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Home , List of birds of Belize, Tityra

’S HIDDEN TREASURES :

POOK ’S HILL & BLACK ROCK LODGE

MARCH 4–10, 2018

Northern Emerald-Toucanet excavating nest hole at Black Rock Lodge © Michael O’Brien

LEADERS : MICHAEL O’B RIEN & LOUISE ZEMAITIS W/M ARIO & MIKE AT POOK ’S HILL , FREDDY & FERNANDO AT BLACK ROCK

LIST COMPILED BY : MICHAEL O’B RIEN

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 March 4–10, 2018

By Michael O’Brien

Our inaugural Belize’s Hidden Treasures tour was a wonderful immersion into the deep forests of Western Belize. Based at two fabulous lodges, Pook’s Hill and Black Rock, our visit to the Maya Mountain Foothills and Mountain Pine Ridge was not only birdy, but also extremely comfortable, and accompanied by some of the country’s best guides.

Dawn birding at Pook’s Hill © Louise Zemaitis

Our first morning at Pook’s Hill began with a dazzling show of flashy appearing as the first rays of sun lit the main clearing. Slaty-tailed and Black-headed , , and Keel-billed stole the show, but Black-cheeked and Golden-fronted , , Scrub and Yellow-throated euphonias, and five species of vied for our attention. Meanwhile, right outside our breakfast room, a flowering coral tree attracted an assortment of including White-necked Jacobin, Long-billed Hermit, Scaly-breasted , and Purple-crowned Fairy. The first morning thermals showed us how exceptional Pook’s Hill is for raptors, with ; Hook-billed, Double-toothed, and Plumbeous kites; and Great Black, White, and Short-tailed all appearing in a matter of minutes. Later, the River Loop Trail was highly productive, with highlights including Falcon, Green , Barred Antshrike, Dot-winged Antwren, Green-backed Sparrow, Crimson-collared , and a roosting pair of Spectacled ! Our full day at Pook’s Hill was made complete by an interesting and informative afternoon lecture about the local Mayan site. After dinner, a

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 short walk to the meadow area produced fine views of Common Pauraque, as well as Paca, Kinkajou, Red-rumped Tarantula, and several other interesting critters.

Roosting Wood on night walk at Pook’s Hill © Michael O’Brien

A half-day outing to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park barely seemed like enough to do this rich area justice. Nesting birds became a theme, as we found Gray-headed Dove and Green-breasted Mango sitting on nests, building a nest, and a recently fledged Ruddy Ground-Dove. We also saw the “Ridgeway’s” subspecies of Northern Rough-winged visiting their nest sites at St. Herman’s Cave. Other highlights there included good views of Bright-rumped Attila, Dusky , and Slate- headed Tody-Flycatcher, and hearing the wonderful song of Nightingale . The nearby Blue Hole was a favorite spot, as we had outstanding views of Rufous-tailed , Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, and a Royal Flycatcher visiting its nest just feet over our heads! There were many wintering warblers around this area, and we were particularly pleased to find a female Golden-winged among them.

An afternoon transfer to Black Rock Lodge brought us to the second phase of our tour. Black Rock Lodge is outstandingly comfortable as well as extremely scenic, and it was a pleasure to call this our home away from home for four days. A balcony overlooking the Macal River proved to be a prime vantage point. We frequently saw raptors and swifts soaring overhead here, and had constant sightings of honeycreepers, euphonias, , and orioles visiting feeding trays below us. From this vista, with cold beverage in hand, we also enjoyed such prizes as Black-crowned Tityra and Northern Emerald-Toucanet on eye level treetops, and a hopping on the balcony under our breakfast table! Trails and roadsides around the grounds were always productive and yielded many exciting birds such as Collared , White-necked , Common Tody- Flycatcher, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Rose-throated Becard, and Black-faced Grosbeak. We were also treated to in-hand views of (part of the MOSI program, an ongoing collaborative international program to monitor Neotropical populations). Of

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 course, we kept our eyes on the sky at Black Rock and found some very special birds including Black and Ornate -, and the very rare Orange-breasted Falcon, which nests on nearby cliffs.

A day-trip to Mountain Pine Ridge began with a very special visit to Green Hills Butterfly Ranch. Feeders here were swarming with hundreds of hummingbirds, including Violet and Wedge-tailed sabrewings, Long-billed Hermit, and scores of White-necked Jacobins. A big thanks to Jan Meerman for granting us access to this closed facility. After some hawk watching at Slate Creek Overlook, highlighted by a displaying Ornate Hawk- , we had a wonderful picnic lunch at the picturesque Rio Frio Cave, where we also enjoyed excellent views of White-whiskered Puffbird and Golden-crowned Warbler. The pine forests around Douglas De Silva proved to be one of the birdiest spots of the day, and we found a whole new set of species including Swallow-tailed , , Ferruginous Pygmy-, Acorn and Golden-olive woodpeckers, Green , Rusty Sparrow, and a nesting colony of Montezuma Oropendolas.

Rusty Sparrow at Douglas De Silva © Michael O’Brien

Another day-trip brought us to the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, where we combined birding with an excellent tour of the ruins. This was another good spot for hawk watching, particularly for those who climbed the temple. We also came across a large and diverse feeding flock, including such species as Northern Barred-Woodcreeper; Yellow- olive, Yellow-bellied, and Least flycatchers; Yellow-throated ; White-breasted Wood-Wren; and numerous warblers including Louisiana Waterthrush and Kentucky Warbler. The nearby ferry over the Mopan River was a fun way to come and go from Xunantunich, and was also home to a Black Phoebe and a roosting group of Proboscis .

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018

Xunantunich © Michael O’Brien

For a grand finale, on our last night, we took a night drive along the entrance road to Black Rock Lodge, and it was phenomenally successful. Our main target was Northern , and after a good bit of searching we finally had excellent views of one perched in an orange grove. And along the way, we found Barn and Mottled owls, a Lesser Swallow-tailed roosting in its nest, a Gray Fox, a large scorpion, and a Fer-de- Lance (seen from a safe distance!).

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

ITINERARY: Day 1, 4 March : 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, 5 March : Pook’s Hill all day including lodge area before breakfast; long morning walk on River Loop Trail; entrance road and ruins tour after lunch. Night at Pook’s Hill.

Day 3, 6 March : Morning trip to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, including St. Herman’s Cave and Blue Hole; afternoon transfer to Black Rock. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Day 4, 7 March : Black Rock Lodge area all day. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Day 5, 8 March : Day trip to Mountain Pine Ridge area including Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, Slate Creek Overlook, Rio Frio Cave, and Douglas Da Silva area. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Day 6, 9 March : 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 and night drive along entrance road. Night at Black Rock Lodge.

Day 7, 10 March : 8 am departures from Black Rock, arriving at airport by 11 am for afternoon departures.

Rio Frio Cave © Michael O’Brien

KEY TO SPECIES LISTS: N = nest observed Y = recently fledged young observed ( I ) = introduced species

BIRDS : TINAMIDAE Great (Tinamus major ) – Heard every day.

GUANS, CHACHALACAS & CURASSOWS: Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock.

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

PHEASANTS, GROUSE, AND ALLIES: Ocellated (Meleagris ocellata ) – One on the entrance road to Black Rock Lodge was a real treat. Because this species is hunted so heavily, it is very rare away from extensive areas of protected forest.

PIGEONS & DOVES: Rock Pigeon (Columba livia ) ( I ) – Seen whenever we were in suburban areas.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Green Hills. Short-billed Pigeon ( Patagioenas nigrirostris ) – Seen or heard on most days. Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto ) ( I ) – An increasing exotic species in Belize; we saw them several times in suburban areas. Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti ) Y – Seen at several locations, including a recently fledged young at St’ Herman’s Cave. White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi ) – Mainly heard, but a few fly-bys seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Gray-chested Dove ( Leptotila cassinii ) – Heard at St. Herman’s Cave. Gray-headed Dove ( Leptotila plumbeiceps ) N – Seen sitting on a nest at St. Herman’s Cave. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica ) – Several around San Jose Succotz.

CUCKOOS: CUCULIDAE Squirrel (Tapera naevia ) – Seen every day. ( Dromococcyx phasianellus ) – Heard at Black Rock Lodge. Groove-billed ( Crotophaga sulcirostris ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave and along the entrance road to Black Rock Lodge.

NIGHTJARS: CAPRIMULGIDAE Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis ) – Nice views on the night walk at Pook’s Hill.

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

Northern Potoo © Michael O’Brien

SWIFTS: APODIDAE White-collared Swift ( Streptoprocne zonaris ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Xunantunich. Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Xunantunich. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis ) N – Seen soaring over Black Rock Lodge; also a bird in a nest seen on the night drive at Black Rock!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018

HUMMINGBIRDS: TROCHILIDAE White-necked Jacobin ( Florisuga mellivora ) – Seen in numbers at several locations. Long-billed Hermit ( Phaethornis longirostris ) – A few at several locations. Stripe-throated Hermit (Phaethornis striigularis ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Purple-crowned Fairy ( Heliothryx barroti ) – One at Pook’s Hill. Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii ) N – Seen on a nest at St. Herman’s Cave, and visiting feeders at Green Hills. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris ) – A few on the entrance road to Black Rock. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird ( Phaeochroa cuvierii ) – One or two seen most days. Wedge-tailed Sabrewing ( Campylopterus curvipennis ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Green Hills. Violet Sabrewing ( Campylopterus hemileucurus ) – Several at Green Hills.

Violet Sabrewing © Michael O’Brien

White-bellied Emerad (Amazilia candida ) – A few seen on most days. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl ) N – Generally the most numerous hummer in Belize; seen every day, including in-hand views at Black Rock.

JACANAS: Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa ) – Singles near Belize City and along the entrance road to Black Rock.

SANDPIPERS & ALLIES: SCOLOPACIDAE Spotted (Actitis macularius ) – Three at Black Rock.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 : CICONIIDAE Wood (Mycteria americana ) – Seen on the transfer from Belize City.

CORMORANTS: PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic (Phalacrocorax brasilianus ) – One on the Macal River near Black Rock, another on the Mopan River at the San Jose Succotz ferry.

HERONS, & : ARDEIDAE Bare-throated Tiger- ( Tigrisoma mexicanum ) – One in a roadside pond near the Belize Airport. (Ardea herodias ) – Singles near Black Rock and flying over Mountain Pine Ridge. Great (Ardea alba ) – A few near Belize City. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea ) – Seen on several days; this species is much more frequent along forested waterways than other similar . (Bubulcus ) – Numerous in open country. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron ( Nyctanassa violacea ) – Seen on the night drive at Black Rock Lodge.

NEW WORLD VULTURES: CATHARTIDAE (Coragyps atratus ) – Seen every day. (Cathartes aura ) – Seen every day. Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus ) – Seen near Belize City and at Xunantunich. King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa ) – Seen every day.

King Vulture © Michael O’Brien

HAWKS, EAGLES, & KITES: Gray-headed Kite ( Leptodon cayanensis ) – Single fly-by near Green Hills. Hook-billed Kite ( Chondrohierax uncinatus ) – Seen at several locations, on four days.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Swallow-tailed Kite ( Elanoides forficatus ) – Seen at Black Rock Lodge and Mountain Pine Ridge. White-tailed Kite ( Elanus leucurus ) – One in San Ignacio. Double-toothed Kite ( Harpagus bidentatus ) – Numerous at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Slate Creek Overlook. Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea ) – Seen at several locations, on four days. Sharp-shinned Hawk ( Accipiter striatus ) – Single fly-over at Black Rock Lodge. Great Black-Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga ) – Seen every day. ( Rupornis magnirostris ) – Seen every day. White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus ) – One at the Belize Airport and another nearby. ( Pseudastur albicollis ) – Seen every day. Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus ) – One near Green Hills and Douglas Da Silva. Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus ) – Seen every day. Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus ) – Seen at Black Rock and Slate Creek Overlook. Ornate Hawk-Eagle ( Spizaetus ornatus ) – Seen at Black Rock and Slate Creek Overlook.

BARN-OWLS: TYTONIDAE ( Tyto alba ) – Seen on the night drive at Black Rock Lodge.

OWLS: STRIGIDAE ( Pulsatrix perspicillata ) – Pair roosting at Pook’s Hill. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum ) – One at Douglas Da Silva in Mountain Pine Ridge. Mottled Owl ( Ciccaba virgata ) – Two on the night drive at Black Rock.

Mottled Owl © Michael O’Brien

Black-and-white Owl ( Ciccaba nigrolineata ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill.

TROGONS: TROGONIDAE Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena ) – Excellent views at Pook’s Hill; heard elsewhere.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus ) – Excellent views at Pook’s Hill; heard elsewhere. (Trogon caligatus ) – Seen at Black Rock. ( Trogon collaris ) – Seen at Black Rock.

MOTMOTS: MOMOTIDAE Lesson’s (Momotus lessoni ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock Lodge; seen briefly at St. Herman’s Cave.

KINGFISHERS: ALCEDINIDAE Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. (Megaceryle alcyon ) – Seen near Belize City. ( Chloroceryle americana ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock.

PUFFBIRDS: BUCCONIDAE White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus hyperrhynchus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave, Rio Frio Cave, and Black Rock.

JACAMARS: GALBULIDAE Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda ) – Excellent Views of a pair at Blue Hole.

TOUCANS: RAMPHASTIDAE Northern Emerald-Toucanet ( Aulacorhynchus prasinus ) N – Close views of a pair excavating thier nest hole at Black Rock Lodge. Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus ) – Seen every day. Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus ) – Seen every day.

Keel-billed Toucan © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 WOODPECKERS: PICIDAE Acorn (Melanerpes formicivorus ) – Seen at Douglas Da Silva in Mountain Pine Ridge. Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani ) – Seen every day.

Black-cheeked Woodpecker © Michael O’Brien

Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons ) – Seen most days. Golden-olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus ) – Seen at Douglas Da Silva in Mountain Pine Ridge, and at Xunantunich. Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus ) – Seen at several locations. Pale-billed Woodpecker ( Campephilus guatemalensis ) – Seen at several locations.

FALCONS & CARACARAS: Collared Forest-Falcon ( Micrastur semitorquatus ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. (Herpetotheres cachinnans ) – Nice views of a perched bird along the roadside on our transfer from Belize City. (Falco rufigularis ) – Pair at Pook’s Hill. Orange-breasted Falcon ( Falco deiroleucus ) N – Pair at nest cliff above Black Rock Lodge.

AFRICAN & NEW WORLD PARROTS: PSITTACIDAE Olive-throated Parakeet ( Eupsittula nana ) – Seen every day. White-crowned (Pionus senilis ) – Seen most days. White-fronted Parrot (Amazona albifrons ) – Seen most days. Red-lored Parrot ( Amazona autumnalis ) – Numerous at Pook’s Hill. Mealy Parrot ( Amazona farinosa ) – Pair at Pook’s Hill.

TYPICAL : THAMNOPHILIDAE Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Dot-winged Antwren ( Microrhopias quixensis ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill.

Dot-winged Antwren © Michael O’Brien

Dusky Antbird ( Cercomacroides tyrannina ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill.

OVENBIRDS & WOODCREEPERS: FURNARIIDAE Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus ) – Seen at several locations. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper ( Glyphorynchus spirurus ) – Seen at Blue Hole. Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae ) – Nice views at Xunantunich. Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus flavigaster ) – Seen at Black Rock.

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: TYRANNIDAE Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet (Ornithion semiflavum ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and St. Herman’s Cave. Greenish Elaenia (Myiopagis viridicata ) – Seen at Black Rock. Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster ) – Seen at Black Rock. Sepia-capped Flycatcher ( Leptopogon amaurocephalus ) – Seen at Blue Hole. Northern Bentbill (Oncostoma cinereigulare ) – Heard at Slate Creek. Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus sylvia ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave. Common Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum ) – Seen at Black Rock. Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias sulphurescens ) – Seen at several locations. Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus ) N – Excellent views of a bird visiting its nest at Blue Hole. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher ( Terenotriccus erythrurus ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Tropical Pewee ( Contopus cinereus ) – Seen most days. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris ) – Seen most days. Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Black Phoebe ( Sayornis nigricans ) – Seen along the river at Black Rock and the San Jose Succotz ferry. (Pyrocephalus rubinus ) – Seen at several locations. Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave and Xunantunich. Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer ) – Seen at several locations.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus ) – Heard at Slate Creek and Xunantunich. Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus ) – Seen at Black Rock. Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus ) – Seen most days. Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua ) – Seen at Black Rock. (Myiozetetes similis ) – Seen every day. Piratic Flycatcher ( Legatus leucophaius ) – One at Black Rock Lodge was the first arrival of the spring there. (Tyrannus melancholicus ) – Seen at several locations; most numerous in open country but also occurs in forest clearings. Couch's Kingbird (Tyrannus couchii ) – A few seen and heard at St. Herman’s Cave and Black Rock Lodge; 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 on the entrance road to Black Rock.

BECARDS, TITYRAS & ALLIES: ( Schiffornis veraepacis ) – Heard at several locations. Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave and Black Rock. Masked Tityra ( Tityra semifasciata ) – Seen most days. Black-crowned Tityra ( Tityra inquisitor ) – One at black Rock.

Black-crowned Tityra © Michael O’Brien

MANAKINS: PIPRIDAE White-collared (Manacus candei ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave and Green Hills. Red-capped Manakin (Ceratopipra mentalis ) – Heard at Xunantunich.

VIREOS: VIREONIDAE Tawny-crowned Greenlet (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps ) – Two at St. Herman’s Cave. (Pachyslyvia decurtatus ) – Seen or heard every day.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus ) – Seen or heard most days.

White-eyed Vireo © Michael O’Brien

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons ) – Seen at Xunantunich.

CROWS, JAYS & : (Psilorhinus morio ) – Seen every day. (Cyanocorax yncas ) – Seen at Douglas Da Silva in Mountain Pine Ridge.

SWALLOWS: HIRUNDINIDAE (Progne subis ) – Single male at Xunantunich. Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea ) – Seen along the entrance road to Black Rock. (Tachycineta bicolor ) – Seen along the entrance road to Black Rock. (Tachycineta albilinea ) – Seen at Black Rock and on the ferry at San Jose Succotz. Northern Rough-winged Swallow ( Stelgidopteryx serripennis ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave and along the entrance road to Black Rock Lodge. At least those at St. Herman’s Cave were of the very local “Ridgeway’s” subspecies ( S. s. ridgwayi ), recognized by its darker overall color and dark tipped undertail coverts. These birds nest mainly in limestone caves in the Yucatan Peninsula. (Hirundo rustica ) – Seen on the entrance road to Black Rock.

WRENS: TROGLODYTIDAE Nightingale Wren ( Microcerculus philomela ) – Heard at St. Herman’s Cave. (Southern) ( Troglodytes aedon musculus ) – Nice views at Black Rock Lodge and Green Hills; heard at a few other locations. These birds likely represent a different species from those in the U.S. Band-backed Wren ( Campylorhynchus zonatus ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Spot-breasted Wren (Pheugopedius maculipectus ) – Heard every day, and seen a few times.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 White-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucosticta ) – Good views at Xunantunich; heard at several locations.

GNATCATCHERS: POLIOPTILIDAE Long-billed Gnatwren ( Ramphocaenus melanurus ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Blue-gray (Polioptila caerulea ) – Seen at Blue Hole and Black Rock.

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

MOCKINGBIRDS & : MIMIDAE (Dumetella carolinensis ) – Seen every day. Tropical (Mimus gilvus ) – Several near Belize City.

SISKINS, CROSSBILLS & ALLIES: FRINGILLIDAE Scrub Euphonia (Euphonia affinis ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Yellow-throated Euphonia (Euphonia hirundinacea ) – Seen most days. Olive-backed Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi ) – Seen at several locations.

Olive-backed Euphonia © Michael O’Brien

NEW WORLD WARBLERS: PARULIDAE (Seiurus aurocapilla ) – Seen at Black Rock. Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum ) – Seen at Blue Hole. Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla ) – Seen at Black Rock and Xunantunich. (Parkesia noveboracensis ) – Seen at several locations. Golden-winged Warbler ( Vermivora chrysoptera ) – It was a pleasure to see two individuals of this declining species, one at Blue Hole and another at Black Rock. Recent research indicates that Golden-winged Warblers wintering in Central America are from breeding

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 grounds around the Great Lakes and central Canada, while those wintering in South America breed in the Appalachians; declines are most severe in the latter population. Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera ) – Seen at Black Rock. Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia ) – Seen at Black Rock. (Oreothlypis peregrina ) – Seen at Blue Hole and Black Rock. Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa ) – Seen at Black Rock. Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas ) – Heard at Pook’s Hil. (Setophaga citrina ) – Seen at several locations. (Setophaga ruticilla ) – Seen every day. Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia ) – Seen every day; probably the most numerous wintering warbler in Belize.

Magnolia Warbler (typical view!) © Michael O’Brien

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia ) – Seen at several locations. Chestnut-sided Warbler ( Setophaga pensylvanica ) – Seen every day. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler (Setophaga coronate coronata ) – Seen on the entrance road to Black Rock. Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill, Black Rock, and Xunantunich. Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens ) – Seen at several locations. Rufous-capped Warbler ( Basileuterus rufifrons ) – One seen briefly at Slate Creek. Golden-crowned Warbler ( Basileuterus culicivorus ) – Seen at Rio Frio Cave. Wilson’s Warbler ( Cardellina pusilla ) – Seen at Black Rock. Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens ) – Seen at Green Hills.

TANAGERS & ALLIES: THRAUPIDAE Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus ) – Seen at Black Rock. Yellow-winged Tanager (Thraupis abbas ) – Seen on most days. Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina ) – Seen along the entrance road to Black Rock.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Crimson-collared Tanager ( Ramphocelus sanguinolentus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Red-legged Honeycreeper ( Cyanerpes cyaneus ) – Seen most days.

Red-legged Honeycreeper © Michael O’Brien

Yellow-faced Grassquit ( Tiaris olivaceus ) – Seen at Black Rock and Green Hills. Variable Seedeater ( Sporophila corvina ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave. White-collared Seedeater (Sporophila torqueola ) – Seen every day. Black-headed Saltator (Saltator atriceps ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Buff-throated Saltator ( Saltator maximus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill, St. Herman’s Cave, and Black Rock. Grayish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens ) – Seen at St. Herman’s Cave; heard elsewhere.

BUNTINGS, SPARROWS & ALLIES: EMBERIZIDAE Green-backed Sparrow (Arremonops chloronotus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill; heard at Black Rock. Rusty Sparrow ( Aimophila rufescens ) – Close views at Douglas Da Silva in Mountain Pine Ridge.

CARDINALS & ALLIES: CARDINALIDAE (Piranga rubra ) – Seen most days. Red-throated Ant-Tanager (Habia fuscicauda ) – Seen at Black Rock. Black-faced Grosbeak ( Caryothraustes poliogaster ) – Seen at Black Rock. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Blue-black Grosbeak (Cyanocompsa cyanoides ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill and Black Rock. Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea ) – Seen at Black Rock.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 18 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea ) – Seen at several locations, including a banded bird in-hand at Black Rock (part of the MOSI banding program, a collaborative international effort to monitor Neotropical bird populatons).

Indigo Bunting (1 st-year male) © Michael O’Brien

TROUPIALS & ALLIES: ICTERIDAE Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna ) – Seen on the entrance road to Black Rock. (Dives dives ) – Seen every day. Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus ) – Seen on most days (except when we were at Pook’s Hill all day). Black-cowled Oriole (Icterus prosthemelas ) – Seen every day. (Icterus spurius ) – Seen most days. Yellow-tailed Oriole ( Icterus mesomelas ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. (Icterus galbula ) – A few seen every day. Yellow-billed Cacique (Amblycercus holosericeus ) – Heard at Pook’s Hill. Montezuma Oropendula (Psarocolius montezuma ) – Seen several times, including birds at a nest in Mountain Pine Ridge.

MAMMALS Common Opossum ( Didelphis marsupialis ) – One on the night drive at Black Rock Lodge. Mexican Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra ) – Seen or heard at both Pook’s Hill and Black Rock Lodge, and mother with baby seen at Xunantunich. Yucatan Squirrel (Sciurus yucatanensis ) – Seen most days. Central American Agouti ( Dasyprocta punctata ) – Seen a few times at Black Rock Lodge. Paca ( Agouti paca ) – Two seen on the night walk at Pook’s Hill. Long-nosed (Proboscis) Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso ) – Seen at Black Rock Lodge and by the ferry in San Jose Succotz.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 19 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 bat sp. – Seen several times, including nectar-feeding bats visiting hummingbird feeders at night at Pook’s Hill. Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus ) – One on the night drive at Black Rock Lodge. Kinkajou ( Potos flavus ) – One on the night walk at Pook’s Hill.

AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES Campbell’s Rainforest Toad ( Incilius campbelli ) – Seen on the night walk at Pook’s Hill. Cane Toad ( Rhinella marina ) – Seen on the night walk at Pook’s Hill. Common Mexican Treefrog ( Smilisca baudinii ) – Seen on the night walk at Pook’s Hill.

Common Mexican Treefrog © Michael O’Brien

Valliant’s Frog ( Rana vaillanti ) – Seen on the night walk at Pook’s Hill. Meso-American Slider ( Trachemys venusta ) – Crossing road near Mountain Pine Ridge. Common House Gecko ( Hemidactylus frenatus ) ( I ) – Numerous around our lodging. Black (Spiny-tailed) Iguana ( Ctenosaura similis ) – Seen at Black Rock Lodge. Neotropical Green Anole ( Anolis biporcatus ) – Seen at Rio Frio Cave. Ghost Anole ( Anolis lemurinus ) – Seen at Pook’s Hill. Brown Basilisk ( Basiliscus vittatus ) – Seen at several locations. Rose-bellied Lizard ( Sceloporus variabilis ) – Seen at Black Rock Lodge. Boa Constrictor ( Boa constrictor ) – Crossing the road near Pook’s Hill. Fer-de-lance ( Euathlus vagans ) – Seen on the night drive at Black Rock Lodge.

BUTTERFLIES (Thanks to Keith and Jackie Parker for help with this butterfly list) Polydamas Swallowtail ( Battus polydamas polydamas ) Emerald-patched Cattleheart ( Parides sesostris sesostris ) Bow-lined Kite-Swallowtail ( Eurytides macrosilaus ) Ruby-spotted Swallowtail ( Papilio anchisiades idaeus )

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 20 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Androgeus Swallowtail ( Papilio androgeus epidaurus )

Androgeous Swallowtail © Michael O’Brien

Thoas Swallowtail (Heraclides thoas ) Florida (Tropical) White (Appias drusilla ) White Angled-Sulphur ( Anteos clorinde ) Yellow Angled-Sulphur (Anteos maerula ) Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea ) Apricot Sulphur ( Phoebis argante argante ) Cloudless Sulphur ( Phoebis sennae ) Statira Sulphur ( Phoebis statira ) Mimosa Yellow (Eurema mimosa ) Sleepy Orange ( Eurema nicippe ) Barred Yellow ( Eurema daira lydia ) Mexican Cycadian (Eumaeus toxea ) Chiapas Stripestreak ( Arawacus togarna ) Ceranus Blue (Leptotes cassius ) Black-edged Sombermark ( Euselasia cataleuca ) Cloaked Scintillant ( Detritivora barnesi ) Common Lemmark (Molpe Metalmark) ( Juditha caucana ) Hemmark sp. ( Nymphidium sp. ) Monarch ( Danaus plexippu ) Queen ( Danaus gilippus ) Zebra Prestonian ( Aeria eurimedia pacifica ) Guatemalen Actinote ( Actinote pellenea guatemalena ) Gulf Fritillary ( Agraulis vanillae incarnata ) Julia Heliconian ( Dryas iulia moderata ) Isabella's Heliconian ( Eueides isabella eva ) Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonia )

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 21 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Erato Heliconian (Heliconius erato petiverana ) Tiger Heliconian ( Heliconius ismenius telchinia ) Gaudy Patch ( Chlosyne gaudealis ) Mayan Crescent ( Castilia myia ) White-dotted Crescent ( Castilia ofella ) Chestnut Crescent ( Anthanassa argentea ) Guatemalen Tegosa ( Tegosa guatemalena ) Red Rim ( Biblis hyperia aganisa ) Gray Cracker ( Hamadryas februa ferentina ) Brownish Cracker ( Hamadryas iphthime ) Four-spotted Sailor ( Dynamine postverta ) Blue-stitched Eighty-eight ( Callicore astarte )

Blue-stitched Eighty-eight © Michael O’Brien

Ruddy Daggerwing ( Marpesia petreus ) Many-banded Daggerwing ( Marpesia chiron marius ) Little Banner ( Nica flavilla canthara ) Confusing Sister ( Adelpha iphicleola ) Cecropia Sister ( Adelpha phylaca ) Malachite ( Siproeta stelenes biplagiata ) Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima ) White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae ) Silver Emperor ( Doxocopa laure ) Least Prepona ( Prepona dexamenus medinai ) One-spotted Prepona ( Archaeoprepona demophon cenralis ) Yellow-fronted Owl-Butterfly ( Caligo telamonius ) Yellow-bordered Owl-Butterfly ( Caligo uranus ) Plain Satyr ( Cissa pompilia ) Carolina Satyr ( Hermeuptychia sosybius )

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 22 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 Dot-collared Firetip ( Jemada pseudognelus ) Spineless Silverdrop ( Epargyeus aspina ) Brown Longtail ( Urbanus procne ) Teleus Longtail ( Urbanus teleus ) Esmeralda Longtial ( Urbanus esmeraldus ) Yellow-tipped Flasher ( Astraptes anaphus annetta ) Short-tailed Flasher ( Astraptes brevicauda ) Jalapus Cloudywing ( Achalarus jalapus ) Confused Pellicia ( Pellicia angra ) Golden-headed Bolla ( Bolla cupreiceps ) Rounded Bolla ( Bolla imbras ) scallopwing sp. ( Staphylus sp. ) Brilliant Blue-Skipper ( Paches loxus zonalla ) Black-spotted Hoary-Skipper ( Carrhenes fuscesens fuscesens ) Common Bentwing ( Ebrietas anacreon ) Tropical Checkered-Skipper ( Pyrgus oileus oileus ) Dyar's Skipper ( Zenis minos )

Dyar’s Skipper © Michael O’Brien

Black-spotted Fantastic-Skipper ( Vettius onaca ) Decorated Brown-Skipper ( Parphorus decora ) Fawn-spotted Skipper ( Cymaenes odilia ) Pasture Brown-Skipper ( Vehilius stictomenes ) Plain Brown-Skipper ( Eutocus facilis ) Immaculate (Insignis) Skipper ( Anthoptus insignis ) Common Glassywing ( Pompeius pompeius ) Violet-banded Skipper ( Nyctelius nyctelius nyctelius )

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 23 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018 OTHER CRITTERS Mexican Red-rump Tarantula ( Brachypelma vagans ) Mountain Mullet ( Agonostomus monticola )

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 24 Belize’s Hidden Treasures, 2018