The show this male White-crested Coquette offered us was one of the very best moments of the whole tour! All pictures taken by Julien Mazenauer.

BEST OF COSTA RICA

24 FEBRUARY – 9 MARCH 2020

LEADER: JULIEN MAZENAUER

This year’s Best Of Costa Rica tour proved to be one of the most successful tours to date visiting this exciting and wonderful country. The focus of this tour was to enjoy a great overview of all the different and habitats this country has to offer, from the tropical southern Pacific lowlands, to the dry northwest, the caribbean foothills, and the highest volcanos. We targeted all possible endemics and near-endemics, doing very well in connecting with sought-after like the unbelievable Three-wattled Bellbird (for sure the of the trip!), the unique and magnificent Resplendant Quetzal (surely one of the best birds on Earth?), an amazing set of including males of both White-crested and Black-crested Coquettes, a superb White-tipped Sicklebill, endemics such as Coppery-headed Emerald, Mangrove or Grey-tailed Mountaingem, fantastic views of males Snowy and Turquoise Cotingas, ten fantastic owl species including

1 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com spectacular Crested Owls, the rare Costa Rican Pygmy Owl, several pairs of huge Great Green Macaws (at what must be the best site on Earth for that species), two very showy Streak-chested Antpittas and many more. Other highlights includes great views of scarce Highland and Slaty-breasted , a fabulous show of Great Curassows at Arenal, fantastic views of secretive Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge, Spotted Wood Quails and Spot-bellied Bobwhites, a fine Uniform Crake, Ornate Hawk-Eagle and a cooperative Collared Forest Falcon, Common and Great Potoos, the near-endemic Dusky Nightjar, a total of forty fine species of Hummingbirds, nice Buff-fronted and Chiriqui Quail-Doves, superb views of a Lesser Ground , all possible Motmots including the localised Keel-billed, a unique experience with Ocellated at an swarm, a surprise Scaled Antpitta, a pair of fantastic Northern Royal Flycatcher building a nest, 6 mannikins including Orange-collared and White-collared, the very special Long-tailed Silky Flycatchers and Black-and-yellow Phainoptilas, 18 species, many Tanagers including near-endemics like Black-and- yellow, Spangle-cheeked and Plain-coloured, the scarce and unpredictable Peg-billed Finch, great views of the unique Wrenthrush (or better named Zeledonia) and some fine Golden-browed Chlorophonias. All-in-all, we recorded 503 species, a very good total for a tour with only 13 full days of birding, and without visiting Hacienda Solimar which had recently closed to visitors!

Three-wattled Bellbird - another of the tour’s most appreciated birds - gave a stellar performance at Monteverde.

Having assembled the previous evening for dinner, we were eager to go birding this morning! An hour in the ever-productive gardens of the hotel gave us great looks at Cabani’s, Rufous-backed and House Wren, Hoffmann’s Woodpeckers, Finsch’s and Orange-chinned Parakeets and many migrants including American Yellow Warbler and Yellow-throated Vireo. On our way to the Cerro de la Muerte, we made a couple of hours stop at a recently opened private site owned by our friend Sergio. Much to our delight, after the first 20 minutes, two megas were already encountered in the form of a stunning Buff-fronted Quail-Dove and two very nice and seldom-seen Buffy-crowned Wood Partridges! Both species performed very well and gave extended views. Prong-billed Barbets and Chestnut-capped Brushfinches were also seen feeding very close and walking a short trail gave us great views at two Black Guans. What a start! With White-collared and Vaux’s Swifts overhead we continued our way towards the Paraiso del Quetzal lodge, seeing Red-tailed and Short-tailed Hawks, White-tailed and Swallow-tailed Kites on the way. Once at the lodge, some fruiting trees attracted the sought-after Black-and-yellow Phainoptila (previously called Silky Flycatcher) and many Long- tailed Silky Flycatchers. The hummingbird feeders were very busy, with fantastic views of Talamanca, Fiery- throated and Volcano Hummingbirds and Lesser Violetear. Acorn and Hairy Woodpecker were also seen

2 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com and a superb male Resplendent Quetzal flew just in front of the dining room! Flowering trees attracted Slaty Flowerpiercers while Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush and Mountain Thrushes were feeding on the lawn.

Both Buffy-crowned Wood Partridges and Buff-fronted Quail-Dove showed insanely well on our first day!

After a great lunch, my friend Erick joined us and we started birding in the nearby forest, where the unique Wrenthrush was briefly lured into view, followed by great views of the seldom-seen and a bit unpredictable Peg-billed Finch. A whole set of new birds were there to greet us, with Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, Flame- throated Warblers, Ochraceous , Spangle-cheeked Tanagers, Slaty Flowerpiercers, Wilson’s and Black-throated Green Warblers and more Black-and-yellow Phainoptila seen amongst others. A flock of Barred Parakeets crossed the sky high above us and we moved a bit lower in elevation. While waiting for the ultimate Resplendent Quetzal to appear near to its nest, we spotted many new birds, best being White- fronted Tyrannulet (or ‘Zeledon’s’ Rough-legged Tyrannulet), White-naped Brushfinches, Large-footed and

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Yellow-thighed Finches, Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, Mistletoe Tyrannulets, Mountain Elaenias, Flame-coloured Tanagers, Yellow-faced Grassquit and Grey-tailed Mountaingem. After two hours wait, a male Resplendent Quetzal flew in and posed for long minutes right in the open in front of us, before disappearing in its nest, just the tail then to be visible! Probably one of the very best birds on Earth and a unique and intimate encounter with this mega! Content with our success, we drove further up at one of Erick’s stake-outs and quickly found a cute Costa Rican Pygmy Owl being harassed by tons of passerines. Our first Golden-browed Chlorophonia were also much appreciated, as were Black-capped Flycatchers, Black-and-white Warblers and many more commoner species. We waited for dusk back at the lodge, Dusky Nightjars started calling but a very thick fog rolled in, making spotlighting totally impossible! We hence drove down the Savegre valley to our accomodation, stopping multiple times en-route. Bare-shanked Screech Owls were strangely silent, but we managed to find a Dusky Nightjar perched on a pole. We then reached our comfortable lodge and had some fine trout from the nearby dam.

The ultimate Resplendent Quetzal – one of the best birds on Earth for sure – put on a great show, also on our first day!

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Early morning down in the Savegre valley is always fun, so we started another productive day with an hour of birding around our lodge before breakfast, allowing us to get gripping views at a covey of Spotted Wood Quails, two surprisingly showy and close Dark Pewees, males Grey-tailed Mountaingems, our first Scintillant Hummingbirds, Silver-throated Tanagers, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Bush Tanagers, some more Black Guans and a pair of Resplendent Quetzal. After lunch, we walked to the nearby famous Savegre Hotel, where we took a ride up to Los Robles trail. The enchanting tall oak forest of Los Robles was just magical and we spent a few great hours enjoying this quiet mature forest, finding a good number of scarcities! Flocks of Sulphur-winged Parakeets kept flying over us, a Costa Rican Pygmy Owl sang from a tall tree, our first Collared Trogon was seen and many flocks were encountered. At one point, I started hearing the distant calls of a pair of Highland Tinamous. We walked closer to them, positioned ourselves and waited. After a minute or so, the pair appeared on the side of the trail and just walked quietly in front of us and then along the trail, giving unbeatable views! Wow! Some flocks helf Streak-breasted Treehunters, Lineated Foliage-gleaners, Ruddy Treerunners, two Buffy Tuftedcheeks, Spot-crowned and Acorn and Hairy Woodpeckers. A single scarce Golden-bellied Flycatcher was also appreciated, as was a rather brief Black-thighed Grosbeak, some Northern Tufted Flycatchers, a pair of Grey-breasted Wood Wren, a Golden-winged Warbler, several showy Ruddy Pigeons, our first Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, many Collared Whitestarts and Black-cheeked Warblers and Yellow-thighed Finches. Our target Silvery-throated Jay never came in view but we had another great encounter with Spotted Wood Quails. Black-faced Solitaires were heard the whole morning but we had to wait to be driving downslope to see our first individual, sitting ridiculously on the road! Around the lodge, a flock of the uncommon Lesser Goldfinch was feeding on flowers, while another flock of Sulphur-winged Parakeet was seen. We then drove to Trogon Lodge for lunch, not before seeing our first Blue-throated Toucanets. Exploring the gardens there was not too productive, but we did find an American Dipper pair by the stream. We spent the rest of the afternoon looking for a few specialities. Birding was slow, we saw many nice species again and got good views at a Wrenthrush but that’s it. At dusk, we went again on a nightbirding session and soon got a Dusky Nightjar literally within touching distance (although it didn’t stay long enough for a photo!). After several stops, I heard a distant calling Bare-shanked Screech Owl, and after a patient wait the owl came in view and gave good looks to those present on this outing. Content, we drove down back to our lodge for another fine dinner.

Spotted Wood Quails were seen a few times this year, including this very cooperative individual.

We departed before dawn with box breakfast and visited Providencia Road for a few hours. Literally the first birds we saw was the rare Ochraceous Pewee and a Timberline Wren couple, two much appreciated new

5 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com birds for us! Further on, two Resplendent Quetzals were briefly visible and we added the likes of Yellow- bellied Siskin, Black-and-yellow Phainoptila and some commoner birds, but despite trying hard we couldn’t locate any Silvery-throated Jay. We continued higher up in the Cerro de la Muerte, and soon found a few excellent Volcano Juncos, a species with a very restricted range on the highest mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Timberline Wrens and Sooty Thrushes were also around. We then drove down to la Georgina, where a trail led us to some good understorey and with a bit of patience we were treated to unbeatable views of a pair of Wrenthrushes, at last! One individual, probably the male, spent a minute smashing a big worm against the ground, making sure not to swallow it alive!

Black-and-yellow Phainoptila (above) and Long-tailed Silky Flycatchers, two most-wanted Costa Rican near-endemics.

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Two other near-endemics seen during the first days! Prong-billed Barbet feeding on a papaya and the scarce Costa Rican Pygmy Owl.

After lunch, we made a short stop at the Bosque del Tolomuco, where we connected almost instantly with our main target, namely the very localised and rare White-tailed Emerald, which gave very close and prolonged views. I then spotted a superb male White-crested Coquette feeding on some verbain flowers lower down, so all birders present rushed down and soon admired this splendid miniature creature, who kept buzzing around us and came within less than 20 centimetres of my leg! Definitely one of the very best birds we had seen so far! Many other good species were recorded around us, including our first Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, Violet Sabrewing, Green-crowned Brilliants, Scintillant Hummingbird and the scarce Snowy- bellied Hummingbird. The feeders attracted a fine selection of passerines including Silver-throated, Scarlet- rumped and Golden-hooded Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet-thighed Dacnises, Buff-throated Saltators and also a Red-headed Barbet. Rufous-breasted Wrens, Yellow-faced Grassquits and many others were also seen.

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Two very localised near-endemics: Volcano Junco and a tiny White-tailed Emerald (the white tail feathers are only visible in flight).

Arriving a bit later in San Isidro, I spotted a Turquoise Cotinga perching atop a tall tree even before the bus stopped. This stunner gave great views through the scope, much to our delight, so we continued on to our next accommodation. The gardens were filled with birds and we added many new species before dinner, including Red-crowned Woodpecker, Olivaceous Piculet, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Lesson’s Motmot, a roosting Common Potoo in front of our cabins, Yellow-headed Caracara, Costa Rican Swifts overhead, a brilliant Golden-winged Warbler, Speckled and Bay-headed Tanagers, Blue Dacnis, Red-legged and Green Honeycreepers, our first Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, Rufous-breasted and Riverside Wrens, Cinnamon Becard, Amazon Kingfisher, Squirrel and Grey-headed Chachalacas. At dusk, a calling Tropical Screech Owl was soon in the beam of our flashlight and was admired at length. We then had an excellent dinner, amazed by the fantastic birding day we just had!

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Tropical Screech Owl and Common Potoo showed very well at Talari.

An hour birding before breakfast in the grounds of our hotel was fairly productive, with new birds for us like Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Smoky-brown Woodpeckers, Bay-headed and Speckled Tanagers, Northern Crested Caracaras, Chestnut-collared Swifts and more commoner species. After breakfast, we drove to Los Cusingos for a few hours of wandering. The entrance road yielded a massive flock, which gave us many good birds including Red-crested Ant-tanagers, Olive, Cocoa, Streak-headed and Wedge-billed Woodcreepers, the near-endemic Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner, Plain Xenopses, Orange-billed Sparrows, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, White-shouldered Tanagers, Riverside and Rufous-breasted Wrens, Lesser Greenlets, Dot-winged Antwren, Black-hooded Antshrike and some more. Black-throated Trogon was also scoped and a Blue-throated Goldentail made a brief appearance. Walking quietly along trails, we located a number of interesting species, including Blue-crowned, Red-capped and Orange-collared Manakins (the latter only a female unfortunately), a monster Pale-billed Woodpecker double-tapping, a Baird’s Trogon pair,

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Eye-ringed Flatbill and Ochre-bellied Flycatcher. Isthmian Wren and Golden-crowned Spadebill were heard only and we finally flushed a Great from the side of the trail. It was then time for the long drive to our next accomodation near Carara National Park. Few species were encountered, but still we saw Least Grebes, Anhingas, Black-necked Stilts, Blue-winged Teals and Black-bellied Whistling Duck on a roadside pool, Roadside Hawk and Grey Hawk on the roadside, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on a wire, our first Mangrove Swallows and also a Western Osprey and Magnificent Frigatebird upon arrival. A short stroll through our gardens gave us Yellow-throated Toucan, Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-crowned Euphonia, Greenish Elaenia and a Bare-throated Tiger Heron, while a Marbled Wood Quail was heard close but didn’t show. At dusk, a pair of Spectacled Owl started calling and we were soon admiring these spectacular nightbirds through the scope, one of the tour’s highlight! Pauraque were also seen at close range, before we went to have a fabulous buffet dinner and some nice celebration drinks.

Two good birds from Los Cusingos: Blue-crowned Manakin and Baird’s Trogon. Below: a Pauraque from Villa Lapas.

Most of next morning was spent in Carara National Park, surely one of the best park for birding in the neotropics. Before breakfast we had great views, at last, of a flock of Fiery-billed Aracaris, Northern Waterthrushes and some more. Once inside the park,new birds came thick and fast and we soon added Rufous-and-white Wren, a lovely pair of very obliging Black-faced Antthrushes (one individual came less than two meters away!), Black-hooded Antshrike, Chestnut-backed , Blue-throated Sapphire, Grey- chested Doves, a perfect Turquoise-browed Motmot, White-whiskered Puffbird, a trio of Rufous-tailed

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Jacana, the rare Rufous-winged Woodpecker, Pale-billed Woodpecker, a flurry of Woodcreepers with most notably Long-tailed, Cocoa and Black-striped Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned Spadebill, Yellow-olive Flycatcher, the strange Northern Bentbill, a tiny Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, several Eye-ringed Flatbills, White- winged and Rose-throated Becards, again Blue-crowned and Orange-collared Manakins, Trilling Gnatwren, Tawny-crowned and Lesser Greenlets, Grey-headed and White-shouldered Tanagers and many more. Slaty-tailed Trogon remained heard-only. But two birds stood out, with the star of the show being without any doubts the obliging Streak-chested Antpitta, who kept hopping and feeding unconcerned only a few meters away from us! And a very showy Collared Forest Falcon perched above the trail, who gave unique views through the scope. It isn’t everyday that one sees a Collared Forest Falcon perched so nicely and for long minutes!

Two megas from our morning in Carara: Streak-chested Antpitta and the elusive Collared Forest Falcon!

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After lunch and a little rest, we were off for our boat trip on Rio Tarcoles. The tide was still low, and sandbanks held numerous Black Skimmers, Royal Terns, Reddish Egret, ‘Western’ Willet, Laughing Gulls, while Crane Hawk, several ‘Mangrove’ Black Hawks and Western Osprey entertained us overhead. Once in the mangroves, it didn’t take long to get good views of a sublime Mangrove Warbler, a cooperative Mangrove Vireo, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, a brief American Pygmy Kingfisher, a roosting Lesser Nighthawk and the most-wanted Mangrove Hummingbird. Parrots were conspicuous, with good views of White-fronted, Red-lored and the endangered Yellow-napped Parrots and Orange-fronted Parakeet. On the migrant front, American Redstart, Prothonotary Warbler, American Yellow Warbler and Northern Waterthrushes were abundant. We also got point-blank views of the unique Boat-billed Heron, showing its immense bill and long hairs nicely. We then went back on Tarcoles and upriver, where we found a air of Double-striped Thick-knees sitting on a bank, with dozens of Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. At dusk, dozens of Lesser Nighthawks started hunting and we added our last species with Morelet’s Seedeater, Groove-billed Ani and again a nice Turquoise-browed Motmot, before driving back to Villa Lapas for yet another fine buffet.

Mangrove Vireo, Amazon Kingfisher and Double-striped Thick-knee seen along Rio Tarcoles.

Next morning, we still had a mission to accomplish, so after some initial birding on the hotel grounds and Piratic Flycatchers, Dusky Antbird and Fiery-billed Aracari seen we set off to Carara National Park. Entering the trails, it didn’t take five minutes for us to find a pair of Northern Royal Flycatcher building a nest over a

12 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com small stream! Absolutely fantastic views were had of those two superb birds, at a few meters only. During our observation, a Ruddy Quail-Dove flew in and sat close to us for some seconds before flushing off in the forest. Grey-chested Dove, Dusky Antbird, Black-hooded and Barred Antshrike and Chestnut-backed Antbird were also seen. Sadly, a mega Yellow-billed Cotinga flew over us but too quickly for everybody to get on it. We had enough of the rainforest, so we decided to change dramatically of habitat and went birding in the dry forest further north-west. A first stop yielded some Olive Sparrows, Grey-crowned Yellowthroat, Scrub Greenlet, Black-headed Trogon, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Blue-vented Hummingbird and White-lored Gnatcatcher. Further along the road, the prized and superb Lesser Ground Cuckoo sat still and in the open for us for minutes, much to the delight of everyone! Indeed, that must rank amongst the most-wanted species for any visiting birder, and we got unbeatable views of this skulker. Orange-fronted Parakeets, Stripe-headed Sparrow, Scrub Euphonia and more White-lored Gnatcatcher were also seen there. A lot stop further on produced a great set of dry forest specialists, like a Plain-capped Starthroat, more Cinnamon Humminbirds, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Brown-capped Flycatchers, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and lots of Hoffman’s Woodpecker.

Another fantastic and diverse morning around Carara: Northern Royal Flycatcher (seen nest-building) and Lesser Ground Cuckoo.

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After our last buffet at Villa Lapas, we drove to an area of saltpans, which at firest was very quiet due to the tide being low, but after a wait waders started flying in and we were treated with great views in good light of a large flock of Marbled Godwits, a single Long-billed Curlew, hundreds of Hudsonian Whimbrels, Semipalmated, Least and Western Sandpipers, Wilson’s, Grey and Semipalmated Plovers, singles Caspian and Gull-billed Tern and a large flock of Short-billed Dowitcher. Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Orange-fronted Parakeets and Spot-breasted Orioles were also noted. We reached Hacienda La Pacifica after dusk, and after a short stroll through the hotel grounds we were treated to walk-away views of a Pacific Screech Owl, keeping on with the ‘one-new-owl-a-day’ challenge.

Long-billed Curlew (with Hudsonian Whimbrels and Black-necked Stilts) and Pacific Screech Owl.

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Hacienda Solimar had been closed to visitors only recently, so we had to construct a new plan and decided to visit the adjacent Hacienda San Joaquin instead. Early morning on the grounds of the hotel, numerous Cinnamon Hummingbirds, numerous Blue-vented Hummingbirds and Brown-crested Flycatchers distracted us, while our first Rufous-naped Wood Rail visited a pool in front of the dining room. Once inside the Hacienda, new birds kept delighting us, like nice Eastern Meadowlarks, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, American Kestrel, Mourning Doves, Banded Wren, migrants Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Scaly-breasted Hummingbirds, Green-breasted Mangos, several Ferruginous Pygmy Owls, Streak-backed and Spot- breasted Orioles, Dusky-capped Flycatchers, White-lored Gnatcatchers, Yellow-throated Vireo. We also got scope views of a distant Jabiru on a nest with a juvenile – always a most wanted species for the participants! We found a roosting American Barn Owl and finally a nice covey of cooperative Spot-bellied Bobwhites, which gave very good views indeed.

Spot-bellied Bobwhites, Bare-throated Tiger Heron and a surprise Mangrove Cuckoo from Hacienda San Joaquin.

After lunch, we drove to Monteverde, where we first stopped at the Refugio de vida silvestre. Just after arrival, a Three-wattled Bellbird called nearby, so after an hour of tracking we managed gripping, walk-away views of this mega weird bird. It uttered its out-of-this-world calls as we were only few meters away, so we could really feel the power of its song! After this unbelievable time, a visit paid to the finca ecologica didn’t reveal any Chiriqui Quail-Doves, but we had great views of lekking Long-tailed Manakins, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrushes, Swainson’s Thrushes and Grey-headed Chachalacas. We retreated to our nearby

15 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com accomodation and went for a celebratory dinner, after having seen the bellbird, one of the weirdest birds on earth, and definitely on the top of the bucket list for every visiting birder.

Two very nice birds from Monteverde: the most-wanted Three-wattled Bellbird and a fine White-eared Ground Sparrow.

We again started the morning in the productive gardens of our hotel, where we soon bagged in our first Canivet’s Emerald and Magenta-throated Woodstar at flowering verbains and an ‘Orange-bellied’ Collared Trogon. White-eared Ground Sparrow were conspicuous, as were Lesson’s Motmots, Swainson’s Thrush, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush and Ovenbird. We then set off to the Santa Elena cloudforest reserve, where we spent the rest of the morning. Birding was very quiet at times, but by working hard the trails we were ultimately rewarded by an unexpected and rare Scaled Antpitta, which showed to the whole group. We also found two Bare-shanked Screech Owls roosting, a great catch-up for those who had missed precious nightbirding! Other specialities included several Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush, Black-eared (or Costa

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Rican, split from Three-striped) Warbler, Slate-throated Whitestarts, very tame Collared Whitestarts, an excellent Black-thighed Grosbeak, Chestnut-capped Brushfinches, a unusually showy Silvery-fronted Tapaculo crossing quietly the trail several times (at last – we weren’t able to see one in the Cerro de la Muerte), a couple of Streak-breasted Treehunters, noisy Prong-billed Barbets, a Buff-fronted Quail Dove that flew very low and extremely close to us along the trail, Blue-throated Toucanets, Red-faced Spinetails, more Eye-ringed Flatbills, Spangle-cheeked Tanagers, Barred Becards, Ochraceous Wrens and some more. On the other side, Azure-hooded Jays only called distantly, as did Three-wattled Bellbirds. After delicious pizzas at Monteverde, we visited once again the finca ecologica. Despite walking the trails for the whole afternoon, Chiriqui Quail-Dove could only be heard a few times but not seen. But we saw lots of new birds, including some good ones. An ant-swarm attracted Red-crested Ant-tanagers, Rufous-bellied and Rufous-and-white Wrens, a pair of Ruddy Woocreepers, Olivaceous Woodcreepers, several White-eared Ground Sparrow and migrant Kentucky and Worm-eating Warblers. Our first Keel-billed Toucan was also seen, and supporting cast included numerous Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Wood and Swainson’s Thrush, Ovenbirds, Long- tailed Manakins, Yellow-throated and Yellow-crowned Euphonias. We then went back to the hotel and birded the hotel grounds, which hosted a fairly large flock of White-throated Magpie-Jays, Cabani’s Wrens, White- eared Ground Sparrows and again a Canivet’s Emerald.

Tame and near-endemic Collared Whitestarts were appreciated at Monteverde!

We visited once again the finca ecologica next morning, but this time, after walking for an hour-and-a-half, we were relieved to find a fine Chiriqui Quail-Dove sitting in front of us on the trail! The bird stayed in view for twenty seconds before walking down deep in the forest. Success! Several other nice birds were recorded, like Northern Barred Woodcreepers, Ruddy Woodcreepers, Keel-billed Toucans, Worm-eating Warbler and the other usual suspects. After breakfast, a short visit to the hummingbird gallery of Michael and Patricia Fogden was productive as always, with fantastic views of a male Purple-throated Mountaingem, several endemic Coppery-headed Emeralds, a few Magenta-throated Woodstars and Stripe-tailed Hummingbirds. It was then time to start the long drive to Arenal. A random picnic lunch stop yielded a Great Curassow and flowering trees attracted numerous Montezuma Oropendolas but also several scarcer Chestnut-headed Oropendola and Yellow-billed Caciques. Birding the Arenal dam road in begining afternoon was productive, with an ant swarm attracting many birds including several Broad-billed Motmots, Spotted and Dull-manlted Antbirds, Wood Thrushes and Buff-rumped Warblers. We heard our trustful driver Luis whistling, so we knew he was after something good! Indeed, minutes later we had a superb Keel-billed Motmot in the scope, for as long as we wanted! With this major target in the bag, we checked in at the superb Arenal Observatory Lodge

17 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com and had just enough time to explore the birdy gardens, where we ended the day with a fabulous Black- crested Coquette and a Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer. What a day!

Two range-restricted species from western Costa Rica: a nice male Purple-throated Mountain-gem and Keel-billed Motmot.

The day started around our rooms, where Black-throated Wrens, Collared Aracaris and a bunch of Swallow- tailed Kites roosting were our first birds of the day. We then spent most of the morning along the trails around the lodge, where we bagged in an amazing quantity of good birds. Flocks never kept coming to us, birding in the neotropics at its best! During the course of the morning, we observed a roosting Great Potoo (which transformed itself in a thin stick when an Ornate Hawk-Eagle flew over him!), fantastic males Black- crested Coquettes and Green Thorntails, the scarce Western Woodhaunter, the near-endemic Streak- crowned Antvireo at close range, Rufous Mourners, Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrants, a much appreciated male White-collared Manakin and a White-ruffed Manakin, Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, Band-backed,

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Stripe-breasted, Bay, the skulking Song and White-breasted Wood Wrens, Worm-eating, Kentucky and Golden-winged Warblers, a great selection of Tanagers including Crimson-collared, the near-endemic and most wanted Black-and-Yellow, the uncommon Rufous-winged and Carmiol’s Tanagers, some fine Tawny- capped Euphonias and even a fantastic Northern Tamandua! But the highlight of the morning was the discovery of a massive army ant swarm, which attracted at least four extraordinary Ocellated Antbirds, many Spotted Antbirds, a few Bicolored Antbirds, a female Great Antshrike, Dusky Antbirds, Western Woodhaunter and Slaty Antwrens. Pfew! In the afternoon, we visited the national park and soon found another ant swarm, which attracted some excellent Bare-crowned Antbirds, again Spotted and Bicolored Antbirds and Red-throated Ant-tanagers. Fasciated Antshrike, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-cowled Oriole and Great Curassows were also seen nearby, but a skulking and aptly-named Thicket Antpitta only showed briefly to the leader, despite our patience and perseverance. In the evening, we went to the frog pool to admire the charismatic Red-eyed Tree Frogs and also found a Wood Thrush and a Black-and-yellow Tanager roosting above the pool!

We had an incredible first morning at Arenal! Northern Tamandua and Ocellated Antbird stole the show. The pre-breakfast walk was spoiled by strong wind and rain, but we still saw a few good birds like Black- headed Nightingale-Thrush, Dull-mantled Antbird, Carmiol’s Tanager, our first Tooth-billed Tanager and a

19 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com nice selection of common birds. We left the observatory lodge and visited the nearby sendero Bogarin, where White-throated Crakes performed, while Uniform Crake stayed in cover but was visible a few times. White-collared Manakins and other common birds were also there and we saw our first Two-toed Sloth. We had lunch at Cinchona with a brief Black-bellied Hummingbird, Black Guan, Red-headed Barbet, lots of Coppery-headed Emerald, two excellent Buff-fronted Quail-Doves, an immaculate White Hawk and our first Bat Falcon. When down at La Selva, a Great Green Macaw flew in and entered a cavity, while Thick-billed Seed Finches were singing in overgrown fields, Red-lored Parrots and Finsch’s Parakeet abundant and flying around. We checked-in the the mythical La Selva, where after dinner a long night walk didn’t produce any hoped-for nightbirds but another Two-toed Sloth and lots of Pauraques. Spectacled Owl and several Great Tinamous were heard in the reserve.

A big male Great Currasow and the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald, two much-appreciated specialities!

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Our full day at La Selva proved to be rather wet, with rain on and off the whole day. Luckily, an hour of dry weather before breakfast was by far our most productive time here, as within a short time window we managed to find several great birds. Two Great Tinamous crossed the path in front of us, unconcerned by our presence, then we found a nice immature Semiplumbeous Hawk perched high up in a tree, a calling Slaty-tailed Trogon, a flock of the near-endemic and a bit weird Plain-colored Tanager and finally, the icing on the cake, four superb Snowy Cotingas at close range! After breakfast, our local guide Jo came with us for the rest of the morning, but things were pretty quiet. We did get a Grey Catbird from the dining room, a couple of Blue-chested Hummingbirds at their favourite tree, a pair of Grey-headed Kites perched very close, a brief Green Ibis, a trio of Purple-throated Fruitcrows, White-necked Puffbird bringing food to its juveniles still at nest in a big termite mound and that’s about it. Just after lunch, activity by the clearing entertained us, with more Plain-coloured Tanagers, Shining Honeycreepers, Cocoa, Northern Barred and Spotted Woodcreepers and several Black-faced Grosbeaks. Some Little and Slaty-breasted Tinamous calling nearby remained hidden, despite all our efforts and different strategies. We also spent some time waiting at a clearing, where finally four Great Green Macaw performed at length in front of us and gave fantastic views in the scope! Overhead, a constant stream of Turkey Vultures and Broad-winged Hawks migrating north was much appreciated, and a pair of Laughing Falcon (one eating a snake!), a Bat Falcon and many swifts were also noted. A brief walk at dusk back in the forest produced a Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker and a Green Ibis, and after dinner an excellent Vermiculated Screech Owl performed at very close range!

Three nice birds seen at La Selva: Keel-billed (left) and Yellow-throated Toucans and the ultimate Snowy Cotinga.

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Vermiculated Screech Owl was, in the end, seen very well at La Selva.

The last full day of the tour started with an hour birding in La Selva before breakfast. Slaty-breasted Tinamous kept eluding us, the activity was rather slow overall and we didn’t find anything new. After breakfast, we went back in the forest and this time managed to get great looks at a Slaty-breasted Tinamou, which strangely cooperated well for once! A tame Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker in the garden was also appreciated.

Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker behaved fantastically well at La Selva!

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We then visited the garden of Cope, a very talented local guide and artist from the nearby town of Guapiles. The feeders were attracting a variety of common species but the main highlight was a gripping sighting of White-tipped Sicklebill!

No shortage of amazing birds in Costa Rica! Our last morning gave us an unbeatable encounter with White-tipped Sicklebill and two fantastic roosting Crested Owls.

A short stroll through the forest with our friend Luis gave us, after a long struggle, a marvellous encounter with a roosting pair of Crested Owls! Nearby, two Spectacled Owls including a fresh juvenile also amazed

23 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best of Costa Rica 2020 www.birdquest-tours.com us, while the highlight was clearly the roosting Honduran White Bat (or Tent Bat), probably the cutest critters encountered of the whole tour. Our only King Vultures were also seen there. After lunch, we paid a visit to Quebrada Gonzales, where things were at first very quiet, but we in the end got rewarded with a few flocks and sightings of White-flanked and Checker-throated Antwrens, Tawny-crested Tanagers, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaners, while a distantly calling Lattice-tailed Trogon refused to show. It was then time to get back to our hotel in San Jose and bid farewell to our trustful driver Luis, which has been absolutely great and helpful throughout.

Another goodie from our last day near to Guapiles, a rather sleepy youngster Spectacled Owl (carefully checked by an adult nearby!).

A great thanks to all participant for making this tour such an enjoyable and successful one!

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Blue-throated Toucanets were seen several times and occasionally very close!

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

The species names and used in the report follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). 2019. IOC World Bird List (v 9.1). This list is updated several times annually and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org. The online checklist, available to download at the above website, includes all relevant taxonomic notes. The website also includes a useful section outlining recent taxonomic decisions and upcoming proposals.

Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g.: it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

BIRDS

Great Tinamou Tinamus major Seen well at La Selva, heard elsewhere. Highland Tinamou ◊ Nothocercus bonapartei A pair seen very well above Savegre! Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui (H) Heard a couple of times, first at Arenal. Slaty-breasted Tinamou ◊ Crypturellus boucardi Seen very well at La Selva after a lot of efforts! Grey-headed Chachalaca ◊ Ortalis cinereiceps Many seen. Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Many seen. Black Guan ◊ Chamaepetes unicolor Seen a few times, first at Casa Tangara

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Great Curassow ◊ Crax rubra Seen very well at Arenal and La Selva.

The scarce Highland Tinamou (left) was seen surprisingly well at Savegre, while Great Tinamous were found roosting at La Selva!

Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge ◊ Dendrortyx leucophrys Very close views of two at Casa Tangara. Spot-bellied Bobwhite ◊ (Crested B) Colinus leucopogon A whole covey seen well at Hacienda San Joaquin. Marbled Wood Quail Odontophorus gujanensis (H) Heard at Vila Lapas. Spotted Wood Quail ◊ Odontophorus guttatus A few coveys seen very well at Savegre. Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Seen a few times, first at Carara. Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Only one, at Carara. Blue-winged Teal Spatula discors Seen near to San Isidro. Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis One roosting at Arenal was much appreciated. Common Potoo (Grey P) Nyctibius griseus One roosting at Talari.

Great Potoo from Arenal.

Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Many along Tarcoles river. Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis Many seen. Dusky Nightjar ◊ Antrostomus saturatus Seen very well in the Cerro de la Muerte. Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila Seen at Talari.

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White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Many seen. Costa Rican Swift ◊ Chaetura fumosa Seen at Talari and Carara. Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Seen at La Selva. Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi Seen at Cartago. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis (LO) One at La Selva.

The near-endemic Dusky Nightjar showed well (although the settings for this picture could have been better!)

White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila Fantastic views of one at Cope’s. Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Many seen at higher elevations. Long-billed Hermit (Western long-tailed H) Phaethornis longirostris Seen several times at lower elevations. Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis Seen many times. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii Seen many times, first at Talari. Violet Sabrewing ◊ Campylopterus hemileucurus Seen very well a few times, mostly at Monteverde. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Seen many times. Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Only one, at Arenal. Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus Many seen. Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii Seen a few times, first at Talari. Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Seen at Arenal. Black-crested Coquette ◊ Lophornis helenae Excellent males at Arenal and Quebrada Gonzales. White-crested Coquette ◊ Lophornis adorabilis A fantastic male at Bosque de Tolomuco. Green Thorntail Discosura conversii Several at La Selva. Canivet's Emerald Chlorostilbon canivetii Seen at Monteverde. Fiery-throated Hummingbird ◊ Panterpe insignis Many in the Cerro de la Muerte. Coppery-headed Emerald ◊ Elvira cupreiceps Several at Monteverde and Cinchona. Stripe-tailed Hummingbird ◊ Eupherusa eximia Seen several times, first at Tolomuco. Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris A brief male at Cinchona. Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica Seen several times. Blue-throated Sapphire ◊ Hylocharis eliciae Seen a few times, first at Los Cusingos. Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila Several in the dry northwest. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Many seen throughout. Blue-chested Hummingbird ◊ Amazilia amabilis Seen at La Selva. Mangrove Hummingbird ◊ Amazilia boucardi One in the mangroves of Tarcoles river.

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Snowy-bellied Hummingbird ◊ Amazilia edward Seen very well at Tolomuco.

Two most-appreciated Hummers: near-endemic Fiery-throated Hummingbird (above) and the endemic Grey-tailed Mountain-gem.

Blue-vented Hummingbird Amazilia hoffmanni Seen a few times, first at San Isidro. Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer ◊ (Red-footed P) Chalybura urochrysia Seen at Arenal and Cope’s. Purple-throated Mountaingem ◊ Lampornis calolaemus Nice males seen well at Monteverde. Grey-tailed Mountaingem ◊ Lampornis cinereicauda Seen at Savegre and Tolomuco. Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula Many seen. Talamanca Hummingbird ◊ spectabilis Many seen in the Cerro de la Muerte. Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti Several seen, first at Carara. Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii One in the dry northwest. Magenta-throated Woodstar ◊ Calliphlox bryantae Great views at Monteverde.

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris Several in the dry northwest. Volcano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula Many in the Cerro de la Muerte. Scintillant Hummingbird ◊ Selasphorus scintilla Seen well at Savegre and Tolomuco.

Some more good hummingbirds: Talamanca (above) and Snowy-bellied (left) Hummingbirds and a tiny Black-crested Coquette.

Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Seen along Tarcoles river. Lesser Ground Cuckoo ◊ Morococcyx erythropygus Fantastic views near to Carara! Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Many heard, a few seen. Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor Good views of one at Hacienda San Joaquin. Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Seen in cities. Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa One at La Selva. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Many seen in the Cerro de la Muerte. Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Many seen at Arenal and La Selva. Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris Many seen including in San José. Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea Several seen well at Savegre. Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris Several seen well at La Selva. Inca Dove Columbina inca Seen a few times. Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Seen in the dry northwest. Plain-breasted Ground Dove Columbina minuta A few seen at Hacienda San Joaquin.

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Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Seen many times. Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa Seen at Carara and La Selva. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana Seen at Carara. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Seen many times. Grey-chested Dove ◊ Leptotila cassinii Seen several times, most common at La Selva. Buff-fronted Quail-Dove ◊ Zentrygon costaricensis Seen very well at Casa Tangara and Cinchona. Chiriqui Quail-Dove ◊ Zentrygon chiriquensis Seen well at Monteverde. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Several in the dry northwest. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Many seen. White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis Seen very well at Sendero Bogarin. Uniform Crake Amaurolimnas concolor Seen at Sendero Bogarin. Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Seen in the dry northwest. Rufous-naped Wood Rail Aramides albiventris (LO) Two at Talari. Purple Gallinule (American P G) Porphyrio martinica Seen along Tarcoles river. Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Seen near to San Isidro. Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus Seen on Rio Tarcoles and at Hacienda San Joaquin. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Seen several times. Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Seen a few times. Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola Seen at Punta Morales. Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Seen at Punta Morales. Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia Seen at Punta Morales. Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Seen several times. Whimbrel (Hudsonian W) Numenius [phaeopus] hudsonicus Seen several times. Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus One at Punta Morales. Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa A flock of about 100 at Punta Morales.

Part of a large flock of Marbled Godwits.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Seen a few times. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Many on Rio Tarcoles and at Punta Morales. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Many at Punta Morales. Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Many at Punta Morales. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Several at Punta Morales. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Many seen.

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Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes A small flock at Punta Morales. Willet Tringa semipalmata Many along Rio Tarcoles and at Punta Morales. Black Skimmer Rynchops niger About 20 on Rio Tarcoles. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Seen a few times. Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Seen a few times. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia One at Punta Morales. Wood Stork Mycteria americana Several in the dry northwest. Jabiru Jabiru mycteria An adult with chick at nest near to Hacienda San Joaquin. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Many seen. Neotropic Cormorant (Olivaceous C) Phalacrocorax brasilianus Many seen. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Seen a few times. Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis (LO) Two at La Selva. American White Ibis Eudocimus albus Seen a few times. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja One in the mangroves of Rio Tarcoles. Bare-throated Tiger Heron ◊ Tigrisoma mexicanum Several seen very well. Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius Small numbers in the mangroves of Rio Tarcoles. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (LO) One at Hacienda La Pacifica. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea Several seen. Green Heron Butorides virescens Seen a few times. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Many seen. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Seen a few times. Great Egret Ardea alba Many seen. Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens One along Rio Tarcoles. Tricolored Heron (Louisiana H) Egretta tricolor Seen a few times. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Seen several times. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Seen several times. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Good numbers along the pacific coast. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Many seen. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Many seen. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Two at Guapiles.

Semiplumbeous Hawk (left) and Gray-headed Kite.

Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Seen a few times along the pacific coast. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Seen a few times. Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis A pair showed nicely at La Selva. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Regular great views of this splendid raptor! Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus One at Arenal. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus Seen a few times. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Seen along Rio Tarcoles.

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Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens One along Rio Tarcoles. Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Many along Rio Tarcoles. Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Seen a few times. Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Several at Hacienda San Joaquin. White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis One at Cinchona. Semiplumbeous Hawk ◊ Leucopternis semiplumbeus Great scope views at one at La Selva. Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus Seen a few times. Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Hundreds in migration over La Selva. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Seen a few times. Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni A few in migration over La Selva. Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus One at La Selva. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Seen a few times. American Barn Owl Tyto furcata One at Hacienda San Joaquin. Pacific Screech Owl ◊ Megascops cooperi Two showed insanely well at Hacienda La Pacifica! Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba Great looks at Talari Mountain Lodge! Bare-shanked Screech Owl ◊ Megascops clarkii Good looks at one in the Cerro de la Muerte and at Monteverde!

Two roosting Bare-shanked Screech Owls seen at Monteverde.

Vermiculated Screech Owl ◊ Megascops vermiculatus Fantastic views at night at La Selva. Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata Two seen roosting at Tarcoles. Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata Two seen roosting at Guapiles; one of the most amazing owls on Earth for sure! Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata Seen at Villa Lapas and Guapiles. Costa Rican Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium costaricanum One seen very well near Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum A few seen in the dry northwest. Resplendent Quetzal ◊ Pharomachrus mocinno Seen a few times in the Cerro de la Muerte; mega! Lattice-tailed Trogon ◊ Trogon clathratus (H) One heard at Quebrada Gonzales. Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena Seen well at La Selva, heard elsewhere. Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus Seen well around Carara. Baird's Trogon ◊ Trogon bairdii Seen very well at Los Cusingos. Gartered Trogon (Northern Violaceous T) Trogon caligatus Seen well a few times. Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus Seen a few times, first at Los Cusingos. Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Seen a few times, including ‘Orange-bellied’ morph at Monteverde.

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American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea One seen briefly in Tarcoles mangroves. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Seen a few times. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Seen a few times. Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Seen a few times.

A male Resplendant Quetzal upon entering its nest

Lesson's Motmot Momotus lessonii Seen many times including in San José. Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Seen at La Selva. Keel-billed Motmot ◊ Electron carinatum Seen well at Arenal. Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Seen well at Arenal and La Selva. Turquoise-browed Motmot ◊ Eumomota superciliosa Seen well in the dry northwest. Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda Seen well several times. White-necked Puffbird Notharchus hyperrhynchus One seen well at La Selva. White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis Seen several times. Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii Seen twice, at Tolomuco and Cinchona. Prong-billed Barbet ◊ Semnornis frantzii Seen well at Casa Tangara dowii and Monteverde. Blue-throated Toucanet ◊ Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis Seen many times. Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Fiery-billed Aracari ◊ Pteroglossus frantzii Seen well at Villa Lapas. Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus Many seen. Yellow-throated Toucan (Chestntut-mandibled T) Ramphastos ambiguus Many seen. Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus Seen at Talari. Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Several in the Cerro de la Muerte. Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Many at Arenal and La Selva. Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus Seen well at Talari and Los Cusingos. Hoffmann's Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii Seen many times. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Leuconotopicus fumigatus Seen at Talari. Hairy Woodpecker Leuconotopicus villosus Seen at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. Rufous-winged Woodpecker ◊ Piculus simplex Seen at Carara NP. Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Seen at Monteverde. Chestnut-colored Woodpecker Celeus castaneus Seen at La Selva. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Seen a few times.

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Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis Seen a few times. Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Many in the dry northwest. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Many seen. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Seen at Talari and La Selva. Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus Fantastic views at Carara NP! American Kestrel Falco sparverius One at Hacienda San Joaquin. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis Seen at Cinchona and La Selva. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Seen at Punta Morales.

Two fantastic species of Macaws: a pair of Scarlet (above) and a pair of endangered Great Green Macaws.

Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola A few flocks in the Cerro de la Muerte. Orange-chinned Parakeet (Tovi P) Brotogeris jugularis Many seen.

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Brown-hooded Parrot Pyrilia haematotis Seen well a few times. White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis Seen many times. White-fronted Amazon (W-f Parrot) Amazona albifrons Seen in the dry northwest. Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis Seen many times. Yellow-naped Amazon ◊ Amazona auropalliata Seen well at Tarcoles mangroves. Northern Mealy Amazon ◊ Amazona guatemalae Mostly seen around La Selva. Sulphur-winged Parakeet ◊ Pyrrhura hoffmanni Seen at Savegre hotel. Olive-throated Parakeet Eupsittula nana Seen well at La Selva. Orange-fronted Parakeet Eupsittula canicularis Seen well at Punta Morales. Great Green Macaw ◊ Ara ambiguus Two pairs at La Selva. Scarlet Macaw Ara macao Many around Carara NP. Finsch's Parakeet ◊ Psittacara finschi Many seen. Olivaceous Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen a few times. Long-tailed Woodcreeper Deconychura longicauda One at Carara NP. Ruddy Woodcreeper Dendrocincla homochroa Two at Monteverde. Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa (H) Heard at La Selva. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Seen several times. Northern Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae Seen at Monteverde, Arenal and La Selva. Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans Seen several times. Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus Seen at Carara NP. Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Seen a few times. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Seen a few times. Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis Seen in the Cerro de la Muerte. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus Many seen. Buffy Tuftedcheeck ◊ Pseudocolaptes lawrencii Seen above Savegre. Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris Seen above Savegre. Streak-breasted Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes rufobrunneus Seen along Providencia road. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus Seen at Quebrada Gonzales. Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner ◊ Automolus exsertus Seen at Los Cusingos.

A nice Bicoloured Antbird attending the huge ant swarm at Arenal. Western Woodhaunter Automolus virgatus Seen at Arenal. Ruddy Treerunner ◊ Margarornis rubiginosus Seen many times in the highlands.

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Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops Seen at Monteverde. Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus Seen at Arenal and Quebrada Gonzales. Dot-winged Antwren (Dotted-w A) Microrhopias quixensis Seen a few times, first at Arenal. Checker-throated Antwren Epinecrophylla fulviventris Seen at Quebrada Gonzales. White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris Seen at Quebrada Gonzales. Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Seen a few times, first at Arenal. Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Seen a few times, first at Arenal.

The near-endemic Streak-crowned Antvireo.

Streak-crowned Antvireo ◊ (Streaked-c A) Dysithamnus striaticeps Seen at Arenal and Quebrada Gonzales. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Seen a few times, first at Tarcoles mangroves. Black-hooded Antshrike ◊ Thamnophilus bridgesi Seen at Los Cusingos and Carara NP. Black-crowned Antshrike ◊ (Western Slaty A) Thamnophilus atrinucha (H) Heard at La Selva. Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus Seen a few times, first at Arenal. Great Antshrike Taraba major One at Arenal. Ocellated Antbird ◊ Phaenostictus mcleannani Up to four attending an ant swarm at Arenal. Unique experience! Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys bicolor Seen several times at Arenal. Dusky Antbird Cercomacroides tyrannina Seen several times, first at Carara NP. Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevioides Seen a few times. Chestnut-backed Antbird Poliocrania exsul Seen a few times, first at Los Cusingos. Dull-mantled Antbird ◊ Sipia laemosticta Seen well at Arenal. Bare-crowned Antbird ◊ Gymnocichla nudiceps Several flocks at Arenal NP. Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis Seen very well at Carara NP. Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis Seen at Monteverde; nice surprise! Streak-chested Antpitta ◊ (Spectacled A) Hylopezus perspicillatus Fantastic views at Carara NP. Thicket Antpitta ◊ Hylopezus dives (H) Heard only at Arenal. Silvery-fronted Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus argentifrons Seen very well at Monteverde. White-fronted Tyrannulet ◊ (Zeledon's T) Phyllomyias zeledoni Seen well near to Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus One at Talari. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata Seen a few times, first at Villa Lapas. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Seen several times. Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii Many seen.

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Ruddy Woodcreeper and the scarce White-fronted Tyrannulet.

Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe Seen in the dry northwest. Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Seen at Suenos del Bosque and Arenal. Mistletoe Tyrannulet (Paltry T) Zimmerius parvus Many seen. Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus Seen several times. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus Seen several times.

Eye-ringed Flatbill seen at Carara.

Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Seen at Arenal. Northern Scrub Flycatcher Sublegatus arenarum Seen at Tarcoles mangroves and Punta Morales. Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare Seen at Carara NP. Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Seen at Arenal. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Many seen. Eye-ringed Flatbill Rhynchocyclus brevirostris Several seen, first at Los Cusingos. Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher) Tolmomyias sulphurescens Many seen. Yellow-margined Flatbill (Y-m flycatcher) Tolmomyias flavotectus (H) Heard at La Selva. Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus Seen well at Arenal. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Seen at Arenal.

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Northern Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus Seen at Savegre and Monteverde. Dark Pewee ◊ Contopus lugubris Seen well at Suenos del Bosque. Ochraceous Pewee ◊ Contopus ochraceus Scope views along Providencia road. Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Several seen, first at Tarcoles mangroves. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris Seen a few times. Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens Seen at Monteverde. Black-capped Flycatcher ◊ Empidonax atriceps Many seen in the Cerro de la Muerte. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Many seen. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Many seen. Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Many seen. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Many seen. White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus Seen at La Selva. Golden-bellied Flycatcher ◊ Myiodynastes hemichrysus One above Savegre. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Seen a few times. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Many seen. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Many seen. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus Many in the dry northwest. Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana Several seen at Talari. Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra Seen well a few times. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Seen a few times.

The scarce Dark Pewee.

Panamanian Flycatcher ◊ (Panama F) Myiarchus panamensis Seen well at Tarcoles. Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Seen a few times. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Seen in the dry northwest. Bright-rumped Attila ◊ Attila spadiceus Many heard and seen. Turquoise Cotinga ◊ Cotinga ridgwayi Splendid views of a pair at San Isidro. Three-wattled Bellbird ◊ Procnias tricarunculatus A unique and fantastic experience with a calling male close-by! Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus Great looks at Los Cusingos. Snowy Cotinga ◊ Carpodectes nitidus Up to 5 at La Selva including nice males. Yellow-billed Cotinga ◊ Carpodectes antoniae (LO) One male at Carara NP gave brief flight views.

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Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata A trio seen at La Selva. Long-tailed Manakin ◊ Chiroxiphia linearis Many at Monteverde. White-ruffed Manakin Corapipo altera Seen at Arenal. Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronata Great views at Los Cusingos. White-collared Manakin Manacus candei Great views at Arenal and La Selva. Orange-collared Manakin ◊ Manacus aurantiacus Great views at Los Cusingos and Carara NP. Red-capped Manakin Ceratopipra mentalis Great looks at Los Cusingos. Northern Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus mexicanus A pair building a nest at Carara NP was a major highlight! Sulphur-rumped Myiobius (S-r Flycatcher) Myiobius sulphureipygius Seen several times. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus Seen at Carara NP. Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Seen a few times, first at Talari. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Seen many times. Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor Seen near to Paraiso Quetzal Lodge and at Monteverde. Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Seen a few times. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Seen a few times. Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae Seen a few times at Carara and in the dry northwest. Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Seen near to Paraiso Quetzal Lodge and at Tarcoles. Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens Seen well in Tarcoles mangroves. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons Many seen. Yellow-winged Vireo ◊ Vireo carmioli Many seen in the highlands. Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Seen a few times, first near to Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus Seen a few times. Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis Seen at Talari.

The near-endemic and common Yellow-winged Vireo.

Scrub Greenlet Hylophilus flavipes Seen near to Carara NP. Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps Seen well at Arenal. Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus Many seen. Azure-hooded Jay Cyanolyca cucullata (H) Heard only at Monteverde. Brown Jay Psilorhinus morio Many seen. White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa Several in the dry northwest.

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White-throated Magpie-Jay seen at Monteverde.

Black-and-yellow Phainoptila ◊ Phainoptila melanoxantha Several in the Cerro de la Muerte. Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher ◊ Ptiliogonys caudatus Many in the Cerro de la Muerte. Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea Many in the lowlands. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Many seen. Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Many seen. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Seen many times. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Seen many times. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Many seen. American Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Only one at Punta Morales. Band-backed Wren (Banded-b W) Campylorhynchus zonatus Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Rufous-backed Wren Campylorhynchus capistratus Seen many times including in San José. Black-throated Wren ◊ Pheugopedius atrogularis Seen well at Arenal. Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus Seen many times, first at Talari. Banded Wren Thryophilus pleurostictus One showed well at Hacienda San Joaquin. Rufous-and-white Wren Thryophilus rufalbus Seen at Carara NP and Monteverde. Cabanis's Wren ◊ Cantorchilus modestus Seen several times including in San José. Isthmian Wren ◊ Cantorchilus elutus (H) One heard only at Los Cusingos. Riverside Wren ◊ Cantorchilus semibadius Seen a few times, first at Talari. Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus Seen at La Selva, heard elsewhere. Stripe-breasted Wren (Striped-b W) Cantorchilus thoracicus Seen at Arenal, La Selva and Quebrada Gonzales. House Wren Troglodytes aedon Many seen. Ochraceous Wren ◊ Troglodytes ochraceus Seen a few times in the Cerro de la Muerte. Timberline Wren ◊ Thryorchilus browni Seen well along Providencia road. White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticta Seen very well at Arenal and La Selva. Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Seen well in the Cerro de la Muerte. Northern Nightingale-Wren (Nightingale W) Microcerculus philomela (H) Heard at Arenal a couple of times. Song Wren Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus Great views at Arenal. Trilling Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus Seen at Carara NP. White-lored Gnatcatcher Polioptila albiloris Seen several times in the dry northwest. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea Seen several times. Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis One at La Selva.

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Rufous-backed Wrens are often conspicuous and inquisitive!

Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus Seen several times. Black-faced Solitaire ◊ Myadestes melanops Seen well at Savegre and Monteverde. Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush ◊ Catharus gracilirostris Many seen well in the Cerro de la Muerte. Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris Many seen at Monteverde but also at Talari. Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater Seen well at Monteverde.

Black-faced Solitaire

Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush ◊ Catharus frantzii Several at Savegre and Monteverde. Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush ◊ Catharus mexicanus Seen at Arenal. Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Seen a few times. Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Seen many times.

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Sooty Thrush ◊ (S Robin) Turdus nigrescens Many in the Cerro de la Muerte. Mountain Thrush ◊ (M Robin) Turdus plebejus Many seen. Clay-colored Thrush (C-c Robin) Turdus grayi Many seen. National bird of Costa Rica! American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus Two birds in Dota valley near Trogon lodge.

Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush (above) and an American Dipper.

House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus Seen in cities. Lesser Goldfinch Spinus psaltria Seen at Savegre. Yellow-bellied Siskin Spinus xanthogastrus Several along Providencia road. Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis A few in the dry northwest. Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla Seen several times. Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea Seen several times.

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Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi Seen at La Selva. Tawny-capped Euphonia ◊ Euphonia anneae Seen a few times. Golden-browed Chlorophonia ◊ Chlorophonia callophrys Seen in the Cerro de la Muerte and at Monteverde.

A sublime male of the near-endemic Golden-browed Chlorophonia!

Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Many seen. Volcano Junco ◊ Junco vulcani Several in the Cerro de la Muerte. Stripe-headed Sparrow (Striped-h S) Peucaea ruficauda Several in the dry northwest. White-eared Ground Sparrow ◊ Melozone leucotis Many at Monteverde but also seen in San José. Olive Sparrow Arremonops rufivirgatus Two birds near to Carara NP. Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris Seen a few times. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Seen several times. Chestnut-capped Brushfinch Arremon brunneinucha Seen several times. Large-footed Finch ◊ Pezopetes capitalis Many in the Cerro de la Muerte. White-naped Brushfinch (Yellow-throated B F) Atlapetes albinucha Seen a few times. Yellow-thighed Finch ◊ Pselliophorus tibialis Many in the Cerro de la Muerte and Monteverde. Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus Seen at Savegre. Sooty-capped Bush Tanager ◊ Chlorospingus pileatus Many in the Cerro de la Muerte. Wrenthrush ◊ (Zeledonia) Zeledonia coronata Brilliant views of several including at La Georgina. Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Seen well at Hacienda San Joaquin. Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus Seen at Arenal. Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma Many seen. Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus Seen at Arenal. Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus Seen at Hacienda San Joaquin. Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Many seen. Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis Seen in the dry northwest. Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas Seen at Arenal. Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius An immature male in San José. Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Seen along Rio Tarcoles.

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White-naped Brushfinch (left) and the most-wanted Wrenthrush (or Zeledonia), which showed very well but didn’t pose for a picture!

Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Seen at La Selva. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Seen at La Selva. Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Seen several times. Melodious Blackbird Dives dives Seen several times. Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Many seen. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla Seen mostly at Monteverde Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum Several at Monteverde and Arenal. Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla Seen at Savegre. Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Seen mostly in the Carara NP area. Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera Seen a few times.

Flame-throated Warbler is near-endemic to Costa Rica and always a much appreciated goodie!

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Seen many times. Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea Seen in the Tarcoles mangroves. Flame-throated Warbler Oreothlypis gutturalis Several in the highlands. Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina Many seen. Grey-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala Seen in the dry northwest.

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Kentucky Warbler Geothlypis formosa Seen at Monteverde and Arenal. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Seen a few times. Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Seen a few times. Bay-breasted Warbler Setophaga castanea One at Arenal. American Yellow Warbler Setophaga aestiva Many seen. Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia Common in Tarcoles mangroves. Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica Many seen; commonest migrant warbler at many places. Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens Commonly encountered in the highlands. Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda Many seen in the lowlands mostly. Rufous-capped Warbler (Chestnut-capped W) Basileuterus rufifrons Seen a few times. Black-cheeked Warbler ◊ Basileuterus melanogenys Seen in the highlands several times. Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Black-eared Warbler (Three-striped W) Basileuterus melanotis Seen at Monteverde. Wilson's Warbler Cardellina pusilla Many seen. Slate-throated Whitestart (S-t Redstart) Myioborus miniatus Seen at Arenal. Collared Whitestart Myioborus torquatus Many seen at higher elevations, including Monteverde. Flame-colored Tanager (Stripe-backed T) Piranga bidentata Seen several times. Tooth-billed Tanager (Highland Hepatic T) Piranga lutea Only one at Arenal.

Costa Rica has some excellent Thraupidae and this Silver-throated Tanager is one of the best of them!

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Seen many times. Red-crowned Ant Tanager Habia rubica Seen at Los Cusingos and Carara NP. Red-throated Ant Tanager Habia fuscicauda Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Carmiol's Tanager ◊ Chlorothraupis carmioli Seen at La Selva and Quebrada Gonzales. Black-thighed Grosbeak ◊ Pheucticus tibialis Seen above Savegre and at Monteverde. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Several seen, first at Bosque de Tolomuco. Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster Several seen at La Selva. Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides Seen at La Selva. Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata Seen a few times. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus Seen a few times. Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii Seen at Quebrada Gonzales. Crimson-collared Tanager ◊ Ramphocelus sanguinolentus Seen at Arenal and at Cope’s.

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Scarlet-rumped Tanager ◊ (Passerini's T) Ramphocelus [passerinii] passerinii Many seen. Scarlet-rumped Tanager ◊ (Cherrie's T) Ramphocelus [passerinii] costaricensis Many seen. Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Many seen. Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Many seen. Plain-colored Tanager ◊ Tangara inornata Seen at La Selva. Emerald Tanager Tangara florida Seen a few times. Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Many seen.

Red-legged Honeycreeper is quite a looker!

Speckled Tanager Tangara guttata Seen a few times. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen a few times. Rufous-winged Tanager Tangara lavinia One at Arenal. Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata Many seen. Spangle-cheeked Tanager ◊ (Spangled-c T) Tangara dowii Seen at Quetzal Paraiso and Monteverde. Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta Many at Arenal and La Selva. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Several seen, first at Talari. Shining Honeycreeper ◊ Cyanerpes lucidus Several at La Selva. Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus Many seen. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Many seen. Black-and-yellow Tanager ◊ Chrysothlypis chrysomelas A few flocks seen at Arenal. Slaty Flowerpiercer Diglossa plumbea Many at high elevation. Peg-billed Finch ◊ Acanthidops bairdi Seen well at Quetzal Paraiso Lodge. Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps A flock at Arenal. Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Many seen. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Seen several times including in San José. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Many seen. Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina ‘Black-breasted’ morph on Pacific coast; ‘Black’ on Caribbean slope. Morelet's Seedeater ◊ Sporophila morelleti Seen several times. Thick-billed Seed Finch Oryzoborus funereus Seen at La Selva. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Many seen. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus Many seen.

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MAMMALS

Brown-throated Sloth Bradypus variegatus Seen at Cope’s. Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni Seen at La Fortuna. Northern Tamandua Tamandua mexicana Seen at Villa Lapas and Arenal. White-throated Capuchin (W-throated C, W-t C Monkey) Cebus capucinus Seen at Monteverde. Mantled Howler Monkey (M H Monkey) Alouatta palliata Seen a few times. Geoffroy's Monkey (Black-handed S M) Ateles geoffroyi Seen a few times. Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Seen in the dry northwest. Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata Many seen. Dusky Rice Rat Melanomys caliginosus Seen at Casa Tangara dowii. Central American Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus alfari Seen in the Cerro de la Muerte. Red-tailed Squirrel (Tropical Red S) Sciurus granatensis Seen a few times. Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides Seen many times. Northern Olingo Bassaricyon gabbii (LO) One at Villa Lapas. White-nosed Coati Nasua narica Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Collared Peccary Pecari tajacu Many at La Selva. White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Seen at Carara and Hacienda la Pacifica.

A very nice young Eyelash Pit-viper from La Selva!

NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST

Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Rufous-naped Wood Rail Aramides albiventris These two species were first considered a single species but have been split recently by the IOC. Grey-necked occurs on the southern Pacific slope, Rufous-naped along the northern Pacific and Caribbean slopes.

Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Two formes were seen: corvina on Caribbean coast (which is already split by HBW as Black Seedeater) and hoffmani on Pacific coast.

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APPENDIX 1

TOP 10 BIRDS RECORDED

1. Three-wattled Bellbird 2. Resplendant Quetzal 3. White-crested Coquette 4. Great Green Macaw 5. Snowy Cotinga 6. Crested Owl 7. White-tipped Sicklebill 8. Spectacled Owl 9. Streak-chested Antpitta 10. Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge

The fantastic Turquoise-browed Motmot didn’t make it to the top 10 but was not far behind!

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These cute Honduran White Bats are always a highlight at the end of each tour!

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