Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern BIRDING tour report: March 2019

A TROPICAL BIRDING set departure tour

Northern COLOMBIA: The Santa Marta Mountains & The Caribbean

9th - 17th March 2019 Tours

Yellow-crowned Redstart is a handsome endemic of the Santa Marta Mountains, a major focus on this tour.

Tour leader: Jose Illanes (all the photos in this report were taken by Jose on this tour)

1 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

INTRODUCTION:

344 were recorded on the tour (325 species were seen by the group) in a week’s birding in Colombia, which was a good showing for the tour. This was unexpected, with the exceptionally dry weather experienced this year. There was a clear winner of the BIRD-OF-THE-TOUR vote among the participants, all universally agreeing that Blue-billed Curassow was the ultimate highlight. The other main standouts, (highlighted by the group), were Santa Marta Screech-Owl, Santa Marta Antpitta, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, (nesting) White-tipped Quetzal, Pied , Santa Marta Woodstar, Lance-tailed Manakin, Plushcap, White-whiskered Spinetail, Crested Bobwhite and Golden-green Woodpecker. We did well in the Santa Marta Mountains, seeing all 19 of the expected endemics there, including (in addition to those mentioned above), the namesake Parakeet (perched!), Tapaculo, Bush-Tyrant, Warbler, and Brushfinch, as well as Coppery Emerald, White-tailed Starfrontlet (below), Black-cheeked Mountain-, Yellow-crowned Redstart and Black-fronted Wood-quail. For a short tour this packed a Hell of a punch, bringing new birders and seasoned birders alike highlights!

White-tailed Starfrontlet was, as usual, a highlight at the El Dorado Lodge feeders.

2 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

TOUR SUMMARY:

Isla Salamanca National Park to Riohacha (10th March)

After a welcome dinner the evening before, this morning saw the start of our birding in northern Colombia. We made our way to Isla Salamanca National Park, where three types of are found within this park, (black, red and yellow), and combine with shores of the Caribbean Sea to offer both songbirds and shorebirds. We did not need to walk much to find what we were initially looking for though, as by playing the recording of a Ferruginous Pygmy-owl in came both Sapphire- throated and Bicolored Conebill both key, -dwelling species that we’d been targeting. Black- crested Antshrike was also found there, as was Greater Ani. Other species seen once we walked a little away from the car park included Panama Flycatcher, Golden-green and Spot-breasted Woodpeckers, Scrub Flycatcher, and lots of wintering Prothonotary Warblers readying for their northward migration. Pied Puffbird. Around the ponds we found Green Heron, Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Pied Water-Tyrant, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, and an active nesting Yellow-chinned Spinetail, which posed for photographs. Bare-throated Tiger-Heron was also found in a nearby pond, not a regular species on this trip usually. A Crab-eating Raccoon, found resting in the trees within the park, was also much appreciated.

After a couple of hours there, we drove another 15 minutes to “km4”, a famous birding hotspot, where Stripe-backed and Bicolored Wrens, Brown-throated Parakeets, Yellow-headed and Crested Caracaras, Russet-throated Puffbird (above), Smooth and Groove-billed Anis, Scaled Dove, Ruddy and Common Ground-Doves, Snail Kite, Glossy and Bare-faced Ibis, Purple Gallinule, White-headed Marsh-Tyrant, Yellow Oriole and Yellow-hooded Blackbird were found by birding this dirt road. 3 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Another couple of hours drive brought us to a place where we had planned to have lunch at restaurant close to Tayrona National Park. While waiting for our food, White-necked Jacobin, Masked Tityra, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and an Amazon Kingfisher were seen on the nearby river. Cottontop Tamarin (next page) was also seen during our lunch break. After lunch, we drove directly towards Riohacha, stopping briefly at La Gaviotas Road, where White-necked Puffbird, Lance-tailed Manakin, Crimson-backed Tanager, Blue Ground-Dove, Forest Elaenia, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Lineated Woodpecker, and Blue-black Grosbeak were all seen there. Vermilion and Fork-tailed Flycatchers, Bare- eyed Pigeon, Orange-crowned Oriole and Blue-crowned Parakeet, and lots of Green-rumped Parrotlets (below) heading to roost, were all seen during our final stop along the highway to Riohacha. We arrived in the evening at our hotel in Riohacha, where we spent the night.

Flamencos Reserve to Finca La Jorara (11th March)

We started our day in dry scrubby habitat in the Flamencos Reserve, where a local guide joined us for our visit. Pearly- vented Tody-Tyrant, Slender-billed Tyrannulet, the shockingly good-looking White-whiskered Spinetail, White-fringed Antwren, Chestnut Piculet, and both Grayish and Orinoco Saltators. Walking with this dry and hot vegetation, we noticed Buffy Hummingbird and Red-billed Emerald feeding on the local cacti. Waterbirds were also seen there, with the standout species being a handful of Scarlet Ibis (page 13), a bird so bright it has to be seen to be believed.

4 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

5 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Burrowing Owl and Pearl Kite also featured there too, as did another major avian target, Vermilion Cardinal (below), with a pair eventually seen, making a hot, sweaty walk very worthwhile. As we were still missing some local species, we changed spots to a less disturbed area, with more pristine habitat, and soon found them with Glaucous Tanager, Black- backed Antshrike, Pale-legged Hornero, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Pale-tipped Tyarnnulet and Ferruginous Pygmy-owl also showed up after a morning having used its call to good effect. Another principal target species, Tocuyo Sparrow finally gave us the looks that we wanted, a scarcity. We now felt pretty much done with this place, and so headed to the coast to have lunch overlooking the shoreline at our friend Johny’s restaurant.

After lunch, we headed towards Finca de la Jorara, the place we were to stay the night. On the way to our destination, we took a side road into the forest, and tracked down like, Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Red-billed Emerald, Shining- green Hummingbird, Bicolored Hawk, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Red Pileated-Finch, Long-billed Gnatwren, Slate- headed Tody-Flycatcher, and even found another Tocuyo Sparrow. This couple of hours birding turned out well, and after that we drove direct to our hotel, another 90 minute drive away.

Tayrona National Park to Minca (12th March)

After an early breakfast, we drove 30 minutes to Tayrona National Park, where our goal was to find Blue-billed Curassow before the arrival of many general tourists in this popular area. Our local guide Wilson indicated where we should focus our search, and after a 90 minute wait, one was finally found by one of the group. While waiting for the hoped-for appearance of the rare curassow, we spotted Trinidad Euphonia and a number of Buff-breasted Wrens. 6 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Following the curassow sighting, we also found White-chinned Sapphire, White-bearded Manakin, Plain-brown and Cocoa Woodcreepers, and Gray-headed Tanager. White-fronted Capuchin was also foraging overhead in the area, as were Crested Guan, Plain Xenops, and a displaying Lance-tailed Manakin. Eventually, the number of tourists became too much, as so we moved away towards El Dorado Reserve, but stopped for lunch and on the way there at Minca. There we changed from a large van to a convoy of 4WD vehicles to take us into the mountains and the El Dorado Reserve. The feeders at Minca were bustling with as usual, with Steely-vented Hummingbird, White-vented Plumeleteer, White-necked Jacobin, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. A dusty, bumpy dirt road led us into the reserve uphill, and to break up this “joyride”, we stopped for birds as we ascended, like Tennessee Warbler and Thick-billed Euphonia early on, just above the town. Much further up the mountain road, we stopped for a roosting Black-and-white Owl that our driver knew of from a recently finished previous trip, which was a nice welcome to El Dorado! Continuing on, we found Pale-breasted and Yellow-legged Thrushes, Golden-winged Sparrow, Swallow Tanager and a bunch of Black-and-white and Blackburnian Warblers too. Further up still, we entered into our first area where Santa Marta Mountain specialties begin to appear. Firstly, we tried for Santa Marta Antbird at a traditional spot, which worked out well, and then White-lored Warbler, also a Santa Marta endemic. Also scanning this same secondary forest area interspersed with coffee plantations was productive with Bay-headed, White-lined and Black-headed . Higher still, we stopped for Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and later still, we pulled out a Rusty-breasted Antpitta that came in to playback. Good views of Santa Marta and Montane Foliage-gleaners were had in the same spot; the same general area also produced Santa Marta Brushfinch (below), Rufous-breasted Wren, Crested Oropendola, and the “cereal box” Keel-billed Toucan hanging out in a cecropia tree. Just before reaching the lodge, we also spotted a Merlin along the way, eventually arriving at our accommodation at dusk. We had arrived with a headstart on our Santa Marta list, and within wonderful surroundings to search for more of these in the coming days…

7 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

El Dorado Reserve (San Lorenzo Ridge), Santa Marta Mountains (13th March)

A very early start (4:30am) was required to set off for a higher ridge, San Lorenzo, where some of the Santa Marta endemics are restricted to. While the distance is not great to the ridge, the road conditions means ground is covered slowly, hence the early start required. However, an early start of this nature came with its own rewards; the newly-described Santa Marta Screech-owl and Band-winged Nightjar were both seen before we got to the ridge itself. Arriving at around 6am- ish, we were happy to see idyllic weather conditions on arrival, and quickly started seeing the birds we were seeking, like Yellow-fronted Redstart, Santa Marta Brushfinch, Streak-capped and Rusty-headed Spinetails, and a noisy Flammulated Treehunter, calling from inside the bamboo forest. All of this happened prior to breakfast. Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Scaly-naped Amazon, and Hermit Wood-Wren were also added soon after. Mountain Elaenia, White- throated Tyrannulet, Black-cheeked (Santa Marta) Mountain-Tanager were also noted. One of the birds we were by now missing was Santa Marta Parakeet, a specialty and one of the rarer ones. We continued to walk and scan the area for them, when a flock of eight parakeets screamed in and landed in a nearby Eucalyptus tree, where they were sadly hard to photograph amongst the dense leaves. We walked gently down the road from the ridge, finding Southern Emerald- Toucanet (above), a low soaring White-rumped Hawk, and Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, (another of the trickier endemics) was also recorded, as was a late show from a Santa Marta Warbler. The warbler was one of the very last endemics we could find at that particular spot. With work, we managed to pull out Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, and the Brown-rumped Tapaculo (the latter, another very local species) as we walked down.

8 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Others seen in this area, included Tyrian Metaltail and Strong-billed Woodcreeper. Continuing down, we noticed a small natural water drip by the side of the road and there was some obvious activity in the area. On further investigation, we found Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush, Plushcap, Sierra Nevada Brushfinch, Black-hooded Thrush, and even the shy and difficult Santa Marta Antpitta (below) in attendance. This unexpected activity was perhaps spurred on by the low rainfall of late that may have led to species being concentrated around small, natural seeps like this. By now, lunchtime was approaching, and we took a packed lunch in the field. After lunch, we observed a Lined Quail-Dove walking along the road, Blue-capped Tanager, and a very cooperative Golden-breasted Fruiteater that sat for a while. Finally, we arrived back at the lodge with time to spare, and so spent some of this admiring the comings and goings on at the local feeders, where Lazuline Sabrewing was the standout sighting (Jose’s first sighting in Colombia), along with more expected fare like Crowned Woodnymph, White-tailed Starfrontlet, and Brown and Lesser Violetears. The lodge also has fruit feeders and a compost pile, which led us to see Band-tailed Guan, Black-chested Jay, White-tipped Dove, Blue-naped Chlorophonia and Black-capped Tanager. This brought the day to a close.

El Dorado Reserve, Santa Marta Mountains (14th March) Most of the birding on this day was concentrated around the lodge property. Therefore, an early, early breakfast was not needed. We birded in the lodge gardens, along the road, and also on some of the trails on the property. Black-fronted Wood-Quail. Golden-crowned and Cinnamon Flycatchers, Masked Trogon were all observed, along with a male and female of White-tipped Quetzal, which was nesting just above the lodge. 9 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

There were repeats of Lined Quail-Dove, Band-tailed Guan, Bay-headed, Black-capped and Blue-capped Tanagers, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Black-hooded and Pale-breasted Thrushes, plus all of the same hummingbirds we had recorded the day before. After lunch and a little rest, we took a walk down to La Tiendita, a local site where a lady runs a shop and greeted us on arrival. We visited to check out the flowering blossoms that attract a variety of hummingbirds. While we waited for the main hummingbird to appear, we noted Rusty and White-sided Flowerpiercers, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Groove-billed Toucanet, and then eventually a Santa Marta Woodstar and Santa Marta Blossomcrown came into the orange blooms as hoped. After we notched up the final two key hummingbirds of the area, we walked down the road, noting Scaled Pigeon, Broad-winged Hawk, and the very rare Coppery Emerald that was seen feeding on some roadside flowers. A Santa Marta Tapaculo was also seen with the aid of playback. By the time we walked back to the lodge, we arrived around dusk after another successful session in the lodge area.

El Dorado Reserve, Santa Marta Mountains to Minca (15th March)

After a latish breakfast, we did some final birding around the lodge, then packed up and drove down to Minca once more, birding along the way down to there. On the journey we racked up Southern Emerald-Toucanet, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bay-headed and Black-capped Tanagers, Masked Trogon, White-tipped Quetzal, and Strong-billed and Montane Woodcreepers. Lower down, we also found the resident White-lored Warbler again, and also came upon some migrant warblers too, like Golden-winged and Tennessee, and Black-and-white Warblers, and American Redstart. Golden- olive Woodpecker was also seen in this same area, before we had to depart for lunch at the hotel in Minca once more. Again, we enjoyed their hummingbird (White-vented Plumeleteer-next page, Black-breasted Mango, Pale-bellied Hermit and White-necked Jacobin) show at the feeders there, took lunch, and rested up before an afternoon’s birding again. While some rested, others took photos of the glittering hummingbirds at the feeders.

10 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

The afternoon’s birding was not far from the hotel, along a local road towards a waterfall. This is normally a productive road, but the high volume of traffic and people made it more difficult than usual. However, it was productive enough to make it entirely worthwhile, with Collared Aracari, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Masked Tityra, Rufous-capped Warbler, Blue- black Grosbeak, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Thick-billed Seedfinch, and Rufous-and-white and Bay Wrens, this included a number of new additions to the trip list. Whooping Motmot was also one of the highlights of a good few hours in the late afternoon along this road. We headed back to the hotel in Minca as the day drew towards dusk.

Minca area and Universidad del Norte (16th March)

This was the last day of the tour for birding, so we wanted to make the most of it. After breakfast at Minca again, we set out for our final birding session. By now, we were laser-focused on what we were missing, with this now being a fairly short list at this late stage. In light of this, we drove uphill from Minca, and tried playing the call of a pygmy-owl to stir up some small songbirds, which worked well, with Scaled Piculet, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Yellow-backed Oriole, Golden-crowned Warbler, Black-crowned Tityra, Yellow-olive Flatbill, and Gartered Trogon all reacting as a result.

As the morning warmed up, so raptors came out on the wing, like Plumbeous and Swallow-tailed Kites, and Gray-lined, Broad-winged and Short-tailed Hawks. While we birded this road, Rosy Thrush-Tanager weighed heavy on our minds, a major target for us, being not only a beautiful species, but also a monotypic bird family.

11 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

While they are relatively common, they are tricky to see from the road, a notoriously skulking bird that trail work is generally more productive for. However, there were no trails to speak of, and so we continued trying along the road, and eventually got views of several of these spectacular birds, which was arguably the highlight of the morning. Other birds that provided a supporting cast included Swallow, Bay-headed and Black-headed Tanagers, Rufous-capped Warbler, Buff-throated Saltator, and Yellow-legged Thrush, all also coming in to explore the recording of the pygmy-owl. With time now waning on the tour, we changed location, and drove downhill to find some other birds there. We birded the Las Cabanas entrance road, and were soon looking at Golden-fronted Greenlet, Yellow-breasted Flatbill, Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant, and Black-whiskered Vireo, the latter a rare and unexpected migrant for the area. Our time in the Minca area had come to an end, and so we returned to our hotel, packed up, got lunch, and then drove back to Barranquilla, where the tour was to end. On this final journey, very little birding was available in the short time available, but we did make a sort stop at some salt ponds, where shore birds like Semipalmated, Western and Least Sandpipers were noted, as well as Sanderling, Willet, Little and Tricolored Herons, and Royal Tern. We arrived back in the city, with some spare time on our hands, so we quickly took a side trip to Universidad del Norte, to try and find our final endemic. Ten of fifteen minutes after we began our search, we finally located fifteen to twenty Chestnut-winged Chachalacas. Besides these, we also added another endemic, with Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (next page) that reacted along with a Shining-green Hummingbird to some further pygmy-owl imitations. These provided three new birds for the trip in quick succession at the eleventh hour. Cattle Tyrant, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Whooping Motmot, Chestnut Piculet (above), Saffron Finch, and Scaled Dove were all also seen there during this very last bounty of birds for the tour. This brought the tour to an end in terms of birding, with a final dinner and a last checklist all that remained for the evening and the remainder of the tour.

12 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

13 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

CHECKLISTS: BIRDS: The of the bird list follows: Clements, James F., White, Anthony W., and Fitzpatrick, John W. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. Cornell, 2007. Includes recent updates to this list.

(E) indicates a regional endemic to the Santa Marta Mountains; H indicates Heard Only.

TINAMOUS TINAMIDAE Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui H WATERFOWL ANATIDAE Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Blue-winged Teal Spatula discors GUAN,CHACHALACAS, AND CURASSOWS CRACIDAE Chestnut-winged Chachalaca (E) Ortalis garrula Rufous-vented Chachalaca Ortalis ruficauda Band-tailed Guan Penelope argyrotis Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii Blue-billed Curassow (E) Crax alberti NEW WORLD QUAIL ODONTOPHORIDAE Crested Bobwhite Colinus cristatus Black-fronted Wood-Quail Odontophorus atrifrons GREBES PODICIPEDIDAE Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus PIGEONS AND DOVES COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon Columba livia Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa Bare-eyed Pigeon Patagioenas corensis Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti Scaled Dove Columbina squammata Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Lined Quail-Dove Zentrygon linearis CUCKOOS CUCULIDAE Greater Ani Crotophaga major Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana NIGHTJARS CAPRIMULGIDAE Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis SWIFTS APODIDAE Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris 14 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

HUMMINGBIRDS TROCHILIDAE White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Pale-bellied Hermit Phaethornis anthophilus Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis Sooty-capped Hermit Phaethornis augusti Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Lesser (Green) Violetear Colibri cyanotus Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina White-tailed Starfrontlet (E) Coeligena phalerata Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris G Santa Marta Woodstar (E) Chaetocercus astreans Red-billed Emerald gibsoni Coppery Emerald Chlorostilbon russatus Santa Marta Blossomcrown (E) Anthocephala floriceps Lazuline Sabrewing Campylopterus falcatus White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii Crowned (Violet-crowned) Woodnymph Thalurania colombica Buffy Hummingbird Leucippus fallax Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerottei Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Sapphire-throated Hummingbird Lepidopyga coeruleogularis Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (E) Lepidopyga lilliae Shining-green Hummingbird Lepidopyga goudoti White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus RAILS, GALLINULES, COOTS RALLIDAE Gray-cowled Wood-Rail Aramides cajaneus H Sora Porzana carolina H Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica LIMPKIN ARAMIDAE Limpkin Aramus guarauna THICK-KNEES BURHINIDAE Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus STILTS AND AVOCETS RECURVIROSTRIDAE Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS CHARADRIIDAE Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis JACANAS JACANIDAE Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana SANDPIPERS AND ALLIES SCOLOPACIDAE Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Sanderling Calidris alba Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 15 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Willet Tringa semipalmata Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes GULLS, TERNS, AND SKIMMERS LARIDAE Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus FRIGATEBIRDS FREGATIDAE Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens CORMORANTS AND SHAGS PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus PELICANS PELECANIDAE Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis HERONS, EGRETS, BITTERNS ARDEIDAE Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum Fasciated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Great Egret Ardea alba Snowy Egret Egretta thula Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Green Heron Butorides virescens Striated Heron Butorides striata IBISES AND SPOONBILLS THRESKIORNITHIDAE White Ibis Eudocimus albus Scarlet Ibis Eudocimus ruber Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus NEW WORLD VULTURES CATHARTIDAE King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus OSPREY PANDIONIDAE Osprey Pandion haliaetus HAWKS, EAGLES, AND KITES ACCIPITRIDAE Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris White-rumped Hawk Parabuteo leucorrhous Gray Hawk Buteo plagiatus Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus 16 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus OWLS STRIGIDAE Santa Marta Screech-Owl (E) Megascops gilesi Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Black-and-white Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata TROGONS TROGONIDAE White-tipped Quetzal Pharomachrus fulgidus Gartered Trogon Trogon caligatus Masked Trogon Trogon personatus MOTMOTS MOMOTIDAE Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens KINGFISHERS ALCEDINIDAE Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana BUCCONIDAE White-necked Puffbird hyperrhynchus Pied Puffbird Notharchus tectus Russet-throated Puffbird Hypnelus ruficollis ruficollis JACAMARS GALBULIDAE Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda TOUCANS RAMPHASTIDAE Southern Emerald (Santa Marta) Toucanet Aulacorhynchus albivitta lautus Groove-billed (Yellow-billed) Toucanet Aulacorhynchus sulcatus calorhynchus Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus WOODPECKERS PICIDAE Scaled Piculet Picumnus squamulatus Chestnut Piculet Picumnus cinnamomeus Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus Smoky-brown Woodpecker Dryobates fumigatus H Red-rumped Woodpecker Dryobates kirkii Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Golden-green Woodpecker Piculus chrysochloros Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula FALCONS AND CARACARAS FALCONIDAE Barred Forest-Falcon Micrastur ruficollis H Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima American Kestrel Falco sparverius Merlin Falco columbarius Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis PARROTS PSITTACIDAE Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Scaly-naped Parrot Amazona mercenarius 17 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus Santa Marta Parakeet (E) Pyrrhura viridicata Brown-throated Parakeet Eupsittula pertinax Military Macaw Ara militaris Blue-crowned Parakeet Thectocercus acuticaudatus Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Psittacara wagleri TYPICAL ANTBIRDS THAMNOPHILIDAE Black-crested Antshrike Sakesphorus canadensis Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Black-crowned (W. Slaty) Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha Black-backed Antshrike Thamnophilus melanonotus White-fringed Antwren Formicivora grisea Santa Marta Antbird (E) Drymophila hellmayri White-bellied Antbird Myrmeciza longipes H ANTPITTAS GRALLARIIDAE Santa Marta Antpitta (E) Grallaria bangsi (Santa Marta) Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula spatiator H Rusty-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula ferrugineipectus TAPACULOS RHINOCRYPTIDAE Santa Marta Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus sanctaemartae Brown-rumped Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus latebricola OVENBIRDS FURNARIIDAE: FURNARIINAE Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Plain Xenops Xenops minutus Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Pale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner (E) Clibanornis rufipectus Flammulated Treehunter Thripadectes flammulatus Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens H Streak-capped Spinetail Cranioleuca hellmayri Yellow-chinned Spinetail Certhiaxis cinnamomeus Pale-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albescens White-whiskered Spinetail Synallaxis candei Rusty-headed Spinetail (E) Synallaxis fuscorufa TYRANT FLYCATCHERS TYRANNIDAE Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Mouse-colored Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus Forest Elaenia Myiopagis gaimardii Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus 18 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus Spectacled (Paltry) Tyrannulet Zimmerius improbus tamae Northern Scrub-Flycatcher Sublegatus arenarum Slender-billed Tyrannulet Inezia tenuirostris Pale-tipped Tyrannulet Inezia caudata Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant Atalotriccus pilaris Southern Bentbill Oncostoma olivaceum H Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens exortivus Yellow-breasted (Ochre-lored) Flycatcher Tolmomyias flaviventris aurulentus Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens H Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant (E) Myiotheretes pernix Pied Water-Tyrant Fluvicola pica White-headed Marsh Tyrant Arundinicola leucocephala Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca diadema Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus H Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Venezuelan Flycatcher Myiarchus venezuelensis Panama Flycatcher Myiarchus panamensis Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Lesser Kiskadee Pitangus lictor Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis H Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana COTINGAS COTINGIDAE Golden-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola aureopectus MANAKINS PIPRIDAE Lance-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia lanceolata White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus TITYRAS AND ALLIES TITYRIDAE Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata 19 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous VIREOS VIREONIDAE Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Scrub Greenlet Hylophilus flavipes Golden-fronted Greenlet Pachysylvia aurantiifrons Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Black-whiskered Vireo Vireo altiloquus CROWS, JAYS, AND MAGPIES CORVIDAE Black-chested Jay Cyanocorax affinis SWALLOWS HIRUNDINIDAE Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea G Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica WRENS TROGLODYTIDAE House Wren Troglodytes aedon Stripe-backed Wren Campylorhynchus nuchalis Bicolored Wren Campylorhynchus griseus Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus Rufous-and-white Wren Thryophilus rufalbus Buff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys bangsi Hermit Wood-Wren (E) Henicorhina anachoreta GNATCATCHERS POLIOPTILIDAE Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea THRUSHES AND ALLIES TURDIDAE Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas Yellow-legged Thrush Turdus flavipes Black-hooded Thrush Turdus olivater Great Thrush Turdus fuscater MOCKINGBIRDS MIMIDAE Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus EUPHONIAS, SISKINS, & ALLIES FRINGILLIDAE Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea Trinidad Euphonia Euphonia trinitatis Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Lesser Goldfinch Spinus psaltria THRUSH-TANAGER RHODINOCICHLIDAE Rosy Thrush-Tanager Rhodinocichla rosea SPARROWS AND ALLIES EMBERIZIDAE Tocuyo Sparrow Arremonops tocuyensis Sierra Nevada (Stripe-headed) Brushfinch (E) Arremon basilicus Golden-winged Sparrow Arremon schlegeli Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Santa Marta Brushfinch (E) Atlapetes melanocephalus 20 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

TROUPIALS AND ALLIES ICTERIDAE Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater Orange-crowned Oriole Icterus auricapillus Yellow Oriole Icterus nigrogularis Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Molothrus bonariensis Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Carib Grackle Quiscalus lugubris Yellow-hooded Blackbird Chrysomus icterocephalus NEW WORLD WARBLERS PARULIDAE Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea Tennessee Warbler Oreothlypis peregrina American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus Santa Marta Warbler (E) Myiothlypis basilica White-lored Warbler (E) Myiothlypis conspicillata Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus Yellow-crowned Redstart (E) Myioborus flavivertex CARDINALS AND ALLIES CARDINALIDAE Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Vermilion Cardinal Cardinalis phoeniceus Golden (-bellied) Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster H Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanoloxia cyanoides TANAGERS AND ALLIES THRAUPIDAE Gray-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Crimson-backed Tanager Ramphocelus dimidiatus Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager (E) Anisognathus melanogenys Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus Glaucous Tanager Thraupis glaucocolpa Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala Black-headed Tanager Tangara cyanoptera Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Bicolored Conebill bicolor Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera 21 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]

Tropical Birding Trip Report Northern Colombia BIRDING tour report: March 2019

Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides Plushcap Catamblyrhynchus diadema Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Thick-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila funerea Paramo Seedeater Catamenia homochroa Pileated Finch Coryphospingus pileatus Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Black-faced Grassquit Tiaris bicolor Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Orinocan Saltator Saltator orenocensis Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus OLD WORLD SPARROWS PASSERIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Mammals: Venezuelen Red Howler Alouatta seniculus Cotton-top Tamarin (E) Saguinus oedipus White-fronted Capuchin Cebus albifrons Gray-handed Night-Monkey Aotus griseimembra Kinkajou Potos flavus Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis Crab-eating Fox Cerdocyon thous Central American Agouti Dasyprocta granatensis

22 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected]