COSTA RICA A RELAXED & EASY TOUR NOVEMBER 2–10, 2019

Fiery-throated , Panterpe insignis. D. Ascanio.

LEADER: DAVID ASCANIO LIST COMPILED BY: DAVID ASCANIO

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

COSTA RICA: A RELAXED & EASY TOUR November 2–10, 2019 By David Ascanio

Photo : https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidascanio/albums/72157711817136493/page1 https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidascanio/albums/72157711817136493/page2

The beautiful gardens of the Hotel Bougainvillea welcomed us with a wonderful rainbow and a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl singing from the top of a small tree and being mobbed by , tyrant-flycatchers, and wood-warblers. We also enjoyed views of a pair of Rufous-naped Wrens, a vocal Rufous-browed Peppershrike, and the unmistakable Lesson’s Motmot.

After breakfast, we took the road to Cartago where a little productive grassland allowed views of a few . Then we ascended the Pan-American Highway and, after reaching a higher elevation, we noticed a sudden change in vegetation and humidity; we had entered the cloud forest. A wonderful lunch was accompanied by excellent views of the territorial Fiery-throated Hummingbird and other allies including Talamanca and Volcano hummingbirds.

Continuing our birding activities after lunch, we decided to take our chances exloring the highlands, to the antenna road. Reaching the pre-paramo is always a challenge because the weather can change dramatically in a few minutes. But, despite the wind and the humidity, we enjoyed very close views of Volcano . Later, a Peg-billed Finch showed up for seconds, and for a grand finale we had a striking encounter with the Timberline Wren.

We headed back to the west side of the mountains, and while driving the narrow road to San Gerardo de Dota we noticed trees packed with ferns and other epiphytes, as well as mosses and a rich, lush understory. Seeing the grandiosity of these mountains along the bus ride was breathtaking, and although we were excited with all the birds seen, we were ready to check into our hotel and relax amid its wonderful gardens. When we met to do the checklist for the first day, our description of today’s birding was simply: a magical day!

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We included Cerro de La Muerte in our Relaxed & Easy itinerary because it is one of the most reliable locations to look for the spectacular Resplendent Quetzal, and it paid off well. An early morning found us on a farm where an optional walk to a look-out allowed views of a male perched at eye level and a female just a little higher. Those who stayed along the road enjoyed views of the female. After breakfast, we continued our search for the unique avifauna of this mountain range, and among feeders and easy walks we enjoyed views of the Ochraceous Wren, a pair of Flame- throated Warblers, Silver-throated and Flame-colored tanagers, Collared Redstart, Yellow-thighed Finch, Large- footed Brushfinch (previously called finch), the small but active Torrent Tyrannulet, and a wonderful male (and a female, nesting!).

After seeing many of the target of this glorious cloud forest, we dedicated the second morning to explore another quetzal tree, and this time we saw two males and three females! We continued our drive with a stop in San Jose to enjoy delicious pizzas (and to see the Steely- vented Hummingbird that religiously comes to the flowers at the parking lot) and continued our drive towards the diverse Caribbean Lowlands of Costa Rica.

Driving along the highway that edges the Braulio Carrillo National Park is always a wonderful experience. This is one of the rainiest locations in Costa Rica, and we noticed the high humidity, precipitation, and richness of the vegetation. A short stop along the road in a garden with vervain flowers allowed us to see some of the most extravagant and impressively beautiful hummingbirds of Costa Rica: the , the Green Thorntail, and the Black-crested Coquette. I am sure everyone will agree with me that putting into words our encounter with these amazing hummers was close to impossible. It was like having a wonderful dream! They came to us in perfect order, all at close distance and at eye level, showing for several seconds. I have to insist that it was exceptionally beautiful. I still have vivid images of the plumages of these species, from intense emerald-greens in the thorntail to golden flashes in the coquette, or burgundy colors contrasting with immaculate white in the Snowcap. And best of all, it stopped raining so that we could see these hummers well, and after we left the location it started raining again. The skies Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

eventually opened up to a sunset with pink, golden, red, blue, and gray colors that were enjoyed during the drive to our home for the next five nights, La Quinta de Sarapiquí.

Green Thorntail, conversii . Photo: D. Ascanio.

In the Caribbean Lowlands of Costa Rica we enjoyed a diverse number of birding activities, including the aerial tram, a family farm, a biological station, and an artist property packed with bird feeders. We started at the famous Aerial Tram, located in the buffer zone of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Among the welcome party we got great views of Buff-rumped Warbler and Semiplumbeous Hawk, but the stars of the morning were two impressive Baird's Tapirs walking—unimpressed with our presence! After exploring the tram station area, we embarked in two gondolas (or baskets) and started a wonderful ride accompanied by the expertise of Alan and Freddy, two incredibly knowledgeable tico guides. As we moved along the tram, the rain got heavier, and we decided to take it the best way: it was a rain forest! But, there is always a positive side. Then, on the way down, it stopped raining and—as expected—the feeding flocks

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

moved frenetically along the forest canopy (probably moving too fast!) giving us the chance to see tanagers, tyrant-flycatchers, and Russet Antshrike, a faithful member of these flocks.

Baird´s Tapir, Tapirrus bairdii. Photo: D. Ascanio.

In the second morning we visited La Selva, a world renowned biological station where biologists and ecologists from all over the world come to study this fantastic tropical humid forest. On the trail, we observed wrens, attilas, trogons, and several Strawberry Poison Dart Frogs singing. Also, we observed a Middle American Screech-Owl roosting inside thick vegetation. The forest was alive with wrens singing and tyrant-flycatchers seeking prey. Upon finishing our visit to the trail, a bird walking on the forest floor captured our attention. Everyone froze, and within minutes we had an astonishing Great Tinamou moving in front of us!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

In the third morning, we took a boat ride along the Sarapiqui River, where a short but consistent rain was noticed in soaked Anhingas, swallows, and an Osprey, which seemed to have said to us, “I am fed up with all that rain!” But, as we had learned by now, the weather didn’t stop us from seeing more wonderful birds. In the afternoon we visited the property of a friend, artist, and an incredible nature-oriented person. Cope (his artistic name) welcomed us with a wonderful set of honeycreepers, hummingbirds, tanagers, kiskadees, wood-rails, oropendolas, and much more coming to the bird feeders. Also, his brother-in-law took us to a site where a roosting Spectacled Owl was observed.

Band-backed Wren with nesting material, Campylorhynchus zonatus. Photo: D. Ascanio.

Our last morning in this wonderful bird-paradise country found us birding the gardens of La Quinta de Sarapiqui. Here, and again, we enjoyed a wonderful mix of tanagers, honeycreepers, aracaris, woodpeckers, thrushes, wood-rails, and sparrows visiting the bird feeders. Also, a walk in the gardens gave us the opportunity to be astonished by the strong voice of the bumblebee- sized Black-capped Tody-Flycatcher as three Social Flycatchers were fighting one another to catch a moth trapped inside the night lamp.

The feeders at La Quinta helped us learn the meanings of some of the colors in bird names and understand the differences among similar ones such as buff versus rusty, or crimson versus red or scarlet. We learned to recognize these colors in different individuals and enjoyed being able to sort this out. The parade of birds kept us busy with this color puzzle until the aracaris took over the site, chasing all other smaller birds away.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

Collared Aracari, Pteroglossus torquatus. Photo: D. Ascanio.

After checking out of La Quinta, we took the old road to San Jose, La Virgen del Socorro road. This wasn’t just a drive but another day filled with surprises. A stop in a family-owned little restaurant with (again!) hummingbird feeders and fruit tables for other birds gave us the opportunity to add the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald, Purple-throated Mountain-Gem, Green-crowned Brilliant, and the extraordinary Violet Sabrewing to our bird list. Just before we left, a colorful Red-headed Barbet showed up, and wonderful exclamations followed this encounter!

Red-headed Barbet, Eubucco bourcierii. Photo: D. Ascanio.

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Back in San José we enjoyed another great meal and rounded-up a final checklist followed by a toast for the present and future of wonderful Costa Rica.

I hope you have learned about and enjoyed the birds, culture, and richness of beautiful Costa Rica. A big thank you for joining me on this Relaxed & Easy tour. I also want to highlight the importance of using local guides in any country you visit. That is the way I started (as a local guide in Venezuela), and that is my way to work when I lead tours in other countries. I express my gratitude to Joel Alvarado of la Selva, Alan and Freddy from the aerial tram, and Cope for their support and assistance in finding several birds. Also, thanks go to my good friend and amazing driver Santiago Morales. He is is not only an excellent driver but an amazing bird spotter and a great person.

Please consider joining me in other Caribbean and Neotropical destinations, equally contrasting and hosting a unique flora and fauna. Some of these tours are:

Cuba: Birds and people-to-people. Photo album of a previous tour: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidascanio/sets/72157643519265893/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylRHvB1jzdI

Birding the Panama Canal . A Relaxed & Easy tour. Photo album of a previous tour: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidascanio/sets/72157648765567967/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgnkUxwd5kw

The Amazon Cruise Photo album of a previous tour: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidascanio/albums/72157663984130953 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b3xYG0cPSo

Colombia: Magdalena River Valley & Western Andes. Photo album of a previous tour: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidascanio/albums/72157697299587672

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

COSTA RICA A Relaxed & Easy Tour November 2–10, 2019

MAP OF LOCATIONS

ITINERARY: 02 November 2019. San José, Hotel Bougainvillea. 03 November 2019. San José to Cerro de la Muerte. 04 November 2019. Cerro de la Muerte. 05 November 2019. Cerro de la Muerte to Sarapiquí. 06 November 2019. Aerial Tram, Braulio Carrillo National Park. La Unión. 07 November 2019. La Selva Field Station. Farmland in Sarapiquí. 08 November 2019. Boat trip Sarapiqui and Puerto Viejo rivers. Forest edge in Sarapiquí. 09 November 2019. La Virgen road and Poás volcano road. 10 November 2019. Departure.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

KEY: SJ San Jose. Hotel Bouganvillea. Also farmland in Cartago. CM Cerro de la Muerte, Mirador de Quetzales, Savegre. BC Aerial tram and Braulio Carrillo National Park. SA La Selva, La Quinta, Guápiles (Cope´s), Sarapiqui and Puerto Viejo rivers. CI La Virgen del Socorro road, Cinchona, Poás Volcano, Freddo Fresas and vicinity. Underlined. Endemic, regional endemic or difficult-to-see species.

BIRDS: Tinamous / Tinamidae Great Tinamou. Tinamus major. An incredible encounter with an individual in La Selva. SA. Slaty-breasted Tinamou. Crypturellus boucardi . Heard only. BC.

Guans, Chachalacas & Curassows / Cracidae Gray-headed Chachalaca. Ortalis cinereiceps. SA. Black Guan. Chamaepetes unicolor. CM.

New World Quail / Odontophoridae Spotted Wood-Quail. Odontophorus guttatus. 2 were seen by some participants. CM.

Pigeons and Doves / Columbidae Rock Pigeon (I). Columba livia. Road and urban areas. Pale-vented Pigeon. Patagioenas cayannensis. SA. Red-billed Pigeon. Patagioenas flavirostris. BC. Ruddy Pigeon. Patagioenas subvinacea. CM. Inca Dove. Columbina inca. SJ. Ruddy Ground-Dove. Columbina talpacoti . SA (open areas). White-tipped Dove. Leptotila verreauxi. SJ, SA. White-winged Dove. Zenaida asiatica . SJ.

Cuckoos / Cuculidae Groove-billed Ani. Crotophaga sulcirostris. Open areas. SA. Squirrel Cuckoo. Piaya cayana. SA.

Swifts / Apodidae White-collared Swift. Streptoprocne zonaris. SA. Gray-rumped Swift. Chaetura cinereiventris. SA.

Hummingbirds / Trochilidae Hummingbirds were originally believed to be a cross between an and a bird. Furthermore, as a consequence of having such impressive plumage, it is not surprising that a demand started for such fantastic creatures, thus pushing a trade business that shipped hundreds of thousands of hummingbird skins into Europe. By then, there were no common names associated with the hummingbirds. So, how did these birds get such beautiful common names? The person to name most of the hummingbirds was J. Gould on his memorable Monograph of Trochilidae (1849-1861). But, did you know that until the publication of his renowned monograph Gould had never seen a hummingbird alive? Only Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

after finishing such an impressive work he visited the Americas in May 1857 and saw his first living Trochilidae , a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. On our Costa Rica tour we managed to see 25 species of hummingbirds. White-necked Jacobin. Florisuga mellivora. Cope’s house. BC. Long-billed Hermit. Phaethornis longirostris. SA. Stripe-throated Hermit. Phaethornis striigularis. SA. Lesser Violetear. Colibri cyanotus. CM, CI. Purple-crowned Fairy. Heliothryx barroti. BC. Green-breasted Mango. Anthracothorax prevostii. SJ. Green Thorntail. Discosura conversii. Great views of males and females. BC, CI. Black-crested Coquette. Lophornis helenae. What a view of a male! BC. Green-crowned Brilliant. Heliodoxa jacula. CI. . Eugenes spectabilis. CM, CI. Fiery-throated Hummingbird. Panterpe insignis. A regional endemic. Superb views! CM. White-bellied Mountain-gem. Lampornis hemileucus. CI. Purple-throated Mountain-Gem. Lampornis calolaemus. CI. White-throated Mountain-Gem. Lampornis castaneoventris. CM. Volcano Hummingbird. flammula. Regional endemic. CM. Scintillant Hummingbird. Selasphorus scintilla. Regional endemic. Great views of a male and later, a female nesting. CM. Violet-headed Hummingbird. Klais guimeti. BC. Violet Sabrewing. Campylopterus hemileucurus. CI. Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer. Chalybura urochrysia. BC. . Thalurania colombica . BC, SA. Stripe-tailed Hummingbird. eximia. CM. Coppery-headed Emerald. Elvira cupreiceps. Endemic to Costa Rica. CI. Snowcap. albocoronata. We enjoyed views of 2 males, and a female. BC. Steely-vented Hummingbird. Amazilia saucerottei. SJ. (This species is treated as Blue- vented Hummingbird, Amazilia hoffmanni by some. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. Amazilia tzacatl. SJ, CM, BC, SA, CI.

Rail, Gallinules, Crakes and Coots / Rallidae Russet-naped Wood-Rail. Aramides alvibentris. SA. Gray-cowled Wood-Rail. Aramides cajaneus. SJ.

Sandpipers and allies / Scolopacidae Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia. SA.

Anhingidae / Anhinga Anhinga. Anhinga anhinga. Boat trip. SA.

Phalacrocoracidae / Cormorants Neotropic Cormorant. Phalacrocorax brasilianus. SA.

Herons, Egrets and Bitterns / Ardeidae Bare-throated Tiger Heron. Tigrisoma mexicanum. SA. Great Blue-Heron. Ardea herodias. SA. Great Egret. Ardea alba. SA.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

Little Blue Heron. Egretta caerulea. SA. Cattle Egret. Bubulcus ibis. Common and widespread in lowland open areas. Green Heron. Butorides virescens. SA.

Ibises and Spoonbills / Threskiornithidae Green Ibis. Mesembrinibis cayennensis. SA.

New World Vultures / Cathartidae Black Vulture. Coragyps atratus. W idespread. Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura. Widespread.

Osprey / Pandionididae Osprey. Pandion haliaetus. SJ, SA.

Hawks, and Kites / White-tailed Kite. Elanus leucurus. SA. . Rupornis magnirostris. Cartago farmland. SJ. Semiplumbeous Hawk. semiplumbeus. BC. . plagiatus. SA. Broad-winged Hawk. Buteo platypterus. CI. Swainson’s Hawk. Buteo swainsoni. SA. Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo jamaicensis. CM.

Owls / Strigidae Middle American Screech-Owl. Megascops guatemalae. Seen in a roost . SA. Spectacled Owl. Pulsatrix perspicillata. Roosting. SA. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Glaucidium brasilianum. Heard only. SJ.

Trogons / Trogonidae Resplendent Quetzal. Pharomachrus mocinno. Seeing this species was truly one of the most magical experiences in the tour. We saw five individuals. That is two males and three females. CM. Slaty-tailed Trogon. Trogon massena. SA. Gartered Trogon. Trogon caligatus . SA.

Motmots / Momotidae Lesson’s Motmot (previously part of Blue-crowned Motmot. Momotus momota ). SJ. Rufous Motmot. Baryphthengus martii. La Quinta feeder. SA. Broad-billed Motmot. Electron platyrhynchum. SA.

Kingfishers / Alcedinidae Amazon Kingfisher. Chloroceryle amazona. Boat trip. SA. Green Kingfisher. Chloroceryle americana. Boat trip. SA.

New World Barbets / Capitonidae Red-headed Barbet. Eubucco bourcierii. CI.

Toucan-Barbets / Semnornithidae

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Prong-billed Barbet. Semnornis frantzii . CI.

Toucans / Ramphastidae Northern Emerald-Toucanet. Aulacorhynchus prasinus. CM, CI. Collared Aracari. Pteroglossus torquatus. Seen various times. SA. Yellow-throated (Black-mandibled ) Toucan. Ramphastos ambiguus. BC, SA. Keel-billed Toucan. Ramphastos sulfuratus. BC, SA.

Woodpeckers / Picidae Acorn Woodpecker. Melanerpes formicivorus. CM. Black-cheeked Woodpecker. Melanerpes pucherani. SA. Hoffman´s Woodpecker. Melanerpes hoffmannii . A regional endemic. SJ. Pale-bellied Woodpecker. Campephilus guatemalensis. SA. Lineated Woodpecker. Dryocopus lineatus. SA. Chestnut-colored Woodpecker. Celeus castaneus. SA.

Falcons and Caracaras / Falconidae Crested Caracara. Caracara cheriway. SA. Laughing Falcon. Herpetotheres cachinnans. Heard only. SA.

African & New World Parrots / Psittacidae The parrots, parakeets, macaws, and parrotlets are usually associated with tropical environments. The Tropics of America are one of the regions where this family radiated in a prominent way. In this short Costa Rica tour we managed to see 9 species of this distinctive family. Orange-chinned Parakeet. Brotogeris jugularis. SA. Brown-hooded Parrot. Pyrilia haematotis. BC. White-crowned Parrot. Pionus senilis . CI. Red-lored Parrot. Amazona autumnalis. SA. Mealy Parrot. Amazona farinosa. SA. White-fronted Parrot. Amazona albifrons. In flight. SJ. (escape birds?) Olive-throated Parakeet. Eupsittula nana. SA. Great Green Macaw. Ara ambiguus. 2 individuals were seen in flight. SA. Scarlet Macaw. Ara macao. 4 individuals, at La Selva. SA. Crimson-fronted Parakeet. Aratinga finschi. SJ, CI.

Typical Antbirds / Thamnophilidae Fasciated Antshrike. Cymbilaimus lineatus. SA. Great Antshrike. Taraba major. Heard only. SA. Russet Antshrike. Thamnistes anabatinus. Two pairs were observed with feeding flocks. BC.

Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers / Furnariidae Wedge-billed Woodcreeper. Glyphorynchus spirurus. SA. Northern Barred Woodcreeper. Dedrocolaptes sanctithomae. SA. Streak-headed Woodcreeper. Lepidocolaptes souleyetti. SA. Spot-crowned Woodcreeper. Lepidocolaptes affinis. CM. Plain Xenops. Xenops minutus. SA.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

Ruddy Treerunner. Margarornis rubiginosus. A regional endemic. CM.

Tyrant Flycatchers / Tyrannidae Yellow-bellied Elaenia. Elaenia flavogaster. SA. Torrent Tyrannulet. Serpophaga cinerea. CM. Mistletoe Tyrannulet. Zimmerius parvus. CM. Common Tody-Flycatcher. Todirostrum cinereum. SA. Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher. Todirostrum nigriceps. SA. Yellow-olive Flycatcher. Tolmomyias sulphurescens. SA. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher. Terenotriccus erythrurus. BC. Tufted Flycatcher. Mitrephanes phaeocercus. CM. Ochraceous Pewee. Contopus ochraceus. CM. Eastern Wood-Pewee. Contopus virens. CM, SA. Tropical Pewee. Contopus cinereus. SJ, SA. Yellowish Flycatcher. flavescens. CM. Black-capped Flycatcher. Empidonax atriceps. A regional endemic. CM. Bright-rumped Attila. Attila spadiceus. Heard only. SA. Dusky-capped Flycatcher. Myiarchus tuberculifer. SA. Great-crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus crinitus. BC. Great Kiskadee. Pitangus sulphuratus. SJ, SA, CI. Social Flycatcher. Myiozetetes similis. CM, SA. White-ringed Flycatcher. Conopias albovittatus. SA. Tropical Kingbird. Tyrannus melancholicus . Widespread.

Manakins / Pipridae White-collared Manakin. Manacus candei . Only in female plumage. SA.

Vireos / Vireonidae Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Cyclarhis gujanensis. SJ. Green -. Vireolanius pulchellus. Heard only. SA. Lesser Greenlet. Pachysilvia decurtatus. SA. Yellow-throated Vireo. Vireo flavirostris. BC. Yellow-winged Vireo. Vireo carmioli. A regional endemic. Feeding flock. CM. Philadelphia Vireo. Vireo philadelphicus. Savegre lodge. Called by Cathy and Bernice. CM. Brown-capped Vireo. Vireo leucophrys. CM. Red-eyed Vireo. Vireo olivaceus. SJ, SA.

Swallows / Hirundinidae Blue-and-white Swallow. Pygochelidon cyanoleuca. SJ, CM, CI. Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. SA. Southern Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx ruficollis. SA. Gray-breasted Martin. Progne chalybea. SA. Mangrove Swallow. Tachycineta albilinea . SA. Barn Swallow. Hirundo rustica. SJ.

Wrens / Troglodytidae House Wren. Troglodytes aedon. SJ, SA. Ochreaceous Wren. Troglodytes ochraceus. A regional endemic. CM.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

Timberline Wren. Thryorchilus browni. A regional endemic. Antenna road. CM. Band-backed Wren. Campylorhynchus zonatus. SA. Rufous-naped Wren. Campylorhynchus rufinucha. Pairs at the gardens of the Hotel Bougainvillea and El Rodeo Inn. SJ. Black-throated Wren. Pheugopedius atrogularis. A regional endemic. SA. Stripe-breasted Wren. Cantorchilus thoracicus. A regional endemic. SA. Bay Wren. Cantorchilus nigricapillus. Great views of a pair. BC. Gray-breasted Wood-Wren. Henicorhina leucophrys. Heard only. CM.

Gnatcatchers / Polioptilidae Tropical Gnatcatcher. Polioptila plumbea. Feeding flock. BC.

Thrushes and Allies / Turdidae Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush. Catharus frantziir. CM. Swainson’s Thrush. Catharus ustulatus. SA. Wood Thrush. Hylocichla mustelina. SA. Mountain Thrush. Turdus plebejus. CM. Pale-vented Thrush. Turdus obsoletus. BC. Clay-colored Thrush. Turdus grayi . Widespread. Sooty Thrush. Turdus nigrescens. A regional endemic. CM.

Silky-Flycatchers / Ptiliogonatidae Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatcher. Phainoptila melanoxantha. CI. Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher. Ptiliogonys caudatus. CM.

Finches, Euphonias and Allines / Fringillidae Olive-backed Euphonia. Euphonia gouldi. SA. Tawny-capped Euphonia. Euphonia anneae. BC. Lesser Goldfinch. Spinus psaltria. SJ. Yellow-bellied Siskin. Spinus xanthogastrus . CM.

New world sparrows / Passarellidae Sooty-capped Chlorospingus. Chlorospingus pileatus. CM. Common Chlorospingus. Chlorospingus flavopectus. CM, CI. Orange-billed Sparrow. Arremon aurantiirostris. SA. Volcano Junco. Junco vulcani. A regional endemic. CM. Rufous-collared Sparrow. Zonotrichia capensis. SJ. Large-footed Finch. Pezopetes capitalis. A regional endemic. CM. White-eared Ground-Sparrow. Melozone leucotis. Superb views! SJ. Yellow-thighed Finch. Pselliophorus tibialis. A regional endemic. CM.

Troupials and Allies / Icteridae Chestnut-headed Oropendola. Psarocolius wagleri. BC. Montezuma Oropendola. Psarocolius montezuma. Widespread in Caribbean lowlands. SA. Black-cowled Oriole. Icterus prosthemelas. SA. Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galbula. SJ, CM, SA, CI. Melodious Blackbird. Dives dives. SA, CI. Great-tailed Grackle. Quiscalus mexicanus . Widespread in open areas.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

New World Warblers / Parulidae Louissiana Waterthrush. Parkesia motacilla. BC. Northern Waterthrush. Parkesia noveboracensis. SA. Golden-winged Warbler. Vermivora chrysoptera. One ind. in feeding flock. BC. Black-and-white Warbler. Miniotilta varia. SJ, BC, CI. Flame-throated Warbler. Oreothlypis gutturalis. Superb views. CM. Tennessee Warbler. Oreothlypis peregrina. SJ, CM, SA We reported about 14 ind. at various locations. Kentucky Warbler. Geothlypis formosa. SA. Hooded Warbler. Setophaga citrina. CM. American Redstart. Setophaga ruticilla. SA. Bay-breasted Warbler. Setophaga castanea. Numerous this year. BC, SA. Yellow Warbler. Setophaga petechia. SA. Chestnut-sided Warbler. Setophaga pensylvanica. 13+ ind. SJ,BC, SA, CI. Buff-rumped Warbler. Myiothlypis fulvicauda. SA. Wilson´s Warbler. Cardellina pusilla. CM, SA. Slate-throated Redstart. Myioborus miniatus. CI. Collared Redstart (Whitestart). Myioborus torquatus. CM.

Cardinals and Allies / Cardinalidae Notice that the Piranga tanagers are not longer part of the tanager family and instead, they’re now cardinals. For now, they retain their common name (tanager) but expect some name changes in the future. Summer Tanager. Piranga rubra. SJ, BC, CI Scarlet Tanager. Piranga olivacea. SJ, BC. Flame-colored Tanager. Piranga bidentata. CM,BC. Red-throated Ant-Tanager. Habia fuscicauda . SA. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Pheucticus ludovicianus. SA. Blue-black Grosbeak. Cyanocompsa cyanoides. La Selva, SA.

Tanagers and Allies / Thraupidae White-shouldered Tanager. Tachyphonus luctuosus. Feeding flock. BC. Tawny-crested Tanager. Tachyphonus delatri. Feeding flock. BC. Crimson-collared Tanager. Ramphocelus sanguinolentus. SA. Scarlet-rumped Tanager. Ramphocelus passerinii. SA. Blue-gray Tanager. Thraupis episcopus. Widespread. Palm Tanager. Thraupis palmarum SA. Golden-hooded Tanager. Tangara larvata . SA. Emerald Tanager. Tangara florida. Feeding flock. BC. Silver-throated Tanager. Tangara icterocephala. CM. Red-legged Honeycreeper. Cyanerpes cyaneus . SA. Green Honeycreeper. Chlorophanes spiza. SA. Black-and-yellow Tanager. Chrysothlypis chrysomelas. BC. Slaty Flowerpiercer. Diglossa plumbea. Regional endemic. CM,CI. Peg-billed Finch. Acanthidops bairdi. Regional endemic. CM. Variable Seedeater. Sporophila americana (corvina) . SA. Bananaquit. Coereba flaveola. SA.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019

Buff-throated Saltator. Saltator maximus. SA. Grayish Saltator. Saltator coerulescens. SJ.

MAMMALS: Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth. Bradypus variegatus. SA. Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth. Choloepus hoffmanni. SA. Mantled Howler Monkey. Alouatta palliate. BC, SA. Red-tailed Squirrel. Sciurus granatensis. CM, CI. Variegated Squirrel. Sciurus variegatoides. SJ. Long-nosed (Proboscis) Bat. Rhynchonycteris naso . SA. White-nosed Coati. Nasua narica. CI. Collared Peccary. Pecari tajacu. BC. Baird’s Tapir. Tapirus bairdii. BC. This is probably the least known of all tapirs in our continent. It was named after American naturalist Spender Fullerton Baird when reported in Mexico, in 1843. This is the largest tapir in the Americas and the largest native land- mammal in Central America. Body mass in adults can reach to 800 lb! We enjoyed views of a female and a young individual.

OTHER SPECIES: Red-tailed Boa. Boa constrictor. SA. Strawberry poison dart-frog. Oophaga Eyelash Viper. Bothriechis schlegelli. SA. pumilio. SA. Common House Gecko. Hemidactylus Marine (Cane) Toad. Rhinella marina. SA. frenatus. SA. Red-eyed tree-frog. Agalychnis callidryas. Green Iguana. Iguana iguana. SA. SA. Green Basilisk Lizard. Basiliscus Dark-eyed Leaf Frog. Agalychnis moreletii. plumifrons. SA. BC. Casque-headed Lizard. Corytophanes Machaca Fish. Brycon guatemalensis. SA. cristatus. SA. Arboreal termites. (Termitidae). SA. Middle American Ameiva. Holcosus Paper Wasp. (Vespidae). SA. festivus. SA. Crab . (Thomnisidae). BC. Skink. Mabuya sp. CI. Orchid Spider. (Unknown family). BC. Black River Turtle. Rhinoclemmys funerea. Orb Weaver -Spider- (Araneidae). SA. SA. Leaf-cutter Ant. Atta sp. SA. Spectacled Cayman. Caiman crocodilus. Fire Ants. Solenopsis sp. SA. SA. Blue Morpho. Morpho sp. SA.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Costa Rica: Relaxed & Easy, 2019