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Costa Rica Birding Trip Report23 February – 27 March 2001Jon Hornbuckle[Links to Costa Rica Birding Tours, Parks & Accommodations] INTRODUCTIONCosta Rica is a relatively small country with a wide variety of habitats and a bird list of some 830 species. Not surprisingly, it is now very popular as a birding destination, being pretty safe, civilized and fairly inexpensive. I spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica and Panama (Canal Zone) in 1987 and had long wanted to return. The opportunity came this year when I undertook a 5 week tour of Venezuela and followed it by participating in a long term American ringing/ banding project at Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. As expected, Costa Rica has changed in the last 14 years. Tourism is now big business, with many companies catering for the multitude of visitors, and the infrastructure has improved, with generally good roads and plentiful buses and accommodation. It is not a cheap country, but apart from accommodation which can be expensive, prices are quite reasonable. There is now an excellent field guide and more good-birding sites. The one downside is that security is a potential problem at a few of the sites, such as Braulio Carrillo and Carara. I spent 9 days birding before going to Tortuguero and was well satisfied with 33 ticks including Snowcap, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Streak-chested Antpitta, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Turquoise Cotinga, Silvery-throated Jay and Wrenthrush. I specifically targeted birds new for me and concentrated on Carara and Braulio Carrillo, which were not open in 1987, and Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley, before making brief visits to Rancho Naturalista, Los Cusingos, La Selva and Río Tiribí. I returned to Braulio Carrillo before going home, to try again for Black-crowned Antpitta and Umbrellabird, but without success. I recorded 347 species away from Tortuguero, and a further 57 there. Monteverde, the northwest and more time at Carara would have boosted the total substantially. As I did not type out my original 1987 report, I am including the additional species seen then, along with the itinerary, in Appendix B. GENERAL COMMENTSThe weather was kind until the last week when it was fairly wet, with only a little rain and low cloud (which can be a big problem in the mountains or later in the year). It was hot and humid in the lowlands, as expected. The only medication I used was DEET in the lowlands and sunblock in the highlands. Malaria is rare and only occurs in the Caribbean lowlands. Biting insects were not numerous; chiggers can be encountered, the best deterrent being sulphur powder sprinkled on socks, trouser bottoms and around the waste. [JWW note: spraying clothes with Permethrin nearly eliminates chigger problems.] Walking boots were fine throughout, with no excessively muddy trails. Tap water was safe to drink. Currency was obtained at cash machines, which worked at a third of banks tried. You need a Mastercard or Visa Switch or Credit card – my Sainsbury's Bank and Nationwide cards were useless. The entrance fee to national parks is now $6 a day throughout. It is more at some private reserves. Tapes were very useful for a few species, eg wrens and antbirds. There is a good Cornell double CD/ cassette Voices of Costa Rican birds, Caribbean slope. A scope would have helped at times. There appears to be a serious drugs problem in at least parts of the country, which can lead to robbery – more often petty theft but sometimes armed – so take due care and do not leave an unattended car in a risky area. TRANSPORTI flew from Venezuela, which was expensive as there is no stop-over option now that Viasa, the Venezuelan airline is defunct. The only open-jaw route is with Iberia: £445 LHR - Caracas, San José – LHR, the missing Caracas – San José leg costing £236, all booked through WildWings. The cheapest direct flight to San José was £405 with BA/ AA via Miami. Departure tax at San José was $17. Long distance buses in Costa Rica are good and plentiful, although depart from a variety of terminals in San José. There are frequent buses to the airport (to Alujuela). Taxis within San José are reasonable, provided you either agree a price beforehand or ensure the meter is working. A hire-car is of course the most convenient: I pre-booked a week through Holiday Autos in UK, who subcontracted to ADA in San José: £249 all-inclusive but with an excess payable for damage or theft – an excellent Toyota Yaris. Budget offered a similar deal. The roads were generally good, eg over Cerro de la Muerte, previously reported as bad, but I did not go to Monteverde which may still be very bumpy. REFERENCESStiles, G. and Skutch, A.F. (1995) The Birds of Costa Rica, an excellent field guide. The only major i.d. problems are the swifts and some of the flycatchers, especially those damned canopy tyrannulets – I had to "bin" several sightings, which could have included a tick (Rufous-browed). Taylor, K. (1989) A birders guide to Costa Rica, a site guide of some use, somewhat out-dated. Sekerak, A.D. (1996) Travel and site guide to birds of Costa Rica. Lone Pine, $16.95 I only recently came across this book, written by a Canadian who has made many trips to CR. Although it does contain some useful details on how to get to sites and on accommodation, much is missing and the site species lists are mainly the author's personal lists which rarely contain any of the more "difficult" species. It is fairly useless for the latter, eg Mangrove Hummingbird is not listed for any of his sites. A missed opportunity. There are many trip reports on the Internet but mostly of limited use to the serious birder. The reports I found most useful, not on the net, were by Eddie Myers (1995), Jan Vermeulen (1990) and Graham Speight (1990). Note that the exchange rate now is US$1 = 320 colones, cf 120 in 1995 so that prices in colones have increased dramatically. AcknowledgmentsMany thanks for help given by Vernon Bell, Jim Black, Peter Boesman, Frank Gallo, Laval Roy, Lisa and Matt at Rancho Naturalista, and the grand old man of Costa Rican ornithology, Alexander Skutch – long may he run. ITINERARYMy strategy was to concentrate on seeing as many of the specialities as possible at the three "easy" sites – Braulio Carrillo, Carara and Cerro de la Muerte – then make quick visits to other sites for extra species. This worked well.
For a longer trip I would recommend the following route: Braulio Carrillo, La Selva (Tortuguero or Cahuita / Hitoy Cerere), Virgen del Socorro, (Rancho Naturalista, Tapantí), Cerro de la Muerte / San Gerardo Valley, Wilson Botanical Gardens (Los Cusingos), (Corcovado / Golfito), Carara, Monteverde, (Palo Verde, Santa Rosa). Sites in brackets are additional options but I would definitely include Rancho Naturalista if you can afford it. [JW Update: The situation has deteriorated drastically at Rancho Naturalista with new, incompetent ownership and massive habitat destruction in the area. See Andrew Walker's report, Sep-Dec 2006.] Also consider going down to Panama (by bus or air) for at least a few days in the Canal Zone, a very rich lowland area – see Appendix B for birds I saw. NOTES ON LOCALITIESAlthough the major birding areas are well-covered in the above reports, the following notes may be useful. Stiles and Skutch (1995) list 70 localities but give very few details about what can be seen at them. Braulio Carrillo NPThis large national park just outside San José is one of the top birding sites in Central America as it consists of undisturbed wet forest ranging from some 500m to over 1700m. However, easy access is limited to a few short trails from the main road to Gaupiles and Limón. The best-known trails are Sendero Las Palmas (500m asl), behind the Quebrada González ranger station, and the Ridge Trail some 6km back up the road to San José. For me the key birds were Yellow-eared Toucanet, Streak-crowned Antvireo, Dull-mantled Antbird, Black-crowned Antpitta, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Nightingale Wren, Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, White-throated Shrike-Tanager and Blue-and-Gold Tanager. I recorded all of these except the Umbrellabird on the Las Palmas Trail, although the antpitta was only heard. Other birds seen here included Rufous-winged Woodpecker and Grey-headed Piprites. There is another trail on the opposite side of the main road, which forks at a big tree. Take the left fork which leads to Sendero Botarrama. This runs roughly parallel to the main road through good forest, though the only good sightings I had here were Black-faced Wood-Quail and Coral Snake. Turning left at the end takes you to the main road c.1 km before the Río Susio bridge, an excellent view-point over the forest, eg for raptors. The Ridge Trail (700m), which is up the short drivable track starting 100-200m below the sign saying something like "Refúgio a 320 especes de pájaros", has a bad reputation for muggings and robbery but is the one where Umbrellabird has been recorded. It drops gradually down to beyond the NP boundary. Goodies such as Black-breasted Wood-Quail and Buff-fronted Quail-Dove occur higher up but there are no obvious good trails. Another mile further on towards Guapiles is the private reserve called El Tapir. The small purple Verbena flowers near the entrance are attractive to hummers which may include Snowcap, Black-crested Coquette, Green Thorntail and Bronze-tailed Plumleteer. There are two trails into the forest but I saw nothing of note on relatively short visits here. Access is easy by car, but only park at Quebrada González or El Tapir, or by catching the half-hourly San José – Guapiles bus (from Terminal Norte Caribe) and getting off at Quebrada González or El Tapir (it won't stop at the Ridge Trail). It is more convenient and cheaper to stay in Guapiles (£3 a night for a single at the basic but clean Hotel Wilson) – the first bus from here goes at 05.15. Carara NPThis is a superb area for lowland Pacific slope birds. There are two trails: a figure 8 / double loop behind the ranger station and the Vigiláncia trail near the river. Although the ranger station did not officially open till 08.00, the gate was unlocked, so you could park there any time, and the entrance ranger arrived just after dawn and was quite happy for me to go in then and pay later. In the past, people have been refused entry before 08.00. There was no longer anyone at the entrance to the Vigiláncia trail, so you park there at your own risk but that seems to be low now. My wanted birds were Blue-fronted Goldentail, Baird's Trogon, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Black-hooded Antshrike, Streak-chested Antpitta, Orange-collared Manakin and Riverside Wren. I saw all but the woodpecker on the left-hand loop, along with White-whiskered Puffbird and Royal Flycatcher, and tried hard for the 'pecker on the more more open Vigiláncia trail, without success. Villa Lapaz, a lodge just down the road, is the nicest place to stay but rather expensive. The cheapest and most convenient is the café by the river bridge but it only has a few rooms and was full, so I went to Tárcoles and rented a scruffy cabina – there is a decent hotel here, Hotel Carara $50 a room, and the good Tarcol Lodge, with its own knowledgeable bird-guide, at the river mouth. The Tárcoles River mouth, a few km beyond Tárcoles village, is a good area for water birds and mangrove specialists. I saw Yellow-naped Parrot here but failed to find the scarce Mangrove Hummingbird. I suspect the best way to see this is to take a boat trip through the mangroves, not easy to arrange at short notice. A Pacific Screech-Owl roosting in a garden almond tree, opposite Tarcol Lodge, was a consolation – ask the locals where it is if you can't find it. The easiest way to reach Cerro de la Muerte from here is to continue down the coast to Dominical – most of the road is paved – then inland to San Isidro. Hacienda Barú, just before Dominical, is a good site to stay, with lowland Pacific-slope forest and a nice beach, but costs $50 per person b & b. Look out for the village of Orotina on the way from San José: Black and White Owls roost in the town square! Cerro de la Muerte / San Gerardo ValleyThe Pan-American highway from San José to San Isidro crosses the Cordillera de Talamanca at Cerro de la Muerte. This a beautiful forested area, worthy of several days. The main known birding areas are Km 70, Km 80 and the highest part (3100m) Km 90-98. At Km 95 is a restaurant, La Georgina, which has good cheap food, basic rooms and a couple of nice cabanas round the back. Several trails start from near here, eg at Km 97 and 98, which are good for highland species such as the Silky-flycatchers and finches. I saw Timberline Wren and Volcano Junco near the pool on the east side of the road at Km 90. A steep dirt road turns off at Km 80 and descends 9km down to San Gerardo de Dota. My car coped well but bad weather could give problems This is the most reliable area for Quetzals and the rare Ochraceous Pewee, especially in the last 3kms. There are at least 3 nice places to stay here: Trogon Lodge, a beautiful setting with good trails; Savegre Lodge in San Gerardo which has hummingbird feeders where Grey-tailed Mountain-gem and Scintillant Hummingbird abound; and Albergue/Cabinas el Quetzal, the cheapest (10,000C per person for full board) – the bottlebrush flowers opposite here also attracted the above hummers. There is a just about drivable track behind Savegre Lodge which goes steeply up for c.3km, passing a good walking trail (La Quebrada Trail) on the right, 2-3km long, which loops back to join the track higher up – I saw 2 tapaculos along here. You can walk up for another 1-2km, a good area for Silvery-throated Jay – a nest had been found and when I finally located the tree, after some difficulty, I was able to spot the 3 or 4 adults attending the nest (20+m up) from time to time, mainly silently. At Km 70, a track to the west leads to Mirador de Quetzales, a new lodge with a good 3 km long trail (Robledal Trail). I saw Wrenthrush along here and heard tapaculos. Ochraceous Pewee, Bare-shanked Screech-owl and Costa Rican (Andean) Pygmy-owl are also said to occur. Albergue de Montaña Tapantí at Km 62 has been recommended as a nice lodge. Bare-shanked Screech-owl and Costa Rican Pygmy-owl occur here too. There is a dirt road to the east just below here which drops down a long way, to altitudes where the scarce tyrannulets, Rufous-lored and White-fronted, occur. Stiles and Skutch recommend tracks each side of the road at Km 67. Rancho NaturalistaThis lodge is justly popular with tour groups. It is located just beyond the village of Tuis, some 25 minutes from the town of Turrialba, on the Caribbean slope, about 2h 30 from San José. It has a good trail system, bird tables positioned for viewing from the verandah (for those who like their birding easy, to be avoided like the plague by all macho birders) and a superb array of hummingbird feeders where male Snowcaps whizzed in and out all the time. I hated it, as I could not find Tawny-chested Flycatcher or see the calling Thicket/ Fulvous-breasted Antpitta. Olive-backed Quail-dove was some consolation. Needless to say Rancho is expensive, but fortunately for me it was full, so I was generously allowed to use the trails etc and found a cheaper bed nearby. For more details, see ranchonaturalista.com. If you can't find the incomparable Snowcap elsewhere, bite the bullet and book a night or two here – Snowcap is "guaranteed" year-round. Los CusingosThis is Alexander Skutch's property near San Isidro. He has given the forest to OTS to manage as a reserve, so there is now a $10 entrance fee. It holds some good birds, such as Turquoise Cotinga, Golden-naped Woodpecker and Charming Hummingbird, all of which I saw (though they can all be seen at the Wilson Botanical Gardens, 100+km to the SE, along with many other species) and Fiery-billed Araçari. I also had the pleasure of meeting 96-year-old Dr Skutch, who was still capable of identifying a Turquoise Cotinga through his bins and of explaining that Golden-naped Woodpecker is unusual in that both male and female overnight together in the nest when breeding. Directions are given in Taylor's guide but are rather vague and out of date. The key point is to take the metalled road left off the PanAm highway south of San Isidro 2.4km after the Río Juquero (the second river bridge on the southern edge of San Isidro), just after Parque Infantil on the right. Continue for 3.1km to the T junction, just after a green bridge over a river, and turn right (by a football field). After 4.1km take the sharp left turn signed to Los Cusingos and Quisara, keep straight on, not left, at the next junction but go left at the following fork. The entrance to Los Cusingos is a gate on the right – pass the first house and continue to the reception hut. La SelvaAn excellent, well-documented and visited, Caribbean lowland forest site – quite expensive to stay at, run by OTS. I spent some time searching for Nicaraguan Seedfinch in damp fields just outside the reserve (the only stake-out for it), eventually succeeding on the following morning at about 08.00 in the field on the left immediately before the first entrance gate. I also made two visits to the grounds of nearby Gavilán Lodge – turn right on a dirt road just before Río Sarapiquí when going to Puerto Viejo from La Selva, and left to the lodge after c.1km. The bird to see here is Tawny-chested Flycatcher, if missed at Rancho Naturalista (as by me). I finally found it singing in the morning by a dry but muddy creek near the river, with a fine pair of Spectacled Owls roosting nearby. The lodge would be a good place to stay if you want a mid-price place. A cheaper, basic place is Cabinas Los Laureles (3,600C), by the petrol station along the road to Guapiles, just before Río Isla Grande bridge. EARTHThis is an agricultural research station, with entrance gate by the main road between Guapiles and Siquirres, where Central American/ Least Pygmy-Owl (rarely seen at La Selva these days) is said to be common, along with a good selection of waterbirds such as Boat-billed Heron and possibly Grey-breasted Crake. Permission to enter used to be readily given but you then have to travel through 6-7 km of banana plantations before reaching the birding area. However, Patrick O'Donnell tried in April and was refused permission, but he did see the Pygmy-Owl nesting near the entrance to the station and heard Uniform Crake near the approach road. Great Green Macaw is a possibility. Río TiribíThis locality, near San José, is listed by Stiles and Skutch (number 11) as one of the few known breeding sites for the two rare swifts, Spot-fronted and White-chinned. I found it by driving to the suburb of San Pedro and asking the way to San Ramón, then Los Lotes. To see the swifts, you are advised to walk along the river gorge trail to the waterfalls, which entails wading across the river a couple of times. As no swifts were apparent, I walked up the steep stony track to the upper waterworks which gave a good view over the valley, still swiftless. Whether this was the wrong time of day or too early in the season, I know not, but I was rewarded by finding a good flock of mid-elevation species on the way down. These included Sooty-faced Finch, Yellow-throated Brush-Finch and White-fronted Tyrannulet. Tortuguero NPThis good Caribbean lowland site can be cheaply reached by bus from San José or Guapiles to Cariari then La Geest, followed by a late morning open boat ride to Tortuguero village where fairly cheap accommodation and good food is available. It is possible to fly there or back from San José International early in the morning, $55 one way. Once there, the only transport is by boat, which is not cheap unless in a party. I saw some good birds, such as Sungrebe and Great Curassow, in my 3 weeks there, and a total of 150 species – see Appendix A - Great Green Macaw and Agami Heron are also possible. There is a checklist, compiled by the Widdowsons. However, I think La Selva is a better site, though more expensive. A major attraction is the nesting turtles but it is only really possible to see them in the summer, eg Green Turtles are numerous in August and September; the huge Leatherbacks were nesting when I was there, but very sparsely. Otters and monkeys are readily seen, and Jaguars prey on the turtles at night (killing 60 Greens last year), but are hardly ever seen. The only trails I know are one behind the Ranger station at the south of the village, one following the powerline from CCC north to Laguna Lodge (where the garden bushes and flowers attract a good range of species), and at Caño Palma and Caño Harold, both reached by lengthy boat journeys. Other sites well worth visiting are:- Golfito / Corcovado National Park (in the SE)– for Yellow-billed Cotinga and Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager. Monteverde – for Highland Tinamou, Black-breasted Wood-quail, Chiriqui and Buff-fronted Quail-Doves, Umbrellabird, Bellbird, Quetzal and many other species. Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge – for Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, Lanceolated Monklet, White-fronted and Rufous-browed Tyrannulets. Virgen del Socorro– for Lanceolated Monklet, hummingbirds and mid-elevation species, with Umbrellabird possible. Bosque de Paz, a recently-discovered private reserve at c.1500m between Volcáns Poas and Viejo, where many of the mid-elevation specialities occur. Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve, good lowland forest in the SE reachable by bus from Limón towards the Panamanian border – Fulvous-bellied Antpitta is relatively easy here according to Patrick O'Donnell. I did not see the following species, all of which would have been new for me and are possible but mostly difficult (I was not in range for the last 3). The macaw and umbrellabird are more readily seen in the winter, eg at La Selva in Dec – mid Feb, as they move to less accessible areas at other times, although the latter can be seen in the Monteverde area. A few other rare species I have not seen occur in Costa Rica, such as Keel-billed Motmot and Lovely Cotinga, but are very difficult to find. Highland Tinamou, Nothocercus bonapartei Buffy-crowned Wood-Partridge, Dendrortyx leucophrys Black-breasted Wood-Quail, Odontophorus leucolaemus Grey-breasted Crake, Laterallus exilis Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, Geotrygon costaricensis Chiriqui Quail-Dove, Geotrygon chiriquensis Great Green Macaw, Ara ambigua Bare-shanked Screech-Owl, Otus clarkii Crested Owl, Lophostrix cristata Central American Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidium griseiceps Mangrove Hummingbird, Polyerata boucardi Lanceolated Monklet, Micromonacha lanceolata Black-crowned Antpitta, Pittasoma michleri Fulvous-bellied Antpitta, Hylopezus dives Yellow-billed Cotinga, Carpodectes antoniae Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Cephalopterus glabricollis Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Phylloscartes superciliaris Ochraceous Pewee, Contopus ochraceus Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, Habia atrimaxillaris Nicaraguan Grackle, Quiscalus nicaraguensis Spot-breasted Oriole, Icterus pectoralis In addition there are three endemics on Cocos Island, which is expensive to reach:- Cocos Island Cuckoo, Coccyzus ferrugineus SPECIES LIST excluding TortugueroTaxonomy, names and sequence follow Clements, JF (2000) Birds of the World: A Checklist, with Stiles and Skutch (1995) names, when substantially different, in brackets. Asterisks indicate new sp. for JH and square brackets heard only. Great Tinamou, Tinamus major Close, prolonged views of singles at Carara and Rancho Naturalista. Least Grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus 15 at Carara. Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis Common at Tárcoles river mouth and along the Pacific coast. Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus A few at Carara. Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga A few at Carara. Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregata magnificens Common on the coast near Tárcoles. Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias 2 at Carara. Great Egret, Ardea alba Common Carara - Tárcoles. Tricoloured Heron, Egretta tricolour 2 Tárcoles river mouth. Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea A few Carara - Tárcoles. Snowy Egret, Egretta thula Common Carara - Tárcoles. Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis A few parties throughout. Green Heron, Butorides virescens A few at Carara. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Nyctanassa violacea 6 Tárcoles river mouth. Boat-billed Heron, Cochlearius cochlearius 15+ Carara, with several on eggs. Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Tigrisoma mexicanum 1 Tárcoles river bridge. White Ibis, Eudocimus albus 5 Carara and Tárcoles river mouth. Roseate Spoonbill, Ajaia ajaja 1 Tárcoles river mouth. Muscovy Duck, Cairina moschata 1 in flight Tárcoles river mouth. Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus Fairly common throughout. Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura Fairly common throughout. Osprey, Pandion haliaetus 1 Tárcoles river mouth Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus 2 over both the Pacific coast and Braulio Carrillo. White-tailed (Black-shouldered) Kite, Elanus leucurus 3 near Guapiles. Barred (Black-chested) Hawk, Leucopternis princeps 1 displaying over R. Susio, Braulio Carrillo. Mangrove Black-Hawk, Buteogallus subtilis 1 Tárcoles river mouth. Grey Hawk, Asturina nitida 2 at Carara. Roadside Hawk, Buteo magnirostris 1 at Los Cusingos. Broad-winged Hawk, Buteo platypterus Singles San Gerardo Valley and Braulio Carrillo. Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis Singles Cerro de la Muerte and Río Tiribí. Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Spizaetus ornatus 1 heard calling at Braulio Carrillo. Crested Caracara, Caracara plancus A few near the Pacific coast. Yellow-headed Caracara, Milvago chimachima 1 at Carara. Laughing Falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans 1 at Carara. [Barred Forest-Falcon, Micrastur ruficollis] Heard at Carara, Los Cusingos and Rancho Naturalista. American Kestrel, Falco sparverius 1 San José – Carara. Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus 1 in centre of San José. Grey-headed Chachalaca, Ortalis cinereiceps 4 at Rancho Naturalista. Crested Guan, Penelope purpurascens 8 Ridge Trail, Braulio Carrillo. Black Guan, Chamaepetes unicolour 2 singles San Gerardo Valley. Crested (Spot-bellied) Bobwhite, Colinus cristatus (leucopogon) 8 flew into a field near Carara. *Black-eared (Rufous-fronted) Wood-Quail, Odontophorus melanotis (erythrops) 1 Sendero Botarrama, Braulio Carrillo. White-throated Crake, Laterallus albigularis A few heard near La Selva. Purple Gallinule, Porphyrula martinica 1 at Carara. Northern Jacana, Jacana spinosa A few at Carara. Black-necked Stilt, Himantopus mexicanus A few Tárcoles river mouth. Wilson's Plover, Charadrius wilsonia 1 Tárcoles river mouth. Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca 1 at Carara. Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularia 2 at Carara. Willet, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus 4 Tár-coles river mouth. Western Sandpiper, Calidris mauri A few Tárcoles river mouth. Laughing Gull, Larus atricilla Common Tárcoles river mouth. Rock Dove, Columba livia Common town bird. Band-tailed Pigeon, Columba fasciata 50+ Cerro de la Muerte - San Gerardo Valley. Pale-vented Pigeon, Columba cayennensis A few throughout the Caribbean lowlands. Short-billed Pigeon, Columba nigrirostris Singles at Carara and La Selva. Ruddy Pigeon, Columba subvinacea 2 Cerro de la Muerte. White-winged Dove, Zenaida asiatica 1 at Carara. Common Ground-Dove, Columbina passerina A few in the Pacific lowlands. Ruddy Ground-Dove, Columbina talpacoti A few in the Pacific lowlands. Inca Dove, Columbina inca A few in the Pacific lowlands. Blue Ground-Dove, Claravis pretiosa 2 at Carara. White-tipped Dove, Leptotila verreauxi Common at Carara and a few elsewhere. Grey-headed Dove, Leptotila plumbeiceps 2 at Rancho Naturalista. *Purplish-backed Quail-Dove, Geotrygon lawrencii A single and a pair at Rancho Naturalista. Scarlet Macaw, Ara macao 20 at Tárcoles and a few at Carara. Crimson-fronted Parakeet, Aratinga finschi Common in San José. *Sulphur-winged Parakeet, Pyrrhura hoffmanni A few Cerro de la Muerte and San Gerardo Valley. Barred Parakeet, Bolborhynchus lineola 100 Cerro de la Muerte - San Gerardo Valley. Orange-chinned Parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis 10+ Carara. Red-fronted Parrotlet, Touit costaricensis 4+ San Gerardo. Blue-headed Parrot, Pionus menstruus A few Los Cusingos. White-crowned Parrot, Pionus senilis Several throughout. Yellow-naped Parrot, Amazona auropalliata 20+ Carara, 2 Tárcoles river mouth. Mealy Parrot, Amazona farinosa Fairly common in the lowlands. Squirrel Cuckoo, Piaya cayana 1 at Carara. Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris Fairly common in the lowlands. [Striped Cuckoo, Tapera naevia] 1 heard near Guapiles. *Pacific Screech-Owl, Otus cooperi 1 roosting in an almond tree at Tárcoles river mouth. Spectacled Owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata A pair roosting near Gavilán Lodge. [Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidium brasilianum] Heard at Carara and Tárcoles. Nighthawk sp., Chordeiles sp. 1 at Carara was probably Lesser but Common cannot be ruled out. Pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis 1 at Carara. [Dusky Nightjar, Caprimulgus saturatus] 1 calling before dawn at La Georgina, Cerro de la Muerte. Swift sp., Cypseloides sp. Some 50 large, plain swifts were feeding fairly low over the peak of Braulio Carrillo in drizzle on 5 March; some appeared to have truncated tails and therefore be *White-chinned Swift, C. cryptus, while others could have been Black C. niger. Chestnut-collared Swift, Streptoprocne rutila A few over Braulio Carrillo on 26 March. Band-rumped Swift, Chaetura spinicauda 20 at Carara. Grey-rumped Swift, Chaetura cinereiventris Several in the Caribbean lowlands. Vaux's Swift, Chaetura vauxi Several around Cerro de la Muerte. Band-tailed Barbthroat, Threnetes ruckeri Singles at Carara and Braulio Carrillo. Green Hermit, Phaethornis guy 2 singles Braulio Carrillo, 3+ San Gerardo. Western Long-tailed Hermit, Phaethornis longirostris 1 Carara. Stripe-throated (Little) Hermit, Phaethornis striigularis (longuemareus) 1 Braulio Carrillo, 2 San Gerardo Valley. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, Phaeochroa cuvierii 1 Tárcoles river mouth. White-necked Jacobin, Florisuga mellivora Singles Carara, a few at Los Cusingos, common San Gerardo. Green Violet-ear, Colibri thalassinus Common Cerro de la Muerte, San Gerardo Valley and Río Tiribí. Green-breasted Mango, Anthracothorax prevostii 1+ Carara and Rancho Naturalista. Violet-headed Hummingbird, Klais guimeti Common at El Tapir. Black-crested Coquette, Lophornis helenae 2+ El Tapir, 1 Rancho Naturalista. Green Thorntail, Discosura conversii Singles El Tapir and Rancho Naturalista. Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Panterpe insignis 2 Cerro de la Muerte aand a few at Mirador Quetzal. Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, Eupherusa eximia 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Violet-crowned Woodnymph, Thalurania colombica A few at Braulio Carrillo, common Rancho Naturalista and fairly common in the La Selva area. *Blue-throated Goldentail, Hylocharis eliciae 1 Loop Trail, Carara. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Amazilia tzacatl Several throughout. *Charming (Beryl-Crowned) Hummingbird, Polyerata decora 2 at Los Cusingos. Steely-vented Hummingbird, Saucerottia saucerrottei 1+ Tárcoles river mouth. *Snowcap, Microchera albocoronata c.10 Rancho Naturalista, a probable female-type at El Tapir. White-bellied Mountain-gem, Lampornis hemileucus 1 Rancho Naturalista. Purple-throated Mountain-gem, Lampornis calolaema 1 Braulio Carrillo. Grey-tailed Mountain-gem, Lampornis cinereicauda Common at San Gerardo Valley. Green-crowned Brilliant, Heliodoxa jacula 2 Braulio Carrillo and San Gerardo. Magnificent Hummingbird, Eugenes fulgens Common Cerro de la Muerte and San Gerardo Valley. Purple-crowned Fairy, Heliothryx barroti 2 Braulio Carrillo. Plain-capped Starthroat, Heliomaster constantii 1 Hacienda Baru, Dominical. Magenta-throated Woodstar, Calliphlox bryantae A few San Gerardo Valley. *Scintillant Hummingbird, Selasphorus scintilla Several San Gerardo. Volcano Hummingbird, Selasphorus flammula Common Cerro de la Muerte and a few San Gerardo Valley. *Baird's Trogon, Trogon bairdii 2 + 3 heard Loop Trail, Carara. Violaceous Trogon, Trogon violaceus 2 Carara, 1 Los Cusingos. Collared Trogon, Trogon collaris 1 above San Gerardo. Lattice-tailed Trogon, Trogon clathratus 3 Braulio Carrillo. Resplendent Quetzal, Pharomachrus mocinno 2 San Gerardo Valley. Amazon Kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona 2 Carara, 1 Gavilán Lodge. Green Kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana 2 Carara. American Pygmy Kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea 1 Tárcoles river mouth. Rufous Motmot, Baryphthengus martii 1 Rancho Naturalista. Broad-billed Motmot, Electron platyrhynchum 2 singles Braulio Carrillo. Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Galbula ruficauda 1 Carara. White-whiskered Puffbird, Malacoptila panamensis 1 Loop Trail, Carara. Red-headed Barbet, Eubucco bourcierii 1 Braulio Carrillo. Emerald Toucanet, Aulacorhynchus prasinus 1 san Gerardo Valley. Collared Araçari, Pteroglossus torquatus Fairly common Braulio Carrillo and Rancho Naturalista. *Yellow-eared Toucanet, Selenidera spectabilis 4 Braulio Carrillo. Keel-billed Toucan, Ramphastos sulfuratus 2 at Rancho Naturalista. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Ramphastos swainsonii A few at Braulio Carrillo, 2 at Carara and La Selva. Acorn Woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus Common at Cerro de la Muerte. *Golden-naped Woodpecker, Melanerpes chrysauchen 1 at Los Cusingos. Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Melanerpes pucherani 2 at Braulio Carrillo and La Selva. Hoffmann's Woodpecker, Melanerpes hoffmannii Common in the Pacific lowlands. *Rufous-winged Woodpecker, Piculus simplex 2 Las Palmas trail and 1 Ridge Trail at Braulio Carrillo. Lineated Woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus 1 at Carara. Pale-billed Woodpecker, Campephilus guatemalensis 1 at Carara. Ruddy Treerunner, Margarornis rubiginosus 1 at Cerro de la Muerte and 3 at San Gerardo. Plain Xenops, Xenops minutus Singles at Carara and Braulio Carrillo. Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla subalaris 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Striped Woodhaunter, Hyloctistes subulatus 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Automolus ochrolaemus A few at Braulio Carrillo and Carara. Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa 1 Braulio Carrillo. Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus Singles at Braulio Carrillo and Carara. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus Common at Braulio Carrillo and a few at Carara. Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus 2 Braulio Carrillo Northern Barred-Woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae 1 Carara. Cocoa Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus susurrans 1 Braulio Carrillo. Spotted Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus Erythropygius 1 Braulio Carrillo. Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii 2 Carara. Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes affinis 1 Cerro de la Muerte, 2 Río Tiribí. Barred Antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus 1 at Rancho Naturalista, heard at Carara. *Black-hooded Antshrike, Thamnophilus bridgesi 6+ at Carara and heard at Rancho Naturalista. Russet Antshrike, Thamnistes anabatinus 2 at Carara. Plain Antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. *Streak-crowned Antvireo, Dysithamnus striaticeps 4+ at Braulio Carrillo. White-flanked Antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris 2 at Braulio Carrillo. Slaty Antwren, Myrmotherula schisticolour A few at Braulio Carrillo, 1 at Carara. Dot-winged Antwren, Microrhopias quixensis 1 at Carara. Dusky Antbird, Cercomacra tyrannina 1 at Carara. Chestnut-backed Antbird, Myrmeciza exsul Common at Carara. *Dull-mantled Antbird, Myrmeciza laemosticta 2 at Braulio Carrillo. Bicoloured Antbird, Gymnopithys leucaspis 1 Las Palmas trail, Braulio Carrillo. [*Black-crowned Antpitta, Pittasoma michleri] One responded a few times to tape at the first bridge on Las Palmas trail, Braulio Carrillo on 25-26 March (no response in Feb) but did not show. *Streak-chested (Spectacled) Antpitta, Hylopezus perspicillatus 2 seen well on the Loop trail at Carara. [*Fulvous-bellied Antpitta, Hylopezus dives] 1, possibly 2, taped in at Rancho Naturalista but undergrowth was too thick to view it. *Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Scytalopus argentifrons 2 seen at La Quebrada Trail, San Gerardo, 3 heard at Mirador Quetzal. Rufous Piha, Lipaugus unirufus 1 at Carara. *Turquoise Cotinga, Cotinga ridgwayi A pair at Los Cusingos, perched late afternoon in the bare tree visible from AFS's verandah. [Three-wattled Bellbird, Procnias tricarunculata] 1 heard at Carara. [White-collared Manakin, Manacus candei Heard at Carara and Rancho Naturalista. *Orange-collared Manakin, Manacus aurantiacus 10 at Carara, with leks on both trails. White-ruffed Manakin, Corapipo altera 1-3 daily at Braulio Carrillo. Red-capped Manakin, Pipra mentalis I-2 outside La Selva. *Grey-headed Piprites (Manakin), Piprites griseiceps 1 feeding on fruit near the start of Las Palmas trail, Braulio Carrillo. Mountain Elaenia, Elaenia frantzii 3 singles Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo. Torrent Tyrannulet, Serpophaga cinerea 1 San Gerardo. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Leptopogon superciliaris Singles El Tapir and Río Tiribí. *White-fronted (Zeledon's) Tyrannulet, Phyllomyias zeledoni 1+ Río Tiribí. Paltry Tyrannulet, Zimmerius vilissimus Singles at Braulio Carrillo and Rancho Naturalista. [Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Lophotriccus pileatus] Several heard at Braulio Carrillo. Northern Bentbill, Oncostoma cinereigulare 2 at Carara. Slate-headed Tody-Tyrant, Poecilotriccus sylvia 2 in mangroves at Tárcoles river mouth. Common Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum 2 at Carara and La Selva. Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens 2 singles at Carara. Royal Flycatcher, Onychorhynchus coronatus 1 at Carara. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus 2 at Braulio Carrillo. Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Myiobius sulphureipygius Singles at Braulio Carrillo and Carara, 2 at Gavilán Lodge. *Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Aphanotriccus capitalis 1 singing near Gavilán Lodge. Tufted Flycatcher, Mitrephanes phaeocercus 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo, 2-4 San Gerardo Valley. Olive-sided Flycatcher, Contopus cooperi 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Dark Pewee, Contopus lugubris 1 Río Tiribí. Tropical Pewee, Contopus cinereus 1 at Carara. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris 1 at Carara. Yellowish Flycatcher, Empidonax flavescens A pair feeding young at La Quebrada Trail, San Gerardo. Black-capped Flycatcher, Empidonax atriceps Common Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley. Black Phoebe, Sayornis nigricans 1 Río Tiribí. Long-tailed Tyrant, Colonia colonus 1 near La Selva. Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadiceus 1 at Carara, 3 La Selva and 2 Gavilán Lodge. Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer 1 at Carara. Panama Flycatcher, Myiarchus panamensis 1 in mangroves at Tárcoles river mouth. Great Crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus 1 Los Cusingos. Brown-crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus 1 at Carara. Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus Common in the lowlands. Boat-billed Flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua Singles at Carara and Gavilán Lodge. Social Flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis Common around La Selva. Grey-capped Flycatcher, Myiozetetes granadensis 1 at Carara. Streaked Flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus 1 at Carara. Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus Fairly common throughout. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus 6 at Tárcoles river mouth. Cinnamon Becard, Pachyramphus cinnamomeus 2 at Braulio Carrillo, 1 Rancho Naturalista. White-winged Becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus 1 at Carara. Rose-throated Becard, Pachyramphus aglaiae 2 at Carara. Masked Tityra, Tityra semifasciata 2 at Braulio Carrillo and Los Cusingos, 1 Rancho Naturalista and a few at La Selva. Black-crowned Tityra, Tityra inquisitor 2 at Gavilán Lodge. Grey-breasted Martin, Progne chalybea Several at Tárcoles river mouth and Carara. Mangrove Swallow, Tachycineta albilinea Several at Tárcoles river mouth and in the La Selva area. Blue-and-white Swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Common in the highlands. Southern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis A few at Carara. Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica 30 near San Isidro. Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Phainoptila melanoxantha 2 at Km 96.5 trail Cerro de la Muerte. Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Ptilogonys caudatus Singles at Km 96.5 trail and Mirador Quetzal, Cerro de la Muerte, and 2 at San Gerardo. American Dipper, Cinclus mexicanus 2 at San Gerardo. Rufous-naped Wren, Campylorhynchus rufinucha Common at Carara and along the Pacific coast. *Black-throated Wren, Thryothorus atrogularis 1+ at Rancho Naturalista and Gavilán Lodge. Black-bellied Wren, Thryothorus fasciatoventris 1 at Carara. *Riverside Wren, Thryothorus semibadius 1 at Carara. Bay Wren, Thryothorus nigricapillus A few at Braulio Carrillo and Gavilán Lodge. *Stripe-breasted Wren, Thryothorus thoracicus 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. House Wren, Troglodytes aedon Fairly common throughout the lowlands. Ochraceous Wren, Troglodytes ochraceus 1 Cerro de la Muerte. *Timberline Wren, Thryorchilus browni 2 Cerro de la Muerte. White-breasted Wood-Wren, Henicorhina leucosticta Fairly common at Braulio Carrillo, 1 at Rancho Naturalista. Grey-breasted Wood-Wren, Henicorhina leucophrys 2 San Gerardo Valley. *Nightingale Wren, Microcerculus philomela 1 seen and 2 heard at Braulio Carrillo. Black-faced Solitaire, Myadestes melanops 1 seen and others heard in San Gerardo Valley. Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Catharus gracilirostris A few Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley. Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, Catharus frantzii Singles San Gerardo Valley and Río Tiribí. *Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, Catharus mexicanus 2 + 2 heard at Braulio Carrillo. Wood Thrush, Hylocichla mustelina 5 at Braulio Carrillo on 25-26 March, none earlier there. Sooty Robin, Turdus nigrescens Fairly common Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley. Mountain Robin, Turdus plebejus Common Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley. Pale-vented Thrush, Turdus obsoletus Several at Braulio Carrillo. Clay-coloured Robin, Turdus greyi Common in the lowlands. Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Microbates cinereiventris 2 at Braulio Carrillo on 2 dates. Brown Jay, Cyanocorax morio 3 at Carara, common at Rancho Naturalista and a few at Río Tiribí. *Silvery-throated Jay, Cyanolyca argentigula 4 feeding young in the nest (undescribed according to Skiles and Skutch!) at 2500m above San Gerardo. House Sparrow, Passer domesticus A few at Guapiles. Mangrove Vireo, Vireo pallens 2 in mangroves at Tárcoles river mouth. Yellow-throated Vireo, Vireo flavifrons 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. Yellow-winged Vireo, Vireo carmioli 1 at San Gerardo. Brown-capped Vireo, Vireo leucophrys 1 at Cerro de la Muerte. Philadelphia Vireo, Vireo philadelphicus 1 at Río Tiribí. Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Hylophilus ochraceiceps 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Lesser Greenlet, Hylophilus decurtatus 2 at Braulio Carrillo, and Carara and 1 at Rancho Naturalista. Yellow-bellied Siskin, Carduelis xanthogastra 10+ Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley. Golden-winged Warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera 2 at Río Tiribí. Tennessee Warbler, Vermivora peregrina 2 at Braulio Carrillo. Flame-throated Warbler, Parula gutturalis 1-2 Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley and Río Tiribí. Tropical Parula, Parula pitiayumi 1 near La Selva. Yellow Warbler, Dendroica petechia A few at Carara and in mangroves at Tárcoles river mouth. Chestnut-sided Warbler, Dendroica pensylvanica 2-3 at Braulio Carrillo and Rancho Naturalista. Black-throated Green Warbler, Dendroica virens 1-4 Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley and 1 at Río Tiribí. Blackburnian Warbler, Dendroica fusca 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Cerulean Warbler, Dendroica cerulea 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta varia 1 in mangroves at Tárcoles river mouth, 2 Río Tiribí. American Redstart, Setophaga ruticilla 2 in mangroves at Tárcoles river mouth, 1 Río Tiribí. Worm-eating Warbler, Helmitheros vermivorus 1 at Rancho Naturalista. Northern Waterthrush, Seiurus noveboracensis Commonat Carara and Tárcoles river mouth, 2 at Gavilán Lodge. Kentucky Warbler, Oporornis formosus 1 in mangroves at Tárcoles river mouth. Wilson's Warbler, Wilsonia pusilla Common in the mountains. Collared Redstart, Myioborus torquatus A few Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley. Golden-crowned Warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus 1 Rancho Naturalista and a few around La Selva. Buff-rumped Warbler, Basileuterus fulvicauda 1 at Braulio Carrillo, 2 at Gavilán Lodge. *Wrenthrush (Zeledonia), Zeledonia coronata 1 at Mirador Quetzal, Cerro de la Muerte. Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola A few at Braulio Carrillo and La Selva. Common Bush-Tanager, Chlorospingus ophthalmicus 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager, Chlorospingus pileatus Common Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley and Río Tiribí. Ashy-throated Bush-Tanager, Chlorospingus canigularis 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. Black-and-yellow Tanager, Chrysothlypis chrysomelaena 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo. Olive Tanager, Chlorothraupis carmioli Fairly common at Braulio Carrillo. *White-throated Shrike-Tanager, Lanio leucothorax 2 at Braulio Carrillo on 24 Feb. White-shouldered Tanager, Tachyphonus luctuosus A few at Braulio Carrillo and in the La Selva area. Tawny-crested Tanager, Tachyphonus delatrii Common at Braulio Carrillo. White-lined Tanager, Tachyphonus rufus A few around La Selva. Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Habia fuscicauda 1 at Gavilán Lodge. Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava 1 at San Gerardo Valley. Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra 1 at Braulio Carrillo. Flame-coloured Tanager, Piranga bidentata 2 pairs Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley and 1 at Río Tiribí. White-winged Tanager, Piranga leucoptera 1 at Río Tiribí. Crimson-collared Tanager, Ramphocelus sanguinolentus 2 near La Selva. Passerini's (Scarlet-rumped)Tanager, Ramphocelus passerinii Common in the Caribbean lowlands and Rancho Naturalista, with a few at Braulio Carrillo. Cherrie's (Scarlet-rumped) Tanager, Ramphocelus costaricensis 5 at Carara and common at Los Cusingos. Blue-grey Tanager, Thraupis episcopus Common throughout. Palm Tanager, Thraupis palmarum A few at Braulio Carrillo and Rancho Naturalista. *Blue-and-gold Tanager, Bangsia arcaei 1-3 daily at Braulio Carrillo. Yellow-crowned Euphonia, Euphonia luteicapilla 2 at Braulio Carrillo. Tawny-capped Euphonia, Euphonia anneae Fairly common at Braulio Carrillo. Plain-coloured Tanager, Tangara inornata 2 near La Selva. Emerald Tanager, Tangara florida Fairly common at Braulio Carrillo. Silver-throated Tanager, Tangara icterocephala Fairly common at Braulio Carrillo and a few at Rancho Naturalista. Speckled Tanager, Tangara guttata 2 at Carara. Bay-headed Tanager, Tangara gyrola Common at Braulio Carrillo, 1 at Rancho Naturalista. Golden-hooded Tanager, Tangara larvata A few throughout except Cerro de la Muerte. Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Tangara dowii 1 at Río Tiribí. Blue Dacnis, Dacnis cayana 2 at Braulio Carrillo. Green Honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza A few at Braulio Carrillo, Carara and Rancho Naturalista. Shining Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes lucidus A few at Braulio Carrillo. Red-legged Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus A few at Carara and Los Cusingos. Blue-black Grassquit, Volatinia jacarina A few near Carara, 1 at Guapiles. Variable Seedeater, Sporophila corvina 2 at Carara, common in the Pacific lowlands. *Nicaraguan (Pink-billed) Seed-Finch, Oryzoborus nuttingi 1 singing near the entrance gate at La Selva. Yellow-faced Grassquit, Tiaris olivacea A few near La Selva. Slaty Flowerpiercer, Diglossa plumbea 1-2 daily Cerro de la Muerte, San Gerardo Valley and Rancho Naturalista. Sooty-faced Finch, Lysurus crassirostris 2 at Río Tiribí. Yellow-thighed Finch, Pselliophorus tibialis Fairly common Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley, 2 at Río Tiribí. Large-footed Finch, Pezopetes capitalis A few Cerro de la Muerte/ San Gerardo Valley. White-naped (Yellow-throated) Brush-Finch, Atlapetes albinucha (gutturalis) 1 at Río Tiribí. Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch, Buarremon brunneinucha A few above San Gerardo. Orange-billed Sparrow, Arremon aurantiirostris 1 at Braulio Carrillo and a few at Carara. Stripe-headed Sparrow, Aimophila ruficauda 2 near Carara. Rufous-collared Sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis Common in the highlands. Volcano Junco, Junco vulcani 1 at Km 89, Cerro de la Muerte. Buff-throated Saltator, Saltator maximus Common around La Selva. Black-headed Saltator, Saltator atriceps 1 Rancho Naturalista. Black-faced Grosbeak, Caryothraustes poliogaster Common at Braulio Carrillo. Black-thighed Grosbeak, Pheucticus tibialis 1 at Mirador Quetzal, Cerro de la Muerte. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus A pair at Rancho Naturalista on both days. Blue-black Grosbeak, Cyanocompsa cyanoides 2 at Carara. Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea 6 at Río Tiribí. Red-breasted Blackbird, Sturnella militaris 2 at Carara. Great-tailed Grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus Common throughout the lowlands and lower mountains. Bronzed Cowbird, Molothrus aeneus Fairly common in the Pacific lowlands and around La Selva. Giant Cowbird, Scaphidura oryzivora 1 at Rancho Naturalista. Baltimore Oriole, Icterus galbula 1-2 at Braulio Carrillo, Carara, Los Cusingos and La Selva. Black-cowled Oriole, Icterus dominicensis 2 near Guapiles. Yellow-billed Cacique, Amblycercus holosericeus 2 at Gavilán Lodge. Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Cacicus uropygialis 2 at Braulio Carrillo. Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Psarocolius wagleri Several at Braulio Carrillo. Montezuma Oropendola, Gymnostinops montezuma Common in the Caribbean lowlands and a few at Rancho Naturalista. Interesting sighting reported in Richard Garrigues' Gone Birding Newslettergonebirding at lycos.com 23 February 01 at La Virgen del Socorro mid-morning at the bridge and then into the "Monklet Trail" for 100 meters: a Lanceolated Monklet flew onto a branch over the trail, some eight or ten meters above the ground. Also seen around then on visits to the Río Tuis from Rancho Naturalista and in early January from the main track just a bit beyond the bridge at La Virgen del Socorro. Matt Denton, one of the resident birding guides at Rancho Naturalista, reported that they have seen Lovely Cotinga (Cotinga amabilis) on several of the occasions that they have made the rather grueling trek up above Platanillo (in the hills beyond Rancho). Once, there were three males feeding in the same fruiting lauraceous tree with a male Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno). Matt also mentioned that he saw the Ochre-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula flavirostris) at Tapantí on the lower loop of the Oropendola Trail back in December. This was also found at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens at the end of last year and in early February this year. APPENDIX A: BIRDS RECORDED AT TORTUGUEROBrackets = heard only; Bold = not recorded elsewhere (57 sp.). Great Tinamou, Tinamus major Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregata magnificens Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias Great Egret, Ardea alba Tricoloured Heron, Egretta tricolour Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea Snowy Egret, Egretta thula Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis Green Heron, Butorides virescens Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Nyctanassa violacea Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Tigrisoma mexicanum Wood Stork, Mycteria americana Green Ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis Roseate Spoonbill, Ajaia ajaja Muscovy Duck, Cairina moschata Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura King Vulture, Sarcoramphus papa Osprey, Pandion haliaetus Grey-headed Kite, Leptodon cayanensis Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus Double-toothed Kite, Harpagus bidentatus Common Black-Hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus Roadside Hawk, Buteo magnirostris Broad-winged Hawk, Buteo platypterus Laughing Falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans Bat Falcon, Falco rufigularis Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus Great Curassow, Crax rubra [White-throated Crake, Laterallus albigularis] Grey-necked Wood-Rail, Aramides cajanea Sungrebe, Heliornis fulica Northern Jacana, Jacana spinosa Black-necked Stilt, Himantopus mexicanus Black-bellied Plover, Pluvialis squatarola Semipalmated Plover, Charadrius semipalmatus Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularia Sanderling, Calidris alba Laughing Gull, Larus atricilla Royal Tern, Sterna maxima Pale-vented Pigeon, Columba cayennensis Short-billed Pigeon, Columba nigrirostris Grey-chested Dove, Leptotila cassini Olive-throated Parakeet, Aratinga nana Orange-fronted Parakeet, Aratinga canicularis Orange-chinned Parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis Brown-hooded Parrot, Pionopsitta haematotis White-crowned Parrot, Pionus senilis Red-lored Parrot, Amazona autumnalis Mealy Parrot, Amazona farinosa Squirrel Cuckoo, Piaya cayana Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris [Black-and-white Owl, Ciccaba nigrolineata] [Crested Owl, Lophostrix cristata] Short-tailed Nighthawk, Lurocalis semitorquatus Common Nighthawk, Chordeiles minor Pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis Black Swift, Cypseloides niger White-collared Swift, Streptoprocne zonaris Grey-rumped Swift, Chaetura cinereiventris Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica Bronzy Hermit, Glaucis aenea Band-tailed Barbthroat, Threnetes ruckeri Western Long-tailed Hermit, Phaethornis longirostris Stripe-throated Hermit, Phaethornis striigularis Green-breasted Mango, Anthracothorax prevostii Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Amazilia tzacatl Blue-chested Hummingbird, Polyerata amabilis Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris Black-throated Trogon, Trogon rufus Slaty-tailed Trogon, Trogon massena Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon Ringed Kingfisher, Ceryle torquata Amazon Kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona Green Kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Chloroceryle inda American Pygmy Kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea Pied Puffbird, Notharchus tectus White-fronted Nunbird, Monasa morphoeus Collared Araçari, Pteroglossus torquatus Keel-billed Toucan, Ramphastos sulfuratus Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Ramphastos swainsonii Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Melanerpes pucherani [Cinnamon Woodpecker, Celeus loricatus] Lineated Woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus Northern Barred-Woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae Black-striped Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Western Slaty-Antshrike, Thamnophilus atrinucha Chestnut-backed Antbird, Myrmeciza exsul Bicoloured Antbird, Gymnopithys leucaspis Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Querula purpurata White-collared Manakin, Manacus candei Red-capped Manakin, Pipra mentalis Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster Paltry Tyrannulet, Zimmerius vilissimus Common Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens Yellow-margined Flycatcher, Tolmomyias assimilis Eastern Wood-Pewee, Contopus virens Tropical Pewee, Contopus cinereus Alder Flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadiceus Great Crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus Boat-billed Flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua Social Flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis Grey-capped Flycatcher, Myiozetetes granadensis White-ringed Flycatcher, Conopias albovittata Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus Cinnamon Becard, Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Masked Tityra, Tityra semifasciata Purple Martin, Progne subis Mangrove Swallow, Tachycineta albilinea Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica [Band-backed Wren, Campylorhynchus zonatus] Bay Wren, Thryothorus nigricapillus Stripe-breasted Wren, Thryothorus thoracicus Plain Wren, Thryothorus modestus House Wren, Troglodytes aedon White-breasted Wood-Wren, Henicorhina leucosticta Swainson's Thrush, Catharus ustulatus Wood Thrush, Hylocichla mustelina Clay-coloured Robin, Turdus greyi White-eyed Vireo, Vireo griseus Yellow-throated Vireo, Vireo flavifrons Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus Lesser Greenlet, Hylophilus decurtatus Tennessee Warbler, Vermivora peregrina Yellow Warbler, Dendroica petechia Chestnut-sided Warbler, Dendroica pensylvanica Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta varia American Redstart, Setophaga ruticilla Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapillus Northern Waterthrush, Seiurus noveboracensis Kentucky Warbler, Oporornis formosus Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Habia fuscicauda Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra Passerini's Tanager, Ramphocelus passerinii Blue-grey Tanager, Thraupis episcopus Palm Tanager, Thraupis palmarum Olive-backed Euphonia, Euphonia gouldi Silver-throated Tanager, Tangara icterocephala Golden-hooded Tanager, Tangara larvata Shining Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes lucidus Variable Seedeater, Sporophila corvina Thick-billed Seed-Finch, Oryzoborus funereus Black-striped Sparrow, Arremonops conirostris Buff-throated Saltator, Saltator maximus Dickcissel, Spiza americana Great-tailed Grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus Bronzed Cowbird, Molothrus aeneus Baltimore Oriole, Icterus galbula Black-cowled Oriole, Icterus dominicensis Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Cacicus uropygialis Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Psarocolius wagleri Montezuma Oropendola, Gymnostinops montezuma The most interesting records were:- Pied Puffbird (1 in flight at Cano Harold) and Silver-throated Tanager (1 trapped at CC on March), both new species for Tortuguero White-eyed Vireo: 1 trapped twice, in late Feb and 2 weeks later, apparently only the fourth record for Costa Rica, all 3 others being birds trapped on the Caribbean coast. Swallow-tailed Kite: a party of c.30 on There was little evidence of passage until the last few days, the largest northwards movement occurring on 25 March, the morning when I left: 1000s of Chimney Swift, smaller numbers of Purple Martin and Barn Swallow, and 4 parties of Dickcissel totalling 200+. An unseen bird heard singing on several occasions at Jungle Lodge sounded very like Plain Antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis a hill species unexpected here. LIST OF MAMMALS AND SOME REPTILESNORTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua mexicana) 1 walking along the main road at Braulio Carrillo, intercepted by me as it tried to cross the busy traffic. BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypes variegatos). 2 Guapiles - Tortuguero. HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Cholopus hoffmanni) 2 near Guapiles. CENTRAL AMERICAN SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri oerstedi). Several at Tortuguero NP. MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata). Frequently heard in the lowlands and seen at Tortuguero NP. CENTRAL AMERICAN SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles geoffroyi). Several at Tortuguero NP. WHITE-FACED CAPUCHIN MONKEY (Cebus capuchinus). Several at Braulio Carrillo, Carara and Tortuguero NP. VARIEGATED SQUIRREL (Sciurus variegatoides). Small numbers throughout. CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata). 1 at Los Cusingos. SOUTHERN RIVER OTTER (Lutra longicaudis). 2 Tortuguero NP. WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica). 5 at Carara. COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu). A few at Carara. Reptiles includedAMERICAN CROCODILE 2 Carara NP and 1 en route to Tortuguero by boat. EYELASH VIPER 1 Tortuguero NP. CORAL SNAKE 1 Braulio Carrillo. VINE SNAKES A few at Tortuguero. APPENDIX B: COSTA RICA AND PANAMA, MARCH 1987This was my first visit to Latin America, with Mike Archer. We used a hire-car throughout. ITINERARY
SPECIES ADDITIONAL TO THOSE RECORDED IN 2001H = heard X= seen
The following 27 species not on the Costa Rica list were seen in Panama: Cocoi Heron, Ardea cocoi Plumbeous Hawk, Leucopternis plumbea Savanna Hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis Wattled Jacana, Jacana jacana Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Damophila julie Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Lepidopyga coeruleogularis White-vented Plumeleteer, Chalybura buffonii Black-breasted Puffbird, Notharchus pectoralis Grey-cheeked Nunlet, Nonnula frontalis Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos Pacific Streaked-Antwren, Myrmotherula pacifica Jet Antbird, Cercomacra nigricans Blue Cotinga, Cotinga nattererii Golden-collared Manakin, Manacus vitellinus Forest Elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii Yellow-green Tyrannulet, Phylloscartes flavovirens Southern Bentbill, Oncostoma olivaceum Pied Water-Tyrant, Fluvicola pica Sirystes, Sirystes sibilator White-thighed Swallow, Neochelidon tibialis White-headed Wren, Campylorhynchus albobrunneus Golden-fronted Greenlet, Hylophilus aurantiifrons Crimson-backed Tanager, Ramphocelus dimidiatus Fulvous-vented Euphonia, Euphonia fulvicrissa Yellow-backed Oriole, Icterus chrysater Yellow-rumped Cacique, Cacicus cela Crested Oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus |
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Copyright © 1992-2012 John Wall |