ULTIMATE COSTA RICA 18 MARCH 9 APRIL 2013

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1 Bare-necked Umbrellabird (Andre D Penha) ULTIMATE COSTA RICA 18 MARCH 9 APRIL 2013 LEADER: EUSTACE BARNES One would be hard pressed to say what the most impressive sighting of the tour was. The superb Great Green Macaws at La Selva glistening golden green in the afternoon light or the fantastic sight of a male Bare-necked Umbrellabird displaying a few meters from us or even the pair of Zeledonias literally at our feet. Of course it is fatuous to say but these moments and many more together make for a special tour filled with numerous indelible memories. 1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

2 Having operated tours to Costa Rica for 25 years Birdquest has constantly crafted its tours to offer the very best that this spectacularly diverse country has to offer. However, no amount of experience can completely overcome the conditions one is presented with but it does help of course. This year we did suffer with the longest driest summer for decades giving us almost no sub-oscine vocalisation and no mixed flocks. Inspite of this we still recorded a staggering 536 bird species and 22 species of mammal, pointing to the fact that even when conditions are poor birding can still be very productive, if frustrating, at times. Our mammal sightings were exceptional and we enjoyed great views of many species not regularly seen. As conditions were demanding, no time was devoted to padding the list with waders and other widespread birds which would have added another 30 species or so to the overall list. Of the birds we did record ten are listed as being of conservation concern and four of which are considered to be endangered by Birdlife International: those being the stunning Great Green Macaw, somewhat shy Mangrove Hummingbird, Yellow-billed Cotinga and the garrulous Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager. Great green Macaws at la Selva (Andre D Penha) Regional endemism always has a strong influence on Birdquest itineraries and as such many of the tour highlights involve those species with restricted ranges as well as those considered rare or endangered. Amongst these the funereal Black Guan, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Mangrove Hummingbird, the delightful Snowcap, both the White-crested and Black-crested Coquettes, scarce Lattice-tailed Trogon, Snowy, Turquoise and Lovely Cotingas along with the extraordinary Three-wattled Bellbird and Bare-necked Umbrellabird, entertaining Long-tailed Manakins, bizarre Zeledonia and cryptic Nicaraguan Grackle were notable highlights. Additional highlights included, an amazing total of 18 Great Curassows, Semi-plumbeous and White Hawks, a pair of Sunbitterns, Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, the electric Violet Sabrewing the stunning Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Bare-crowned and Dull-mantled Antbirds and many others. It should be remembered that it is not only the endemics and rarities that make for a great trip and many of the trip highlights were of the more commonplace species which are often more lastingly memorable. Of such species we should not forget our numerous sightings of the vivid Scarlet Macaw, one of the most spectacular parrots, repeated good views of the dapper Chestnut-mandibled and gaudy Keel-billed Toucans or the numerous graceful Swallow-tailed Kites sailing around us at San Gerardo or listening to the ringing ethereal notes of numerous Black-faced Solitaires and Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrushes. Indeed a magical moment in the gathering gloom of the mossy could forests at Santa Elena. However, without doubt the most impressive spectacle of the tour was the sight of possibly thousands of waterbirds feasting on all manner of stranded aquatic life in a rapidly drying lake at Cano Negro; quite outstanding. 2 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

3 As is customary our first birding was in the extensive gardens of our Hotel where a huge flock of Crimsonfronted Parakeets commuting to a distant feeding ground gave us our first taste of the neo-tropics. A little later and a noisy pair of Rufous-naped Wrens were found building their nest in a thick cactus outside the health spa while keeping a careful eye on the early morning intruders. These gardens provide a great introduction to the commoner birds of Costa Rica and whilst walking through them a couple Broad-winged Hawks and a single dark phase Short-tailed Hawk were seen passing over on their way north, along with several pairs of White-winged and Inca Doves, a couple of White-tipped Doves, a number of Red-billed Pigeons, Orange-chinned Parakeets, Squirrel Cuckoo, Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds, Dark-backed or Vaux s Swift, at least five Blue-diademed Motmots (split from Blue-crowned), Hoffman s Woodpeckers, a family group of Brown Jays, Social Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, Boat-billed Flycatcher, the truly ubiquitous Tropical Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, House Wrens, a single Grey Catbird, dozens of Clay-coloured Thrushes, Yellow Warbler, the pretty Rufous-capped Warbler, Great-tailed Grackles Melodious Blackbirds, several Montezuma Oropendolas along with good numbers of Baltimore and Orchard Orioles feeding in a flowering tree as well as the abundant Rufous-collared Sparrow. However pride of place goes to the superb pair of White-eared Ground-Sparrows foraging in the borders giving great views. It is always something of a surprise to visitors new to the Neo-tropics to see quite so many species in a city garden and it always makes for a great start to any tour in Costa Rica. Of equal surprise to us all, I think, was the variety of interests and motivations expressed within the group. Luckily, three members had travelled widely in the Neotropics and had been to Costa Rica previously, reducing the number for whom everything was new. This variety within the group brought to mind the meaning of the age old truism that one cannot keep all of the people happy all of the time but you can try to keep some of them happy some of the time. With this in mind and the more universal need for a coffee increasing by the second we retreated to the hotel for breakfast and a speedy departure for the famous Braulio Carillio National Park located just outside the capital. White-eared Ground Sparrow(left )and Montezuma Oropendola (right)are both found in SanJose (Eustace Barnes ) After a short drive out of San Jose and crossing the Cordillera Central we dropped down through the lush subtropics to Quebrada Gonzalez in the foothills for some great birding. As is well known birding foothill forests can be slow at times and seemingly very hard work after such an easy pre-breakfast session in San Jose. However, it must always be borne in mind that with high diversity, found in foothill forests, comes low population densities and therefore a challenge to visiting birders: there is always a long list of rarities most of which are by dint of being such, are infrequently seen. However, the splendid selection of possibilities entices both novice and neo-phile with the possibility of seeing both the rare and infrequently seen as well as the more widely distributed species. Walking the trails in this magnificent park we found Green Hermit, Purple-crowned Fairy, our first Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, several Wedge-billed Woodcreepers, a pair of the localised Streak-crowned Antvireo and, all too briefly, the uncommon Rufous-browed Tyrannulet and a superb male White-ruffed Manakin. 3 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

4 Several White-breasted Wood-Wrens were chuntering away in the undergrowth, a pair of Emerald Tanagers, numerous Carmiol s Tanagers and a large group of Black-faced Grosbeaks kept us entertained on our return to the park entrance but it was the rare and infrequently seen Lattice-tailed Trogon that we had come to see and after a short wait, at a favoured locality, we found a female calling softly form the sub-canopy and enjoyed good views of this foothill speciality. The magnificent male Snowcap (Andre D Penha) It was time to move on and visit an overgrown garden with numerous flowering shrubs and to our delight and amazement we were immediately treated to unbeatable views of the exquisite Black-crested Coquette, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Woodnymph, the common Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and most pleasingly a couple of male Snowcaps; indeed a spectacle for everyone. I believe the now meaningless superlative awesome could be employed but that is more often than not used to describe the every day and pedestrian these days and so we ll stick with the more prosaic stunning. Black-crested Coquette (Andre D Penha) 4 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

5 It was time to go and so we continued through the Caribbean lowlands to La Selva: a Biological Station run by the Organisation for Tropical Studies. This research base protects the only lowland rainforest that is connected to protected upland forests on the Caribbean slope and is therefore an important area of forest. Birding this magnificent site is always a pleasure and we did enjoy some great birding during our all too brief stay. As usual and much to every ones relief we found a lot of bird activity around our accommodations and the dining hall with Great Curassow, Crested Guan, Short-billed Pigeon, Brown-hooded Parrots, good numbers of roosting Red-fronted and Mealy Amazons, numerous stunning Keel-billed and Chestnutmandibled Toucans, White-ringed Flycatcher, Plain-coloured Tanager, Olive-backed and White-vented Euphonia, all seen from the station clearing. Our steady progress around the clearing produced a superb male Snowy Cotinga at a fruiting tree just outside the dining hall, one of our principal targets at this site. It was accompanied by the stunning Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans allowing for side by side comparisons. Snowy Cotinga) (Left) (Andre D Penha) and White-collared Manakin)(right) (Eustace Barnes). A couple of mating parrot snakes in a small tree attracted the attention of numerous pairs of Olive-backed Euphonias, White-vented Euphonias, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteers, Blue-chested Hummingbird and the usual troop of Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds. Venturing onto the forest trails often proves more of a challenge but we did find Great Tinamou at roost in a tree as well as others strolling about the forest, Tiny Hawk, a couple of Semi-plumbeous Hawks, a superb Hook-billed Kite, several King Vultures, the rare Agami Heron, a Sungrebe, Short-billed Pigeon, Blue Ground Dove, Brown-hooded and white-crowned Parrots, numerous Squirrel Cuckoos, a couple of Band-tailed Barbthroats, Long-billed Hermit, Slaty-tailed, Black-throated and Gartered Trogons, Rufous motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Collared Aracari, Black-cheeked, Rufous-winged, Chestnut-coloured, and Pale-billed Woodpeckers, Plain-brown, Cocoa, streak-headed and Northern Barred Woodcreepers, Fasciated and Western Slaty Antshrikes, a few Chestnut-backed Antbirds, Yellow and paltry Tyrannulets, Yellow-margined Flatbill, White-ringed Flycatcher, the uncommon Rufous Mourner, Red-capped Manakin at a lek, Masked and Black-crowned Tityra, cinnamon becard, Black-throated, Stripe-breasted and White-breasted Wood-Wrens, several Wood Thrushes, chestnut-headed Oropendola and the somewhat uncommon Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Black-cowled Orioles, Plain-coloured Tanager, Shining, Red-legged and Green Honeycreepers, Red-throated ant-tanager and Black-faced Grosbeak amongst others. Paradoxically inspite of this list it seemed quiet with little or no vocal activity and no mixed flocks to speak of. We did enjoy watching the displays of White-collared Manakins at numerous sites as they whirred and popped about in the understorey. A chance sighting of a distant pair of macaws drew us to a site away from the reserve where surely top billing for many of us was the magnificent pair of Great Green Macaws that were feeding in some tall trees. As it happens we timed our visit perfectly and we were able to first hear the macaws and then watch them feeding as they noisily went to roost. An additional bonus was the presence of 5 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

6 a pair of Scarlet Macaws, a species making a comeback in many areas of Costa Rica. The Great green Macaws provided a truly magical spectacle giving some an outstanding trip highlight while the Scarlet Macaws were the bird of the trip for those new to the Neotropics: again something for everyone. As birders we are the masters of dissatisfaction and very soon those immortal words what next rang out. Next turned out to be a number of widespread birds, including Northern Crested Caracara, Bat Falcon, Olive-throated Parakeets and a pair of Barred Antshrikes. The magnificent Great Currassow is easily seen in Costa Rica (Eustace Barnes). After a full morning at La Selva, we headed north to Caño Negro stopping en route at a large marsh where we picked up our first Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Bare-throated Tiger Herons, White Ibis, White-tailed Kite, Pale-vented Pigeon, Northern Jacanas, Eastern Meadowlark, several superb displaying Red-winged Blackbirds and, most importantly, a trio of Nicaraguan Seed Finches including a male sporting his impressive pink bill. Once we arrived at Caño Negro, we settled in at our pleasant lodging and spent a very enjoyable evening scanning the muddy lagoon adjacent to our lodge. In fact much the same birds were seen the next morning on our spectacularly good boat ride. As water levels were exceptionally low we were not able to enter the ox-bows in the boat but instead walked the short distances between the river and what remained of them. The marshes and riverine habitats held good numbers of Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal as well as a small flock of Lesser Scaup and an American Wigeon. Neotropic Cormorants, Anhingas, Black-necked Stilt, Northern Jacana, Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers and good numbers of Least Sandpipers were all seen. At one drying lagoon we were very fortunate to find a huge concentration of waterbirds feeding feverishly on the aquatic life stranded in the rapidly diminishing waters. This must have included dozens of Great Blue, Little Blue, Tricolored and Green Herons, hundreds of Snowy and Great Egrets, more Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, dozens of Roseate Spoonbills, hundreds of Wood Storks and White Ibises and a pair of the rare Jabiru towering over the assembled birds; quite an amazing spectacle. 6 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

7 We also saw a number of Limpkins, a few Boat-billed Herons at their roost; several Gray-necked Wood-Rails scuttling about on the river banks and another Sungrebe. The congregation of water birds will remain in our memories some time and was a spectacle that enthralled much of the group and was indeed a major tour highlight such that even the most tour hardened participants could not help but be impressed. However, our work was not over and eventually after quite a search I found a pair of Nicaraguan Grackles, our target species for the morning, They showed very well so ending an impressive mornings birding. A male Red-winged Blackbird displaying (Eustace Barnes). After a late breakfast we then loaded up and headed to the Celeste Mountain lodge built on the verdant slopes of Tenorio Volcano, one of two dormant volcanoes in the northern section of the country that are of critical importance for a number of migratory forest species. In addition quite a number of butterflies and moths of the dry Pacific north-west spend part of the year on the verdant slopes of these volcanoes. Indeed the insect life in the forests around the lodge was prolific and so much of the invertebrate life from the dry forests may well have been at such elevations given the ear splitting noise in the nearby forests around the lodge. At dawn we were deafened by roar of cicadas making life a little difficult in the search for birds. This lovely site was in fact very poor for birds although we did see numerous Broad-billed Motmots in our search for Keel-billed Motmots, a couple of Violet-headed Hummingbirds and a Scaled Antpitta. We did hear the Tody Motmot which only Rod very briefly saw and a little later on while the group was looking at a Violetheaded Hummingbird a Purplish-backed Quail Dove walked across the path in front of me but all were focused skyward. 7 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

8 Rancho Solimar, our next port of call, was to prove much more satisfactory with a packed schedule taking in the open grasslands and marshes, dry woodlands and gallery forests in a few hours. Once we reached the hacienda we began our birding with numerous Black-bellied Whistling-ducks, another Jabiru, White Ibises, Roseate Spoonbill, numerous Bare-throated Tiger Herons, Great blue Heron, Anhinga, Osprey, Black and Harris s Hawks, American Kestrel, Peregrine, Double-striped Thick-knee, Northern Jacana, Inca Dove, Common and Plain-breasted Ground Doves, Orange-chinned Parakeets, Ferruginous Pygmy Owls, Lesser Nighthawks, a couple of Cinnamon Hummingbirds, a couple of Steely-vented Hummingbirds, Black-headed and Gartered Trogons, Hoffman s and Lineated Woodpeckers, several spectacular Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Cliff Swallows and both Spot-breasted and Streak-backed Orioles. Bare-throated Tiger Heron (left) and Double-striped Thick-knee (right) Eustace Barnes. Of more interest, around the lodge we saw good numbers of Yellow-naped Amazons quietly feeding in tall trees and several White-fronted Amazons as well as a roosting pair of Pacific Screech Owls on their favoured branch, numerous Turquoise-browed Motmots, White-throated Magpie Jays and a few Stripeheaded Sparrows. Not far from the lodge a grassy bank held a pair of Lesser Ground Cuckoos which we watched at length before dragging ourselves away to return to the lodge for breakfast. We also explored a number of dry woodlands near the lodge where we found White-necked Puffbird, Gartered Trogon, Northen Barred Woodcreeper, Barred Antshrike, Dusky Antbirds, Great-crested, Nutting s and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Rose-throated Becard, Southern Bentbill, the spectacular Long-tailed Manakin at a lek, Olive Sparrow, Rufous and White and Banded Wrens, Scrub Euphonia, and White-lored Gnatcatcher making for a busy walk. An area of tall evergreen gallery forest held a pair of roosting Spectacled Owls and more Nutting s flycatchers as well as large numbers of mosquitoes for which we provided an adequate lunch. Departing Solimar after lunch we made our way to Arenal Volcano, which is sometimes considered to offer the best birding in Costa Rica for two nights at the very popular Arenal Observatory Lodge. On our fist morning we were treated to birds all around us with Black Currassow, Crested Guans and Gray-headed Chachalacas around the lodge along with Montezuma Oropendola, Golden-hooded Tanagers and Scarlet- 8 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

9 thighed Dacnis on the feeders while Collared Aracaris and Keel-billed Toucans passed through the tree tops. A short distance away we found Long-tailed Tyrants while the dapper Crimson-collared Tanagers fed in the cercropias. However, these were not the object of our visit and we had to wait until a park ranger showed us a distant fruiting tree and in we promptly saw a spectacular male Lovely Cotinga. We were informed it attended this tree every day at 7.15 but our subsequent visit proved otherwise over a rather more extended period. The handsome Turquoise-browed Motmot. (Eustace Barnes). Forest birding here was also quite productive starting with a superb Keel-billed Motmot that thankfully materialised after having worked our way through half dozen Broad-billed Motmots. The call seems to be almost identical and draws in either species. We then enjoyed great views of a family party of Central American Spider Monkeys overhead which was a clear tour highlight. Walking a broad road on a couple of occasions we found both Stripe-throated and Long-tailed Hermits at their leks, a White-fronted Nunbird, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Slaty spinetails, Fasciated and Great Antshrikes and most satisfyingly three Barecrowned antbirds that gave great views to all. A couple of attempts to lure out a Thicket Antpitta proved less successful and they refused to budge from their dense thickets but we did enjoy point blank views of a more cooperative Spotted Antbird, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Lesser Greenlet, Bay, Blackthroated and Stripe-breasted Wrens, the diminutive Long-billed Gnatwren, a garrulous Black-headed Saltator, Black-cowled Oriole and Yellow-throated Euphonia making our stay a tremendous success. 9 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

10 Leaving Arenal we stopped on a narrow bridge to see a pair of Sunbitterns flouncing around along the rivers edge. We were hurried on our way by impatient drivers and headed to some spectacular, if little known, hummingbird feeders in the foothills where we enjoyed a couple of hours watching these delightful creatures feeding at both feeders and flowering shrubs. At this site, probably the best in Costa Rica, we saw several Green Hermits, a dozens Violet Sabrewings, White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, good numbers of Green Thorntails, Coppery-headed hummingbird, 20 Black-bellied Hummingbirds, Violet-crowned Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, White-bellied and Purple-throated Mountaingems and numerous Green-crowned Brilliants. Once we had burnt up the all the capacity on our SD cards we headed off to Rancho Roberto s for a buffet lunch before carrying on to Rancho Naturalista in the foothills of the cordillera Talamanca. The glorious Sunbitterm: a Neotropical speciality (Eustace Barnes left and Andre D Penha right). At Rancho Naturalista the hummingbird feeders were also very busy with our first Green-breasted Mango, Brown Violetear, dozens of White-necked Jacobin and a female Snowcap. A good job my site earlier in the trip produced a couple of males as Rancho is often relied upon for the latter species. We were impatient for more and raced to see a pair of roosting Mottled Owls and a nesting Grey Potoo known to the locals before finishing the day with a Southern Nightingale Wren going to roost in a trail side bank. The following morning, Rufous Motmots and Carmiol s Tanagers were hanging around the clearing before we made our way down to the moth lamp. Near the lodge we easily found a pair of the near-endemic Tawny-chested Flycatcher that showed extremely well. Not long after we were watching the moth hunters taking advantage of easy pickings. These included Plain Antvireo, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Plain Xenops, several Red-throated Ant-Tanagers, a White-breasted Wood-Wren, Carmiol s Tanagers and a Kentucky Warbler. We then clambered down to the steam to see a family group of Dull-mantled antbirds before heading back to the lodge for breakfast. Next we then headed to the trails and began to explore the forests above the lodge. We all eventually had good views of a skulking Black-headed Nightingale Thrush but only glimpsed a Bicoloured Hawk visiting its nest in the sub-canopy. We did not find a great deal more but did see Slaty Antwren, Plain Antvireo and several White-ruffed Manakins before we returned to the lodge for a splendid lunch. After lunch we packed, said goodbye to our hosts and headed off to visit a nearby site which produced the localised White-throated Flycatcher after a short search in the rain. Next, we retraced our steps towards Cartago before taking the Panamerican highway to the highlands. Our first stop in the drizzle and swirling fog began with dozens of glowing hummers glistening in the rain including Fiery-throated, Volcano and Magnificent Hummingbirds that were crowding around several feeders more or less at arm s length. After a freshly brewed coffee and a good long look at these diminutive hummers we began our next afternoon excursion with a short walk to an active quetzal nest where a stunning male was perched near a tall dead trunk in which the nest was located. He then hung around, giving spectacular views for all. In the forest we also found a pair of Black and yellow Phainoptila, Mountain Elaenia, the pretty little Ruddy Treerunner, both Mountain and Sooty Robins, Black-billed Nightingale Thrush, Large-footed Finches and Sooty-capped Bush- 10 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

11 Tanager. As the light was beginning to fade and the weather was again closing in we made our way down the valley to the delightful and well placed Trogon Lodge, surrounded as it is by thick montane forest. The uncommon Black-bellied Hummingbird and Green Thorntail (Eustace Barnes). After a good nights sleep, we woke to a magnificent chorus of thrushes and solitaires and headed up to the paramos to amble along the road, picking up a number of species that rapidly fell. Along the first carefully selected section of road we immediately found the rather local Volcano Junco and the equally range restricted Timberline Wren along with the pretty Flame-throated Warbler and rather drab Slaty Flowerpiercer. Needless to say we did not see either the Wren or Junco again. We then descended a little to another site earmarked for our attention. Walking here a few pairs of the rarely seen Peg-billed Finch soon appeared. The odd Zeledonia or Wrenthrush (Andre D Penha) 11 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

12 We also found more Ruddy Treerunners, the near endemic Black-cheeked Warbler and another pair of Black and yellow Phainoptila. The Peg-billed Finch bagged we wandered on a little in search of our final target along this section of road. In no time a pair of stunning Zeledonia appeared, as if by magic. This delightful little bird is a top priority for any birder visiting Costa Rica and we enjoyed unbeatable views of a pair drawn back and forth in front of the group allowing great views and photographic opportunities. Although I had to hop back and forth to get the birds to perform in this way I managed some great looks as well. After a while we decided to let the birds alone. We had seen them well enough and interfering with the daily routine of birds any more than necessary is clearly wrong. Moving on to the next site, Siskins were heard and in no time we were looking at a pair of Yellow-bellied Siskins, followed by the pretty Flame-coloured Tanager and several Yellow-winged Vireos, Acorn woodpeckers and a couple of Yellow-thighed Finches. After a thoroughly enjoyable morning we returned to our lodgings for lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon we headed down valley to the Savegre lodge where we added three more hummers to our already impressive list; the Grey-tailed Mountaingem, Scintillant Hummingbird and Stripe-tailed Hummingbirds. However, we were here to visit the Los Robles oak forest, where a pair of Costa Rican Pygmy-Owls nest in a massive standing oak and have done so for many years. The pygmy-owls are not always easily seen but, as luck would have it, your tireless leader spotted one of the adults just as it thought about leaving the nest hole and we all enjoyed excellent views through the scope of this diurnal predator. Next we headed up the valley in search of more nocturnal targets. Although it was cold and very windy and, as such, not at all ideal for nightbirding we stuck at it helped, in no small part, by the desperate optimism of our local guide. However, not surprisingly neither the Dusky Nightjar or Bare-shanked Screech-Owl put in an appearance but we did hear both species and under warmer windless conditions they probably would have performed. Resplendant Quetzal (Andre D Penha). 12 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

13 The following morning we walked the magnificent forest trails above Trogon lodge before breakfast finding more Black-faced Solitaires, Yellow-thighed Finches, the pretty little Northern Tufted Flycatcher, several pairs of Collared Whitestarts and Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush as well as a pair of Resplendant Quetzals. As always, this species is a justified distraction from any plans to search for elusive and skulking species. However, we dragged ourselves away from this magnificent creature and climbed up to thicker forest where a Buff-fronted Quail Dove walked along the forest floor below us, over a shallow ridge and all too quickly disappeared leaving only few of us with a brief sighting. A little higher once in forest with a thicker bamboo understorey and lo there was the Silvery-fronted Tapaculo. I think this may be the closest pair to the lodge and luckily it was singing back to me. A quick rearrangement of the group along the trail and in no time we were watching this skulking highland endemic passing back and forth in front of us. Magic. Time for coffee, breakfast and loading our bags and so we returned to the lodge a short distance below us. Next, having seen most of our targets here, we headed for another stretch of road, along which we were to walk repeatedly, in search of the Ochraceous Peewe: one of the more difficult highland endemics. Eventually, after twenty minutes or so looking at Blue-throated Toucanet (split from Emerald) and another pair of Resplendant Quetzals the Peewee literally popped up on a snag high above us. More magic! Scope views for all. We had a long journey ahead of us and so we had to bid our farewells to this splendid area and drive to Las Esquina in the far south and backing on to the Piedra Blanca National Park. Our lunch stop in the foothills gave us some easy birding from a veranda looking over San Isidro where we had great views of Swallowtailed Kites, a Grey-necked Wood-Rail feeding below us, a pair of Violet Sabrewings visiting a feeder, Greencrowned Brilliant, Paltry Tyrannulet, our first Cherrie s Tanagers, Streaked Saltators and an Elegant Euphonia for Geoff. In the afternoon we continued to the pacific lowlands seeing a good number of open country species on our way. These included Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, a Muscovy Duck, White Ibis, White-tailed Kite, Purple Gallinule, Red-lored Amazons, Smooth-billed Ani, our first Costa Rican Swifts, Redcrowned Woodpecker, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Northern Waterthrush, Wilson s, Chestnut-sided and Black and white Warblers together with more Black-striped and Orange-billed Sparrows. The stunning Orange-collared Manakin (Andre D Penha) 13 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

14 The next morning at Las Esquinas we began our exploration of this magnificent area walking a short trail before breakfast enjoying superb views of the very localised and endemic Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, the local Black-hooded Antshrike and a pair of Eye-ringed Flatbills. Our return walk produced an immature Ruddy Quail Dove and a couple of Grey-necked Wood-Rails and the remainder of the morning was spent walking a series of narrow forest trails through the forests that surround the lodge. Birding in rainforest habitats is notoriously difficult and birds rarely pop up but they do pipe up and it was just so at Las Esquinas where most of the birds we saw were first located by call. Within the complex soundscape confronting us here we picked out and saw Wedge-billed, Tawny-winged and Cocoa Woodcreepers, Buffthroated Foliage-gleaner, Plain Xenops, Dot-winged and Slaty Antwrens, Plain Antvireo, Chestnut-backed Antbird and Tawny-crowned Greenlet. In the more thicket-like secondary growth we were very fortunate to see both Red-capped and the superb Orange-collared Manakins displaying at their leks and some time was given to watching their fascinating antics. Tall open trees held Red-lored Amazons, Brown-hooded and Blueheaded Parrots along with Black-crowned Tityras and Spot-crowned Euphonias. We also managed to find a number of other species nearer the lodge including the relatively uncommon Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Buff-rumped Warblers, Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher and a superb adult White Hawk. Along the main track near our rooms we also found a number of trap lining hummingbirds visiting the heliconias including a Bronzy Hermit, Band-tailed Barbthroat, Long-tailed and Stripe-throated Hermits and Scaly-breasted and Charming Hummingbirds while along another side trails we had success with finding Black-throated, Gartered and for your leader a Baird s Trogon. Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager ( left) ( Andre D Penha) and Slaty-tailed Trogon (right) Eustace Barnes Our in the area was devoted to the quest to see Yellow-billed Cotinga which this year, as last year, also required a bit of a wait. As with last year s group we too eventually had a distant scope view of a male perched in the canopy of the mangroves. This is a rare and localised species suffering with the ever increasing pressure on mangrove habitats throughout its range. At the same site we also saw Brown-hooded Parrots, Fiery-billed Aracari, Pale-vented Pigeon, a White-necked Puffbird, several superb Scarlet Macaws, and numerous Southern Roughwings Grey-breasted Martins and Mangrove Swallow on the river. Next, having seen the cotinga, we made our way back to the lodge for celebratory drinks and a well earned rest after a long day in the field. As we made our way back and just before dusk near the lodge a couple of Striped Owls were perched on the wires. This rather pretty owl gave superb views. It has become a common species on the coast where there are oil palm plantations as a result of plague numbers of rats that occupy them. 14 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

15 Our final morning at Las Esquinas was spent walking an excellent trail through primary forests above the lodge seeing yet another pair of Great Curassow, several Gray-chested Doves and several more pairs of Black-cheeked Ant-Tanagers. A large mixed flock high on the ridge held Black-striped Woodcreeper, Russet Antshrike, Bright-rumped Attila, a Ruddy-tailed and Black-tailed Flycatcher for some, a Rufous Mourner, the hefty Rufous Piha, a calling Green Shrike Vireo and the stunning White-throated Shrike Tanager for some. After a great morning of birding and lunch at the lodge we headed off in the approaching rains to San Vito where it was raining hard and the lodge was enshrouded in thick fog so altering our afternoon plans. In consequence we spent the remaining daylight in the gardens watching various flowering trees and shrubs around the Las Cruces Biological Station, which is run by the Organization for Tropical Studies and is home to the Wilson Botanical Garden. We had great success in seeing two more important southern specialities; the Snowy-bellied Hummingbird and White-tailed Emerald. That evening we made the most of our comfortable rooms and enjoyed a hot tasty dinner while the weather closed for a cold wet night. The following morning, thankfully, it had stopped raining and we spent our pre-breakfast session walking through the Wilson Botanical Gardens seeing a good variety of a species including Crimson-fronted Parakeets, Blue-headed and Brown-hooded Parrots and a Scaled Pigeon. A bamboo thicket held an Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush which we had not seen as yet on the tour but which is quite numerous at the gardens. We then broke for breakfast at which time we also saw the White-tailed Emerald, Snowy-bellied and Charming Hummingbirds again from the veranda. A Garden Emerald was also found on flowering bushes in front of the lodge along with the superb Purple-crowned Fairy. After breakfast we walked a number of forest trails around the gardens but as Turquoise Cotinga has not been seen here for some time, in what is now a tiny forest island, we had little of note to look for. Rufous Motmot (left) and short-billed Pigeon (right) We did see Blue-diademed Motmot, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Red-faced Spinetail, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, White-ruffed and Orange-collared Manakins, Masked Tityra, White-throated Thrushes, our first Common Bush Tanagers, Cherrie s, Bay-headed, Silver-throated and Golden-hooded Tanagers, Streaked Saltator, Black-striped Sparrows, Spot-crowned and Thick-billed Euphonias and Red-legged Honeycreepers. We had 15 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

16 our targets in the proverbial bag and so we loaded the bus just before the heavens opened, had lunch and headed off for the next chapter in our Costa Rican adventure. As it was raining we headed directly to San Vito marsh but inspite of a lengthy search at two suitable areas we could not dig out the local Middle American form of Masked Yellowthroat that some consider a good species; the Chiriqui Yellowthroat. We did find Smooth-billed Ani, Common Gallinule, Tropical Mockingbird, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Lesser Elaenia, Great-tailed Grackles, quite a number of Crested Oropendolas, a few White-lined Tanagers, Blue-black Grassquit, Variable and several Ruddybreasted Seedeaters all of which reminds one of birding the deforested pastures throughout western Panama. A tricky moment indeed as such species were not high on the list of priorities for most of the group and it was taking far too much time for those for whom it was. The rains began again and we took our leave of this distinct area and headed to the Talhari Lodge near San Isidro. Our time here that afternoon and early the following morning certainly gave us some very enjoyable birding in the wonderful grounds where we had Swallow-tailed Kite, White-collared Swift, Garden Emerald, an Olivaceous Piculet, Paltry Tyrannulet, Black Phoebe, Sulphur-bellied and Streaked Flycatchers, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Masked Tityra, Rose-throated Becard, Yellow-throated Vireos, Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush, Swainson s Thrush, Northern Waterthrush, a Prothonotary Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Yellow and Chestnut-sided Warblers, Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanager and our first Rose-breasted Grosbeak. However, inspite of this it was another bird altogether that we had come to see here; the Turquoise Cotinga. Once the group had been appraised of the strategy for seeing this magnificent species and the scope positioned accordingly we waited, or at least some of us did. In no time a stunning male duly appeared and gave scope views to those on hand but unfortunately it dropped out of the tree and could not be relocated for those otherwise engaged. The lovely White-crested Coquette (Andre D Penha) After this tremendous start we headed off to Los Cusingos, home of the late ornithological legend, Dr. Alexander Skutch. As we were well through the tour we were only looking for a few species, the most important of which was the White-crested Coquette, as stated at breakfast and flagged up ad nauseum by your determined leader. Exploring the gardens at this site was all that was necessary, where we saw quite a number of species including a habituated Great Tinamou, a number of migratory raptors, a superb Scalybreasted Hummingbird, Violet Sabrewing, Fiery-billed Aracari, a Mourning Warbler, Grey-headed Tanager and a female Blue black Grosbeak for some. We also enjoyed watching a Riverside Wren and a Dusky- 16 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

17 capped Flycatcher feeding around the forest edge. It was time for strategy two to be deployed for the day. A male White-crested Coquette had been attending a flowering Verbena in the garden and we began our vigil. I checked some other flowers described by the gardener and immediately found it and so began another vigil at this bush. Sieghard very sensibly decided to keep watch at the first area of flowering bushes but had to be called down to where we were as the bird returned again for repeated great looks. Winners! As Matt remarked last year for anyone who has read Skutch s books, to see his home preserved as a museum is a pleasure. It is also a perfect reminder of the significance such pioneers played in both tropical science and the conservation movement in Costa Rica. One might hope, perhaps vainly, that his ascetic life style might signal a future we should all aspire to. Anyway, we had another long journey ahead of us and so were forced to leave this delightful location. Indeed it was a long journey which took most of the rest of the day and we arrived at our hotel next to the famous Carara National Park in the late afternoon. In need of a fix some of us did try a bit of night birding but as at Talhari and Las Esquinas it proved to be quite unproductive, which is often the case if no birds are calling. Apart from anything else there is nothing to direct and focus the search. White-throated Magpie-Jay (left) and Pacific Screech Owl (right) Eustace Barnes. The following morning was spent exploring the Carara National Park and environs. The day started off well with a good selection of dry country species and migrants on the edge of the park. These included a number of Scarlet Macaws, Dusky Antbird and Barred and Black-hooded Antshrikes, Least Flycatcher, Great-crested Flycatcher, Black-bellied, Riverside, Rufous and white and Plain Wrens, a Warbling Vireo, Long-billed Gnatwren, Scarlet, Summer and Western Tanagers, Scrub and Yellow-throated Euphonias and a number of Painted Buntings. We then headed to the park gate from where to explore the forest trails, We started with a calling Green Shrike-Vireo proclaiming its territory. Over the next couple of hours we heard a number of Streak-chested Antpittas and saw a very cooperative Black-faced Antthrush. In the understorey we saw Tawny-crowned Greenlets, a superb Golden-crowned Spadebill, a Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher flitting about in the sub-canopy and more Riverside Wrens. The forest canopy held numerous Mealy and Red-lored Amazons and Brown-hooded Parrots as well as five Baird s Trogons chasing one another about. 17 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

18 Understorey flocks held a Long-tailed Woodcreeper, several Plain Xenops, Dot-winged and Slaty Antwrens. We also saw more Orange-collared and Red-capped Manakins along a number of trails. In the afternoon we took our mangrove boat tour along the Rio Tarcoles. The tide was low making for good birding but hard work seeing the crocodiles. We did see a few crocodilians but none of the six meter monsters that are found here. However, we did see a wealth of birdlife including Wood Stork, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, a Boat-billed Heron, Great blue Heron, Tricoloured Heron, Anhinga, several Common Black-Hawks and our only Plumbeous Kite along with, an Osprey fishing in the estuary, several Hudsonian Whimbrels, Western Willet, Semi-palmated and Western Sandpipers, numerous Scarlet Macaws, a couple of Ringed and a single Belted Kingfisher. Once in the mangroves our good luck continued with great views of Northern Scrub-Flycatcher, a highly responsive Mangrove Vireo and a Rufousbrowed Peppershrike more or less in the same area. We moved on and found several pairs of the dapper Mangrove Warblers (split from Yellow Warbler) and eventually the shy Mangrove Hummingbird; a rare and increasingly difficult bird to find as the mangroves are under pressure. We devoted some time to working on an American Pygmy Kingfisher that gave us great views before we were forced by the fast sinking sun to return to the quayside. A cracking afternoon. The next morning after an early breakfast we headed north to a vast tidal mudflat where we had an enjoyable session sorting through a variety of waders, gulls and terns at Caldera. We found Wood Stork, White Ibis, numerous Brown Pelicans and magnificent Frigatebirds, Osprey, Black-necked Stilts, Blackbellied Plover, Northern Jacana, Western Sandpiper, seventy Sanderling, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Western Willet and Neotropic Cormorant. A large roost of Laughing Gulls sat on the sand bar together with a good number of Franklin s Gulls, Royal, Elegant and Cabot s Terns. A dense mangrove nearby held a single Rufous-necked Wood-Rail that some of us saw after some time huddled in the dense vegetation. The dry woodlands above the mangroves played host to the more common birds of dry country and included lots of White-winged and Inca Doves, Common Ground-Doves, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Melodious Blackbird and a Plain-capped Starthroat. The near endemic black Guan (EustaceBarnes) 18 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

19 As we were running out of time and padding the list with yet more waders was not a priority I decided to focus on finding our target species. We took the road up to Monteverde, arriving in good time to explore some evergreen woodlands near our hotel where our primary target was the Chiriqui Quail-Dove. Walking the gloomy trails through the mossy forest was pleasant although they seemed devoid of life. Lower down, in a damp gulley we found a couple of Quail doves and we all managed great views of this stunning near endemic. Winners again! There were also Red-billed Pigeons here, as well as Salvin s Emeralds feeding in the garden and several Long-tailed Manakins which we watched displaying at their lek. We also found Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Golden-crowned, Blackburnian, Wilson s and Black-and-white Warblers and White-eared Ground-Sparrow before we departed from the reserve and took our leave. Early the next morning, after some coffee and tea, we once again visited an area of evergreen forest where we found a large covey of Black-breasted Wood-quail which most of us managed to see. We then returned to our hotel for breakfast and to load the bus ready for our visit to the San Gerardo Biological station. After breakfast we met up with the station manager Giovani and once we had loaded our bags on to his quad bike we began our descent to the station along the jeep track. The magnificent view from the veranda at the San Gerardo field station. We walked down through beautiful mossy cloud forests quickly finding the distinctive Orange-bellied Trogon, the handsome Streak-breasted Treehunter, a skittish Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Tufted and Yellowish Flycatchers, Three-striped Warblers, a very obliging Sooty-faced Finch and Slaty-backed and Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrushes as well as Ochraceous Wren, Grey-breasted Wood-Wren, Collared Redstart and Black-faced Solitaire. As we descended the strange sounds of a displaying Three-wattled Bellbird thrilled us and thankfully our trail took us right to the tree in which it was wildly calling. We all saw the bird which was to be the first of many individuals we found displaying at this spectacular site. The weather was completely clear which made for superb views of the stunning Arenal Volcano in front of us. 19 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

20 The clear conditions allowed for raptors to ride the thermals and gave us great views of both Ornate and Black Hawk Eagles as well as Barred Hawk and Swallow-tailed Kites. We arrived in time for lunch and a brief siesta as we settled into the easy rhythm of this peaceful place watching a number of Three-wattled Bellbirds displaying from the veranda. The picture below is of an immature bird calling from near our lodgings showing the female character of much of his plumage. An extraordinary picture of an immature male Three-wattled Bellbird (Andre D Penha) We had two full days to enjoy the San Gerardo station exploring the well maintained Eternal Rainforest trails. We also enjoyed the excellent meals and good service of Giovani and his wife which far exceeded that given in a number of hotels. We enjoyed several great views of both Black and Crested Guans and other frugivores including Band-tailed Pigeon and more Orange-bellied Trogons. The forest trails had other surprises in a number of mixed flocks including the uncommon Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Slaty-capped Flycatcher and Slaty Antwren. Walking trails near the lodge we found the shy Azure-hooded Jay, Redheaded barbet, a couple of very cooperative Prong-billed Barbets, Smoky-brown Woodpeckers, Chestnutcapped Brush-Finch. After lunch our veranda sessions produced great views of American Swallow-tailed Kite and Black Hawk-Eagle and a fruiting tree brought in regular visits from Blue-throated Toucanet, Passerini s and Silver-throated Tanagers, Scarlet-thighed and Blue Dacnises and Green and Red-legged Honeycreepers. It was very noticeable that there were no large canopy flocks and that there was little vocal activity as elsewhere on the tour. We did find quite a number of migrants here including Blackburnian, American Yellow, Black-throated Green and Wilson s Warblers, Around an overgrown pasture we found Slaty Spinetail, Masked Tityra, Cinnamon Becard, the uncommon Golden-bellied Flycatcher, White-throated Thrush, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, Tropical Parula and Yellow-faced Grassquit. The primary reason for visiting San Gerardo, however, is to look for the rare Bare-necked Umbrellabird. Giovani had recently cut a trail to a long known lek and we were able to approach to within a few meters of a displaying bird without disturbing it. We enjoyed the most incredible views of this rare bird and were able to quietly watch this extraordinary bird for over an hour. 20 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

21 After a morning session at San Gerardo it was time to return to Monteverde to prepare for our homeward journey. However, we still had time to squeeze in a visit to the hummingbird gallery of Michael and Patricia Fogden which was as good as ever with Green Hermit, Green Violetear, a single female Magenta-throated Woodstar, Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald, Purple-throated Mountaingem, Green-crowned Brilliant and the stunning Violet Sabrewing; an outstanding end to a very memorable tour, the success of which we toasted at a local restaurant later on that evening. It was great to remember those stunning Great green Macaws, Resplendant Quetzals shimmering in the mossy cloud forests, the delightful Black-crested and White-crested Coquettes, the confiding Zeledonia and Snowcap along with the Three-wattled Bellbirds and finally the magnificent displaying Bare-necked Umbrellabird. Perhaps to gild the proverbial lily we broke our journey to the airport the following morning to see a superb pair of Black and white Owls, so ending the tour! Black and white Owl (Eustace Barnes) 21 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

22 TOP TEN AS VOTED BY THE GROUP. 1 Bare-necked Umbrellabird 2 Snowcap 3 White-crested Coquette 4 Three-wattled Bellbird 5 Zeledonia 6 Great green Macaw 7 Black-crested Coquette 8 Swallow-tailed Kite 9 Resplendant Quetzal 10 Snowy Cotinga The magnificent Keel-billed Toucan (Eustace Barnes) 22 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

23 SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (L). 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). Great Tinamou Tinamus major Several seen at La Selva and heard elsewhere. Highland Tinamou Nothocercus bonapartei (H) Heard at San Gerardo. Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui Thicket Tinamou (H) A few heard. Slaty-breasted Tinamou Crypturellus boucardi (H) A couple heard at La Selva. Grey-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps Commonly seen throughout. Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Good numbers recorded at many sites from La Selva onwards. Black Guan Chamaepetes unicolor Seen at San Gerardo and Monteverde. Great Curassow Crax rubra Remarkably numerous and confiding. Black-breasted Wood Quail Odontophorus leucolaemus A large covey seen at Monteverde by some of us. Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Common in the Pacific lowlands. Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata One seen at Las Esquinas. American Wigeon Anas americana Seen at Cano Negro. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Seen at many wetland sites throughout. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis A group of twenty seen at Cano Negro. Wood Stork Mycteria americana Very common at Cano Negro. Jabiru Jabiru mycteria A pair at Cano Negro and a single bird at Hacienda Solimar. Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis Common at Cano negro. American White Ibis Eudocimus albus Common to abundant at many sites. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Very common at Cano Negro. Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum (L) One seen at La Selva. Bare-throated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum Seen at many sites throughout. Agami Heron (Chestnut-bellied H) Agamia agami One seen at dusk at La Selva flying past us at the bridge. Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius Seen at the Rio Tarcoles and others at Cano Negro. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Seen at Hacienda Solimar and Cano Negro. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea A few at Rio Tarcpoles. Green Heron Butorides virescens Commonly recorded at sites throughout. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common to abundant in open areas throughout. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Good numbers at Rio Tarcoles, Cano Negro and Hacienda Solimar. Great Egret (G White E ) Ardea alba Common to abundant at all wetland sites. Tricolored Heron (Louisiana H) Egretta tricolor Good numbers seen on the coast and at Cano Negro. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Commonly recorded throughout at wetland sites. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Commonly recorded at wetland sites. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Commonly recorded on the coast. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Commonly recorded on the Pacific coast. Neotropic Cormorant (Olivaceous C) Phalacrocorax brasilianus Recorded throughout in small numbers. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Recorded at Hacienda Solimar, and Rio Tarcoles. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common to abundant throughout. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common to abundant at most sites. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Seen at La Selva in small numbers. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Small numbers seen at many wetland and coastal sites. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus At least one seen very well at La Selva. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Recorded at many sites throughout. A magnificent raptor we all enjoyed. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus A few noted at scattered sites. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis One seen at Cano Negro. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus A couple seen at Braulio Carillo NP. 23 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

24 Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea A single bird noted at the Rio Tarcoles. Tiny Hawk Accipiter superciliosus One adult seen at La Selva.. Bicoloured Hawk Accipiter bicolor Somewhat shy birds poorly seen at their nest at Rancho Naturalista. Barred Hawk (Black-chested H) Leucopternis princeps Heard at Braulio Carillo and seen at San Gerardo. Semi-plumbeous Hawk Leucopternis semiplumbeus Several seen very well at La Selva. White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis A superb adult seen at Las Esquinas. Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Common at the rio Tarcoles. Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga One seen on the coast. Harris s Hawk (Bay-winged H) Parabuteo unicinctus Several seen at Hacienda Solimar. Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus Common at La Selva and the north. Grey-lined Hawk Buteo nitidus One seen on the Pacific coast. Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris Commonly recorded throughout. Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Large numbers of migrating birds seen heading north. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus A few seen at widely scattered sites. Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni small numbers in the migrating Broadwings. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A couple seen at Savegre where of the distinctive form Black Hawk-eagle Spizaetus tyrannus Seen and heard at many widely scattered sites. Ornate Hawk-eagle Spizaetus ornatus A pair seen on our walk down to San Gerardo. Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriwayi Commonly seen. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Good numbers seen throughout. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Seen at a couple of sites. Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis (H) A single bird heard by the group at Santa Elena. Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus (H) Heard at La Selva. We did try but they were not interested. American Kestrel Falco sparverius A few seen at Hacienda Solimar. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis A couple seen at La Selva st dusk. Sunbittern Eurypyga helias A pair seen near the Arenal Observatory Resort. Sungrebe Heliornis fulica A single bird seen at La Selva and another found at Cano Negro. White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis (H) Several heard at widely scattered sites. Grey-breasted Crake Laterallus exilis A single bird seen rather briefly at Cano Negro. Rufous-necked Wood Rail Aramides axillaris (L) An adult bird seen at Caldera in the mangroves Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Commonly recorded at forest sites throughout. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Very common at Las Esquinas. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Seen at San Vito marsh. American Coot Fulica americana A single bird seen at Cano Negro. Limpkin Aramus guarauna Commonly recorded at Cano Negro and at Hacienda Solimar. Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus Seen at Hacienda Solimar and near Tivives. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus A few seen on the coast. Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Seen at Can Negro. Now found throughout Costa Rica. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Seen at Cano Negro. Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola Seen on the coast. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Pairs seen at Cano Negro and Hacienda Solimar. Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Common throughout. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Few seen at widely scattered sites. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Not seen in any numbers. Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Seen at widely scattered sites. Western Willet Tringa inornata A few seen at the Rio Tarcoles. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius A few seen at sites throughout. Sanderling Calidris alba About seventy seen on the coast. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Seen at Cano Negro. Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri One seen with Sanderling on thecoast. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Very common at Cano Negro. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Very common at Caldera during our very brief visit to the coast. Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Quite a number amongst the Laughing Gulls in their summer finery. Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Common at Caldera. 24 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

25 Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans A few at Caldera. Cabot's Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus A couple seen amongst the terns at Caldera. Rock Dove Columba livia Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa Seen at Las Cruces. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Not uncommon in the highlands. Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis A common species in the lowlands. Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris Commonly seen throughout. Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea (H) Several heard in the highlands. Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris Common at La Selva and Las esquinas. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Fairly common in open habitats in the north-west. Inca Dove Columbina inca A common species in dry open habitats in the north-west. Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina A fairly common species in dry open habitats in the north-west. Plain-breasted Ground Dove Columbina minuta An uncommon species in open habitats in the north-west. Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti A common species in dry open habitats in the lowlands. Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa Seen in secondary forests at a number of sites. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi The commonest Leptotila dove at sites throughout our trip. Grey-headed Dove Leptotila plumbeiceps Seen on the Pacific slope. Previously lumped in Grey-fronted Dove. Grey-chested Dove Leptotila cassini Seen at La Selva and Las Esquinas. Purplish-backed Quail-Dove Geotrygon lawrencii (L) One glimpsed at the Celeste Mountain Lodge. Buff-fronted Quail-Dove (Cost Rican Q-D) Geotrygon costaricensis One seen very briefly at Trogon lodge. Chiriqui Quail-Dove (Rufous-breasted Q-D) Geotrygon chiriquensis Several seen at Monteverde. Ruddy Quail-dove Geotrygon montana Seen at Las Esquinas a couple of times. Great Green Macaw Ara ambiguus One and possibly two pairs seen near La Selva. Scarlet Macaw Ara macao Seen at La Selva and other sites in the Pacific lowlands. Increasing in Costa Rica now. Finsch's Parakeet (Crimson-fronted P) Aratinga finschii Seen throughout. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Seen on the Caribbean slope. Orange-chinned Parakeet (Tovi P) Brotogeris jugularis Common throughout. Brown-hooded Parrot Pyrilia haematotis Not uncommon on the Caribbean slope and in the south-west. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Not uncommon at Las Esquinas and Las Cruces. White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis Seen at numerous sites throughout except the north-west. White-fronted Amazon (W-f Parrot))Amazona albifrons Seen at Hacienda Solimar. Red-lored Amazon (R-l Parrot) Amazona autumnalis Common in the humid lowlands. Yellow-naped Amazon (Y-n Parrot) Amazona auropalliata Several seen in the drier north-west. Mealy Amazon (Mealy Parrot) Amazona farinosa Common in humid lowlands Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Common in the south-west. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Common in open habitats throughout except the south-west. Lesser Ground Cuckoo Morococcyx erythropygus A pair seen at Hacienda Solimar. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Seen in small numbers throughout. Pacific Screech Owl Megascops cooperi A pair at roost at Hacienda Solimar. Bare-shanked Screech Owl Megascops clarkia (H) A distant bird heard near Trogon lodge. Mottled Owl Strix virgata A pair found roosting at Rancho Naturalista. Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata A pair at their day roost in La Orotina. Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata (H) Heard at Las Esquinas and Rancho Naturalista. Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata A pair taped in at La Selva and another found roosting at Hacienda Solimar. Costa Rican Pygmy Owl Glaucidium costaricanum A single adult at its nest hole above Savegre lodge. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum A few seen at Hacienda Solimar. Striped Owl Pseudoscops clamator A couple seen near Las Esquinas lodge. Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis Found on a roost by the highway. Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus A single bird on a nest at Rancho Naturalista. Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Seen at Hacienda solimar. Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Common. Dusky Nightjar Antrostomus saturatus (H) Heard only in the cold wind above Trogon lodge. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Seen in small numbers at widely scattered sites. Dusky-backed Swift (Richmond s S) Swift Chaetura vauxi Seen at the Hotel Bougainvilla. 25 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

26 Great Potoo (Eustace Barnes) Costa Rican Swift Chaetura fumosa Seen at Las Esquinas. Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Seen on the Caribbean slope. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis (L) One seen at Braulio Carillo while watching the Snowcap. Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus One seen at Las Esquinas. Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri Seen at La Selva and Las Esquinas. Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Common throughout the highlands. Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris Seen at Arenal at their lek. Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis Common at La Selva and Las Esquinas. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii A few seen at Los Cusingos. Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus Very common at Cataratas del Toro. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Common at numerous sets of feeders. Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Seen at rancho Naturalista. Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus Seen at sites in the highlands. Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii Common on feeders at Rancho Naturalista. Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Seen at numerous sites throughout. Black-crested Coquette Lophornis helenae We found one at Braulio Carillo and another at La Selva. White-crested Coquette Lophornis adorabilis A single male was found at Los Cusingos. Green Thorntail Discosura conversii Quite a number found at Cataratas del Toro. Salvin s Emerald Chlorostilbon canivetii Seen in the north west. Garden Emerald Chlorostilbon assimilis First seen at Rancho Naturalista and thereafter at Las Cruces. Fiery-throated Hummingbird Panterpe insignis Abundant at Paraiso del Quetzal. White-tailed Emerald Elvira chionura A couple seen at Las Cruces. Coppery-headed Emerald Elvira cupreiceps Seen at Cataratas del Toro and Monteverde. Stripe-tailed Hummingbird Eupherusa eximia Seen at Savegre Lodge. Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris Up to 20 at Cataratas deltoro. Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica Seen at numerous sites. Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila Seen at Hacienda Solimar. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl The most common and widespread hummingbird. Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis Seen at La Selva. 26 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

27 Charming Hummingbird Amazilia decora Found at Las Esquinas and Las Cruces. Mangrove Hummingbird Amazilia boucardi A pair found in the mangroves along the Rio Tarcoles. Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerrottei A few seen at widely scattered sites in the north and west. Snowy-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia Edward Seen at Las Cruces Snowcap Microchera albocoronata A couple of males found at Braulio Carillo and a female at Rancho Naturalista. Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer Chalybura urochrysia A couple seen at La Selva. White-bellied Mountaingem Lampornis hemileucus Quite a number found at Cataratas deltoro. Purple-throated Mountaingem Lampornis calolaemus Common at Monteverde. Grey-tailed Mountaingem Lampornis cinereicauda A few seen at Trogon and Savegre lodges. Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula Common to abundant at many sets of feeders. Magnificent Hummingbird (Rivoli s H) Eugenes fulgens Quite a number found at Paraiso del Quetzal. Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti Only a couple found. Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii A single bird found at Caldera. Magenta-throated Woodstar Calliphlox bryantae A single female seen at the Fogden s feeders. Volcano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula Common at the Paraiso del Quetzal feeders. Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla Not uncommon at Savegre. Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno Several pairs seen very well at and below Cerro de la Muerte. Lattice-tailed Trogon Trogon clathratus A single bird seen at Braulio Carillo. Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon Massena Common in the lowlands. Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus Very common at Cano Negro. Baird's Trogon Trogon bairdii Seen at Las Esquinas and Carara NP where quite numerous. Gartered Trogon Trogon caligatus Seen at widely scattered sites in the lowlands. Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus Seen at La Selva and Las Esquinas. Collared Trogon Trogon collaris aureoventris Often called Orange-bellied Trogon. Common at Monteverde. American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea Seen very well along the Rio Tarcoles. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana A few seen at many sites. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona A few seen at a number of sites. Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Small numbers seen at several sites. Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon One seen along the Rio Tarcoles. Tody Motmot Hylomanes momotula One heard and seen briefly by Rod at the Celeste Mountain Lodge. Blue-diademed (Lesson s M) Momotus lessonii Common throughout. Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Quite numerous at La Selva. Keel-billed Motmot Electron carinatum One seen at Arenal. Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Commonly found in the search for Electron carinatum Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa Common to abundant in the dry north-west. Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda Commonly seen at La Selva. White-necked Puffbird Notharchus hyperrhynchus Seen at Hacienda Solimar and Rincon. White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus A single bird seen near Arenal. Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii Seen and heard below Monteverde Prong-billed Barbet Semnornis frantzii Several heard and one seen at San Gerardo. Blue-throated Toucanet Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis commonly seen throughout the highlands Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus Common at La Selva. Fiery-billed Aracari Pteroglossus frantzii Small numbers seen in the Pacific lowlands. Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus Common. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii A very common toucan. Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus Seen at Talhari right next to the veranda.. Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Common at Savegre and elsewhere in the oak forests. Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Common on the Caribbean slope. Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus Abundant in the south-west. Hoffmann's Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii Common from the Central valley to the north-west. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus Seen at San Gerardo. Rufous-winged Woodpecker Piculus simplex Common at La Selva and Las Esquinas. Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Several seen at Las Cruces. Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus (H) Several heard at La Selva. 27 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

28 Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker (Eustace Barnes) Chestnut-colored Woodpecker Celeus castaneus Several pairs seen at La Selva and at Cano Negro. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Commonly seen. Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis Seen at La Selva and Las Esquinas.. Pale-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albescens Not uncommon in open scrubby pastures near San Vito. Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura Seen at numerous sites and heard at many more. Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythropus A few pairs noted at Las Cruces. Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens One found in a mixed flock at San Gerardo. Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus Common in the highlands. Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps A single bird seen at Braulio Carillio. Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris One seen on our way down to San Gerardo. Western Woodhaunter Hyloctistes virgatus (H) Heard only at Las esquinas. Streak-breasted Treehunter Thripadectes rufobrunneus Great looks at a single bird near San Gerardo. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus A couple seen at Las esquinas. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus A few seen at widely scattered sites. Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans One found in a mixed flock at La Several. Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Several seen at La Selva. Tawny-winged Woodcreeper Dendrocincla anabatina One seen and a couple heard at Las Esquinas. Long-tailed Woodcreeper Deconychura longicauda A single bird seen at Carrara. Not a common bird in Costa Rica. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen at San Vito. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Seen at numerous sites. Northern Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae Seen at several widely scattered sites. Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans A common woodcreeper at La Selva. Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus A smart woodcreeper we saw at Las Esquinas. Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius A couple seen in foothill forest. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii A common woodcreeper seen throughout. Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis Seen in the highlands. Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus Seen at Arenal and La Selva. Great Antshrike Taraba major One male seen at Arenal. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Pairs seen at numerous sites. Black-hooded Antshrike Thamnophilus bridgesi A pair found at Las Esquinas and others at Carara NP. Western Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha A common bird at La Selva. 28 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

29 Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus A couple of birds at Las Esquinas. Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Not uncommon in forest understorey. Streak-crowned Antvireo Dysithamnus striaticeps Seen at Braulio Carillo and Arenal. Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Several pairs seen at Rancho Naturalista and Las Esquinas. Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis Not uncommon at Las Esquinas. Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina a few pairs found at Hacienda Solimar and Carara NP. Bare-crowned Antbird Gymnocichla nudiceps A pair seen at Arenal after considerable effort. Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul Seen at several locations starting at La Selva. Dull-mantled Antbird Myrmeciza laemosticta A family group found at Rancho Naturalista. Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevioides Heard and seen at several locations with a very cooperative bird at Arenal. Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis Several heard and one seen at Carara NP. Black-headed Antthrush Formicarius nigrocapillus (H) Several heard at San Gerardo. Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus (H) One heard on the way down to San Gerardo. Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis One adult seen at Celeste Mountain Lodge. Streak-chested Antpitta (Spectacled A) Hylopezus perspicillatus (H) Heard at Carara but none responsive. Thicket Antpitta (Fulvous-bellied A) Hylopezus dives (H) Heard at Arenal. None showed despite our best efforts. Silvery-fronted Tapaculo Scytalopus argentifrons One heard and subsequently seen at Trogon lodge. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Fairly common throughout. Lesser Elaenia Elaenia chiriquensis A pair at San Vito. Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii Common in the highlands. Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillus (H) Heard only. Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe (H) Heard at Hacienda Solimar. Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Several noted in the highlands. Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola A pair found at La Selva and another noted at Las Esquinas. Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus Common throughout the highlands. Rufous-browed Tyrannulet Phylloscartes superciliaris One in a mixed flock at Braulio Carillo seen by some. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus Common at La Selva. Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Not uncommon. Northern Scrub Flycatcher Sublegatus arenarum A few seen in the mangroves at Rio Tarcoles. Bran-coloured Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus A couple of pairs at San Vito. Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare Several seen at Hacienda Solimar and others elsewhere.. Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus A couple seen at Celeste Mountain Lodge. Slaty-headed Tody-flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia Seen at Las Esquinas. Common Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Common throughout. Black-headed Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps (H) Heard at La Selva. Eye-ringed Flatbill Rhynchocyclus brevirostris Several noted at Las Esquinas. Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens Rather localised but several seen throughout. Yellow-margined Flatbill Tolmomyias flavotectus Seen at La Selva. White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus (H) Heard only at San Gerardo inspite of our best efforts. Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus Heard and found at Carara. Tawny-chested Flycatcher Aphanotriccus capitalis Several heard at Rancho Naturalista. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Commonly seen throughout. Northern Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus several found at Trogon lodge and Savegre. Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi A few seen at widely scattered. Ochraceous Pewee Contopus ochraceus A single bird found near Trogon lodge. Eastern Wood Pewee Contopus virens A few seen throughout. Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Common in the north around Cano Negro. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris A few seen. White-throated Flycatcher Empidonax albigularis A single bird seen near Rancho Naturaista. Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus One seen on the Pacific slope. Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens Several seen in the highlands. Black-capped Flycatcher Empidonax atriceps Common at Trogon lodge. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Common in the lowlands. 29 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

30 Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Common. Seen at many sites where there are Oropendola colonies. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Common. Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Several pairs at Las Esquinas. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Common throughout. White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus A few pairs noted at La Selva. Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus A few seen at San Gerardo. A localised species. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris A few seen at many sites. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Small numbers throughout. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Fairly common throughout. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common to abundant. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus Quite a number at Hacienda Solimar. Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana A few in the south at Las Esquinas. Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra Seen at La Selva and Las Esquinas. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Fairly common throughout. Nutting's Flycatcher Myiarchus nuttingi A few noted at Hacienda Solimar. Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Small numbers seen throughout. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus A few seen in drier areas at Hacienda Solimar. Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus Heard and seen at many lowland sites. Lovely Cotinga Cotinga amabilis One superb male watched at length at Arenal. Turquoise Cotinga Cotinga ridgwayi One splendid adult male seen at Talhari lodge. Three-wattled Bellbird Procnias tricarunculatus Several males seen displaying at San Gerardo. Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus One bird seen at Las Esquinas. Snowy Cotinga Carpodectes nitidus Several males and a couple of females seen at La Selva. Yellow-billed Cotinga Carpodectes antoniae A couple of males seen rather briefly at Rincon. Bare-necked Umbrellabird (Andre D Penha) Bare-necked Umbrellabird Cephalopterus glabricollis A male displaying at its lek at San Gerardo. 30 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

31 White-ruffed Manakin Corapipo altera Seen at several locations from Braulio Carillo to Rancho Naturalista. White-collared Manakin Manacus candei Abundant at La Selva. Orange-collared Manakin Manacus aurantiacus common at Las Esquinas and Carara NP. Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis A common species at numerous sites.. Red-capped Manakin Dixiphia mentalis Found at Las Esquinas and Carara NP. Sulphur-rumped Myiobius (S-F Flycatcher) Myiobius sulphureipygius A bird found at Carara NP. Black-tailed Myiobius Myiobius atricaudus (NL) A single bird seen at Las Esquinas by Rod. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus Heard and seen at Las Esquinas. Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Not uncommon at La Selva. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Seen in small numbers throughout the lowlands. Brown Schiffornis Schiffornis turdina (H) A couple heard at Rancho Naturalista. Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor One found above Trogon lodge. Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Common at La Selva. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus A widespread species seen at a few sites. Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus (H) Heard in the gardens of the Hotel Bougainvillea.. Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis An uncommon species recorded at the Rio Tarcoles. Green Shrike-vireo Vireolanius pulchellus (H) A common species heard at Las Esquinas and Carara NP. Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens A single bird taped in along the Rio Tarcoles. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons Common on the Pacific slope. Yellow-winged Vireo Vireo carmioli A fairly common near endemic in the highlands. Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvius A rare wintering species seen near Carara NP. Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus Seen along the road to Baguajal above Carara NP Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus A few seen. Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis Very common. Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps Found in several understorey flocks at a La Esquinas. Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus Seen at Arenal. Azure-hooded Jay Cyanolyca cucullata A common but wary species with a couple of groups noted at San Gerardo. Brown Jay Psilorhinus morio Very common throughout. White-throated Magpie-jay Calocitta Formosa Quite numeros in the dry open country of the north and west. Black-and-yellow Phainoptila Phainoptila melanoxantha Several noted at Cerro de la Muerte. Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher Ptilogonys caudatus Common in the valley above Trogon lodge. Sand Martin Riparia riparia A few seen at Cano Negro. Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea A common species throughout. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Not uncommon around human settlement in the lowlands. Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca The most common and widespread swallow. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Seen at numerous locations. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Seen from La Selva. Often with the above species. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Small numbers noted throughout except at Hacienda Solimar where abundant. American Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota A few at Hacienda Solimar. Black-throated Wren Pheugopedius atrogularis A common species at widely scattered sites on the Caribbean. Black-bellied Wren Pheugopedius fasciatoventris A common species seen along the Baguajal road. Spot-breasted Wren Pheugopedius maculipectus (H) A common species in the dry north. Banded Wren Thryophilus pleurostictus An uncommon species seen at hacienda Solimar. Rufous-and-white Wren Thryophilus rufalbus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Plain Wren Cantorchilus modestus A fairly common species seen throughout. Riverside Wren Cantorchilus semibadius A common species at Carara NP and Las Esquinas. Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigrocapillus A few seen and heard at Arenal. Stripe-breasted Wren Cantorchilus thoracicus A common Wren at La Selva. House Wren Troglodytes aedon A widespread species seen at numerous sites throughout. Ochraceous Wren Troglodytes ochraceus Several pairs seen on our descent to San Gerardo. Timberline Wren Thryorchilus browni A few tracked down on the paramos at Cerro de la Muerte. White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticta A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys A localised species in the humid highlands. 31 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

32 Band-backed Wren (Eustace Barnes) Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus A common species. Rufous-backed Wren Campylorhynchus capistratus A common species seen at many sites in the north and west. Northern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus philomela (H) Commonly heard but difficult to see in the north and east. Southern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus marginatus A common species seen at Rancho Naturalista. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus A species recorded at La Selva and on the Pacificcoast. White-lored Gnatcatcher Polioptila albiloris A very common species at Hacienda Solimar. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea A rather common species seen at widely scattered sites throughout. Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis An uncommon migrant seen in the gardens of the hotel Bougainvillea. Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus A common species that has now colonised Costa Rica. Black-faced Solitaire Myadestes melanops Commonly seen and heard in the highlands. Black-billed Nightingale-thrush Catharus gracilirostris A very confiding species seen in the highlands. Orange-billed Nightingale-thrush Catharus aurantiirostris A fairly common species at Las Cruces. Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush Catharus fuscater An inconspicuous species recorded in the highlands. Ruddy-capped Nightingale-thrush Catharus frantzii Commonly recorded in the highlands. A fine songster. Black-headed Nightingale-thrush Catharus mexicanus A common species if rather shyer than its congeners. Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus A commonly recorded migrant at widely scattered sites. Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus A rare species recorded along the Baguajal road. Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina A species commonly recorded at la Selva. Sooty Thrush Turdus nigrescens A very common species in the highlands. Mountain Thrush Turdus plebejus Rather numerous in the highlands. Clay-colored Thrush Turdus grayi A very common species seen at sites throughot. White-throated Thrush Turdus assimilis A common species seen at San Gerardo. American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus One seen by Sieghard and another by Eustace at Trogon lodge by the bus. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Not uncommon around human settlement. Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis A common species at Hacienda Solimar. Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla A common species in the humid tropics.. Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris A common species at the Wilson Botanical Gardens. Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea Another common Euphonia on the Pacific slope. Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima (NL) An uncommon species seen by Geoff near San Isidro. Spot-crowned Euphonia Euphonia imitans A common species at Las Esquinas. Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi A somewhat numerous species at la Selva. White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta An uncommon species recorded at La Selva. Tawny-capped Euphonia Euphonia anneae A rather uncommon species found at San Gerardo. Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra A species recorded only above trogon lodge. 32 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

33 Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia Motacilla A rare migrant seen at the Celeste Mountain lodge. Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis A migrant species commonly recorded at widely scattered sites. Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera An uncommon migrant species recorded at La Selva. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Recorded infrequently at widely scattered sites. Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea An uncommon species seen at the Rio Tarcoles and the Talharoi lodge. Flame-throated Warbler Oreothlypis gutturalis A stunning species seen at several sites in the highlands. Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Grey-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala A fairly common species in open habitats. Mourning Warbler Geothlypis philadelphia A rare migrant species seen at Los Cusingos. Kentucky Warbler Geothlypis formosa An uncommon migrant species seen at Rancho Naturalista. Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi A few seen at widely scattered sites. Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca A somewhat uncommon species on this trip. American Yellow Warbler Setophaga aestiva A common migratory species seen at widely scattered sites. Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia This distinctive species was common along the Rio Tarcoles. Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica A fairly common migrant species seen at widely scattered sites. Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda Another common rainforest species recorded at many sites. Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons A not uncommon species at widely scattered sites. Black-cheeked Warbler Basileuterus melanogenys Commonly recorded in the highlands. A near endemic. Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus A widespread species seen at widely scattered sites. Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Recorded on our descent to San Gerardo and on the trails nearby. Wilson's Warbler Cardellina pusilla A common migrant recorded at widely scattered sites throughout. Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Not uncommon at widely scattered sites throughout the foothills. Collared Whitestart Myioborus torquatus Commonly recorded at highland sites. A delightful species. Wrenthrush Zeledonia coronata A stunning pair taped out at Cerro del Muerte and heard elsewhere. Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Not common but seen at widely scattered sites. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus A recent colonist now common at sites in the south. Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus An uncommon species recorded at Las Esquinas and La Selva. Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis A less common species noted at Hacienda Solimar. Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas A fairly common species recorded at La Selva. Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius An uncommon migrant recorded at Hotel Bougainvillea. Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula A common migrant species seen at widely scattered sites. Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus A localised species seen at Hacienda Solimar. Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus A common species recorded at widely scattered sites throughout. Melodious Blackbird Dives dives A recent colonist now seen at widely scattered sites throughout. Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus An abundant species in the north at Cano Negro. Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Nicaraguan Grackle Quiscalus nicaraguensis A rare species seen at Cano Negro at the last moment. Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris Another common Icterid recorded throughout much of the south. Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Commonly recorded in cattle pasture and cut over areas. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis A common species seen at widely scattered sites in the highlands. Volcano Junco Junco vulcani A few seen on the paramos at Cerro de la Muerte. Stripe-headed Sparrow Peucaea ruficauda A common species at Hacienda Solimar. White-eared Ground Sparrow Melozone leucotis A localised species seen at hotel Bougainvillea and Monteverde. Olive Sparrow Arremonops rufivirgatus Commonly recorded hacienda Solimar. Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris A commonly recorded species at widely scattered sites. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris A common species seen at widely scattered sites in the lowlands.. Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Arremon brunneinucha A few seen at San Gerardo. Sooty-faced Finch Arremon crassirostris An uncommon species recorded on our walk down to San Gerardo. Large-footed Finch Pezopetes capitalis A common species at sites throughout the highlands. Yellow-thighed Finch Pselliophorus tibialis Another common finch at sites in the highlands. Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus A species commonly recorded at Las Cruces. 33 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

34 Sooty-capped Bush Tanager Chlorospingus pileatus Common only in the highlands where seen many sites. Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata A common species seen at widely scattered sites. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus A few recorded at La Selva. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus A widespread and often common species recorded at only a few sites. White-throated Shrike-tanager Lanio leucothorax A stunning tanager, seen by only a few of us at La Esquinas. Crimson-collared Tanager Ramphocelus sanguinolentus Another stunning species in an impressive genus. Passerini's Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii A very common species seen throughout the north and east. Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus An abundant species seen at widely scattered sites. Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Plain-colored Tanager Tangara inornata An aberrant Tangara recorded at La Selva. Emerald Tanager Tangara florida A rather pretty species recorded at Braulio Carillo NP. Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala A widespread species seen at many sites. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola A widespread species recorded at widely scattered sites. Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata A lovely species seen at numerous sites throughout. Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta Somewhat localised but not uncommon species seen at many sites. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Rather uncommonly recorded on this tour. Shining Honeycreeper Cyanerpes lucidus A somewhat infrequently recorded species on this tour. Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus A stunning species seen at numerous widely scattered sites. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Slaty Flowerpiercer Diglossa plumbea A species only recorded at all commonly in the highlands. Peg-billed Finch Acanthidops bairdi Common only at all when the bamboo is seeding in the highlands. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Rapidly increasing with continued deforestation and habitat degradation. Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Common on both Pacific and Caribbean slopes. White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola Recorded only at all commonly in the north near Cano Negro. Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta A species we recorded at San Vito marsh. Thick-billed Seed Finch Oryzoborus funereus This species was commonly seen on the Caribbean slope. Nicaraguan Seed Finch Oryzoborus nuttingi A trio of this localised species were found near Cano Negro.. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus A somewhat numerous species seen at widely scattered sites. Red-throated Ant Tanager Habia fuscicauda We had great views of this understorey species at Rancho Naturalista. Black-cheeked Ant Tanager Habia atrimaxillaris Great views of this stunning endemic at Las Esquinas. Carmiol's Tanager Chlorothraupis carmioli A numerous species at Braulio Carillo and Rancho Naturalista. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Very few seen at widely scattered sites. Black-faced Grosbeak (Eustace Barnes) Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster Certainly a common species seen at many sites. 34 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica

35 Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps A few recorded at Arenal and La Selva. Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Common in and around San Jose. Almost certainly a separate species. Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Seen commonly in the south west. Flame-colored Tanager Piranga bidentata A fairly common in the highlands. Tooth-billed Tanager (Highland Hepatic T) Piranga lutea We only recorded this species at San Gerardo. Summer Tanager Piranga rubra A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea A migrant species recorded in small numbers at widely scattered sites. Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Another migrant species we only saw along the Baguajal road. Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides A female seen by some at Los Cusingos. Painted Bunting Passerina ciris Several seen on the road to Bahagual. MAMMALS Northern Tamandua at La Selva (Andre D Penha) Northern Tamandua Tamandua mexicana One seen very well at La Selva. Hoffmann s Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni Two seen at La Selva. Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth Bradypus variegatus One found at La Selva. Greater White-lined Bat (W-l Sac-winged B) Saccopteryx bilineata A group of 20 roosting at Esquinas. White-faced Capuchin (W-throated C, W-throated C Monkey) Cebus capucinus A few sightings. Mantled Howler (M H Monkey) Alouatta palliate ASuperb sightings og this magnificent species. At La Selva. Central American Spider Monkey (Black-handed S M) Ateles geoffroyi A family group een at Arenal. Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides Common to abundant with many different colour morphs. Red-tailed Squirrel (Tropical Red S) Sciurus granatensis Small numbers seen throughout. Alfaro s Pygmy Squirrel (Central American Dwarf S) Microsciurus alfari One seen at San Gerardo. Montane Squirrel Syntheosciurus brochus One seen near Cerro de la Muerte. Alston s Singing Mouse (A Brown M) Scotinomys teguina One found on the track down to San Gerardo. Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata Fairly common with around 20 seen during the tour. Forest Rabbit Silvilagus brasiliensis One seen near Arenal. Coyote Canis latrans A single animal seen at Hacienda Solimar Northern Racoon Procyon lotor One animal seen on the coast. White-nosed Coati Nasua narica Very common at several sites. Tayra Eira barbara (L) An adult seen at San Gerardo. Ocelot Felis pardarlis (L) An adult at La Selva. The group were all looking in the opposite direction. Collared Peccary Tayassu tajacu Rather common at La Selva. 35 BirdQuest Tour Report: Costa Rica