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TRAVELLING NATURALIST TRIP REPORT
20 March - 4 April 2005
THE LEADERS Neil Arnold The Travelling Naturalist Willy Alfaro Horizontes THE DRIVERS Jorge Graivin INTRODUCTION Costa Rica is undoubtedly a fine holiday venue. In two weeks we travelled one thousand km and visited a wide range of habitats from mountains to the shores of two oceans. A huge variety of plant and animal species were noted. This was due to fine leadership from Willy and to the energy and enthusiasm of the group. I am grateful to the group for their good cheer, to Willy for his patient guidance and to Graivin and Jorge for their friendliness and expert driving. I hope we will meet again in the near future. Neil Arnold April 2005 THE DIARY SUNDAY 20 MARCH We flew to San Jose via Atlanta, USA. The trip went well and our passage through US immigration and customs was efficient and courteous, as was our entry into Costa Rica. We arrived at our hotel in the late evening. MONDAY 21 MARCH BOUGAINVILLEA HOTEL WEATHER 4-7/8 Cumulus, sunny, E breeze. Dull on the mountain. We awoke to the splendours of the hotel garden. Birds abounded, including Hoffman’s Woodpecker, Summer Tanager, Squirrel Cuckoo and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. We also enjoyed good views of the enchanting Variegated Squirrel. After breakfast Jorge drove us to the Tapanti National Park. As it was the first day of the Easter holiday we made rapid progress through the streets of San Jose and were soon in the picturesque city of Cartago. On the outskirts we stopped briefly to scan the fresh water pools at Las Concavas. Here we found twenty Blue-winged Teal and a lone Northern Shoveler, the only records of the trip. Within half an hour we entered the Orisi Valley, an area of coffee plantations dominated by rushing streams. Once at Tapanti, a huge tropical forest, we began to find a wide variety of bird species, including Green Thorntail, Coppery-headed Emerald, Red-headed Barbet and the very scarce Lineated Foliage-gleaner. Lunch was taken at the Sendero la Oropendola, where the local trout was much appreciated. After lunch we made for Cartago and Route Two, the Pan-American Highway. This took us high into the mountains only to plunge down into the San Gerardo Valley at some 2,500 M a.s.l. As soon as we turned off the main road we were in different world of lichen-covered trees clinging to steep slopes. Here we found the first high altitude birds of the trip: Sooty Robin, Long-tailed Silky Flycatchers, Flame-colored Tanagers, Large-footed Finch, Yellow-bellied Siskin, Volcano Hummingbird, Flame-throated Warbler and Mountain Elaenia. They were all lined up along the road as if they had known that we were coming! Once settled into the Savegre Lodge we concentrated on the bird feeders. Grey-tailed Mountain Gem, Magnificent and Scintillant Hummingbirds competed with Green Violet-ear for the sugar solution. TUESDAY 22 MARCH SAVEGRE LODGE WEATHER A.M. clear, sunny,still. PM heavy rain in the valley, mist at altitude The morning was spent exploring the river, forest and open fields of the Gerardo valley. American Dipper, Torrent Tyrannulet and Black Phoebe were found on the river bank and a host of species in the forest. Black-throated Grosbeak, Collared Redstart and Yellow-thighed Finch were memorable. Whilst we watched a flock of migrant raptors flew overhead; one hundred and twenty Broad-winged Hawks were joined by at least twenty Swainson’s Hawks and one or two Red-tailed Hawks. This was a spectacular example of visible migration, all these birds flying to North America. After breakfast we explored a different part of the valley, finding four Sulphur-winged Parakeets at rest, a Red-legged Honeycreeper which was way beyond its usual geographical range, and a Ruddy Tree- runner, amongst many other species. Just before lunch we noted two Swallow-tailed Kites, a migrant from South America. The little Alfaro’s Squirrel also came to light. In the afternoon it rained so we drove to the misty height of the Cerro de la Muerte. We drove along the rough track to the summit (at 3,500 M a.s.l.) where we found Volcano Junco, Black-billed Nightingale-thrush and a Timberline Wren. Our next port of call was Villa Mills, the abandoned road camp which was used when Route Two was built. Here amongst the flowering bushes we found yet more high altitude birds. The only disappointing aspect of the day was that we had failed to see a Resplendent Quetzal, despite having spent some time watching two nests. WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH SAVEGRE LODGE WEATHER AM clear and sunny. PM developing cloud, humid at sae level, a breeze A pre-breakfast walk brought us into contact with a pair of sparkling Emerald Toucanets, a Black Guan and, at last, a Resplendent Quetzal. After we had been watching a nest for some while, a female Quetzal poked its head out of the nest hole, looked around and then flew to a nearby perch. As the bird was preening we were able to admire the fine plumage from many different angles. Eventually the bird returned to the nest and we went away with a sense of achievement. The day was to be spent in a leisurely drive into the General Valley to Dominical on the Pacific coast and then along rough roads to Carara. Our first stop was at La Georgina, just below the summit of the Cerro de la Muerte. Here we spent a while watching hummingbirds at the local café. The star of this exercise was the stunning Fiery-throated Hummingbird. As we descended to San Isidro el General, lowland species began to dominate. We were soon enjoying views of parrots, herons, swallows, tanagers and toucans. Other notable species included a lone Laughing Falcon, Ospreys and six Swallow-tailed Kites. We ate lunch at the estuary in Dominical. We were soon being entertained by Green, Little Blue and Tricolored Herons. Willets, a Greater Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpipers soon reminded us that we were on a migration route. As Brown Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds flew overhead our attention was drawn to the first Green Kingfisher of the trip. As we moved north along a road surrounded by oil palm and banana plantations we kept discovering more birds. Both Ringed and Amazon Kingfishers were seen as we passed canals designed to drain the plantations. Perhaps the most enjoyable sighting of the trip was a Bare-throated Tiger-heron sitting by a roadside ditch. (Little did we know that we were to see many more individuals in the coming days.) As we passed the estuary of the Seagre River we noted three Ringed, two Green and two Amazon Kingfishers. Roadside Hawks lived up to their name and were seen by the roadside as was a fine Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. As we approached Quepos a cheer rang out - we had reached tarmac road again. As we reached the tourist town of Jaco, Willy took us on a mystery tour. It transpired that he had done some contract ecological surveys for the Marriot Hotel. On entering the grounds we soon directed our attention to the small lakes on the golf course. Least Grebes soon appeared. As we left the site we scanned the drainage channels finding a Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis and a variety of herons. We settled quickly into the spacious luxury of the Villa Lapas Hotel. Whilst eating our dinner we were surrounded by calling Pauraque. THURSDAY 24 MARCH VILLA LAPAS WEATHER 0-4/8 Cu. Fine, breeze. PM torrential rain showers An early morning walk around the grounds of the hotel was very productive. The first delight of the day was the fly-by of a pair of very noisy Scarlet Macaws. Then a variety of warblers, flycatchers, doves and thrushes came to light. The gardens also proved to be a haven for a variety of reptiles and amphibians including Green and Spiny-tailed Iguana, Basilisk, Yellowbelly Gecko, Cane Toad, Green Poison-arrow Frog, Tink Frog and Masked Treefrog. On the way to breakfast we also discovered a fascinating group of mammals, five Brown Tent-making Bats hiding in a ‘tent’ made by biting the base of a leaf stem to make it droop. By 08.00 we were entering the Carara National Park. Even before we passed through the gates we were watching a Plain Xenops, a very elusive forest bird. Then came a Blue-black Grosbeak, Slaty-tailed and Baird’s Trogons, Red-and-white and Rufous-breasted Wrens and Rufous-tailed Jacamar. As if that was not enough splendour we then found both Orange-collared and Red-capped Manakins. As we watched a variety of hummingbirds a Tiny Hawk flashed along the path at barely more than head height. Then we had an opportunity to study a collection of ant birds. First Black-headed Antshrike made an appearance, closely followed by Dot-winged Antwren, Dusky Antbird, Barred Antshrike and Chestnut-backed Antbird. Then birds of prey caught our eye: Roadside Hawk, Plumbeous Kite and White-tailed Hawk. Eventually we came to the small lake hidden in the forest. This stretch of water was dominated by herons, including roosting Boat-billed Herons. We also had close views of a Roseate Spoonbill, a small flock of Black-necked Stilts and a flock of Black-bellied Whistling-ducks. On our way back to the coach we came across a very lively troupe of White-faced Capuchin Monkeys and a lone Northern Royal Flycatcher. After lunch we had a siesta… well most of us did; some went out in the rain and found a Whiskered Puffbird, just reward for such endeavour. We then intended to walk more forest trails but torrential rain caused a change of plan. We drove the short distance to the estuary of the Tarcoles River. As we arrived we were greeted by Yellow-naped Parrots. The muddy banks of the estuary held a variety of waders, Yellow-crowned Night-herons, Brown Pelicans and Ospreys. By 17.00 we were on the Tarcoles road bridge watching American Crocodiles, an American Purple Gallinule and Red-winged Blackbirds. As it was the breeding time for Scarlet Macaws the evening flight to the National Park was somewhat disappointing: only two birds appeared. We had the consolation though that we had seen half a dozen birds in the forest during the day. As the light dimmed Lesser Nighthawks took to the air and we took to our heels; it was time for a rest and a well-earned meal. That evening we said goodbye to our stand -in driver, Jorge and greeted our usual driver Greivin who is not only a good driver but a knowledgeable and spirited birdwatcher. FRIDAY 25 MARCH VILLA LAPAS WEATHER 0-4/8 Cu, fine, breeze The early morning walk produced sightings of Northern Barred Woodcreeper, Orange-billed Sparrow Blue-crowned Motmot and a small flock of Painted Buntings. By 09.30 we were back at the Tarcoles Estuary watching wetland species including Semipalmated and Grey Plovers and Turnstone. We then made a brief stop at the Tarcoles Bridge. By 10.30 we were en route for the province of Guanacaste. Within twenty minutes, though, we were parked by a small park in the little town of Ortina. We were then invited to have a look around the park. Within a minute we were staring up at a magnificent Black-and-white Owl perched in a tree. Having found such a prize we were then shown a Two-toed Sloth hanging upside down in the next tree. The photographers had a field day. As we drove towards La Ensenada in the ‘Refugio National de Vida Silvestre’ we were obviously entering a much drier habitat. The roadside kept giving up its wildlife. Mantled Howler Monkeys jeered at us from tall trees as we discovered Banded Wren, Turquoise-crowned Motmot, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Sulphur-breasted Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Stripe-headed Sparrow and Streak-backed Oriole. We also had a brief glimpse of an Indigo Snake. On our arrival at La Ensenada we went straight to the salt pans to take advantage of the fact that it was a holiday and therefore there was no disturbance. At the salt pans we found ten species of waders including Wilson’s Plover and Short-billed Dowitchers. The area was also a haven for a number of species of herons and songbirds. At dusk we saw yet more Lesser Nighthawks. Twenty Mantled Howler Monkeys greeted us at the lodge as did a covey of Spot-bellied Bobwhite. SATURDAY 26 MARCH LA ENSENADA WEATHER 1-3/8 Ci, sunny, breeze The lodge is surrounded by grassland, scattered scrub and trees. The coastline, two hundred metres away, consists of steep, low cliffs, at the base of which are mangroves growing on a gravel shore. Consequently the patchwork of habitats harboured many species of plants and animals. The most notable birds were Melodious Blackbird, Scrub Euphonia, Mangrove Warbler and a variety of wetland species including Neotropic Cormorant. Just before breakfast we came across Cinnamon Hummingbirds feeding in the flowerbeds, a pair of White-throated Magpie-jays stealing the butter and bread from the tables and a fine Pacific Screech-owl that Graivin had discovered in a nearby tree. (What it is to have a driver who knows the lie of the land!) At 08.30 we left to drive to the River Bebedaro which abuts the Palo Verde National Park. Before we had even left the estate we found an elegant Double-striped Thick-knee standing motionless in the shade of a huge tree. As we made our way north we also noted seven soaring Wood Storks. The boat trip on the River Bebedaro was very relaxing. We had fine views of Green and Spiny-tailed Iguana, the Jesus Christ Lizard (Basilisk) which runs across the water surface, White-faced Capuchin and Mantled Howler Monkeys, and two roosting groups of White lined Sac-winged Bats. Birds were represented by Bare-throated Tiger-heron, Solitary Sandpiper, Black-crowned Night-heron and Common Black Hawk.. After an excellent lunch we made for the Palo Verde National Park. As we approached the wetlands we were disappointed to find that they had dried up much earlier than usual; consequently we took to the open woodland. The dryness of the area can be summed up by the discovery of a flock of fifty White-collared Seedeaters feeding where there should have been wetland species. Just as we were about to leave a Scarlet Macaw flew over. This was exciting as it is a rare bird in the Park. We also had a brief view of a King Vulture in one of its strongholds. We were a little disappointed with the afternoon but we did not know what lay ahead. As we drove through the forest we spotted a White-tailed Deer eating the fallen fruit of a mango tree. Nearby were others. The great surprise was to come next though. Near a young deer was a female Greater Curassow. Eventually we found seven females and five males. Thankfully they allowed us to leave the bus and quietly follow them through the forest. The discovery of this most elusive species raised our spirits. We drove on to the ‘wetlands.’ As we drew near the evening sun glinted on a pool of shallow water. The wetlands were wet! By standing on a bank we were able to see feeding White Ibis and Wood Storks. Then a flock of Black-bellied Whistling-duck took to the air. This action disturbed two white birds that had been hiding in the rushes. They immediately began to exercise their wings; we were watching two adult Jabiru, the most sought-after stork species in the neotropics. As we drove through the forest towards the exit we were to get yet another surprise; a Thicket Tinamou, another elusive species, calmly walked across the road into the forest edge. As it grew dark Graivin drove the bus along the irrigation dikes revealing a variety of wildlife. First we saw a Barn Owl and then several Common Pauraque. We then saw a series of mammals: a Grey Fox, Great Bulldog Bats fishing, and a Common Opossum. As we approached the main road home we saw another Barn Owl. After yet another fine restaurant meal we wended our way ‘home’. It is hard to imagine a more varied day in the field. SUNDAY 27 MARCH LA ENSENADA WEATHER AM 4/8 Cu. bright ,still. PM 8/8 Cu. Dull, still. Heavy showers The early morning walk revealed a number of significant bird species: the local Canivet’s Emerald, Spot-breasted Oriole and Panama Flycatcher. By 08.00 we were on board a tractor and trailer ready to make a tour of the estate. It is surprising what can be found on a tractor ride. A Steely-vented Hummingbird was noted and two Lesser Nighthawks were found perched in a tree, then an Ivory-billed Woodcreeper came to light. Scrub Euphonia, White-tailed and Common Black Hawks were also noted. After lunch we set off for the Arenal area. As we were passing spectacular yellow flowering Yellow Cortez trees we saw a perched Bay-winged Hawk. Once past the town of Tilaran we were once again on the Caribbean slopes of the country. As we drove along the northern shores of Lake Arenal we stopped to look for wildlife. Northern Rough -winged Swallows were seen as were Cinnamon Becard and two Swallow-tailed Kites. In the late afternoon we stopped at ‘Toad Hall,’ an excellent gift shop, to buy presents. This was not our only motive, however: the garden was full of exotic birds. Sightings of Crested Guan and Grey-headed Chachalaca were soon followed by those of Black-cheeked and Smoky-brown Woodpeckers, Little Hermit, Green Honeycreeper, Black-cowled Oriole and Red-lored Parrots. We had to drag ourselves away! While we were at ‘Toad Hall’ there was a violent downpour. This meant that by the time we reached the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active in the world, we could see the whole cone apart from the rim, from which smoke could be seen pouring down the slopes. Once at Volcano Lodge we walked to dinner. As we emerged from the restaurant later in the evening the sky was clear and moonlit and the outline of the cone could be seen in its entirety. This was a rare sight indeed. MONDAY 28 MARCH VOLCANO LODGE WEATHER 8/8/ Cu. Showers, dull, still The gardens of the lodge were the focus of the early morning wildlife watching. Mealy Parrot, Green-breasted Mango, White-necked Jacobin and Lineated Woodpecker were the stars of the morning. We set off for Selva Verde at 08.00 but we went in the ‘wrong’ direction. This was one of Will’s surprises. Within minutes we were overlooking a wet meadow. After a brief search we found two adult Southern Lapwing and two chicks. As this is a species that has only colonised Costa Rica in the past five years, this was a very important breeding record. Southern Lapwing isn’t even pictured in the field guide! By mid morning we had climbed to 2,000 M a.s.l. at Bajos del Toro Amarillo. Here in the middle elevation forest we were reacquainted with such species as Black Guan, Slate-throated Redstart and Yellow-thighed Finch. We also discovered Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Elaenia and the very local White-throated Flycatcher and Golden-browed Chlorophonia. By the time we had settled into the lodge at Selva Verde the light was fading but we managed to find a sparkling Sunbittern on the river bank, White-breasted Woodwren in the forest and the delightful Green Poison-arrow Frog and Strawberry Poison-dart Frog. This inspired us to expect great things on the following day. TUESDAY 29 MARCH SELVA VERDE WEATHER 5-8/8 Cu. Heavy showers, still By 06.15 we entered the drive to the research station of the Organization for Tropical Studies at La Selva. For the next two and a half hours we walked the four hundred metres to the gate of the station. In that time we recorded seventy-five species of birds. Some of the most impressive species were Black-faced Grosbeak, Long-billed Gnatwren, Rufous-winged Woodpecker, Yellow-tailed Oriole and the scarce migrant Eastern Kingbird. Once inside the research station we met Kenneth, our local guide. We were soon in the forest watching wrens, woodcreepers, thrushes and trogons. A Grey Catbird represented the migrants from North America, while Snowy Cotinga and a nesting Olive- backed Quail-dove were rare local species. We were also lucky enough to see a herd of five White-collared Peccary; we also picked up their very strong scent. The reptile of the day was a spectacular Emerald Basilisk. It had been a very special day in this essentially private enclave. WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH SELVA VERDE WEATHER 4/8 Ci. Sunny, breeze The day started with sightings of a migrant Wood Thrush and a local Red-throated Ant-tanager. By 06.20 we were back at La Selva. Things were different though from our experience of yesterday; due to Willy’s reputation within the organization he had managed to gain permission to walk the trails inside the station hours before groups were usually allowed to enter. As a result of our early start we found three very scarce species of birds: White-collared Puffbird, Chestnut-coloured and Cinnamon Woodpeckers. High overhead we also saw White Hawk, Broad-winged hawk and a spectacular King Vulture. Further searching brought to light Golden-winged Warbler, Bay Wren, Broad-billed Motmot and Dusky-faced Tanager. A Coati and two huge mantids also attracted our attention, the latter being thoroughly photographed. Eventually we dragged ourselves away. After lunch at La Quinta Lodge we returned to Selva Verde to rest. By 16.00 we were out on the trails again watching Sunbittern, Mealy Parrots, Collared Aracari and the most attractive Yellow-crowned Euphonia and Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer. On crossing the swinging bridge over the river we rigorously obeyed the command in Spanish: ‘NO BALANCEARSE.’ After dinner we drove to the La Quinta area in search of owls, but without success. THURSDAY 31 MARCH SELVA VERDE WEATHER 1/8 Cu. Sun breeze We spent the day making the journey to Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero. We drove over metalled roads until we reached the outskirts of Siquirres. Here we took to unmade roads until we reached the tiny port of Caño Blanco. From here we were whisked away in a fast launch. The speed of progress didn’t lend itself to wildlife watching but we did manage to see a male Red-breasted Blackbird as we passed an area of open grassland. Soon the river banks were cloaked in forest. On our arrival at the lodge we discovered a singing Purple-throated Fruitcrow, a birds that usually lives deep in the forest. By 15.00 we joined Giovanni, our boatman for our first trip into the Tortuguero National Park. We were soon on a forest trail. Almost immediately we came across a swarm of army ants. Army ants displace all in their path so they are often followed by antbirds which eat the fleeing invertebrates. A careful search of the undergrowth revealed Bi-colored Antbird, Chestnut-backed Antbird and Western Slaty Antshrike. Many other forest species were also noted. The most unexpected mammal of the trip joined us at dinner: a Water Opossum dashed through the dining room at full pelt. FRIDAY 1 APRIL PACHIRA LODGE WEATHER 8/8/ Cu. Showers. Sunny afternoon. Stormy evening This was a unique day, a day in which we enjoyed three boat trips: yet another new experience in my long leading career. Our first trip started at 05.30, accompanied by a chorus of Mantled Howler Monkeys. The first really thrilling moment was the appearance of an American Pygmy Kingfisher which was photographed at point blank range. Then we were shown a Great Potoo hiding on a huge tree. We then glimpsed a Neotropical River Otter. At 10.15 we were off again. The highlights of our trip to Caño Harold were a Great Black Hawk, a White Hawk, Double-toothed Kite, two sightings of the scarce Green-and-rufous Kingfisher and two Green Ibis. Perhaps the most exciting moments were supplied by several sightings of Sungrebe, prolonged views of a Neotropical River Otter, Spider Monkeys and Mantled Howler Monkeys. From my own point of view, though, the discovery of three species of herons was the pivotal point of the trip. First we found a fine Bare-throated Tiger-heron, and then a Rufescent Tiger-heron, but the real prize was an Agami Heron in full breeding plumage; all were close. We held our breath as we watched. At 15.00 we boarded the boat again. We made for the Caño Palma and the Rio Suerte. Herons were common, as were kingfishers. At one point we came across a huge American Crocodile surrounded by Black Vultures. Smaller Spectacled Cayman were also noted. We also saw a mature Sungrebe standing on a log showing off its pale lobed feet. White-faced Capuchin also performed for us. As we returned to the Quay a Bat Falcon flew overhead. It had been a remarkable day. SATURDAY 2 APRIL PACHIRA LODGE WEATHER 4-7/8 Cu. Fine, breeze After an entertaining morning walk we sped to Caño Blanco in a launch. By 10.30 we were driving through open grassland. Red-winged Blackbirds, a Short-tailed Hawk and an Olive-crowned Yellowthroat joined our collection of birds. We also had a brief view of a Bird-eating Snake. After lunch at Guapiles we drove through the Braulio Carrillo National Park. We stopped at an abandoned butterfly farm 800 M a.s.l. We watched the fine display of flowers, eventually discovering Blue-throated Goldentail, Black-crested Coquette and Snowcap. Once at the Bougainvillea Hotel some of us searched the garden for birds, discovering the very attractive White-eared Ground-sparrow, and then the very scarce Prevost’s Ground-sparrow. What a finish to the trip! SUNDAY 3 APRIL BOUGAINVILLEA HOTEL WEATHER 3/8 Cu. Sunny, breeze An early morning walk in the garden was wonderful. We noted White-eared Ground-sparrow, a glimpse of Prevost’s Ground-sparrow and six Crimson-fronted Parakeet. After breakfast we set off for home via San Jose, Atlanta and Gatwick. The trip home was very smooth, especially through immigration and customs at all points. I hope you have all enjoyed this trip as much as I have.. Best wishes Neil Arnold April 2005 SPECIES LISTS KEY ARENAL ARE BAJOS DEL TORO AMARILLO BAJ BOUGAINVILLEA HOTEL BOU BRAULIO CARRILLO BRA CARARA and TARCOLES CAR LAS CONCAVAS CON DOMINICAL TO CARARA DOM LA ENSENADA ENS CERRO DE LA MUERTE, VILLA MILLS MUE PALO VERDE, RIVER BABADARO PAL SAN GERARDO VALLEY GER LA SELVA SEL SELVA VERDI SELV TAPANTI, ORISI VALLEY TAP TORTUGUERO, CAÑO BLANCO TOR CARIBBEAN CAR PACIFIC PAC TOTAL COUNT [ ] PEAK COUNT ( ) BIRDS TINAMOUS Tinamidae Great Tinamou Tinamus major Heard in CAR,SELV AND SEL Thicket Tinamou Crypturellus cinnamomeus One PAL GREBES Podicipedidae Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Six Jaco DARTERS Anhingidae Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Widespread in wetlands [22] CORMORANTS Phalacracoracidae Neotropic (Olivaceous) Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus (olivaceus) Very local [12] PELICANS Pelicanidae Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Flocks at coastal locations especially PAC (100) FRIGATEBIRDS Fregatidae Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Widespread PAC coast. One TOR HERONS & BITTERNS Ardeidae Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Scattered records, nowhere numerous [8] Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common and widespread (600)DOM American Great White Egret Casmerodius albus Common [106] Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Widespread but uncommon [13] Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Common[55] Snowy Egret Egretta thula Common [45] Green Heron Butorides virescens Common [34] Agami Heron Agamia agami A stunning adult TOR Yellow-crowned Night-heron Nyctanassa violacea Common near the coast [29] Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax Five PAL Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius Eight CAR and one TOR Bare-throated Tiger-heron Tigrisoma mexicanum Surprisingly common and widespread [24] Rufescent tiger-heron Tigrisoma lineatum Three TOR STORKS Ciconiidae Wood Stork Mycteria americana Forty PAL and one TOR Jabiru Jabiru mycteria Two PAL IBISES & SPOONBILLS Threskiornithidae Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis Two TOR American White Ibis Eudocimus albus Common PAC [142] Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus One SAL Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaia Six sightings PAC WHISTLING-DUCKS Dendrocygnidae Black-bellied Whistling-duck Dendrocygna autumnalis CON (14) and seventy eight CAR. Fifty PAL WILDFOWL Anatidae Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Twenty CON Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata A duck CON AMERICAN VULTURES Catharidae Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common and widespread American Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common and widespread King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa One CAR and one SEL OSPREY Pandionidae Osprey Pandion haliaetus Widespread over water [20] HAWKS Accipitridae American Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Migrant over the mountains: nine and three ARE White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Four scattered records Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus One TOR Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea One CAR and one ENS Tiny Hawk Accipiter superciliosus One CAR White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis One SEL and one TOR Common Black-hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Three PAL-ENS and two TOR Great Black-hawk Buteogallus urubitinga Two TOR Harris's (Bay-winged) Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus One ENS Gray(-lined) Hawk Asturina nitida One DOM, two ARE and one SEL Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris Nine PAC Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Flocks of 120 GER and seven CAR. Other scattered records Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus One TOR Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni A flock of twenty with Broad-winged Hawks, GER White-tailed Hawk Buteo albicaudatus Three records PAC Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Four records GER FALCONS & CARACARAS Falconidae Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Nine PAC and one CAR Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Sixteen records PAC Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans One DOM Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis One TOR GUANS & CHACHALACAS Cracidae Gray-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps Eight ARE and two SEL Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Three ARE and four SEL Black Guan Chamaepetes unicolor One GER and two BAJ Great Curassow Crax rubra Twelve PAL NEW WORLD QUAILS Odontophoridae Crested Bobwhite Colinus cristatus Coveys of five and four ENS RAILS & COOTS Rallidae Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Eight CON and several TOR American Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinicus One CAR, one PAL and one TOR American Coot Fulica americana Four CON, one TOR SUNGREBES Heliornithidae Sungrebe Heliornis fulica Nine records TOR SUNBITTERN Eurypygidae Sunbittern Eurypyga helias A pair with a nest SELV JACANAS Jacanidae Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Widespread [58] AVOCETS & STILTS Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Common PAC (40) and four TOR [73] THICK-KNEES Burhinidae Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus One ENS PLOVERS Charadriidae Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis A breeding pair ARE, perhaps the only pair in Costa Rica? Grey (Black-bellied) Plover Pluvialis squatarola Common PAC shores and saltpan ENS (65) [77] Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Twenty ENS Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia At least eight ENS SANDPIPERS Scolopacidae Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Common PAC shores. (102)ENS [112] Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Three CAR and one TOR Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Two ENS Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria One PAL Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Very widespread [53] Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Seven DOM and seventy five ENS (Ruddy) Turnstone Arenaria interpres Two CAR and eight sightings ENS Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Twenty two ENS Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Thirty CAR-ENS Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Up to nine CAR and fifty ENS GULLS Laridae Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Common PAC TERNS Sternidae Royal Tern Sterna maxima Noted PAC and CAR PIGEONS & DOVES Columbidae Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia Common near habitation Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata Common GER [120] Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis Scattered records in the lowlands Red-billed Pigeon Columba flavirostris Scattered records in the lowlands Ruddy Pigeon Columba subvinacea One sighting GER Short-billed Pigeon Columba nigrirostris Mainly heard but seen CAR and TO White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Scattered records in the lowlands Common Ground-dove Columbina passerine Only noted ENS, ARE and BAJ Ruddy Ground-dove Columbina talpacoti Common PAC, less so SEL and TO Inca Dove Scardafella inca Common PAC Blue Ground-dove Claravis pretiosa Heard CAR White-tipped Dove Lepotila verreauxi Scattered records PAC Olive-backed Quail-dove Geotrygon veraguensis One on a nest SEL PARROTS Psittacidae Scarlet Macaw Ara macao Twenty sightings CAR and one PAL Crimson-fronted Parakeet Aratinga finschi Six BOU Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Sixteen SEV Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis Flocks PAC and CAR Sulphur-winged Parakeet Pyrrhura hoffmanni Four GER Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis Common on both slopes (50) ENS White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis Scattered records CAR and PAC White-fronted Parrot Amazona albifrons Thirty six records ENS and PAL Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis Common CAR Yellow-naped Parrot Amazona auropalliata Twenty two records of this endangred species PAC Mealy Parrot (Amazon) Amazona farinosa Eleven records CAR lowlands ANIS Crotophagidae Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Three DOM Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Common throughout GROUND-CUCKOOS Neomorphidae Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia Heard CAR NEW WORLD CUCKOOS Coccyzidae Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Eight scattered records BARN-OWLS Tytonidae Common Barn-Owl Tyto alba Two PAL TYPICAL OWLS Strigidae Pacific Screech-owl Otus cooperi One ENS Black-and-white Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata One Ortina Ferruginous Pygmy-owl Glaucidium brasilianum One DOM and heard ENS POTOOS Nyctibiidae Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis One TOR NIGHTJARS Caprimulgidae Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Twelve CAR,at least twelve ENS and one TOR Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Heard CAR, fve PAL and heard ARE SWIFTS Apodidae Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila Twenty CAR White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Flocks over TAP,GERARE and SEL Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicauda Twenty CAR Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Common CAR Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi Ten BOU HUMMINGBIRDS Trochilidae Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aenea One SEL Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri Four records CAR and one SELV (Western) Long-billed (Long-tailed) Hermit Phaethornis longirostris (superciliosus) Two CAR and six records SEL/SELV Stripe-throated (Little) Hermit Phaethornis strigularis (longuemareus) Six scattered records Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii Six CAR White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Four records ARE,SELV/SEL and TOR Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus At least four GER Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii One ARE and one TOR Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Only SEL and TOR Black-crested Coquette Paphosia helenae One BRA Green Thorntail Discosura conversii A male TAP Canivet's (Fork-tailed) Emerald Chlorostilbon canivetii One ENS (Violet-) Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica Single records SEL/SELV Fiery-throated Hummingbird Panterpe insignis Six MUE Blue-throated Goldentail Hylocharis eliciae One BRA Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerrottei One ARE Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila Common ENS and PAL Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Common except in the mountains Coppery-headed Emerald Elvira cupreiceps One female TAP Snowcap Microchera albocoronata A male BRA Bronze-tailed (Red-footed) Plumeleteer Chalybura urochrysia One SELV Gray-tailed Mountain-gem Lampornis cinereicauda Several GER Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens Several GER and one BAJ Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti One CAR and one SEL Volano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula Only at altitude MUE and GER Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla Common GER TROGONS Trogonidae Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno Two females GER Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena Five records CAR,SELV/SEL Baird's Trogon Trogon bairdii One CAR Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus Five records ENS Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus A pair SEL and one TOR Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus Heard TOR. It is incredible that we did'nt see this common bird! GIANT KINGFISHERS Cerylidae Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata Twenty one records PAC/CAR Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Ten records PAC/CAR Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Twenty two records PAC/CAR Green and Rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda Two sightings TOR American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea Four sightings TOR MOTMOTS Motmotidae Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum One SEL Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa Eighteen sightings ENS/PAL Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Heard SEL Blue-crowned Motmot Motmotus momota Two CAR and one SAN JOSE JACAMARS Galbulidae Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda Two CAR and one TOR PUFFBIRDS Bucconidae White-necked Puffbird Notharchus macrorhynchos One SEL White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis One CAR NEW WORLD BARBETS Capitonidae Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii A male TAP TOUCANS Ramphastidae Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus Two GER Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus Seventeen records SEL/SELV and TOR Fiery-billed Aracari Pteroglossus frantzii Two sightings CAR Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus Common CAR lowlands Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii Common throughout [40] WOODPECKERS Picidae Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus A flock of ten GER Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Seven records from ENS to TOR Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus Sixteen records DOM/CAR Hoffmann's Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii Common in the lowlands CAR/PAC Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus One SEL Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus One ARE Rufous-winged Woodpecker Piculus simplex Two sightings SEL Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus Two SEL and one TOR Chestnut-colored Woodpecker Celeus castaneus One SEL Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus One ARE Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis Widespread, seven records WOODCREEPERS Dendrocolaptidae Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa One SEL Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Three records SEL Northern Barred-woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae (certhia) One CAR and one SEL Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans One CAR, eight sightings SEL/SELV, one TOR and one BRA Ivory-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus flavigaster One ENS Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius One ARE Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Four sightings SEL and one TOR Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis Six CAR OVENBIRDS Furnariidae Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus Four GER Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris One TAP Plain Xenops Xenops minutus One CAR TYPICAL ANTBIRDS Thamnophilidae Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus A nesting pair SEL Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus A pair CAR and one SELV Black-hooded Antshrike Thamnophilus bridgesi Seven records CAR Western Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha Three records TOR Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis Four CAR Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina Six records CAR and three records SEL Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul One CAR, one SEL and one TOR Bi-colored Antbird Gymnopithys bicolor One TOR TAPACULOS Rhinocryptidae Silvery-fronted Tapaculo Scytalopus argentifrons Heard GER TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Tyrannidae Mistletoe (Paltry) Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus Two TAP and several ARE,SEL,SELV Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe One ENS Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata One CAR Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Two ARE Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii Several records GER Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Nine sightings GER Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus One CAR, heard SEL Black-capped Pygmy-tyrant Myiornis atricapillus One SEL, heard SELV Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus One TAP Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare Three sightings, one bird nest building CAR Common Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Common and widespread Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens Widespread [9] Northern Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus Two CAR Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus One CAR Dark Pewee Contopus lugubris One GER Eastern Wood-pewee Contopus virens One TOR Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Two TAP,four TOR White-throated Flycatcher Empidonax albogularis One BAJ Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens One GER Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Five records GER and one ARE Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus Eight records PAC/CAR of this difficult to find species Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra Four TOR Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer One TAP and three SEL Panama Flycatcher Myiarchus panamensis One ENS Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus One CAR, heard CAR Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Four sightings ENS Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Common throughout Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarhynchus pitangua Scattered records PAC/CAR Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Noted throughout Gray-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Seven sightings CAR and one SEL White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittata Two SEL Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus Heard BAJ Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Ten records PAC/CAR Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris Three records ENS Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Scattered records CAR,SEL and TOR Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common throughout Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficata Twenty records ENS/PAL Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana Two TAP Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus lyrannus One SEL, a scarce migrant Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus One ARE, three SEL and two TOR Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae Fifteen records CAR/ENS Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Common CAR, ENS and SEL Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Two ENS, three SEL and one BRA MANAKINS Pipridae White-collared Manakin Manacus candei Common CAR Orange-collared Manakin Manacus aurantiacus Three sightings CAR Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis One CAR COTINGAS Cotingidae Snowy Cotinga Carpodectes nitidus Two SEL Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurat Two TOR SWALLOWS & MARTINS Hirundinidae Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea Common near mangroves Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Common CAR Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Common TAP,GER,ARE,BRA and BO Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Only ARE Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Common except in the highlands Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Common except in the highlands. Two hundred gathering at DOM SILKY-FLYCATCHERS Bombycillidae Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher Ptilogonys caudatus Thirty two sightings GER DIPPERS Cinclidae American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus One GER and one heard BAJ WRENS Troglodytidae Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha Twenty sightings CAR/ENS Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus Two sightings SEL Black-throated Wren Thryothorus atrogularis One SEL Black-bellied Wren Thryothorus fasciatoventris One heard CAR Rufous-breasted Wren Thryothorus rutilus Three CAR Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus Two SEL, heard TOR Stripe-breasted Wren Thryothorus thoracicus One SEL, one SELV, heard TOR Banded Wren Thryothorus pleurostictus Four sightings ENS Rufous-and-white Wren Thryothorus rufalbus Three CAR Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus Heard SEL but seen BOU House Wren Troglodytes aedon Widespread in the lowlands Ochraceous Wren Troglodytes ochraceus One GER Timberline Wren Thryorchilus browni One MEU White-breasted Wood-wren Henicorhina leucosticta Heard widely CAR, one SEL and one TOR Gray-breasted Wood-wren Henicorhina leucophrys Three records GER MOCKINGBIRDS & THRASHERS Mimidae Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Two sightings (of the same bird?) SEL THRUSHES Turdidae Black-faced Solitaire Myadestes melanops Two sightings GER Black-billed Nightingale-thrush Catharus gracilirostris Four sightings GER Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush Catharus fuscater Heard BAJ Ruddy-capped Nightingale-thrush Catharus frantzii Five sightings GER Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Two GER, two sightings SELV and one TOR Wood Thrush Catharus mustelinus One SELV Sooty Robin (Thrush) Turdus nigrescens Common GER/MUE Mountain Robin (Thrush) Turdus plebejus Common GER Clay-colored Robin (Thrush) Turdus grayi Common throughout GNATCATCHERS Polioptilidae Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus One SEL White-lored Gnatcatcher Polioptila albiloris Six records ENS Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea Four records SEL/SELV/TOR JAYS & CROWS Corvidae Brown Jay Cyanocorax morio Four records CAR White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa Seven records ENS/PAL NEW WORLD SPARROWS and BUNTINGS Emberizidae - Emberizinae Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Common BOU,GER,ENS Volcano Junco Junco vulcani Ten MUE Stripe-headed Sparrow Aimophila ruficauda Thirteen sightings ENS Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Common Variable Seedeater Sporophila aurita Common White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola Four DOM and then common ENS to ARE (40) PAL Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Six TAP and common ARE/SEL Prevost's Ground-sparrow Melozone biarcuatum Two were found BOU White-eared Ground-sparrow Melozone leucotis Two BOU Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Two CAR, four sightings SELV/SEL and one TOR Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris One CAR one ARE and four SEL Large-footed Finch Pezopetes capitalis Three GER Yellow-thighed Finch Pselliophorus tibialis Twelve GER/MUE and two BAJ CARDINALS & GROSBEAKS Emberizidae - Cardinalinae Black-thighed Grosbeak Pheucticus tibialis Two at a nest GER Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Seven widely spread records Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster Common SEL, one BRA Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps Four sightings SEl Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Widespread, especially common SEL Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Widespread, especially common SEL Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides Three sightings CAR Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea Six CAR Painted Bunting Passerina ciris Two males and four females/juvs CAR TANAGERS Emberizidae - Thraupinae Common Bush-tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus Common TAP,GER and BAJ Sooty-capped Bush-tanager Chlorospingus pileatus Ten records GER/MUE Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii Two SEL White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus A pair CAR Red-throated Ant-tanager Habia fuscicauda three sightings SEL/SELV and one TOR Flame-colored Tanager Piranga bidentata Eight sightings GER Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Widespread Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea One CAR and several SEL Crimson-collared Tanager Ramphocelus sanguinolentus One TAP and four SEL/SELV Passerini's (Scarlet-rumped) Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii Common CAR Cherrie's (Scarlet-rumped) Tanager Ramphocelus costaricensis Common PAC Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Common throughout Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Common throughout Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis Three sightings ENS Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla Four sightings SEL Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Six CAR Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea Three CAR Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi Five records SEL and one TOR Blue-crowned (Golden-browed) Chlorophonia Chlorophonia callophrys Two BAJ Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Common TAP/GER and two ARE Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Three TAP Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata Two CAR,two ARE and several SEL Spangle-cheeked Tanager Tangara dowii Seven GER Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta Four TAP Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Three SEL Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza One ARE, several SEL and a pair BRA Shining Honeycreeper Cyanerpes lucidus Several SEL Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus An unexpected female GER, a pair CAR,three ARE and one SEL Slaty Flowerpiercer Diglossa plumbea Five GER BANANAQUIT Coerebidae Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Very local TAP, ARE, SEL/SELV and BOU NEW WORLD WARBLERS Parulidae Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera One SEL Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina Common Flame-throated Warbler Parula gutturalis Four sightings GER Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi Two TAP Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia One TAP one GER and two TOR Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Common Mangrove (Yellow) Warbler Dendroica petechia erithachoroides Six sightings ENS Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica Widespread especially CAR Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca Three TAP Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens Four sightings GER and two ARE American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla One TOR Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Three sightings CAR, one PAL and one TOR Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava A male near TOR Gray-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala A male TAP and a male ARE Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla Common GER,ARE,BAJ Slate-throated Whitestart (Redstart) Myioborus miniatus Three TAP and several BAJ Collared Whitestart (Redstart) Myioborus torquatus Six records GER Buff-rumped Warbler Basileuterus fulvicauda Seven records SEL/SELV Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Four GER Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons One ENS Black-cheeked Warbler Basileuterus melanogenys Three GER VIREOS Vireonidae Yellow-winged (Carmiol's) Vireo Vireo carmioli Five sightings GER Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons Three sightings CAR Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Six records ENS Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Four GER Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus Widespread in forests FINCHES Fringillidae Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra Two GER SPARROWS Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus Several at filling stations NEW WORLD ORIOLES Icteridae Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Several TAP Montezuma Oropendola Gymnostinops montezuma Widespread Scarlet-rumped (Subtropical) Cacique Cacicus uropygialis Three sightings SEL Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Two SEL Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis Two ENS Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus Several ENS Baltimore (Northern) Oriole Icterus galbula Widespread Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas Several SEL Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Widespread in grasslands (150) Red-breasted Blackbird Leistes militaris Five sightings near Caño Blanco Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Two TAP and eight records ENS Melodious Blackbird Dives dives Eleven records ENS,ARE and SEL Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Common and widespread Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Common BOU and DOM Giant Cowbird Scaphidura oryzivora Three BOU MAMMALS MARSUPIALS - American Opossums Marsupiala - Didelphidae Common Opossum Didelphis marsupialis One PAL Water Opossom Chironectes minimus One TOR EDENTATES - Two-toed Sloths Edentata - Megalonychidae Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni One TAP and one Ortina BATS - Sheath-tailed Bats Chiroptera - Emballonuridae Greater White-lined Sac-winged Bat Saccopteryx bilineata Thirty two PAL BATS - New World Leaf-nosed Bats Chiroptera - Phyllostomidae Great Bulldog (fishing) Bat Noctilio leporinus Several PAL Brown Tent-making Bat Uroderma magnirostris Five CAR PRIMATES - New World Monkeys Primates - Cebidae White-fronted Capuchin Cebus albifrons Noted CAR,ENS and TOR Mantled Howler Monkey Alouatta palliata Common throughout the lowlands Central American Spider Monkey Ateles geoffroyii Twelve records TOR CARNIVORES - DOGS - Carnivora Canis Grey Fox Drymarchon corais One PAL CARNIVORES - Raccoons Carnivora - Procyonidae White-nosed Coati Nasua narica One CAR and one SEL CARNIVORES - Mustelids Carnivora - Mustelidae Neotropical River Otter Lutra longicaudis Two TOR EVEN-TOED UNGULATES - Peccaries Artiodactyla - Tayassuidae Collared Peccary Tayassu tajacu Six sightings SEL EVEN-TOED UNGULATES - Deer Artiodactyla - Cervidae White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Three adults and one juv PAL RODENTS - Squirrels Rodentia - Sciuridae Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides Common in the lowlands Alfaro's Pygmy (Central American Dwarf) Squirrel Microsciurus calfari Common GER AMPHIBIANS Cane Toad Bufo marinus Noted CAR and SEL Green Poison-arrow Frog Dendrobates auratus Common CAR, ARE and SEL/SELV Strawberry Poison-dart Frog Dendrobates pumilo Only ARE and SEL/SELV Tink Frog Eleutherodactylus diastema At CAR,ARE and SEL Masked Treefrog Smilisca phaeota Only CAR REPTILES Yellowbelly Gecko Phyllodactus tuberculosus Common Yellowheaded Gecko Gonatodes albogularis Only at ENS Green Iguana Iguana iguana Common Spiny-tailed Iguana Ctenosaura similis Common PAC Basilisk Basiliscus basiliscus Common CAR, PAL and BRA Emerald Basilisk Basilicus plumifrons Only SEL and TOR Central American Whip-tailed Lizard Ameira festiva Common Green Spiny Lizard Sceloporus malachiticus Only PAL American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus At CAR, PAL and TOR Spectacled Cayman Caiman crocodilus Common TOR Red (Painted Wood) Turtle Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima Common SELV Indigo Snake Drymarchon corais One ENS Bird-eating Snake Pseustes poecilonotus One near Caño Blanco
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