Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya

Naturetrek Tour Report 13 – 27 November 2014

Pink-headed Warbler Northern Royal Flycatcher

Lunch in the field Plain Chachalaca

Report & images compiled by Byron Palacios

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Tour Leaders: Byron Palacios Naturetrek Pablo Chumil local guide south Miguel Marin local guide north

Participants: Ray O’Reilly Linda Griffiths Sue Murphy Mary Brown Dave Pons Steve Lloyd Phil Nuttall Gaye Nuttall Summary The Mesoamerican Region, cradle of unique and self-developed ancient cultures, spans the mystical and the natural. The great experience of exploring wildlife and culture while birding one of the most picturesque countries of this region brought to our minds that this area was created by one of the world’s most influential societies: the Mayas. Their intimate relationship with the natural world helped them create the most wonderful kingdom based on worshipping the most representative wildlife, most of which was sacred to them! We could appreciate most of the magical creatures that they worshipped, along with Guatemala’s great forest, mountains, lakes, and pristine and perfectly-built pyramids and temples, still kept in great condition to treat our eyes and fulfil our minds. Lots of Mesoamerican endemic birds were seen as well as lovely mammals and fantastic archaeological sites. We also had the company of fellow travellers; a great party to share fantastic experiences in a spectacular country!

Day 1 Thursday 13th November

London Heathrow – Guatemala (via Madrid) – La Antigua We set off on our early morning flight from London Heathrow Airport to Guatemala, via Madrid where we change planes. We landed at Guatemala City in the late afternoon and transferred to Antigua where we arrived in the early evening. After checking into our hotel we went for our first dinner in one of the local restaurants in this beautiful town, followed by a good and restful night to help get over the jetlag.

Day 2 Friday 14th November

Finca El Pilar – Finca Filadelfia An early start today took us to Finca El Pilar, a very nice shaded coffee farm which offers great birding along its 1.5-kilometre track which covers a good altitudinal range. Most of us had had a very quiet but irregular night due jetlag but we were still full of energy and started our birding spotting Black-capped Swallow, Rufous-collared Thrush, Black-headed Siskin, Bushy-crested Jay, Rose-throated Becard, Townsend’s, McGillivray’s and Black- and-White Warblers, Baltimore Oriole, Slate-throated Redstart, Mountain and Collared Trogons, Golden-olive and Lineated Woodpeckers, amongst others. The hummingbird feeders were fantastic and offered a good number of these colourful and fast feathered gems including Beryline, Azure-crowned and Cinnamon

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Hummingbirds, Green Violetear, Violet Sabrewing, Magnificent and Amethyst-throated Hummingbirds, and the elusive Garnet-throated Hummingbird.

We then drove a short distance and still within La Antigua perimeter to the lovely Finca Filadelfia where we enjoyed a delicious lunch while birding in their gardens. Tennessee Warbler, Yellow-backed Oriole and Western Tanager were seen from here. After lunch we used their massive 4x4 truck to get to the top of the finca from where we had a walk which produced lovely views of a gorgeous male Red-faced Warbler. The same area was great to look over the pine and oak woodland where we found Acorn and Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, and a mixed flock of Blue-headed, Philadelphia, and Eastern Warbling Vireos, Blue-and-White Mockingbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Flame-coloured Tanager, White-winged Tanager, Wilson’s Warbler and a Pine Flycatcher. We continued walking down the track and caught up with our 4x4 truck which was on a rather romantic ‘proposal’ mission. We had to wait a little while for it, but it was all fine in the end, especially for the brand new groom to be!).

Once at the car park and back in our minibus, we drove back to the hotel. Later we had dinner in another nice local Antiguan restaurant.

Day 3 Saturday 15th November

Manzanilla Ridge – Los Tarrales Reserve Today we left Antigua and drove towards our next destination, Finca Los Tarrales. We were now recovered from our jetlag and aimed to target some great bird specialties, birding en route. We made our first stop at Manzanilla Ridge or Tecpan (also known as La Suiza). The birding was terrific and we didn’t have to wait that long to spot great species such as Blue-hooded (Elegant) Euphonia, Crescent-chested Warbler, Rufous-browed Wren and the magnificent and regional endemic Pink-headed Warbler! The trail took us to a loop along the woods where Golden-browed Warbler, Grey-breasted Wood-Wren, and Brown-backed and Slate-coloured Solitaires were seen perfectly; but we were distracted by a Blue-throated Motmot calling nearby. We followed the calls for a good half hour and our efforts finally paid off when we all had great views of this lovely and very secretive bird! We also had great views of Mountain Trogon near the entrance of the main track.

Happy with the great species we had seen, we continued a short distance towards our lunch spot, a lovely traditional restaurant where we enjoyed more of the traditional Guatemalan food. A few interesting birds such as Clay-coloured Thrush, Rufous-collared Robin, Spotted Towhee and Yellow-eyed Junco were seen at the premises. After lunch we started our three hour drive to Finca Los Tarrales, passing bare-looking volcanoes and lakes, and dramatic landscape. We arrived at Los Tarrales just before sunset and just in time to do some birding along the track that leads to the finca. We saw some fantastic birds here including Lineated Woodpecker, White- throated Magpie-Jay, Hutton’s Vireo, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Vaux’s Swift, Pacific and Orange-fronted Parakeets, White-fronted Parrot, White-bellied Chachalaca, Rufous-naped Wren, Baltimore and Altamira Orioles, and dozens of Lesser Nighthawks flying in the sky as the sun went down.

We finally arrived at the lodge and our comfortable rooms were allocated straight away. We then had a break in order to get ready for a delicious dinner, and then a restful night.

2 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Day 4 Sunday 16th November

Los Tarrales Reserve We had an early breakfast in order to get the most out of the morning, birding around the reserve.

The pinkish horizon and first sunny beams at dawn predicted a promising day and we were even more excited as the first garden birds started to wake up and began their noisy first dawn songs and calls. Our local guide and prime bird guide at Los Tarrales, Josué, greeted us by the village’s ‘main street’ and we set off walking along the farm’s main track which offered an array of great birds as it was hit by the first sunshine of the morning moving actively across the tree tops. It was hard to move on when flocks of Orange-fronted, Pacific and Orange-chinned Parakeets were active on the most obvious trees, alongside Altamira, Spot-breasted and Baltimore Orioles, Red- billed Pigeons, White-bellied Chachalaca, Golden Fronted and Lineated Woodpeckers, Blue-grey Tanagers, Tropical Pewee, and White-throated Magpie-Jays. We managed to walk another good hundred metres to a narrower track where a patch of freshly-flowered Inga trees produced an amazing amount of species such as Clay-coloured Robin, Altamira, Spot-breasted, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Tennessee Warbler, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Blue-crowned Motmot, Greyish and Black-headed Saltators, Yellow Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Rufous-napped Wren, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Inca Dove, and Magnolia Warbler amongst others. Following the track, we found a massive Ficus tree where a lek of Long-tailed Manakin was quite active, bringing in some individuals of this beautiful ‘cotinga’ family. The majority were females which we saw very well: the male was also seen but he was very active, moving around. Other birds spotted here were Rufous-and-White Wren, Berilyn and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and a dark form of Short-tailed Hawk soaring together with a Broad-winged and Grey Hawks, and Turkey and Black Vultures.

We continued our trek heading towards La Rinconada track where other interesting species where seen such as White-collared, Vaux’s and White-throated Swifts, Long-billed Starthroat and Black-and-White Warbler. As the track narrowed, a Prevot’s Ground Sparrow and a Rufous-breasted Spinetail were spotted. We saw them fantastically well, especially the Spinetail: what a treat to see this very rare and endangered bird in the open! Another highlight along this trail was a Blue-throated Goldentail perfectly perched while lekking from a tree-like bush, and a beautiful Tody Motmot which showed really well in our scopes and posed for us for a good while. But our very productive birding morning didn’t finish then - our local guide Josué treated us to a roosting Mottled Owl which was spotted amongst a giant patch of bamboo in the upper portion of the trail.

Full of joy and ready for a break, we walked back to our lodge and enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by a little break before going out again. The early afternoon was sunny and very warm, however it didn’t offer the quality of activity we had experienced during the morning. It did manage to deliver some very interesting birds such as Black-headed Saltator, Least Flycatcher, Magnolia, Black-and-White, Chestnut-sided and Yellow Warblers, Orchard, Baltimore, Altamira and Spot-breasted Orioles, Masked Tytaira, Yellow-naped Amazon, Golden Fronted Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee and Prevot’s Ground-Sparrow.

The day was coming to an end as we were running out of good light in which to bird so we returned to our lodge where the local lager was on offer, an unbeatable drink after a long day of birding. A delicious dinner followed!

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Day 5 Monday 17th November

Los Andes Reserve Today we had a very early start in order to drive a good couple of hours to the upper subtropical forest reserve of Los Andes. The journey was on main roads till we were diverted onto non-metalled and rock-cobbled tracks which took us through latex plantations and coffee fincas (farms) until we arrived in time for breakfast at the beautiful community of Finca Los Andes and its pristine reserve. The delicious coffee was full of bouquet and certainly the coffee the majority of us preferred – it was freshly grounded and ready to be enjoyed several times! The gorgeous gardens of the main house were full of beautiful native flowers and trees in blossom which attracted great species of birds such as Baltimore, Orchard and Sport-breasted Orioles, Blue-gray Tanager, Melodious Blackbird and Red-billed Pigeon. Hummingbirds were also very numerous on both feeders and flowers, such as Blue-tailed Hummingbird and Violet, Ruby-throated and Rufous Sabrewings.

After enjoying this welcoming feast of birds in this new area – together with our take-away breakfast and local fresh coffee and tea, we got into two pickup trucks and drove to the forest area for a walk on a nice, wide forest trail. Jesús, the resident birder, suggested we made a quick stop before leaving the coffee plantation area as he knew the location of a tree where a roosting Stygian Owl spent the day - we couldn’t deny ourselves the pleasure of seeing this lovely rare owl - and we all enjoyed watching it! We continued our drive to the edge of the main plantation where the subtropical cloud forest trail starts, taking a nice loop to the other end of the farm’s plantations through pristine woodland habitat. Our walk began with a very productive flock of birds where Collared Trogon and Emerald Toucanet were the main attraction. Other flocks included Tennessee, Magnolia, Golden-crowned and Townsend’s Warblers, and we were treated to a flock of at least eight critically endangered Azure-rumped Tanagers feeding on tree-top fruits and fly-catching. This was certainly a very unexpected and pleasant surprise for us to see this rare tanager in such an easy way! We continued downhill looking for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal but there were no signs of this shy bird; instead we had great views of lekking Emerald-chinned Hummingbird.

We finally reached the end of the forest and back to the finca’s coffee plantations were our pick-up trucks were waiting to take us to back to the house where we enjoyed a delicious local lunch with some cool refreshments and of course, great Los Andes coffee!

After lunch we did some more birding in the finca gardens which produced some great birds including Blue- tailed Hummingbird, Elegant (Hooded) Euphonia, Long-billed Starthroat, Black-headed Saltator, Orchard Oriole, soaring Black and Ornate Hawk-Eagles, and a very obliging Central American Pygmy-Owl. Shortly after that a heavy shower of rain covered the whole valley. We waited, enjoying the spectacle of the impressive tropical rain while enjoying local coffee. Most of us took some home in sealed packs! As soon as the rain eased we started our journey back to Los Tarrales were we enjoyed another delicious dinner and drinks.

Day 6 Tuesday 18th November

Los Tarrales – San Pedro Volcano Today’s challenge was to climb part of San Pedro Volcano; not just for the physical effort involved but also the challenge to see a target species: Horned Guan. We set off very early from Los Tarrales, driving around forty minutes to San Lucas, the closest jetty port of Lake Atitlan, from where a boat took us to the village of San

4 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Pedro Laguna located at the other end of the lake. The boat ride offered spectacular views of the lake, the surrounding mountains and the villages on the shore. At San Pedro Laguna we found our pickup truck which took us to the base of the extinct volcano where we started our hike. Very interesting birds such as Prevot’s Ground-Sparrows and Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo were seen around the coffee-shaded plantations at the beginning of the trek. The climb was not an easy task however the ascending hike was gradual, taking us to altitudes were the views of the mighty lake Atitlan and surrounding villages were stunning. It was a sunny day with blue sky, perfect to enjoy such a fantastic landscape while beautiful birds such as Hooded Grosbeak, Slate- throated Redstart, and Yellow-throated and Chestnut-capped Brush-Finches were spotted on the way. We arrived at an open point where a beautiful Ficus tree with fresh flowers offered a feast for important species such as Tennessee, Townsend’s and Black-and-White Warblers, Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, Emerald Toucanet, Mountain Trogon and Orchard Oriole. On the last portion of our climb and reaching 2,600 metres above the sea level (we started the hike at 1,550 metres) two massive birds were spotted through the thick mossy branches...there were two Horned Guans looking straight at us as if they knew we were there for them. To watch this spectacular bird was a great treat and achievement for some of us after this titanic climb. It wasn’t easy to climb the mountain and reach this altitude but it was surely worth it!

We had our packed lunch before starting our descent. Whilst going down we spotted a few important birds for our list such as Rufous-collared Robin, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Bushy-crested Jay, Rufous-naped Wren, and a pair of roosting Great-horned Owls perched near the trail entrance. We gathered together at San Pedro Laguna’s jetty in order to enjoy a very refreshing beer by the lake before our boat ride back to San Lucas where our minibus was waiting to take us back to Los Tarrales. Later we enjoyed a delicious supper and shared our experiences.

Day 7 Wednesday 19th November

Los Tarrales – Finca El Zapote Our last morning in the wonderful Los Tarrales Reserve was spend birding along the lower areas of the finca, catching up with important species we had missed in the area on previous days. Our resident guide Josué was ready as usual to help us with this task so after our delicious local-style breakfast we set off on a birding walk. We spent some of the first hours birding riparian areas which produced a wealth of important species such as Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes, Pacific and Orange-fronted Parakeets, Collared Aracaris, White-bellied Chachalaca, Vaux’s Swift, Masked Tityra, Yellow-winged Tanager, Rufous-nape Wren and a very nice Rufous- browed Pepper-Shrike which was beautifully perched on an open branch right next to us! We continued with our walk making another but shorter stop which produced Long-billed Gnatwren, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Tennessee, Yellow and Magnolia Warblers, and a nesting Northern Beardless Tyrannulet which showed well.

After an adventurous river crossing we moved to the tracks around some macadamia plantation which produced gorgeous and important birds such as Barred Antshrike, White-eared Ground Sparrow, an elusive Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and an unexpected Rufous-breasted Spinetail. Other birds along the way which gave great views included Painted Bunting, Brown-crested, Social and Boat-billed Flycatchers, White-collared Seedeater and Blue-black Grassquit. Another stop by the end of the bridge overlooking the Atitlan Volcano produced Black- headed Saltator, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Vireo, and a Ferruginous Pygmy-owl which was calling very close to us but rather concealed. With lunch-time approaching and the sun very hot we walked back

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

to the lodge and enjoyed our last delicious meal in this fantastic place. After lunch we said a warm “Adios” to our host and set off towards our next place, Fica Zapote where we arrived in the late afternoon.

Our route bordered the counties of Suchitepequez and Escuintla and we arrived at the southern face of El Fuego Volcano. Finca El Zapote lies on the foothill of this very active and fuming snowless caldera. The early 1950’s style finca has beautiful subtropical gardens and we took a walk along the entrance track which produced a lovely male Green-throated Mango, White-bellied Hummingbird, Least Grebe and Blue-crowned Motmot. At the main house front garden we were welcomed with delicious and refreshing cold limón-manadrina lemonade which we all enjoyed while admiring the furious volcano.

Our lovely and spacious rooms where allocated and we all retired for a good shower and to settle in. We gathered later to go through our checklist over beer and nibbles, followed by a very delicious supper.

Day 8 Thursday 20th November

Finca El Zapote An amazing and unforgettable experience occurred today when heavy rumbling of the volcano awakened some of the group, and then showed us its fuming fury with continuous explosions which could be seen from the back garden of the house. A good number of birds such as Orchard, Spot-breasted and Baltimore Orioles, Golden- fronted and Golden-olive Woodpeckers, Clay-coloured Thrush, Black-headed Saltator, Masked Tityra, and Blue- crowned Motmot turned up, actively feeding from the many Mimosa trees and on the many invertebrates. The glamorous looking White-throated Magpie-Jays were loudly moving from treetop to treetop whilst Groove-billed Ani cruised the gardens in large groups. Many American warblers such as Townsend’s, Tennessee, Yellow, Black-and-White, Wilson’s and Hooded were very active too.

We walked back to the main house and had our breakfast on the top terrace overlooking the house front gardens and more birds were moving around including Melodious Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackles, and flitting around the tree tops were Purple Honeycreeper and Yellow-throated Euphonia. After breakfast we took a walk, exploring the track which goes alongside the river and regularly produces good birds: this morning wasn’t the exception. We had a good flock with Rose-throated Becard, Spot-breast Oriole, Spot-breasted Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, White-winged Tanager, and many other warblers. Also some of us managed to see a Blue-crowned Chlorophonia which can be a bit tricky. By the time we started our walk back to the finca for lunch, a basking Tree Iguana was spotted, and a few other important birds such as Green Kingfisher, Common Black-Hawk and Blue-crowned Motmot were spotted by the little lake near the entrance to the finca. We had our lunch completely wild, next to the natural spring pool surrounded by the gorgeous gardens. One of us even took a dip in the spring waters which are famous for being refreshing and full of healthy properties.

After lunch we had a short break before a good birding walk through the gardens which produced many Tennessee Warblers, Common Tody-Flycatchers, White-bellied Emerald, Beryline Hummingbird, Social and Boat-billed Flycatchers, Great Kiskadee, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Green Kingfisher, and more basking Tree Iguanas. We walked down a nice path which took us to the lower grounds where our host Thomas was waiting to explain a bit of the history of Finca El Zapote and how they started their successful quinine production. We also checked some of the old barns where we found very interesting bats (Platyrhinus helleri) congregated in good numbers under the barn roof. After this interesting visit, we went back to the main house in

6 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

the minibus and then returned to the gardens, particularly to one of the largest ponds where dozens of egrets and herons roost every late afternoon and at dusk. We saw Snowy, Cattle and a few Little Egrets together, alongside Great White Egrets, Green Herons, and a pair of Little Blue Herons which were well concealed in the back of the tree. A Collared Forest-Flacon was performing his dusk call really close to us and secretively, while at least two pairs of Pauraque invaded the edges of the pond showing themselves really well under our spotlights and scopes!

Very happy after our relaxing and lovely day, we retired to our rooms, later to meet to do our checklist over some cold drinks –and fire-red volcano explosions – followed by another delicious dinner.

Day 9 Friday 21st November

Finca El Zapote – Antigua – flight from Guatemala City to Flores - Tikal. We enjoyed a relaxing morning at Finca El Zapote and some of us took a last stroll around its beautiful subtropical gardens which produced another array of great birds such as Spot-breasted, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and Tennessee Warbler. The fuming Volcano de Fuego was still delighting us with more noisy explosions and ash columns which lifted high into the sky, and we didn’t miss the opportunity to take a nice group picture with the steaming mountain in the background.

We left Finca Zapote after a delicious breakfast taken on the usual terrace with superb views which will never be forgotten by us all. We then headed to Guatemala City via Antigua where we stopped to see this wonderful town and its main architectonical attractions. Some of us took a stroll on our own whilst others had a guided walk with Pablo. We all enjoyed this unique town very much. We gathered together at the main square and continued our journey towards Guatemala City, stopping for lunch on the way where birds including Acorn Woodpecker and Clay-coloured Robin were spotted.

We arrived at the airport right in time to sort out our left luggage and to take whatever we would need to explore the north: Tikal and Aguateca. The small aircrafts were on time and we arrived at a rainy Flores in the early evening where our local guide Miguel Marin was ready to transfer us from the airport to our comfortable hotel in Tikal National Park. Once checked-in, we enjoyed a delicious supper and a well-deserved rest.

Day 10 Saturday 22nd November

Tikal National Park A heavy mist covered the whole area of the mystical Tikal and the early morning was quite overcast and very humid due to the heavy rain of the previous days. Nevertheless, the forecast showed a promising day and we started with a pre-breakfast birding walk around the lodge area where we found a wide-awake Mottled Owl. Continuing to the main car park next to the old airstrip we spotted excellent birds such as Ocellated Turkey, Collared Aracari, Keel-billed Toucan, Red-lored Amazon, Lineated and Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, White- fronted, White-crowned and Brown-hooded Parrots, Boat-billed Flycatcher and Gartered Trogon.

After breakfast at our hotel we left for the main Tikal complex under a great sunny morning. It was nearly impossible to advance at a normal walking pace once on the wide trails as bird flocks were constantly around and

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

the birding was great. Royal Flycatcher and Bright-rumped Attilas were the first birds that were obliging by the trail, alongside Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Motmot, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Northern Bentbill, Eye-ringed Flatbill, Masked Tytira, Couch’s Kingbird, Plain Xenops, and great views of Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher. Colourful tanagers and warblers were also along the trail including flocks of Olive-backed and Yellow-throated Euphonia, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Magnolia, Black-and-White and Kentucky Warblers, Summer Tanager and Black-cowled Oriole.

We arrived at the main plaza of Tikal Temples where we enjoyed this majestic Mayan archaeological site, walking and climbing the different temples whilst Miguel told us some of the history of these wonderful buildings. Ridgway’s and Northern Rough-winged Swallows were spotted flying in and out of the temples, and we also spotted a King Vulture, Grey-headed Kite and Ornate Hawk-Eagle soaring in the blue sky with a few Black Vultures. Heading from the main plaza to our lunch spot we found a group of Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys resting in the hot sun, and a group of Central American spider Monkeys near to where we had our lunch. The sun was shining more than ever and the high humidity was starting to affect us, so our delicious lunch and refreshing beers were spot on! After lunch we headed back to our hotel for a short break but some of us continued birding along the old airstrip where birds such as Roadside Hawk, Social Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, Blue Bunting, Montezuma Oropendola, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart and White-collared Seedeater were seen.

As the light was fading we eventually retired to our rooms in order to take a break and get ready for dinner.

Day 11 Sunday 23rd November

Tikal National Park It was a beautiful early morning in Tikal. After an early breakfast we walked another of the many trails within this wonderful national park finding more beautiful birds. White-collared Manakin and Collared Aracaris were by the main trail, and other flocks of birds involved great views of Eastern-Warbling, White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos, Wood Thrush, Brown Jay, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Worm-eating Warbler, and stunning views of the rare Black-throated Shrike Tanager. Taking a little path adjacent to a spider web of trails we found a large group of beautiful and very obliging White-nosed Coatis meandering along in search of food: amazing! The greatest of our finds was an ants nest full of ant-followers such as Grey-headed Tanager, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, and an incredible array of Woodcreepers including Tawny-winged, Ruddy, Barred, Ivory-billed and Strong-billed, all together enjoying this feast of moths and insects. This event kept us busy for nearly two hours! Some of us then continued towards the temples where we all gathered later on. By the time we were leaving the temples the temperature was raising and the day was quite hot. It was heading towards lunchtime and time to enjoy some refreshments and delicious local food.

After lunch some of us retired to the hotel whilst others continued birding along the main entrance road, airstrip and marshes finding interesting and beautiful species such as Purple-crowned Fairy, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Wood Thrush, American Redstart, Plain Chachalaca, and Magnolia and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Later we retired to our rooms for a good shower before a delicious dinner.

8 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Day 12 Monday 24th November

Yaxhá – Sayaxché – Chiminos Lodge Island Today we left the lovely Tikal area and continued our journey south to explore the archaeological complex of Yaxhá. This complex extends to the south of the Yaxhá river and has more than thirty pyramids, all well restored and some of them with easy access to the top. From here we enjoyed spectacular views of the whole forest and, as it was nice and sunny, good views of a few raptors such as Bat Falcon, Ornate Hawk-Eagle and Grey-headed Kite. We also had much better and closer views of King Vulture from here, and an array of other birds such as Red Lored Amaon, Brown-hooded Parrot, Bright-rumped Attila, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Rufous Mourner, Masked Tytira, White-eyed Vireo, Mangrove Swallow and Montezuma Oropendola. The trails were a good place for Slaty-tailed Trogon, Blue-crowned Motmot, Purple-crown Fairy, Collared Aracari, Keel-billed Toucan, Hooded Warbler, Pale-billed Woodpecker, and a very nice male Northern (Black-vested) Anteater of which we had great views!

The day was getting a bit hot so we moved on and stopped for lunch in the village of Yaxhá where a delicious local lunch and cool drinks suited us all and recharged our batteries for the journey to Sayaxché where we caught a boat to Chiminos Island Lodge. We enjoyed the boat ride while watching an array of birds such as Green and Little Blue Herons, Amazon, Green, Ringed and Belted Kingfishers, Mealy Amazon, Red-billed and Short-billed Pigeons and Limpkin. On arriving at Chiminos Lodge we checked in to our rooms before enjoying a nice dinner and drinks.

Day 13 Tuesday 25th November

Aguateca Archaeological Site Today was sunny and hot. We started early, birding from the lodge’s river deck before having a nice breakfast and then we set off to Aguateca Archaeological site. A flock of birds caught our attention: a group of Black- cowled Orioles and Montezuma Oropendola were moving along the river trees, and finding a pair of Yellow- tailed Orioles with them was the highlight of the early morning.

Once at the site we walked up the wooden stairs to the massive crag we had seen from the bottom - really impressive. We started birding and found lots of good birds such as One-coloured Becard, Kentucky and Golden-cheeked Warblers, Spot-breasted Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Mangrove Vireo, Tawny-crowned and Lesser Greenlets, Yellow-throated, Yellow-Green and Eastern-Warbling Vireos, and Ivory-billed Woodcreeper. We had also great views of Central American Spider Monkeys, Yucatan Squirrel and Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys too. Other birds we enjoyed seeing were Wedge-billed and Olivaceous Woodcreepers, White- whiskered and White-necked Puffbirds, Collared and Slaty-tailed Trogons, and fantastic views of a beautiful male Red-capped Manakin.

We headed back to our lodge for lunch and then we had a short break before going out again. We walked along the lodge trails but it was a bit quiet due to the very windy conditions. We found a few birds such as Black- headed Trogon, Yellow-winged Tanager, White-breasted Wood-Wren, and a very obliging Long-tailed Hermit on his lekking territory. We then had a boat ride along the lake where plenty of Ospreys, herons and egrets were seen, and even a Brown Pelican meandering around on its own; a good signal of bad weather coming from the northern coast, and judging for the look of the sky and the strong wind, it was coming our way soon.

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Back at the lodge we had a delicious dinner, whilst outside it was a stormy evening and night.

Day 14 Wednesday 26th November

Chiminos Island – Flores – Villa Maya – Guatemalla City The day started with a wet morning. We had a delicious breakfast, together with sightings of a very elusive Sungrebe along the shores of the agitated waters of the lake. We left the lodge under light rain but it was still good for birdwatching as Green, Belted and Ringed Kingfishers were seen, alongside many species of herons, raptors and parrots. We arrived to Sayaxché where our boat ride ended and we took our bus to the city of Flores where we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the city and had a delicious lunch in one of the local restaurants.

After lunch, the weather settled so we went on a birding walk along some of the tracks of Villa Maya resort where we saw great birds including Rufous–tailed Jacamar, Northern Barred Woodcreeper, Grey-headed Tanager, Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Red-throated Ant-Tanager and Black-headed Saltator.

It was then time to set off to Flores airport to catch our domestic flight to Guatemala City. Once at our Guatemala City hotel we gathered together for our final dinner, sharing experiences and funny moments of the trip so far.

Day 15 Thursday 27th November

Cerro Alux – Guatemala airport (fly to the UK via San Salvador – Madrid) It was a leisurely start for everyone except two of our fellow travellers who were flying out much earlier than the rest of us. We had breakfast together before saying goodbye to them, and then the rest of us boarded the bus and drove a good 30 minutes to the outskirts of the city where the lovely Cerro Alux reserve is located. It was sunny but very windy, and views from the top of the reserve where superb. We started our birding walk getting great views of Tropical Pewee, Rufous-browed Wren, Bushtit, Band-backed Wren, Steller’s Jay, Blue-headed Vireo and a very nice Central American Dwarf Squirrel. Further down the trail we had great views of Greater Pewee, White-eared and Amethyst-throated Hummingbirds, Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch and a lovely Tufted Flycatcher.

After more than two hours of great birding we returned to our hotel to get ready for our long flight back to the UK. After our final lunch in the hotel restaurant we headed to the international airport and checked in for our flight going via San Salvador and Madrid.

Day 16 Friday 28th November

Madrid to London After a confused change of gates in Madrid we said goodbye to one of our fellow travelers who was going to Switzerland, and the remainder of the group finally arrived at London Heathrow Airport with no setbacks. We collected our luggage and headed to the exit gate where we all said goodbye, wishing the best to each other and

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

hoping to catch up on another birding trip soon! We all recalled our best experiences during this tour and we looked forward to sharing our photos and other anecdotes from the magical Land of the Mayas.

Receive our e-newsletter

Join the Naturetrek e-mailing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk to sign up.

Naturetrek Facebook

We are delighted to launch the Naturetrek Facebook page so that participants of Naturetrek tours can remain in touch after the holiday and share photos, comments and future travel plans.

Setting up a personal profile at www.facebook.com is quick, free and easy. The Naturetrek Facebook page is now live; do please pay us a visit!

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds (= recorded but not counted; h = heard only) November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1 Thicket Tinamou Crypturellus cinnamomeus  2 Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui h 3 Great Tinamou Tinamus major h 4 Great Curassow Crax rubra  5 Horned Guan Oreophasis derbianus  6 White-bellied Chachalaca Ortalis leucogastra     7 Plain Chachalaca Ortalis vetula    8 Highland Guan Penelopina nigra h 9 Ocellated Turkey Meleagris ocellata   10 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors  11 Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis    12 Chestnut-colored Woodpecker Celeus castaneus     13 Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus  14 Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus     15 Golden-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes aurifrons              16 Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus   17 Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus       18 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius  19 Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus    20 Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani  21 Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus   22 Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus       23 Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus      24 Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda  25 White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis   26 White-necked Puffbird Notharchus macrorhynchos   27 Collared Trogon Trogon collaris    28 Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena   29 Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus  

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 Mountain Trogon Trogon mexicanus    31 Gartered Trogon Trogon caligatus   32 Blue-throated Motmot Aspatha gularis  33 Tody Motmot Hylomanes momotula  34 Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota        35 American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea  36 Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona   37 Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana     38 Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon    39 Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata    40 Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus  41 Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana          42 Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris       43 White-fronted Parrot Amazona albifrons    44 Yellow-naped Parrot Amazona auropalliata   45 Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis     46 Mealy Parrot Amazona farinosa     47 Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis      48 Pacific Parakeet Aratinga strenua      49 Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis   50 Brown-hooded Parrot Pionopsitta haematotis   51 White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis  52 White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis  53 Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi      54 White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris    55 Emerald-chinned Hummingbird Abeillia abeillei  56 Berylline Hummingbird Amazilia beryllina      57 White-bellied Emerald Amazilia candida     58 Azure-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia cyanocephala   59 Blue-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia cyanura  60 Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila      61 Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl    

2 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 62 Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii  63 Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis  64 Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris     65 Wedge-tailed Sabrewing Campylopterus curvipennis  66 Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus    67 Rufous Sabrewing Campylopterus rufus  68 Canivet's Emerald Chlorostilbon canivetii  69 Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus    70 Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens    71 Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris      72 Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti   73 Blue-throated Goldentail Hylocharis eliciae  74 White-eared Hummingbird Hylocharis leucotis    75 Amethyst-throated Hummingbird Lampornis amethystinus     76 Garnet-throated Hummingbird Lamprolaima rhami    77 Long-tailed Hermit Phaethornis superciliosus   78 Stygian Owl Asio stygius  79 Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus  80 Mottled Owl Ciccaba virgata   h 81 Central American Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium griseiceps  82 Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum  83 Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis    84 Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis   85 Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis    86 Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata   87 Red-billed Pigeon Columba flavirostris      88 Rock Dove Columba livia    89 Short-billed Pigeon Columba nigrirostris  90 Inca Dove Columbina inca   91 Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti   92 White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi    93 White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica    

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 94 Limpkin Aramus guarauna  95 Sungrebe Heliornis fulica  96 American Coot Fulica americana   97 Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis  98 Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia  99 Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria  100 Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa  101 Killdeer Charadrius vociferus  102 Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus  103 Laughing Gull Larus atricilla    104 Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan  105 Royal Tern Sterna maxima  106 Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus  107 Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis  108 Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris      109 Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus    110 Common Black-Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus   111 Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus   112 Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus  113 Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis    114 Osprey Pandion haliaetus   115 Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis   116 Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus   117 Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus   118 Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis    119 American Kestrel Falco sparverius    120 Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans h 121 Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus  122 Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps   123 Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus    124 Anhinga Anhinga anhinga  125 Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus   

4 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 126 Great Egret Ardea alba          127 Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias     128 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis           129 Green Heron Butorides virescens      130 Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearia  131 Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea     132 Snowy Egret Egretta thula       133 Little Egret Egretta garzetta  134 Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor  135 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea  136 Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum  137 Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis  138 Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura             139 Black Vulture Coragyps atratus              140 Wood Stork Mycteria americana  141 King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa   142 Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus    143 Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe  144 Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis   145 Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus       146 Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax  147 Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens   148 Pine Flycatcher Empidonax affinis  149 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris      150 Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus    151 Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens   152 Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus   153 White-collared Manakin Manacus candei  154 Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua     155 Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus     156 Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus  157 Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus  

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 158 Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer    159 Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus     160 Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher Myiobius barbatus  161 Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Myiobius erythrurus  162 Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis         163 Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare  164 Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus   165 Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet Ornithion semiflavum  166 Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae       167 Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus  168 One-coloured Becard Pachyramphus homochrous  169 Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis   170 Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus        171 Eye-ringed Flatbill Rhynchocyclus brevirostris     172 Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra    173 Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans  174 Thrush-like Schiffornis Schiffornis turdinus  175 Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata         176 Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum    177 Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens     178 Couch's Kingbird Tyrannus couchii  179 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus  180 Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus             181 Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus  182 Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus  183 Tawny-winged Woodcreeper Dendrocincla anabatina  184 Ruddy Woodcreeper Dendrocincla homochroa  185 Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes certhia   186 Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus  187 Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis    188 Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus     189 Rufous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis erythrothorax  

6 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 190 Plain Xenops Xenops minutus   191 Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus  192 Ivory-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus flavigaster      193 Mexican Antthrush Formicarius moniliger h 194 Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis   195 Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus    196 Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps  197 Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons       198 Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis   199 Eastern Warbling-Vireo Vireo gilvus       200 White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus    201 Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni  202 Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus       203 Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens  204 Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus  205 Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius   206 Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius melitophrys  207 White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa       208 Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri  h  209 Bushy-crested Jay Cyanocorax melanocyaneus     210 Brown Jay Psilorhinus morio      211 Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris  212 Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus     213 Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina     214 Brown-backed Solitaire Myadestes occidentalis   215 Slate-colored Solitaire Myadestes unicolor  216 Clay-colored Thrush Turdus grayi              217 Rufous-collared Robin Turdus rufitorques     218 Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis     219 Blue-and-white Mockingbird Melanotis hypoleucus   220 Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha        221 Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus     

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 222 Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys   223 White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta h 224 Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea         225 Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus  226 Spot-breasted Wren Thryothorus maculipectus  H    227 Rufous-and-white Wren Thryothorus rufalbus  228 House Wren Troglodytes aedon     229 Rufous-browed Wren Troglodytes rufociliatus   230 Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus  231 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica     232 Black-capped Swallow Notiochelidon pileata     233 Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea      234 Ridgway's Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ridgwayi   235 Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis            236 Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea    237 House Sparrow Passer domesticus     238 Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis  239 Yellow-throated Brush-Finch Atlapetes gutturalis  240 Golden-browed Warbler Basileuterus belli   241 Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus   242 Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Buarremon brunneinucha   243 Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons  244 Black-headed Siskin Carduelis notata  245 Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria  246 Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza  247 Blue-crowned Chlorophonia Chlorophonia occipitalis  248 Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus  249 Bananaquit Coereba flaveola   250 Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus        251 Blue Bunting Cyanocompsa parellina  252 Golden-cheeked Warbler Dendroica chrysoparia   253 Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia           

8 © Naturetrek

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 254 Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica   255 Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia           256 Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi       257 Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens      258 Cinnamon-bellied Flower-piercer Diglossa baritula  259 Melodious Blackbird Dives dives            260 Pink-headed Warbler Ergaticus versicolor  261 Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata   262 Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis    263 Blue-hooded Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima   264 Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi    265 Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea         266 Fan-tailed Warbler Euthlypis lachrymosa  267 Montezuma Oropendola Gymnostinops montezuma      268 Red-throated Ant-Tanager Habia fuscicauda    269 Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorus   270 Hooded Grosbeak Hesperiphona abeillei  271 Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater  272 Black-cowled Oriole Icterus dominicensis   273 Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula           274 Altamira Oriole Icterus gularis     275 Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas  276 Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis      277 Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius       278 Yellow-eyed Junco Junco phaeonotus  279 Black-throated Shrike-Tanager Lanio aurantius   280 White-eared Ground-Sparrow Melozone leucotis  281 Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia             282 Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus     283 Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus    284 MacGillivray's Warbler Oporornis tolmiei   285 Crescent-chested Warbler Parula superciliosa  

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 286 Painted Bunting Passerina ciris    287 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus    288 Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus  289 Flame-colored Tanager Piranga bidentata  290 White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera     291 Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana      292 Summer Tanager Piranga rubra          293 Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus                294 Crimson-collared Tanager Ramphocelus sanguinolentus  295 Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps        296 Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens      297 Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus   298 Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla      299 Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis      300 American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla     301 White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola          302 Azure-rumped Tanager Tangara cabanisi  303 Yellow-winged Tanager Thraupis abbas         304 Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus        305 Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina       306 Lucy's Warbler Oreothlypis luciae  307 Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus  308 Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina  309 Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina       310 Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla          311 Rufous-capped Warbler Basilesuterus rufifrons   312 Prevot's Ground Sparrow Melozone biarcuatum   313 Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus   314 Green-backed Sparrow Arremonops chloronotus   

Guatemala – Birding in the Realm of the Maya Tour Report

November Common name Scientific name 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Mammals 1 Yucatan Black Howler Monkey Alouatta pigra  h   2 Central American Spider Monkey Ateles geoffroyi     3 White-nosed Coati Nasua narica    4 Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata       5 Yucatan Squirrel Sciurus yucatanensis         6 White-tailed Deer Odocolieus virginianus  7 Deppe's Squirrel Sciurus deppei  8 Grey Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus   9 Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides   10 Stripe-headed Bat Platyrhinus helleri  11 Northern (Black-vested) Anteater Tamandua mexicana  12 Central American Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus alfari 

Stygian Owl