the plumage of these two wonderful females before they drifted into the forest and were gone.
Ken and I hung back to try and get onto a Black-faced Antthrush that had eluded his camera and picked up a Spot-crowned Euphonia for our troubles. We rejoined the others and soon came out on the main entrance road to the lodge.
We stopped at the caiman pond, as she was out on the bank sunning herself, to get some shots. A Scarlet-rumped Cacique sang from the forest above us and a Stripe-throated Hermit visited the Heliconias nearby.
A Grey-headed Tanager was seen bringing a lizard to its nest and a Scaly-breasted Hummingbird sang from a dead snag behind it. Our next hummer was a bit tricky as it darted in and out of the flowers near the office before landing and settling in the scope. It appeared to be a Violet-headed Hummingbird but range maps didn’t show it here but once we’d all had a look and managed to get some pictures we were convinced, a nice little hummer that hung around this patch of purple flowers for the rest of the day.
After breakfast we headed back to where we’d seen the Boat-billed Heron the night before and once we’d gotten permission to check the palm grove we headed in but our target was nowhere to be seen. We headed back to the Riverbed Trail and no sooner had we gotten in that we came across a small party of birds including Dot-winged Antwren and Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher. A bit farther up the trail we found several Orange-collared Manakins snapping about and calling and finally got some good looks at the brightly colored male.
We checked the lagoon for any waterbirds but it was empty so continued up into the forest. We found a patch of sandy bottom bamboo and heard some birds calling so followed through till we got close and we could hear a Blue-capped Manakin and just then the heavens opened up and it began to rain so we quickly headed back to the lodge.
Once the rain abated we sat and enjoyed the birds in the garden where I found a Sulphur-rumped Myiobius nesting over the river. She’d come in and sit on a snag before darting up into the nest then back out and into the forest for forage some more. Just above where we were standing watching this a Spot-crowned Euphonia was nesting. We also managed to see her dart in and back out before we moved on. Though soon enough it began to rain again so we hunkered down under the roof of the dining hall and watch Stripe-throated and Long-billed Hermits coming to the heliconias and probably the same Grey-headed Tanager we’d seen earlier with a lizard was beating a salamander to death in the pouring rain. With no chance of a let up we settled in for the afternoon and evening.
July 5th
I woke early while it was still dark thinking that the ‘wop…wop…wop’ noise was coming from the ceiling fan about to go on the fritz but once my senses cleared I realized it was a pair of Spectacled Owls singing somewhere outside. I shot out of bed and got dressed and tracked them down and for the next hour kept tabs on them till everyone was up and we could get them onto the birds. They circled back and forth a few times around the lodge but everyone managed to get looks at the birds before we left them alone for breakfast.
After we’d eaten we loaded up the van and proceeded down the entrance road where we found a nice displaying male Bare-throated Tiger Heron with a female in the same tree showing little interest. He strutted up and down his branch with neck puffed out and flattened grunting occasionally. She soon tired of the show and flew off with the dejected male in tow.
Anther stop along the road for a Roadside Hawk and some Orange-chinned Parakeets also netted us a pair of Northern Caracaras. Once out on the main road a Black-bellied Whistling Duck atop a dead palm gave us the best looks at one of these on the trip. We continued on up towards the town of San Vito to check out the marsh there for Chiriqui Yellowthroat which failed to show. In the restaurant parking lot though we came across several seedeaters and racked up Variable, Yellow-bellied and Ruddy-breasted Seedeater and a Lesser Goldfinch.
From here we continued to the biological station Las Cruces and before we checked in we dropped bags and headed out to search the grounds. Finding a fruiting tree we hung out here to catch the action and were rewarded with Black-mandibled Toucan, White-throated Thrush, Masked Tityra, Clay-colored Thrush and below us we found a Black-tailed Myiobius nesting along with a Yellow-Olive Flycatcher nesting in the moss hanging from a dead snag close by. A female Green Hermit showed up for a look too.
A walk through the heliconia gardens yielded a nice Blue-diademed Motmot on the way and several Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds at the heliconias plus an Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush. After the gardens we headed up to the main building to search the trees there finding Paltry Tyrannulet, Silver-throated Tanager and Lesser Goldfinch.
Once we’d gotten our rooms and settled in we headed back out to explore the grounds. Quick checks of the heliconias yielded nothing but we did find four Crested Guans in the trees above us. Cherrie’s Tanager was common here and we eventually tracked down a Streaked Saltator. Making our way back round to the front of the lodge we caught up with Rufous-breasted Wren but with the thunder rolling in we began to make our way back to the lodge.
Along the gravel driveway we came to an opening in the canopy where we could watch a large kettle of Swallow-tailed Kites circling around calling to each other. Variable Seedeaters and Finsch’s Parakeets were also seen calling and sitting patiently for us to enjoy. With the rains getting closer we headed back to our rooms for the afternoon.
July 6th
This morning we grabbed a light breakfast and while it was still dim and foggy out we headed to the canopy tower. A chorus of Black-mandibled Toucans greeted us as we made our way into the forest. A Blue-diademed Motmot added some color to the misty green surrounding us. On the trail to the tower we came across a group of Chestnut-capped Brush Finches that showed well with a little work.
Slowly we climbed up the tower into the morning light and at the top the forest surrounded us like a carpet of cauliflower spreading towards the distant hills.
From up here we were often above the birds and able to look down on the fantastic plumages around us. Blue and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis shone in the greenery along with Silver-throated, Cherries, Bay-headed and Speckled Tanagers. A Tropical Parula sang from close by and showed well while below it a Slate-throated Whitestart fanned its tail while moving through the canopy. A Snowy-bellied Hummingbird sat on a snag below us for a brief look and a Collard Trogon made an all too brief appearance.
A Green Honeycreeper showed well in the morning light while a Golden-olive Woodpecker searched the top of a dead snag near us. In the distance a Short-tailed Hawk sat up on a snag for us to enjoy and a passing crowd of Common Bush Tanagers flitted about the canopy searching for food.
All too soon our time was up and we had to make our way back down and pack up for our next destination, San Gerardo de Rivas and El Pelicano Lodge. The drive took us through some nice country side and eventually we made our way up the winding road through the valley that took us to the lodge.
As we waited to get our rooms we headed out into the grounds first checking the coffee plantation behind the lodge but the steep slope and mud made it a bit difficult. We tried the gardens below with little success so loaded up into the van and headed into the valley. We tried the lower section near town and once we’d found a spot to check we went to a bridge where Ken found an American Dipper. We all managed to get onto the bird and eventually Ken and I went round to try and get closer. We went through the gardens of a local bar and got close but the bird flew off before we could get any pictures. After a few cold drinks to celebrate this bird that had been dipped on, no pun intended, previously we were glad to get it.
We continued on down the valley where we tried for a variety of birds finding Common Tody-Flycatcher, Clay-colored Thrush, Orange-billed Thrush, Black Phoebe, Torrent Tyrannulet and Common Bush Tanager before we checked the last spot at the turnaround and out on the river much closer was another Dipper that Ken got onto for some shots. With darkness approaching we headed back to the lodge for dinner.
July 7th
This morning we headed out early in the bus making our way to Skutch Farm. Along the way we stopped in a small town where there were several groups of White-crowned Parrots hanging about in the palms. We also got to enjoy Blue-diademed Motmot, Great-tailed Grackle, Groove-billed Ani, Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Piratic Flycatcher and Spot-crowned Woodcreeper.
We had to move on and soon enough were at Alexander Skutch’s Bird Preserve which was where he did most of his research on Costa Rican birds. The trails here were good for birding and we made the best of it starting with an ant swarm that attracted a very confiding Bi-colored Antbird and its four chicks. Olivaceous Piculet was also seen here along with a Spot-crowned Woodcreeper.
We took the trail leading up into the forest where we birded for some time along the narrow trail. We came across Rufous Piha calling up in the canopy which was eventually found. A pair of Red-capped Manakins showed well with a juvenile bird. The adult male doing its courting dance along a long branch was a treat to watch. On the way out the calls of a Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner gave its position away and we were able to get onto the bird as it moved around us in the understory.
Back out in the open areas of the farm we enjoyed some lunch while enjoying the hummers in the heliconia gardens. After we’d eaten we made our way back to the van and onto our next stop which was Quebradas Biological Reserve.
We arrived here and made our way through the gardens to the trail head and began the climb up through the forest. Next to the river the constant single note call of a Spotted Barbtail was heard and after some effort a pair was located. Farther along the trail we heard some jays but they were not located and when the peel of thunder was heard around us we decided to make our way back down.
At the open areas of the station we were soon surrounded by the chorus of several Grey-necked Wood Rails. Near the ponds we found a Ruddy Pigeon and a nice pair of Scarlet-thighed Dacnis. There were also some nice close views of several Grey-headed Chachalacas near the cow pasture. Down next to the valley zip line we found a Snowy-bellied Hummingbird among some more common species.
The next bit of excitement came when we were leaving and the van got stuck. The jeep came down and pulled us out and we were soon on our way. Near the lodge we pulled over to do some night birding as it was getting dark and we enjoyed watching some Spot-fronted Swifts sailing low over the valley while we waited for some owls but nothing responded so we headed back to the lodge for dinner.
July 8th
This morning we headed back towards San Jose passing over Cerro de la Muerte where we stopped to check for some of the species we had missed. In a pull off we tried for Ochraceous Wren but only found Yellow-thighed Finch and a Hairy Woodpecker moving through the high altitude, moss and lichen covered trees. We walked down to the next pull off and just as we were getting there we heard a high pitched whistle. “Zeledonia” came the call and quickly we all poked our heads into the trees next to the pull off and there they were. Two birds so close and moving without any notice of us sang out a high pitched whistle that at this distance was quite piercing. We were able to watch for some time as the birds moved through the mossy snags and undergrowth right in front of us. Satisfied with these great looks we continued on down to Cartago where we tried for Sedge Wren at a stake out our guide knew for the illusive tall grass dweller. There are few spots in Costa Rica for this bird as the habitat is rapidly declining.
Once we’d found the spot we all piled out and made our way over to a huge area of head high grass. Almost immediately we heard several calling. Eventually one popped up and began to sing and we were treated to some great looks as it shimmied up the tall stalks and belted out its song.
We also tracked down several Eastern Meadowlarks and a hovering White-tailed Kite before we moved on to the Orosi Valley and another spot our guide had picked out for us that was one of his hidden gems.
After a brief detour in Orosi we made it to the entrance road up into the hills overlooking the valley. The stony road was a bit nerve racking for a few people and it took some time to get to the top but once there we unloaded and walked the last 100 meters to the lodge and were greeted by a huge Montezuma Oropendola singing from a large snag above the house. We were ushered to the back porch where lunch was waiting along with the feeders. Green-crowned Brilliants and Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds vied for the best spots along with Violet Sabrewing and Green Hermit. Out in the surrounding trees we found Dusky-capped Flycatcher and some of us found a distant pair of Red-headed Barbets. In close there were several birds moving about and a Rufous Mourner was found along with a brilliant pair of Elegant Euphonias. A pair of Golden-browed Chlorophonias continued their mournful songs from deep in the woods and were seen by a few of us but they moved back into the trees before they could be seen by everyone. Sadly we had to continue on but well sated with some fine lunch and great birds we made our way back down the bumpy stony road with a brief stop along the way to enjoy a Least Grebe in one of the small ponds next to the road.
Back on the road we continued north west past San Jose and up to Poas Volcano where we arrived at our lodge Bosque de Paz for the night. We arrived after dark and quickly checked in as dinner was waiting. As I was putting my bags in our room which was at the end I could hear a Bare-shanked Screech Owl singing from the forest behind us but as we were already running late we decided to come back for it after dinner.
Once we’d finish our food and done the checklist we went back to our rooms to grab torches and bins and just as we were getting those we were called to come quickly as a Mottled Owl was perched up over the trail. We were soon all feasting our eyes on this fantastic bird as it sat on a snag just at the beginning of the trail all puffed out and looking menacing. It tired of us soon enough and disappeared into the night. This though must have spooked our Bare-shanked Screech Owl as it never responded to the playback we tried. Tired from a long day we decided to head for some well-earned sleep.
July 9th
Heading out early this morning we hit the trails with the first dim glow of light and a chorus of birds. Making our way out to the front of the lodge we hit the gravel road finding a singing Yellow-winged Vireo before the entrance and out on the road some of the common Rufous-collared Sparrows. Over the river a Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher called and a fairly close American Dipper was seen. As activity was a bit quiet out here we made our way back for some breakfast finding three Red-faced Spinetails moving through the undergrowth next to the parking area which was nice as we’d missed them earlier in the trip.
After some coffee and breakfast we hit the trails behind the lodge. We passed the rice feeders where there were a couple of Central American Agouti and some White-tipped Doves. From the forest came a chorus of birds and first among these was a fairly close Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush. Though it sang close it was not seen and even with playback it wouldn’t show. Another sang from farther down the trail so we tried for that one. This turned out to be a pair that soon popped out onto the trail searching for food before crossing into the undergrowth on the other side.
Farther along the trail we ran into a group of Three-striped Warblers that moved close past us continually singing before they retired farther into a stand of bamboo and were gone.
We continued to make our way round till we came across a canopy flock which was quite high up. There were several hummingbirds coming to flowers up here and a Grey-fronted Lancebill with its obvious long bill was spotted moving about with Green-crowned Briliants and Magnificent Hummingbirds. Several Common Bush Tanagers moved through as well but a few others were missed as we strained our necks to look up into the hidden canopy above us.
Next on the agenda was a distant Silvery-fronted Tapaculo that was heard singing several times but would never respond and stay firmly ensconced where it was deep in the undergrowth. This was near the end of the trail so we decided to hang out at the feeders and enjoy the comings and goings as we waited for lunch. Green-crowned Brillants were a common theme here as they flitted it and several would face off against each other while the more diminutive but no less aggressive Purple-throated Mountaingems would dart in. The throaty calls of Magnificent hummingbirds would announce the presence of these large hummers and from out of the surrounding greenery the glowing purple of a Violet Sabrewing would add some iridescent color to the scene. A Green Hermit would show up from time to time but at no time did the feeders remain empty.
After lunch there was more of the same. Imminent rain kept us around the lodge but the feeders never quieted. A Black Phoebe nesting under the eaves with several Blue-and-white Swallows added to the mix and a pair of Golden-browed Chlorophonias next to the dining hall added some more color as they fed on fruits in a small tree.
When the sun came out for a while a huge Black Hawk-Eagle took the skies drifting over the opposite ridge working the thermals before it drifted out of site only to circle back around before disappearing for good over the ridge line.
A male Scintillant Hummingbird performed brilliantly hovering and settling on some small purple flowers near the parking area and a Chestnut-capped Brush Finch came to the rice feeders as we made our way into the forest taking a longer trail this time. We’d just got onto a group of birds including Orange-bellied Trogon and Lineated Foliage-Gleaner when the rains came. Our walk was cut short so we headed back to the lodge.
When the rains stopped we loaded up into the van and headed to Bajos del Toro to check out the gardens. When we arrived at the restaurant the hummingbird garden was full. What seemed like a hundred plus birds were all flitting about the flowers and feeders. The array was dizzying as these little green jewels darted about catching your eye so you never got any rest. Black-bellied Hummingbirds sat close by and showed really well. The occasional Green Thorntail showed up with a male dragging his long tail behind him as he circled the scene. Magnificent and Green-crowned Briliants show up in good numbers and several Green Hermits were seen. Some of the stars though were the endemic Coppery-headed Emeralds that often came close with their green and copper sheen and at one point a White-tipped Sicklebill arrived briefly at one of the heliconias. Melodious Blackbird put in an appearance at the fruit feeder and even a huge blue morpho butterfly showed up with its glowing blue wings. Well satisfied with the hummers here we headed back.
For the afternoon walk several of us headed to the top of the road and began to walk back down. Quite quickly we found an Orange-bellied Trogon that was seen well. A small flock of birds gave us some great looks at Spangle-cheeked Tanagers over the road and a skulking Black Guan and its fuzzy, brown headed chick moving through the understory just below the canopy was a good find.
Back near the entrance to the lodge a group of Brown Jays put in an appearance along with several Grey-breasted Wood Wrens. Slate-headed Whitestarts moved about the trees next to us and out in the fields Rufous-collared Sparrows called while Blue-and-white Swallows circled in the last light of day. This theme continued back in the grounds as a large cloud of swallows gathered as they came in to roost for the night on the beams under the eaves.
Before dinner we tried again for the Bare-shanked Screech Owl and this time it was close by and responded from up the hill but was not found. I decided to head up the trail higher up the slope to get closer and eventually discovered where the bird was. Everyone had gone by now but I went back and found a couple of us and we went back up after it and got some good shots of the bird as it sang from a long branch above the trail. We all showed up at dinner a bit late and me still with mud on my boots.
July 10th
We left the Bajos del Toro area early this morning and continued east to the Caribbean lowlands and the Tirimbina Lodge. We arrived while it was still good birding time so left our stuff and proceeded to bird the grounds. We’d walked down the main pathway when we heard the local Cocoa Woodcreeper pipe up. This bird stayed round here singing the entire time we were here. A group of birds farther on enticed us to the back of the one of the lodge buildings where we located a Black-cowled Oriole at the top of one of the trees. Several Chestnut-headed Oropendolas were calling in the tree behind us and a flight of White-crowned Parrots flew past us and settled in a palm tree where their calls echoed round the lodge for a while.
We made our way through the grounds to the river and the long bridge across which gave us eye level views of the canopy and we were given great looks at Shining Honeycreeper and Black-faced Grosbeak. Once out past the treeline we could see down both sides of the river and were able to watch as Black-mandibled Toucan, Keel-billed Toucan and Collared Aracari sailed across the gap to some distant trees.
Once across we made our way up into the forest and began to walk the trails. Our first bird was a calling female Western Slaty Antshrike. She persisted for a while as we disappeared farther into the forest. A Lesser Greenlet sang from the canopy was but stayed just out of visual range. Though the forest was quiet it made for a nice walk and the haunting calls of a Great Tinamou accompanied us in a low patch of forest as we looked skyward at a pair of Keel-billed Toucans flying overhead. An Ochre-bellied Flycatcher's single note call persisted from up slope at one point but it wouldn’t come down and soon we were back at the bridge and making our way across.
As we made our way across the river we found a juvenile Fasciated Tiger Heron that showed well on the rocks below us. It flitted around from rock to rock giving us some great looks at it rufous striped plumage. Back on the other side we tried for some Manakins we could hear lekking and some distant calling Grey-headed Chachalacas but then the rain came. We ducked under one of the research stations where there were some benches and waited out the storm while enjoying some close Black-faced Grosbeaks. Once the rain let up we walked back to the lodge and when we heard a Keel-billed Toucan we made our way up an adjoining path and got great views of the bird as it sat atop a dead snag calling off into the distance.
We made our way back to the parking lot to collect our bags and while waiting for those did some more birding round the parking lot where we found Yellow-olive Flatbill, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and a juvenile Thick-billed Seedfinch being fed by its mother. Just then we had a fly over of two Great Green Macaws that continued off into the distance. We settled on the brightly colored Passerini’s Tanagers that were moving about the area.
Once we checked in we spent the rest of the morning in the adjacent gardens where we tracked down a pair of Stripe-breasted Wrens moving about the orchard before heading back for lunch. Once we’d eaten we took and afternoon break and met back up at 3:00pm to continue birding. Above us at the reception center several Grey-headed Chachalacas lingered about and a distant Laughing Falcon sang from beyond visual range. Several Black-cheeked Woodpeckers moved about the snags in the understory calling back and forth.
We made our way back to the bridge to see what was at eye level and were rewarded with a Lesser Greenlet among the Black-faced Grosbeaks. We continued to the other side and took the stairs down into the jungle below us. A trail led us through to the river where there was a nice open area of river to check but it was quiet this afternoon.
We decided to head back and check the orchard once again and after crossing through there into the grounds of the hotel we finally came upon a pair of Black-throated Wrens that moved furtively through the bush line around one of the bungalows. They were tracked down and seen well and the call of a White-winged Becard drew our attention to the bird and it was chalked up too.
We tried a night walk across the river where we came across a Two-toed Sloth and a Crab-eating Racoon but sadly no nightbirds. Several giant moths were seen with some stunning colors but tired we all headed for bed.
July 11th
This morning we headed back to the bridge stopping along the way to try from some Rufous Motmots I’d heard the night before. One came in to the playback I’d made the night before but didn’t show and disappeared without us knowing it.
We made our way to the bridge and across to the other side. Inspecting the flowers in the canopy was a Purple-crowned Fairy which was a great find at eye level. We were nearly across when we could hear Rufous Motmot and heading left to and overlook a lone bird was finally spotted as it sat out on a snag over the river before disappearing back into the forest. On the way back over the bridge we came across a pair of Buff-rumped Warblers flitting about the rocks below us and the Tiger Heron was again this morning scouting the river from the rocks below.
We walked back to the heliconia gardens where we found a lovely White-necked Jacobin scouting the flowers for nectar and probably our best looks at Slaty-tailed Trogon with a male showing really well with a female. In the orchard behind us we tracked down a pair of Olive-backed Euphonias and more of the very vocal Stripe-breasted Wrens. We made our way through the orchard and to the main driveway and taking this out to the road came across a very vocal group of parrots including Finch’s, White-crowned and Orange-chinned. With rain clouds looming we made our way back to the cover of the lodge and waited out the storm. Several Keel-billed and Black-mandibled Toucans took advantage of the rain to clean up but the bedraggled Collared Aracari with them didn’t look to be faring as well.
A slow walk back down the main pathway saw us back at the parking area where we found a very obliging pair of Olive-throated Parakeets eating an unknown fruit and a single Yellow-margined Flycatcher. Back in the heliconia garden we got some more prolonged looks at the Jacobin and tracked down a female White-collared Manakin and hear some wing snapping before the rain forced us to the porch of our lodge. We still hung out here and were rewarded with several birds moving through including Common Tody-Flycatcher, Golden-hooded Tanager, Grey-capped Flycatcher and Blue-Grey Tanager.
Once the rain stopped we checked the botanical garden in the hotel grounds and came across a puzzling flycatcher that after sometime of studying pictures and books was determined to be a juvenile Tropical Pewee. Several White-necked Jacobins, Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds and a Purple-crowned Fairy vied for control of some flowers in the canopy while several Blue-grey Tanagers circled round the dead snag the Pewee was in. A light rain that had not really bothered us began to fall harder so we headed back to the lodge to pack.
We left Tirimbina and headed up into the mountains of Braullio Carillo making a stop just across a bridge where we came across a nice sized canopy flock. Collared Trogon and Sepia-capped Flycatchers were the best among the crowd though several birds were missed as we couldn’t gain access to the forest here. We moved on to try the entrance to Braullio Carillo National Park and were rewarded at the flowers with a female Violet-crowned Woodnyph and Violet-headed Hummingbird. A low King Vulture showed briefly before it disappeared over the forest. A small canopy flock contained several Tanagers best of which was a Crimson-collared. Getting near the end of the day we headed back to San Jose and our farewell dinner.
Photos from this tour can be seen in my Costa Rica 2012 Flickr Album
Sounds from this tour can be heard in my Costa Rica July 2012 Xeno-canto set
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 Marbled Wood Quail Odontophorus gujanensis H
8 Black-breasted Wood Quail Odontophorus leucolaemus H
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
9 Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae
10 Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus
CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae
11 Wood Stork Mycteria americana
PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae
12 American White Ibis Eudocimus albus
PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae
13 Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum
14 Bare-throated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum
15 Green Heron Butorides virescens
16 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
17 Great Egret Ardea alba
SULIFORMES: Fregatidae
18 Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Cathartidae
19 Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
20 Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
21 King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae
22 Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis
23 Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
24 White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
25 Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
26 Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
27 Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
28 Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
29 Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
30 Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans
31 Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
32 White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis
33 Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus
34 Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus
35 Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata
36 American Coot Fulica americana
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
37 Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
38 Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae
39 Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa
COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
40 Rock Dove Columba livia
41 Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
42 Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis
43 Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris
44 Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea
45 Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris
46 White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica
47 Inca Dove Columbina inca
48 Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina
49 Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti
50 Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa
51 White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
52 Grey-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii
53 Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
54 Great Green Macaw Ara ambiguus
55 Scarlet Macaw Ara macao
56 Finsch's Parakeet Aratinga finschi
57 Brown-throated Parakeet Aratinga pertinax
58 Sulphur-winged Parakeet Pyrrhura hoffmanni
59 Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis
60 Brown-hooded Parrot Pyrilia haematotis
61 Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
62 White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis
63 Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis
64 Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
65 Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
66 Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
67 Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
68 Bare-shanked Screech Owl Megascops clarkii
69 Mottled Owl Strix virgata
70 Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata
71 Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
72 Striped Owl Pseudoscops clamator
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
73 Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
APODIFORMES: Apodidae
74 Spot-fronted Swift Cypseloides cherriei
75 American Black Swift Cypseloides niger
76 White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
77 Costa Rican Swift Chaetura fumosa
APODIFORMES: Trochilidae
78 White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila
79 Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus
80 Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri
81 Green Hermit Phaethornis guy
82 Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris
83 Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis
84 Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae
85 Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii
86 Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
87 White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
88 Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus
89 Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti
90 White-crested Coquette Lophornis adorabilis
91 Green Thorntail Discosura conversii
92 Garden Emerald Chlorostilbon assimilis
93 White-tailed Emerald Elvira chionura
94 Coppery-headed Emerald Elvira cupreiceps
95 Stripe-tailed Hummingbird Eupherusa eximia
96 Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris
97 Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
98 Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
99 Charming Hummingbird Amazilia decora
100 Mangrove Hummingbird Amazilia boucardi
101 Snowy-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia edward
102 Purple-throated Mountaingem Lampornis calolaemus
103 Grey-tailed Mountaingem Lampornis cinereicauda
104 Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula
105 Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens
106 Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
107 Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii
108 Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris
109 Magenta-throated Woodstar Calliphlox bryantae
110 Volcano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula
111 Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla
TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
112 Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno
113 Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena
114 Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus
115 Baird's Trogon Trogon bairdii
116 Gartered Trogon Trogon caligatus
117 Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus
118 Collared Trogon Trogon collaris
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
119 Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
120 Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
121 Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata
CORACIIFORMES: Momotidae
122 Blue-diademed Motmot Momotus lessonii
PICIFORMES: Galbulidae
123 Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
PICIFORMES: Capitonidae
124 Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii
PICIFORMES: Ramphastidae
125 Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus
126 Fiery-billed Aracari Pteroglossus frantzii
127 Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus
128 Black-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambigus
PICIFORMES: Picidae
129 Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus
130 Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus
131 Golden-naped Woodpecker Melanerpes chrysauchen
132 Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani
133 Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus
134 Hoffmann's Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii
135 Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
136 Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii
137 Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus
138 Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
139 Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis
PASSERIFORMES: Furnariidae
140 Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops
141 Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens
142 Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus
143 Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus
144 Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
145 Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans
146 Tawny-winged Woodcreeper Dendrocincla anabatina
147 Ruddy Woodcreeper Dendrocincla homochroa
148 Long-tailed Woodcreeper Deconychura longicauda
149 Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
150 Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus
151 Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans
152 Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus
153 Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
154 Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
155 Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis
PASSERIFORMES: Thamnophilidae
156 Great Antshrike Taraba major
157 Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus
158 Black-hooded Antshrike Thamnophilus bridgesi
159 Western Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha
160 Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis
161 Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul
162 Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis
PASSERIFORMES: Formicariidae
163 Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis
PASSERIFORMES: Rhinocryptidae
164 Silvery-fronted Tapaculo Scytalopus argentifrons H
PASSERIFORMES: Tyrannidae
165 Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
166 Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii
167 Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea
168 Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola
169 Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus
170 Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus
171 Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus
172 Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus
173 Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus
174 Slaty-headed Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia
175 Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
176 Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens
177 Yellow-margined Flatbill Tolmomyias flavotectus
178 Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
179 Northern Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus
180 Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus
181 Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens
182 Black-capped Flycatcher Empidonax atriceps
183 Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius
184 Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis
185 Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
186 Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis
187 Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
188 Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus
189 Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris
190 Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
191 Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
192 Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra
193 Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
PASSERIFORMES: Cotingidae
194 Turquoise Cotinga Cotinga ridgwayi
195 Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus
196 Snowy Cotinga Carpodectes nitidus
197 Yellow-billed Cotinga Carpodectes antoniae
PASSERIFORMES: Pipridae
198 Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronata
199 White-collared Manakin Manacus candei
200 Orange-collared Manakin Manacus aurantiacus
201 Red-capped Manakin Dixiphia mentalis
PASSERIFORMES: Tityridae
205 Sulphur-rumped Myiobius Myiobius sulphureipygius
206 Black-tailed Myiobius Myiobius atricaudus
207 Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus
208 Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor
209 Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
210 White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus
PASSERIFORMES: Vireonidae
211 Yellow-winged Vireo Vireo carmioli
212 Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis
213 Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae
214 Azure-hooded Jay Cyanolyca cucullata H
215 Brown Jay Psilorhinus morio
PASSERIFORMES: Ptilogonatidae
216 Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher Ptilogonys caudatus
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
217 Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
218 Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
219 Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
PASSERIFORMES: Troglodytidae
220 Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha
221 Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
222 Black-throated Wren Pheugopedius atrogularis
223 Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus
224 Plain Wren Cantorchilus modestus
225 Riverside Wren Cantorchilus semibadius
226 Stripe-breasted Wren Cantorchilus thoracicus
227 House Wren Troglodytes aedon
228 Timberline Wren Thryorchilus browni
229 White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticta
230 Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
231 Southern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus marginatus
PASSERIFORMES: Polioptilidae
232 Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea
PASSERIFORMES: Mimidae
233 Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
234 Black-faced Solitaire Myadestes melanops
235 Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus gracilirostris
236 Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris
237 Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater
238 Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush Catharus frantzii
239 Mountain Thrush Turdus plebejus
240 Clay-colored Thrush Turdus grayi
241 White-throated Thrush Turdus assimilis
PASSERIFORMES: Cinclidae
242 American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus
PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
243 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae
244 Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla
245 Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
246 Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea
247 Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima
248 Spot-crowned Euphonia Euphonia imitans
249 Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi
250 Golden-browed Chlorophonia Chlorophonia callophrys
251 Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra
252 Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria
PASSERIFORMES: Parulidae
253 Flame-throated Warbler Oreothlypis gutturalis
254 Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi
255 Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda
256 Black-cheeked Warbler Basileuterus melanogenys
257 Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus
258 Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons
259 Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus
260 Collared Whitestart Myioborus torquatus
PASSERIFORMES: Incertae Sedis
261 Wrenthrush Zeledonia coronata
PASSERIFORMES: Icteridae
262 Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri
263 Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma
264 Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus
265 Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas
266 Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus
267 Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
268 Melodious Blackbird Dives dives
269 Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
270 Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus
271 Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris
272 Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
PASSERIFORMES: Coerebidae
273 Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae
274 Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
275 Volcano Junco Junco vulcani
276 Cabanis's Ground Sparrow Melozone cabanisi
277 White-eared Ground Sparrow Melozone leucotis
278 Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris
279 Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris
280 Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Arremon brunneinucha
281 Large-footed Finch Pezopetes capitalis
282 White-naped Brush Finch Atlapetes albinucha
283 Yellow-thighed Finch Pselliophorus tibialis
284 Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
285 Sooty-capped Bush Tanager Chlorospingus pileatus
PASSERIFORMES: Thraupidae
286 Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii
287 Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata
288 White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus
289 White-throated Shrike-Tanager Lanio leucothorax
290 Crimson-collared Tanager Ramphocelus sanguinolentus
291 Passerini's Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii
292 Cherrie's Tanager Ramphocelus costaricensis
293 Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus
294 Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
295 Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala
296 Speckled Tanager Tangara guttata
297 Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola
298 Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata
299 Spangle-cheeked Tanager Tangara dowii
300 Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta
301 Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
302 Shining Honeycreeper Cyanerpes lucidus
303 Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus
304 Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza
305 Slaty Flowerpiercer Diglossa plumbea
306 Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
307 Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina
308 White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola
309 Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis
310 Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta
311 Thick-billed Seed Finch Oryzoborus funereus
312 Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus
313 Flame-colored Tanager Piranga bidentata
314 Black-cheeked Ant Tanager Habia atrimaxillaris
PASSERIFORMES: Cardinalidae
315 Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster
316 Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps
317 Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
318 Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
319 Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus
320 Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides