Belize's Hidden Treasures

BELIZE’S HIDDEN TREASURES:

POOK’S HILL & BLACK ROCK LODGE

JANUARY 19–25, 2020

Immature Ornate Hawk-Eagle at Black Rock © Michael O’Brien

LEADERS: MICHAEL O’BRIEN & LOUISE ZEMAITIS WITH MARIO AT POOK’S HILL; FREDDY, ISAIAS, CARLOS & MARVIN AT BLACK ROCK

LIST COMPILED BY: MICHAEL O’BRIEN

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM BELIZE’S HIDDEN TREASURES: Pook’s Hill & Black Rock Lodge

January 19–25, 2020

By Michael O’Brien

Our Belize’s Hidden Treasures tour proved to be a much welcome winter getaway, at a time when stormy weather was sweeping across much of the U.S. To our delight, we enjoyed ideal conditions during our tour, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s most of the time! Not only that, we also enjoyed some marvelous birding, including some amazing raptor sightings and fabulous night outings!

Upon arrival at Pook’s Hill, we were immediately greeted by a cool “welcome drink” amidst several hummingbird species buzzing around the feeders—a great way to start! Our first full day was fabulous, spent entirely at Pook’s Hill. A short walk around the main clearing before breakfast was super birdy, with many “lifers” being seen. Several parrot, tanager, and oriole species kept us busy, but the real favorites of this outing were prolonged views of the very scarce Northern Emerald-Toucanet and equally beautiful Collared Aracari feeding on “give-and-take” palm fruits. These beautiful birds kept our attention for quite a while until we were distracted by a stunning perched White Hawk!

Northern Emerald-Toucanet at Pook’s Hill © Michael O’Brien

Through the remainder of the day, we explored a large meadow area and nearby trails and found many more exciting birds. Three species of trogons, Keel-billed Toucan, Band-

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 backed Wren, Dot-winged Antwren, and Yellow-tailed Oriole all allowed nice views on the meadow’s edge. Such cryptic birds as Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Greenish Elaenia, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, and Northern Schiffornis enlivened walks along forest trails. And a chance encounter with an antswarm added some excitement, as species like Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, Gray-headed Tanager, and Red-throated Ant-Tanager appeared and disappeared from view. Sky-watching was also productive with sightings of King Vulture, Double-toothed Kite, Short-tailed Hawk, and the very scarce Chestnut- collared Swift. To cap off this wonderful day, a short night drive along the entrance road brought us amazing eye level views of a Kinkajou (a species normally seen in the canopy), and we also enjoyed the “night shift” around porch feeders, with dozens of Pallas’s Long-tongued Bats sipping nectar like hummingbirds!

Pallas’s Long-tongued Bats at Pook’s Hill © Michael O’Brien

Venturing farther afield, our next day began in open country along Agua Viva Road. Not surprisingly, we encountered many new species here, such as Red-billed Pigeon, Groove- billed Ani, Gray and Roadside hawks, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Blue-black and Yellow- faced grassquits. But the main event of the day was a visit to St. Herman’s Cave, a mile- long limestone cave in the Maya Mountain foothills, used for ceremonial purposes by ancient Maya. The forest here was wonderful, and held many special birds. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a pair of Bare-throated Tiger-Herons sitting on their nest! Mixed flocks along the trails included many North American migrants, including the scarce Golden-winged Warbler. Excellent views of White-whiskered Puffbird and Rufous-tailed Jacamar were highlights here, overshadowed only by the very scarce Collared Trogon, which also allowed prolonged views. And though we couldn’t see it, we were very excited to hear the unique song of the Nightingale Wren.

A midafternoon transfer brought us to Black Rock Lodge, where we began the second phase of our tour. This time, before we could even get our welcome drink, we were

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 greeted by an adult Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle soaring above the ridge! It turns out that a pair of this very rare species is nesting at Black Rock this year, so sightings of these birds were regular during our visit. We spent a full day, and parts of three others, at this wonderful place, and we always had something exciting to see. Feeders below the porch, overlooking the magnificent Macal River Gorge, were frequented by such colorful birds as Black-cheeked and Golden-fronted woodpeckers, Collared Aracari, Olive-backed and Yellow-throated euphonias, Blue-gray and Yellow-winged tanagers, and Red-legged Honeycreeper—we hardly had to leave the dining area! The garden was alive with singing Scaly-breasted and Rufous-tailed hummingbirds, and we frequently saw northern migrants such as Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Hooded and Magnolia warblers, and Summer Tanager making Black Rock Lodge their winter home. The main clearing was often a good place to see noisy White-fronted Parrots or quietly foraging Short-billed Pigeons or Boat-billed Flycatchers. As we explored nearby trails, we enjoyed finding Ruddy, Tawny-winged, and Northern Barred woodcreepers tending an antswarm, a cooperative Amazon Kingfisher along the river, and such dazzling birds as White- collared Manakin, Crimson-collared Tanager, and Black-faced Grosbeak showing well for us. But certainly the top highlight at Black Rock was seeing all three species of hawk- eagles in one day! Starting with our resident pair of Black-and-white Hawk-Eagles, we added a soaring Black Hawk-Eagle and outstanding views of a perched immature Ornate Hawk-Eagle—just amazing!

Amazon Kingfisher at Black Rock © Michael O’Brien

One day we hit the road early for a visit to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. After a few exciting roadside stops, our first major stop was at Green Hills Butterfly Ranch in the foothill broadleaf forest. Green Hills is best known to birders for its amazing concentration of hummingbirds. We found nine species visiting feeders there, including Wedge-tailed and Violet sabrewings, Green-breasted Mango, and Long-billed Hermit. Of course, the butterflies were also exciting to see. Many of us went through the wonderful

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 “lepidopterarium” (butterfly house) and enjoyed hundreds of butterflies of a dozen species. There were just as many species of wild butterflies in the gardens outside. We continued on to the forest reserve and made several stops in search of pine ridge specialties. We were successful in finding a number of new species, including Azure- crowned Hummingbird, Broad-winged Hawk, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Acorn and Golden-olive woodpeckers, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Rusty Sparrow, Hepatic and Golden-hooded tanagers, and Grace’s Warbler.

On our final day, we visited the Maya ruins of Xunantunich (meaning “stone woman”). In addition to getting an interesting and informative tour of the ruins, we had great views of White-crowned Parrot, Bright-rumped Attila, a pair of soaring Black Hawk-Eagles, and a diverse flock of songbirds including Yellow-throated and Philadelphia vireos. En route, we made some stops in open country along Black Rock Road and enjoyed good views of Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, Canivet’s Emerald, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Gray- crowned Yellowthroat, and a Blue-black Grassquit performing its somersault display. That evening, a night drive along Black Rock Road was spectacularly successful, with close views of Northern Potoo, Middle American Screech-Owl, Mottled Owl, and even a pair of Lesser Swallow-tailed Swifts roosting in their nest!

Xunantunich ruins © Michael O’Brien

A big thanks goes to our expert local guides, Mario at Pook’s Hill; and Freddy, Isaias, Carlos, and Marvin at Black Rock. Thanks also to the staff of both Pook’s Hill and Black Rock Lodge for being so friendly and accommodating.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 ITINERARY: Day 1, 19 January: Arrivals in Belize City and transfers to Pook’s Hill, where we all gathered at 5:30 pm. Night at Pook’s Hill.

Day 2, 20 January: Pook’s Hill all day including lodge area before breakfast; morning walk to meadow and River Loop Trail; ruins tour and meadow after lunch. Night at Pook’s Hill.

Birding at Pook’s Hill © Michael O’Brien

Day 3, 21 January: Morning trip to Agua Viva Road and St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park (St. Herman’s Cave); afternoon transfer to Black Rock. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Day 4, 22 January: Black Rock all day including lodge area before breakfast, mid-morning along entrance road, afternoon walk on Vaca Falls Trail. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Day 5, 23 January: Day trip to Mountain Pine Ridge area including Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, Old Mai Gate Village, Pine Ridge Lodge, and Blancaneaux Lodge. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Day 6, 24 January: Pre-breakfast walk along entrance road; morning birding and ruins tour at Xunantunich; lunch at Benny’s Kitchen in San Jose Succotz; long afternoon break; night drive along entrance road. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Day 7, 25 January: 8:30 am departures from Black Rock, arriving at airport by 11:20 am for afternoon departures.

KEY TO SPECIES LISTS: ( I ) = introduced species N = nest observed MPR = Mountain Pine Ridge

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020

BIRDS TINAMOUS: TINAMIDAE Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui) – Heard at Pook’s Hill.

WATERFOWL: ANATIDAE Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Small flock near airport.

GUANS, CHACHALACAS & CURASSOWS: CRACIDAE Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) – Seen on Black Rock Road, Green Hills, and MPR.

NEW WORLD QUAIL: ODONTOPHORIDAE Spotted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus guttatus) – Heard at Black Rock.

PIGEONS & DOVES: COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) ( I ) – Seen in urban/suburban areas, mainly San Ygnacio, Belmopan. Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis) – One on Black Rock Road. Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) – Numerous along Agua Viva Road and Black Rock Road. Short-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas nigrirostris) – Numerous at Black Rock; heard elsewhere.

Short-billed Pigeons © Michael O’Brien

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) ( I ) – An increasing exotic species in Belize; we saw them several times in suburban areas. Plain-breasted Ground-Dove (Columbina minuta) – Pair on Black Rock Road. Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti) – Numerous in open county. Blue Ground-Dove (Claravis pretiosa) – Several heard at Pook’s Hill, plus one fly-by seen. White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi) – A few seen along trails at Pook’s Hill; heard at many locations.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Gray-chested Dove (Leptotila cassinii) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) – Several around San Ygnacio area.

CUCKOOS: CUCULIDAE Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – Seen at several locations in open country. Squirrel Cuckoo (Tapera naevia) – One seen at Villa Cayo, plus others heard.

NIGHTJARS: CAPRIMULGIDAE Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) – One on Black Rock Road.

POTOOS: NYCTIBIIDAE Northern Potoo (Nyctibius jamaicensis) – Excellent and prolonged views of a perched bird on the night drive at Black Rock.

Northern Potoo © Michael O’Brien

SWIFTS: APODIDAE Chestnut-collared Swift (Streptoprocne rutila) – Several at Pook’s Hill; this species is uncommon and easily overlooked in Belize, so always a treat to see. Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi) – Seen at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Xunantunich; the “default” swift in most of Belize. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis) N – Pair in their woven tubular nest, seen on night drive at Black Rock!

HUMMINGBIRDS: TROCHILIDAE White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) – Seen every day; the most dominant species visiting feeders at Pook’s Hill and Green Hills. Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris) – A few seen most days. Stripe-throated Hermit (Phaethornis striigularis) – Singles at St. Herman’s Cave and Black Rock. Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) – Seen at Black Rock and Green Hills. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) – Seen at Green Hills and Black Rock.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Canivet’s Emerald (Chlorostilbon canivetii) – One male at Black Rock Road. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird (Phaeochroa cuvierii) – One or two seen most days; they sang incessantly by our cabanas at Black Rock. Wedge-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus curvipennis) – Small numbers at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Green Hills. Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus) – Beautiful male at Green Hills. White-bellied Emerad (Amazilia candida) – A few seen at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Green Hills.

White-bellied Emerald © Michael O’Brien

Azure-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia cyanocephala) – One at Blancaneaux. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) – Generally the most numerous hummer in Belize, and seen every day.

RAILS, GALLINULES, & COOTS: RALLIDAE Ruddy Crake (Laterallus ruber) – Heard at Agua Viva Road.

LIMPKIN: ARAMIDAE Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) – One near the Belize airport.

JACANAS: JACANIDAE Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) – Several at Black Rock Road, plus a few others along roadsides.

CORMORANTS: PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – One at Agua Viva Road.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 HERONS, EGRETS & BITTERNS: ARDEIDAE Bare-throated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum) N – Pair on a nest at St. Herman’s Cave, plus another along Black Rock Road. Great Egret (Ardea alba) – Seen several times along roadsides. Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) – One along Black Rock Road. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) – Seen on Agua Viva Road and Black Rock Road. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) – Numerous in open areas. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) – One juvenile seen on the night drive at Black Rock Lodge.

NEW WORLD VULTURES: CATHARTIDAE King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) – A few seen most days. Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) – Seen every day. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) – Seen every day. Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus) – Seen near Belize City.

OSPREY: PANDIONIDAE Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) – One at Pook’s Hill.

HAWKS, EAGLES, & KITES: ACCIPITRIDAE Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Seen at Black Rock and Xunantunich.

Black Hawk-Eagle © Michael O’Brien

Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) – Amazing view of an immature at Black Rock. Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus) N – Pair visiting a nest at Black Rock. Double-toothed Kite (Harpagus bidentatus) – Soaring birds seen at Pook’s Hill, Green Hills, and Black Rock. Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) – Seen at several roadside locations. White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – One west of Belize City.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 White Hawk (Pseudastur albicollis) – Seen at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Villa Cayo. Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill, Agua Viva Road, and St. Herman’s Cave. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) – One at MPR. Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and MPR.

OWLS: STRIGIDAE Middle American Screech-Owl (Megascops guatemalae) – Amazing eye-level views on our night drive at Black Rock.

Middle American Screech-Owl © Michael O’Brien

Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) – One on a wire just outside San Ygnacio. Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) – Good views on the night drive at Black Rock.

TROGONS: TROGONIDAE Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena) – Several sightings each at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus) – Seen at multiple locations. Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus) – Seen at multiple locations. Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris) – Nice views of a male at St. Herman’s Cave.

MOTMOTS: MOMOTIDAE Tody Motmot (Hylomanes momotula) – Heard at Xunantunich. Lesson’s Motmot (Momotus lessoni) – Heard at Pook’s Hill; those who arrived at Pook’s Hill a day early were treated to fine views of this species, right by the breakfast room.

KINGFISHERS: ALCEDINIDAE Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) – A few roadside sightings.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) – Nice views at Black Rock.

PUFFBIRDS: BUCCONIDAE White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis) – Excellent, prolonged views of a pair at St. Herman’s Cave; also at Black Rock.

White-whiskered Puffbird © Michael O’Brien

JACAMARS: GALBULIDAE Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) – Excellent views at Pook’s Hill and St. Herman’s Cave.

TOUCANS: RAMPHASTIDAE Northern Emerald-Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) – Excellent views of this scarce bird at Pook’s Hill, where a pair was feeding on fruits of the “give-and-take” palm. Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) – Regular sightings at both Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – Seen at multiple locations.

WOODPECKERS: PICIDAE Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) – Seen at MPR. Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani) – Seen every day; a regular visitor to feeders at Black Rock. Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) – Seen most days, including at Black Rock feeders. Pale-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis) – Seen at several locations. Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) – One on Black Rock Road.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Golden-olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Nice views at Blancaneaux.

FALCONS & CARACARAS: FALCONIDAE Barred Forest-Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Collared Forest-Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) – One on Black Rock Road. Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Seen at Xunantunich and by the Belize Prison. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) – Two on Black Rock Road. Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis) – Seen every day.

Bat Falcon © Michael O’Brien

AFRICAN & NEW WORLD PARROTS: PSITTACIDAE White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis) – Seen every day. Red-lored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis) – Numerous at Pook’s Hill. White-fronted Parrot (Amazona albifrons) – Seen most days; numerous at Black Rock. Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) – One at Pook’s Hill. Olive-throated Parakeet (Eupsittula nana) – Seen at several locations in open country.

TYPICAL ANTBIRDS: THAMNOPHILIDAE Great Antshrike (Taraba major) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and St. Herman’s Cave. Dot-winged Antwren (Microrhopias quixensis) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Dusky Antbird (Cercomacroides tyrannina) – Seen at Black Rock; heard elsewhere.

OVENBIRDS & WOODCREEPERS: FURNARIIDAE Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – Seen at Blancaneaux and Xunantunich. Ruddy Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla homochroa) – One at Pook’s Hill.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Tawny-winged Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla anabatina) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – One at Black Rock. Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus flavigaster) – Heard at several locations. Rufous-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis erythrothorax) – Heard at Black Rock.

MANAKINS: PIPRIDAE White-collared Manakin (Manacus candei) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock.

White-collared Manakin © Michael O’Brien

Red-capped Manakin (Ceratopipra mentalis) – Seen at Black Rock.

BECARDS, TITYRAS & ALLIES: TITYRIDAE Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata) – Seen at Black Rock. Northern Schiffornis (Schiffornis veraepacis) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) – Seen at Black Rock.

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: TYRANNIDAE Stub-tailed Spadebill (Platyrinchus cancrominus) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus sylvia) – Seen at Pook’s Hill; heard elsewhere. Common Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum) – Seen at Black Rock. Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet (Ornithion semiflavum) – Seen at Green Hills. Greenish Elaenia (Myiopagis viridicata) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and St. Herman’s Cave. Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster) – Seen at Blancaneaux. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) – One at Black Rock. Tropical Pewee (Contopus cinereus) – Seen most days. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) – Seen at Black Rock and Xunantunich. Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) – Seen at Black Rock and San Jose Succotz ferry.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Seen at several locations in open areas. Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus) – Seen Xunantunich; heard elsewhere. Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) – Seen at Xunantunich; heard elsewhere. Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Seen most days. Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis) – Seen most days. Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Seen most days along roadsides, also at Black Rock; most numerous in open country but also occurs in forest clearings.

Couch's Kingbird (Tyrannus couchii) – Seen at MPR; heard elsewhere; prefers forest edge habitats; seldom in open country. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) – Several sitting on wires at the Belize Airport. Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) – Seen along Black Rock Road.

VIREOS: VIREONIDAE Lesser Greenlet (Pachyslyvia decurtatus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) – Seen at Black Rock and Xunantunich. Mangrove Vireo (Vireo pallens) – Heard along Black Rock Road. Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) – Seen at Black Rock and Xunantunich. Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) – Two at Xunantunich.

CROWS, JAYS & MAGPIES: CORVIDAE Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio) – Seen every day. Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) – Heard on Black Rock Road and Cristo Rey Village. Yucatan Jay (Cyanocorax yucatanicus) – It was a real bonus to see a small group of these Yucatan specialty birds on the Burrell Boom Cutoff Road during our transfer back to the airport.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 SWALLOWS: HIRUNDINIDAE Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – Seen most days in open country. Mangrove Swallow (Tachycineta albilinea) – Seen at Black Rock and on the ferry at San Jose Succotz.

GNATCATCHERS: POLIOPTILIDAE Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) – Seen at Black Rock and MPR.

WRENS: TROGLODYTIDAE Nightingale Wren (Microcerculus philomela) – Heard at St. Herman’s Cave. Carolina (White-browed) Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus albinucha) – Heard at Black Rock and Villa Cayo. Band-backed Wren (Campylorhynchus zonatus) – Several at Pook’s Hill. Spot-breasted Wren (Pheugopedius maculipectus) – Heard every day, and seen a few times. White-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucosticta) – Seen briefly at St. Herman’s Cave; heard elsewhere.

MOCKINGBIRDS & THRASHERS: MIMIDAE Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) – Seen every day. Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) – Numerous near Belize City.

THRUSHES & ALLIES: TURDIDAE Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) – Seen every day, including on our porch at Black Rock!

Clay-colored Thrush (Turdus grayi) – Daily at Black Rock; a few elsewhere.

SISKINS, CROSSBILLS & ALLIES: FRINGILLIDAE Scrub Euphonia (Euphonia affinis) – Seen at Black Rock; heard elsewhere.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Yellow-throated Euphonia (Euphonia hirundinacea) – Seen every day. Olive-backed Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi) – Daily at Black Rock; a few elsewhere.

BUNTINGS, SPARROWS & ALLIES: EMBERIZIDAE Green-backed Sparrow (Arremonops chloronotus) – Seen at Villa Cayo; heard elsewhere. Rusty Sparrow (Aimophila rufescens) – Nice views of one at Old Mai Gate Village, MPR.

TROUPIALS & ALLIES: ICTERIDAE Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) – Seen on the entrance road to Black Rock. Yellow-billed Cacique (Amblycercus holosericeus) – Heard at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Montezuma Oropendula (Psarocolius montezuma) – Numerous at Pook’s Hill; a few at Black Rock. Black-cowled Oriole (Icterus prosthemelas) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) – Seen most days. Melodious Blackbird (Dives dives) – Seen every day. Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) – Seen whenever we were in open country.

NEW WORLD WARBLERS: PARULIDAE Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) – Heard at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) – Singles at St. Herman’s Cave and Black Rock. Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) – Seen at Black Rock and Villa Cayo. Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) – Seen at several locations. Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala) – Nice views on Black Rock Road.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) – Heard at Black Rock. Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) – Seen at Agua Viva Road. Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) – Seen at several locations.

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) – Seen every day. Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) – Seen every day. Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) – Seen at several locations. Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) – Seen at several locations. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler (Setophaga coronate coronata) – One at Blancaneaux, MPR. Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Grace’s Warbler (Setophaga graciae) – Several at MPR. Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) – Seen at MPR. Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) – Seen at Black Rock.

CARDINALS & ALLIES: CARDINALIDAE Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava) – Seen at MPR. Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) – Seen every day. Red-throated Ant-Tanager (Habia fuscicauda) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Black-faced Grosbeak (Caryothraustes poliogaster) – Seen at Black Rock. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Blue-black Grosbeak (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) – Seen at Black Rock. Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) – Seen at Black Rock. Blue Bunting (Cyanocompsa parellina) – Seen at Black Rock. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) – Seen at Black Rock.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 18 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020

TANAGERS & ALLIES: THRAUPIDAE Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Crimson-collared Tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave and Black Rock. Yellow-winged Tanager (Thraupis abbas) – Seen on most days. Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata) – One at Blancaneaux. Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – Seen at several locations. Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) – Seen along Agua Viva Road and Black Rock Road; it was entertaining to see a male performing his somersaulting display.

Variable Seedeater (Sporophila corvina) – Seen at Black Rock. Morelet's Seedeater (Sporophila morelleti) – Seen every day. Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivaceus) – Seen at Aguaviva Road and MPR. Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Black-headed Saltator (Saltator atriceps) – Seen or heard every day.

MAMMALS Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) – One on the night drive at Pook’s Hill. Mexican Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) – Seen or heard at several locations; we had especially close views of a group at Pook’s Hill and enjoyed watching them leap one by one across a tree gap. Deppe’s Squirrel (Sciurus deppei) – Seen daily at the Black Rock feeders. Variegated Squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) – One at MPR. Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) – Seen at both Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Long-nosed (Proboscis) Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso) – Roosting group on a tree over the Mopan River by the San Jose Succotz ferry.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 19 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Pallas's Long-tongued Bat (Glossophaga soricina) – Many visiting hummingbird feeders at night at Pook’s Hill. White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica) – One at Pook’s Hill. Kinkajou (Potos flavus) – One on the night walk at Pook’s Hill.

AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius valliceps) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) – Seen at Black Rock. Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) ( I ) – Numerous around our lodging. Black (Spiny-tailed) Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) – Seen at Black Rock and Xunantunich. Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) – Seen at several locations. Yellow-spotted (Yucatan) Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus chrysostictus) – Several at Pook’s Hill. Rainbow Ameiva (Holcosus undulatus) – Seen at Black Rock.

BUTTERFLIES Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas polydamas) Thoas Swallowtail (Heraclides thoas) Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea) Apricot Sulphur (Phoebis argante argante) Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) Mimosa Yellow (Eurema mimosa)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 20 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020 Mexican Yellow (Eurema mexicana) Brilliant Greenmark (Caria mantinea) Temple Scintillant (Calephelis velutina) Mexican Fritillary (Euptoieta hegesia) Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia moderata) Least Heliconian (Euiedes aliphera) Isabella's Heliconian (Eueides isabella eva) Erato Heliconian (Heliconius erato petiverana) Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonia) Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia) Gaudy Patch (Chlosyne gaudialis) Theona Checkerspot (Chlosyne theona) Pale-banded Crescent (Anthanassa tulcis) Tropical Buckeye (Junonia evarete) White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima) Celadon Sister (Adelpha serpa) Four-spotted Sailor (Dynamine postverta) White Sailor (Dynamine theseus) Little Banner (Nica flavilla canthara) Red Rim (Biblis hyperia aganisa) Starry Night Cracker (Hamadryas laodamia) Gray Cracker (Hamadryas februa ferentina) Variable Cracker (Hamadryas feronia) Small Beauty (Colobura dirce) Many-banded Daggerwing (Marpesia chiron marius) Yellow-fronted (Pale) Owl-Butterfly (Caligo telamonius)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 21 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020

Carolina Satyr (Hermeuptychia sosybius) Monarch (Danaus plexippu) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Broad-tipped Clearwing (Pteronymia cotytto) Brown Longtail (Urbanus procne) Sharp Banded-Skipper (Autochton bipunctatus) Brilliant Blue-Skipper (Paches loxus zonalla)

Blue-studded Skipper (Sostrata nordica) Dusted Spurwing (Antigonus erosus) Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus oileus) Common Glassywing (Pompeius pompeius)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 22 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2020