Limosa Holidays Trip Report

Costa Rica

Classic Costa Rica

Sun 1st – Sat 14th March 2015

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Photos (clockwise, from top left): A Black Guan trying to hide, but failing • Magnificent in flight – three Black-mandibled Toucans overhead at Selva Verde • A female Great Curassow is just as attractive as the male • The displaying Sunbittern near Rancho Naturalista • A huge Pale-billed Woodpecker is fine bird • Great perched, but wonderful in flight, Scarlet Macaws are always good to see © all photographs by kind permission of tour participants Brian & Linda Miller

report compiled by tour leader: Harry Barnard ___________________________________________________________________________ 1 • © Limosa Holidays, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham Norfolk NR12 9EJ tel: +44 (0)1692 580623 / 4 • email: [email protected] website: www.limosaholidays.co.uk

Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

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Photos (clockwise, from top left): A hummingbird fest: firstly a Magnificent Hummingbird at the lunch stop in the Paramo • A tiny male Black-crested Coquette • Green-breasted Mango is often seen well at Rancho Naturalista • Often sitting still low in the bushes, a male White-throated Mountaingem • One of the stars and nice when they stay still – a Long-billed Hermit • Fiery by name and by nature, a Fiery-throated Hummingbird in the Paramo © all photographs by kind permission of tour participants Brian & Linda Miller

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Trip Diary Leaders: Harry Barnard and driver Luis Rodrigo with Tony & Angela Barstow, Alan & Sheila Bowles, Andrew Guest, Brian & Linda Miller, Colin & Kathryn Stennett and Colin Wibberly This ever popular and wonderful country continues to delight and inspire the visiting birder. A tour that encompassed a variety of wonderful habitats and excellent birds and wildlife, was enjoyed by first time visitors and seasoned campaigners alike. The combination of a splendid group and many fine sightings in wonderful locations made for another excellent Classic Costa Rica Tour. 1st March A punctual evening arrival at Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria Airport was followed by a transfer to the comfortable Hotel Bougainvillea, where after an efficient check in the group enjoyed a relaxing evening eagerly anticipating the prospect of action-packed birding the next morning. 2nd March A pre-breakfast walk around the grounds of the Hotel Bougainvillea introduced us to many of the common and widespread species such as the charismatic Rufous-naped Wren, Greyish Saltator, Melodious Blackbird, Great Kiskadee, Boat-billed and Social Flycatchers, Tropical Kingbird, Hoffmann’s Woodpecker and Rufous-capped Warbler. Migrants were very much in evidence with Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a profusion of Baltimore Orioles and many Tennessee Warblers. The most significant sightings during this foray included fine views of a pair of Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow - a localized and highly sought-after species, Blue-crowned Motmots, a fine male Canivet’s Emerald, our first Philadelphia Vireos and our only Orchard Orioles of the tour. After breakfast we left Heredia and headed for Cinchona and La Virgen del Socorro en route to the Caribbean lowlands of Sarapiqui. As is so often the case this area proved most productive for raptors and a pair of soaring Barred Hawks was quickly located. A little further down we made a stop at a small restaurant with fruit tables and plenty of hummingbird feeders. Here we were delighted to find the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald, Green-crowned Brilliant, the electric purple Violet Sabrewing, Green Hermit, Slate-throated Redstart, Common Chlorospingus, Grey-breasted Wood Wren, and both Crimson-collared and Silver-throated Tanagers. A brief stop at La Virgen secured spectacular views of a soaring adult White Hawk and many Swallow-tailed Kites. Some were also fortunate to see a very spectacular Green Anole sunning on the edge of the road. As we departed we once again encountered a White Hawk most conveniently perched within a Cecropia on the near hillside. We enjoyed fantastic telescope views for some ten minutes of this majestic creature. Prior to our arrival in Sarapiqui, four stately Green Ibis were studied at length feeding quite nonchalantly along the roadside. We checked into the Selva Verde Lodge and enjoyed a pleasant lunch in the company of several new and exciting bird species such as the Collared Aracari, Scarlet-rumped Caciques and Red-throated Ant Tanagers. After a post-lunch siesta we transferred to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui for our much-anticipated boat tour and it did not disappoint. Highlights were plenty, but it was the sightings of both the country’s macaw species which proved most memorable, including prolonged perched views of Great Green Macaws. Here we also tallied our first Mantled Howlers, a significant passage of migrating Swainson’s Hawks, three spectacular Great Curassows, Crested Guan, a surprisingly showy Bay Wren, several snake-like Anhingas, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift and a small roost of Long-nosed Bats. A number of typical riparian species such as Mangrove Swallow, Buff-rumped Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush were duly noted before we returned to dry land. Back at Selva Verde, and in the last light of the day, we successfully scored a pair of Short-tailed Nighthawks by the suspension bridge across the Rio Sarapiqui. This was a fitting conclusion to a highly enjoyable first day of birding. 3 • © Limosa Holidays

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3rd March A pre-dawn breakfast was followed by a prompt departure to La Selva Biological Station, our focus of our attentions for the whole day. Arriving in good time we set about birding along the entrance road where the birds came fast and furious. Highlights during this first blitz of birding included a fine male Hooded Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Fasciated and Great Antshrikes, perched Red-lored and Mealy Parrots as well as Olive-throated Parakeet, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Black-faced Grosbeaks, a sharp Laughing Falcon, White-collared Manakin and Shining Honeycreeper. Swifts were well represented and we obtained fine views of Spot-fronted, Chestnut-collared and Grey-rumped. Here too, several interesting hummingbird species were recorded including Blue-throated Goldentail and multiple Bluechested Hummingbirds. Around the Biological Station, Shiny Cowbird, Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Band-backed Wrens proved most entertaining. Here, accompanied by our local guide, we set about exploring the cement trails around the station. Highlights included a fine Broad-billed Motmot found by Linda, Pale-billed Woodpecker, White-ringed Flycatcher, Stripe-breasted Wrens, Blue-black Grosbeak and a nesting Band-tailed Barbthroat. A little further down our efforts were rewarded with fine Plain-coloured Tanagers, Rufous Mourners, an immature male Rose-throated Becard of the migratory ‘rose-throated’ race - a casual visitor to the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica, and a splendid Snowy Cotinga. Following a successful morning the group dined again at Selva Verde Lodge. During the midday break a Bare-throated Tiger Heron was observed before quickly being eclipsed by the appearance of a quite distant Sunbittern, which paraded around the boulder-strewn edges of the river for a considerable length of time. The amusing Collared Aracari and the occasional rogue White-nosed Coatis at the fruit feeders also proved most entertaining. Resuming battle at La Selva in the mid afternoon, we crossed the bridge and plunged into the deeper primary forest in search of some of the more interesting interior forest species. Highlights included another fine Great Curassow, a delightful roosting Vermiculated Screech Owl, a pair of Black-throated Trogons, a prolonged and close encounter with a Great Tinamou, a pair of Rufous Motmots along with a quartet of vocalizing Broad-billed Motmots as we exited the trail. In the late evening several Short-tailed Nighthawks were seen by the swimming pool at Selva Verde. Following a successful spotlighting session for Red-eyed Tree Frogs, several more Short-tailed Nighthawks and a male Common Pauraque, we noted a highly vocal Spectacled Owl but alas it did not cooperate. We retired for a good night’s rest following a bird-filled and somewhat hot and humid day. 4th March A pre-breakfast session around the grounds of Selva Verde proved productive with much better views of Sunbittern along the river, a nice pair of Bright-rumped Attilas, another Pale-billed Woodpecker, Northern Barred and Plain-brown Woodcreepers, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer and Black-headed TodyFlycatchers - all proving highly acceptable returns. After breakfast, we bid Selva Verde goodbye and turned our attentions to the foothills and Braulio Carrillo National Park. A roadside stop by the El Tigre fields yielded Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Whitelined Tanager, Pale-vented Pigeon, and most notably Canebrake Wren, Striped Cuckoo and a Rufescent Tiger Heron - a bird considerably more common further south in its range. Delighted with this success we scoured the Rio San Jose and quickly located a Bare-throated Tiger Heron followed by a splendid Fasciated Tiger Heron; a hat-trick of tiger-heron species in the space of an hour! Birding within the Braulio Carrillo National Park can prove to be a real feast or famine experience and so it proved today. A great deal of perseverance rewarded us with a significant number of fine birds including White-ruffed and White-crowned Manakins, a fine flock with significant numbers of Tawny-crested and Carmiol’s Tanagers, Blue-and-gold Tanager, Speckled, White-shouldered, Blackand-yellow and Emerald Tanagers, and most notably a Sharpbill. Also well received was a fine pair of Black-headed Nightingale-thrushes as we traversed the ridge.

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From here we paid a brief visit to the Old Butterfly Garden where we achieved fine views of both male and female Black-crested Coquettes, Green Thorntail and the active Violet-headed Hummingbird. Brief exploration of a nearby trail yielded Chequer-throated Antwren, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher and most significantly a Striped Woodhaunter. A pleasant meal was taken at a local restaurant before undertaking the scenic journey southwards towards Siquirres and then traversing the mountains bound for the Turrialba area. We ultimately arrived at Rancho Naturalista, our base for the next three nights. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a welcoming committee consisting of the friendly Rancho Staff and our possessions were transferred to our rooms. While enjoying refreshments on the famous balcony we quickly secured one of the ultimate prizes of our stay, the astounding Snowcap. The male’s claret-coloured body coupled with the brilliant white crown left us all spellbound! Here we also enjoyed many fine views of other local hummers including White-necked Jacobin, Green-breasted Mango, Crowned Woodnymph, Greencrowned Brilliant, Violet Sabrewing and the dainty Stripe-throated Hermit. We enjoyed a delicious evening meal and retired early once again anticipating an exciting assortment of new and interesting birds the next morning. 5th March A hot beverage at dawn on the balcony complete with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains is a far from disagreeable manner in which to start one’s day. Better still, is when an adult Bicoloured Hawk presents itself for all to enjoy. We also had time to tally the interestingly plumaged Brown Violet-ear before making our way over to the insect light. The light draws in a profusion of nocturnal insects and in the early morning this attracts a considerable number of interesting birds seeking an easy meal. This strategy rewarded us with close views of many interesting birds. A skulking Tawny-throated Leaftosser greeted us at the trail entrance, and at the light we had a pair of the localized Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Spotted and Plain-brown Woodcreepers, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Plain Antvireos, White-breasted Wood Wrens, Redthroated Ant Tanagers, a splendid male Kentucky Warbler, a party of chattering Golden-crowned Warblers and a Slaty-capped Flycatcher; all afforded superb views as they fed quite unconcernedly around the light. Having witnessed the bird’s breakfast banquet it was time to indulge ourselves before resuming battle and heading into the forest. The winding trails of Rancho proved quite an adventure and also quite productive in terms of birds. Here we had a scuttling Scaly-breasted Wren, Long-billed Gnatwren, our only Olivaceous Woodcreepers of the trip, Russet and Fasciated Antshrikes, Golden-olive Woodpecker, a manakin trifecta consisting of displaying White-crowned in a well-established territory, White-ruffed and several feeding White-collared Manakins. A family group of Crested Guans, a smart Black-throated Trogon, a soaring Double-toothed Kite and a roaming tanager flock, which included several Ashythroated Chlorospingus, kept us on our toes. As we descended towards a beckoning lunch a splendid juvenile Barred Forest Falcon perched close over the trail and most were afforded good views of this interior-forest raptor. Having survived our adventure a leisurely lunch was taken. The afternoon entailed a considerably less taxing approach as we visited the agricultural research institution, CATIE, close to Turrialba. Here we were afforded super views of nesting Boat-billed Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, Cattle and Great Egrets all at a small artificial lake. Here too we found American Purple Gallinules, Northern Jacanas and a stately Great Blue Heron. Flushed with success we next visited Casa Turire and its extensive pasturelands. Here we recorded such interesting species as the localised White-throated Flycatcher, Thick-billed Seed Finch, the showy Red-breasted Blackbird, Giant Cowbird, Eastern Meadowlark, and large numbers of Blue-black Grassquits and both White-collared and Variable Seedeaters.

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Next we explored a lakeside trail running along the edges of Laguna Angostura where we quickly secured the curious Limpkin, Snail Kite, Least Grebe, large numbers of Lesser Scaup, Green Heron and Anhinga. At another viewpoint we had solid views of Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, Common Gallinule, American Coot and Muscovy Duck. The air was filled with the sound of crakes including White-throated, Grey-breasted and Sora, but these shy species remained hidden from our view. As we departed, a pair of stately Southern Lapwings appeared in one of the roadside pastures and we enjoyed prolonged views - a fitting conclusion to a very enjoyable afternoon of birding. 6th March Pre-breakfast activities included a successful search for Dull-mantled Antbird along one of the forested trails. This was followed swiftly by a vigil from a small viewpoint where we recorded Piratic Flycatcher, Black-crowned Tityra and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis. Black-striped Sparrows were also seen eating rice as we enjoyed our own gallo pinto (rice and beans) at breakfast. A swift departure after breakfast gave prime opportunities to check an area of pasture habitat close to Platanillo. Here we had fine views of Greyish Saltator, more White-throated Flycatchers, White-lined Tanager, Grey-crowned Yellowthroat, a showy pair of Slaty Spinetails, a lovely Yellow-billed Cacique and an impressive female Lineated Woodpecker. A brief visit was made to the picturesque forested river valley at La Mina where we enjoyed a family group of Torrent Tyrannulet, a flight of 15 or more Barred Parakeets and a small flock of Sulphur-winged Parakeets. Also present was a pair of courting Sunbittern that showed well amidst the boulders. Our next destination was the base of Silent Mountain. After the initial sightings of Plain Wren and Black-headed Saltator we located a sizeable mixed species flock, which yielded Emerald, Speckled, Black-and-yellow, Tawny-crested, and Carmiol’s Tanagers, Ashy-throated Chlorospingus, Tawnycapped Euphonias, Blackburian Warblers and Tropical Parula. We also saw more Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, but the vocal yet elusive Rufous-rumped Antwren remained unseen. Other birds seen in the area included a soaring Barred Hawk, Tropical Pewees, Black Phoebes and a good complement of the ‘yellow-chested’ flycatchers. After lunch we took refuge in the cool of the main building at Rancho and watched the birds bathing in the small pools across the lawn. Here we had a stunning male Golden-winged Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Wood Thrush, Yellow-bellied flycatchers and Orange-billed Sparrows. Crimson-collared Tanager and a male Summer Tanager side by side on the feeders was also notable. Our afternoon walk around the Rancho trails started with a fine male White-vented Euphonia. A little later we worked through an understorey flock which yielded three species of Antwrens; Chequerthroated, Slaty and Dot-winged, a glorious Brown-billed Scythebill, Sulphur-rumped and Slaty-capped Flycatchers, Stripe-breasted and an awkward Black-throated Wren. We enjoyed excellent views of a close Pale-billed Woodpecker before making our way to the hummingbird bathing pools. Once at the pools we waited patiently for the show to begin and it did not disappoint; a miraculous spectacle with bathing Crowned Woodnymphs, stunning Snowcaps and other-worldy Purple-crowned Fairies fluttering above the stream. We also enjoyed bathing Carmiol’s Tanager, Wood Thrush and Buffthroated Foliage-gleaner. In the failing light the intention of our patience was rewarded with prolonged views of a Tawny-throated Leaftosser that bathed preened and departed. Another great finish to a splendid day of birding. 7th March A pre-dawn breakfast saw us depart early from Rancho and make our way to the Birris Reservoir, where we found many Killdeer, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers, Lesser Scaup and Blue-winged Teal. The road through Cervantes yielded our only Mourning Dove of the tour - a local bird in Costa Rica. From here we transferred directly to the coffee plantation along the entrance road to Tapanti National Park. Here we located a number of special species including Orange-billed Nightingale-thrush and a pair of delightful White-eared Ground Sparrows. Here too we heard the distinctive call of the Buffycrowned Wood-Partridge echoing from the slopes above but as usual they remained hidden. A brief

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stop for a perched Broad-winged Hawk also yielded the sharply attired White-naped Brush Finch, which gave prolonged views. Arriving at the park, the birding began in earnest and we quickly recorded Chestnut-capped Brush Finch and the aptly named Elegant Euphonia, which posed amidst a tangle of golden mistletoe. A little further up the road we struck gold in finding an ant swarm. Here we enjoyed superb views of numerous Zeledon’s Antbirds, Bicoloured Antbird and a Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush and it was also here that we were afforded a modest showing of a Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, which at times did display his silvery front. Our success continued with our first Collared Trogon and a mixed flock that yielded Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Spangle-cheeked Tanager and Common Chlorospingus, several Grey-breasted Wood Wrens and Spotted Barbtail. New hummingbirds came in the form of the local Black-bellied Hummingbird and the gorgeous Purple-throated Mountaingem whilst we also enjoyed renewed acquaintance with the White-bellied Mountaingem. A little higher along the road we enjoyed fine views of Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Golden-browed Chlorophonia and Ochraceous Wren. This was followed with close views of Goldenbellied Flycatcher and our second Sharpbill of the tour! We studied the Sharpbill for the next ten minutes with frame-filling ‘scope views on offer to all. A ludicrously approachable Black Guan, a pair of Prong-billed Barbets, Pale-vented Thrush, and Collared Redstart all provided great entertainment, while a brief and somewhat distant Ornate Hawk-eagle proved frustrating. Our picnic lunch was taken in the company of an overly friendly White-nosed Coati who had to be repelled on a couple of occasions by Luis. As we descended, the heavens emptied but those who were persistent were able to tally Red-faced Spinetail and the local Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner before beating a hasty retreat to escape the driving rain. A brief detour was made into Cartago and after short search we were able to enjoy super views of a roosting Tropical Screech Owl at a known stake-out. Mission accomplished, we headed southwards along the Pan American Highway to the waiting cool highlands of the Savegre Valley. After a male Merlin sighting we enjoyed the birding on our descent into the valley. Our first Long-tailed Silkyflycatchers, Sooty Thrushes and Spot-crowned Woodcreepers were enjoyed before we made a welcome stop at Miriam’s Café for a hot beverage and a feast of new and exciting highland birds. A spectacular vista, feeders stocked with rice and fruit and well filled hummingbird feeders - cue the action! Black-billed Nightingale-thrush, Large-footed and Yellow-thighed Finches, Flame-coloured Tanager, Acorn and Hairy Woodpeckers, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus and Rufous-collared Sparrow made up the passerine contingent. A nice selection of highland hummers were noted in the form of Volcano and Magnificent Hummingbirds, White-throated Mountaingem and Green Violetear. Positively revitalized by the plethora of birds and warm drinks we cruised on down to the lovely Savegre Mountain Lodge where we checked into our rooms and the more intrepid of us went birding. A brief amble produced more of the same hummingbird species, several Black Guans heading to their roost and a Tayra creeping along the trunk of an oak at sunset. The group assembled for a pleasant meal and then the checklist following which we retired to the comfort of our room eagerly anticipating quetzal sightings the following morning. 8th March A walk at dawn was taken in a small forest patch close to our lodging and here the group became acquainted with a number of interesting highland birds. Excellent prolonged views of a pair of Spotted Wood Quail, Black Guan, Dark Pewee, Stripe-tailed and Scintillant Hummingbirds, Yellowish Flycatcher and Yellow-winged Vireo were all highly notable in addition to many of the more numerous species we had noted the previous day. As we headed to the restaurant area we enjoyed close views of Yellow-bellied Siskin and Collared Redstart. Following breakfast we took a 4x4 truck ride to the top of a steep track and spent the morning exploring the trails above the lodge. Here we encountered a sizeable mixed flock, which yielded the gorgeous Flame-throated Warbler and many Ruddy Treerunners. Further along a Streak-breasted

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Treehunter was quickly located and this was followed by a somewhat mobile female Resplendent Quetzal. Other nice finds included three Ochraceous Pewees that afforded excellent views, Blackcheeked Warblers, a fine perched flock of Sulphur-winged Parakeets and eventually a far more cooperative female Resplendent Quetzal. As we wandered back down towards lunch a small foraging flock consisting of Philadelphia and Yellow-winged Vireos, Flame-throated and Black-throated Green Warblers proved most entertaining. Following lunch the group revisited the meadow we had scoured in the early morning to check for quetzal activity around an active nest and were rewarded with a pair of these spectacular birds very close to the trail. The male surely being one of the most spectacular birds in the world! In the mid afternoon we ascended the mountain road and recorded an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk, another Ochraceous Pewee and a female Resplendent Quetzal. We revisited Miriam’s Café and enjoyed the photographic opportunities afforded by the delightfully tame birds visiting the feeders there. Though there were no new additions to the checklist there were many memorable encounters. Higher in the valley an elusive Silvery-fronted Tapaculo sneaked around in the undergrowth and a fine Emerald Toucanet showed well. At dusk a Bare-shanked Screech Owl was lured in despite the breezy conditions though the Dusky Nightjars were only heard as the wind whipped along the pastures above. After a long but rewarding day we returned for dinner, checklist and a well-earned rest. 9th March The pre-breakfast session at the slightly more leisurely hour of 06:00am proved productive with Dark Pewee, Black Guans, Emerald Toucanet, Black-throated Green Warbler, several Golden-browed Chlorophonias, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, a fine male Scintillant Hummingbird, Yellow-bellied Siskin, Rufous-browed Peppershrike and Brown-capped Vireo all being enjoyed. As we loaded the bus and prepared to depart a fine adult Red-tailed Hawk of the resident race costaricensis, often referred to as ‘Chiriqui Red-tailed Hawk’, perched in the nearby apple orchard giving excellent views to us. Leaving the Savegre Valley behind we headed for even higher elevations in the Paramo. We quickly located the gorgeous Timberline Wren, whilst up towards the radio towers on Cerro De La Muerte we found the delightful Volcano Junco, plus we enjoyed excellent studies of the uncommon Peg-billed Finch feeding unobtrusively on Ericacea fruits. A short session in an area of excellent highland forest produced Rough-legged Tyrannulet, nice views of Black-capped Flycatchers and multiple Black-andyellow Silky-flycatchers. A short stop was made to persuade a skulking Wrenthrush to show and with considerable effort it did. Lunch was taken at Paraiso Quetzal where we enjoyed spectacular views of Fiery-throated, Magnificent and Volcano Hummingbird and Green Violet-ear. Possibly most memorable were the incredible close views of a male Black-and-yellow Phainoptila (Silky-flycatcher) feeding on Solinacea fruits right off the viewing deck. From here we descended to Cartago and then crossed San Jose before the afternoon rush hour and continued to Central Pacific lowlands of Costa Rica. As we entered this new life zone, several interesting birds were noted including Orange-fronted Parakeets, Stripe-headed Sparrow, Crane Hawk and Turquoise-browed Motmot. A stop at the Rio Tarcoles Bridge afforded fine views of more than 20 Central American Crocodiles, several spectacular fly-by Scarlet Macaws, a couple of groups of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Snowy Egret, and Mangrove Swallows. As we reached the far end of the bridge we very much enjoyed a resting pair of Double-striped Thick-knee. From here we made our way to Punta Leona where we negotiated the necessary check-in formalities and prepared for our evening meal. 10th March On the bus at 05:30 am and out along the Punta Leona entrance road. Here, highlights included a pair of Riverside Wrens, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Wren, Rufous Piha, Crested Guans, Northern Bentbill, a perched Double-toothed Kite, and displaying Redcapped Manakin. A little further down the road we struck gold with a sizeable flock which all began with a close Black-hooded Antshrike followed by Streaked Flycatcher, Southern Beardless

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Tyrannulet, a male Blue Dacnis, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Plain-capped Starthroat, Steely-vented and Charming Hummingbirds and Blue-throated Goldentail. As we headed for breakfast we were fortunate enough to enjoy excellent views of four Baird’s Trogons, and a male Black headed Trogon. After breakfast we headed directly to Carara National Park. The first trail produced among others Rufous-and-white Wren, Greenish Elaenia, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Great Crested Flycatcher, a bizarre yellow-morph Red-legged Honeycreeper, a pair of impressive White-whiskered Puffbirds, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, Ovenbird and several Central American Agoutis. The River Trail produced Dusky Antbird, Kentucky Warbler, another Ovenbird, Plumbeous Kite, and both Barred and Great Antshrikes. In addition there were several mixed flocks encountered with Dotwinged Antwrens, Black-hooded Antshrikes, White-shouldered Tanagers and another Rufous-tailed Jacamar. With a recent tree fall it took longer than usual to locate the range restricted Orange-collared Manakins. En route to lunch, several White Ibis, Snowy Egrets and a Bare-throated Tiger Heron merited a short stop. In the afternoon we returned to Carara, where we soon located cooperative Buff-throated Foliagegleaners. As we approached the stream a small flock developed and it included a number of noteworthy species such as Worm-eating Warbler, Slaty Antwren, a pair of Sulphur-rumped Flycatchers and several Tawny-crowned Greenlets. We arrived at a special area in the forest where birds bathe in the late afternoon and waited patiently for the show to begin. We were soon treated to multiple Red-capped Manakins, Blue-black Grosbeaks, a lone Grey-headed Tanager, Rufous Mourner, a pair of Grey-chested Doves, more Orange-collared Manakins, and several of the much anticipated Blue-crowned Manakins. Also thoroughly enjoyed at this site were Purple-crowned Fairy, Long-billed and Stripe-throated Hermits and Blue-throated Goldentail. As the light began to fall we made our way out finding a fine Black-faced Antthrush skulking along the forest floor and hearing the eerie echoing calls of Marbled Wood Quail in the distance. At dusk several Lesser Nighthawks were seen swooping across and a short owling session at Punta Leona produced a pair of vocalizing Crested Owls, one of which we eventually managed to spotlight. 11th March The pre-breakfast session produced several interesting sightings including Fiery-billed Aracaris, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Blue-crowned Motmots, Gartered Trogon, and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. This morning we headed for the dry country along the Guacimo Road giving us ample opportunity to seek out a number of species as yet unrecorded on our trip. Our first stop proved fruitful with Browncrested and Nutting’s Flycatchers, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, Scrub Euphonia, White-lored Gnatcatchers and Cliff Swallow though a skulking Lesser Ground Cuckoo called only infrequently. Further stops produced multiple Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Orangefronted Parakeet, more Ferruginous Pygmy Owls, Cinnamon Hummingbird, several stunning Streakbacked Orioles and Black-headed Trogons aplenty. Our final stop along a forested creek provided some respite from the intense heat and also some fine birds. Here, a pair of Grey-headed Kites was a nice find as well as Slate-headed Tody-flycatcher, a pair of soaring King Vultures, Olive Sparrow and excellent studies of a Northern Royal Flycatcher. After lunch at Punta Leona we ventured back into the dry forest once more, this time heading for Guacalillo. Here we were afforded excellent views of the delightful White-throated Magpie-jay, a pair of close Double-striped Thick-knees, Plain-breasted Ground Dove and a male Blue Grosbeak. Before turning our attentions to the coast, we scanned a mass of perched swallows on the electrical wires and located a solitary Bank Swallow in addition to several Cliff, Barn and Mangrove Swallows that were intermingled with the abundant Northern Rough-wings. Several tidal pools surrounded by mangroves provided sightings of multiple Roseate Spoonbills, Stilt, Least, Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Willet, Whimbrel, Greater Yellowlegs and

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Semipalmated Plovers whilst the beach yielded several Royal Terns. The nearby mangroves produced Panama Flycatcher, another Streak-backed Oriole, Cinnamon Hummingbird and Mangrove Warbler. Returning along the road in the late evening we were treated to significant numbers of Black-headed Trogons, Turquoise-browed Motmot, large flocks of Orange-fronted Parakeets and excellent views of two Yellow-naped Parrots. As dusk approached we were fortunate to encounter two coveys of the gorgeous Spot-bellied Bobwhites, which were studied at length. As darkness fell, we located a pair of Pacific Screech Owls, several Lesser Nighthawks and Common Pauraque as well as two more Doublestriped Thick-knees before heading back to Punta Leona. 12th March A leisurely amble around the grounds at Punta Leona before breakfast allowed us to enjoy time absorbing and photographing many of the fine iconic species of the area: a nesting Fiery-billed Aracari, Blue-crowned Motmot, Gartered Trogon, Scarlet Macaw, White-fronted Parrot, and Blackmandibled Toucan. After breakfast we transferred to a boat dock for our mangrove boat tour. The first stretch of river yielded a few new species such as Tricoloured Heron and Common Black Hawk. Once inside the channels within the mangroves we began to record a number of quality birds such as several Northern Scrub-flycatchers, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove Warbler, Panama Flycatcher, two soaring Doubletoothed Kites, Red-winged Blackbird and a Worm-eating Warbler. Two definite highlights were a cooperative Mangrove Hummingbird, which is endemic to Costa Rica, and a fine American Pygmy Kingfisher.Following this success we scoured the mouth of the river for shorebirds and terns and were rewarded with Cabot’s Tern, Black Skimmer, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling and several curious looking Yellow-crowned Night Herons. Having enjoyed our time on the river we headed back to load the bus and take our final lunch at Punta Leona. After this we began to make our way back towards the capitol city of San Jose. Along the way we made a short souvenir stop which resulted in the finding of a pair of displaying Zone-tailed Hawks, their superb showing provoked much interest from the local restaurant staff. In Alajuela we made a final stop at a private garden for Steely-vented Hummingbird, which proved to be our final new bird of the tour for many. Arriving in Heredia in the late afternoon, we were greeted by a haze that coated the windshield of our bus and proved to be ash expelled from the active Turrialba Volcano, which had apparently erupted again earlier during the day. We checked into the Hotel Bougainvillea, where we enjoyed a very pleasant evening meal, and reflected on what had been a highly enjoyable and successful tour around this fabulous little country. This tour had produced many sightings and experiences which I am sure will live long in the memory. At this point I bid my farewell to the group not knowing that I would see them the following day due to the fallout of ash from the Turrialba Volcano eruption. The next day did not prove to be a pleasant one for the group as they arrived at the airport only to find their flight had been cancelled. The result of the chaos was a rebooking of their flight(s) for two days later with a departure from Liberia located three hours by bus to the northwest. This rare and unfortunate incident tested the patience of all of us I am sure and was a truly unfitting end to an otherwise excellent tour. Many thanks to all of the tour participants who made the tour a delight to lead. Their positivity and good nature throughout contributed enormously to the success of the tour. I enjoyed the company of each and every one of you and hope to see you again in the near future. Harry Barnard

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Annotated Species Checklist Great Tinamou Tinamus major Fine views of one at La Selva the 3rd Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui One crossed the track in front of Angie and Tony at Punta Leona; 11th Grey-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps First recorded at Selva Verde; widespread in appropriate locations thereafter Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Several at La Selva the 2nd on the Sarapiqui boat tour; also recorded at Rancho and several times during our stay at Punta Leona 9th -11th Black Guan Chamaepetes unicolor Great views at Tapanti the 7th and multiple encounters in the Savegre Valley where the birds were seen feeding on Aguacatillo fruits Great Curassow Crax rubra Several nice encounters during our time in the La Selva area, our first was on the Sarapiqui boat tour the 2nd Buffy- crowned Wood Partridge Dendrortyx leucophyrs HEARD ONLY: In the Cafetal en route to Tapanti the 7th Marbled Wood Quail Odontophorus gujanensis HEARD ONLY: during the late afternoon at Carara NP the 10th Spotted Wood Quail Odontophorus guttatus Prolonged views of a feeding pair in the Savegre Valley the 8th Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Seen well from the Tarcoles Bridge the 9th Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Several scoped at Laguna Angostura near Casa Turire the 5th Blue-winged Teal Anas discors First seen at Laguna Angostura the 5th and then again at the Birris reservoir the 7th Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Many at Laguna Angostura the 5th and again at Birris reservoir the 7th Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus One individual scoped at Casa Turire the 5th Wood Stork Mycteria ibis Seen frequently during our time in the Pacific lowlands Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis Four seen well en-route to Selva Verde the 2nd White Ibis Eudocimus albus First noted at Punta Leona the 10th and then at Guacalillo and during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Just two but at close range during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 11th Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum One on the Rio San Jose and again on the Rio Tuis the 3rd Bare-throated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum First recorded at Selva Verde the 1st and recorded frequently in appropriate habitats thereafter Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma rufescens One at El Tigre Marsh the 3rd Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius Several nesting at CATIE the 5th Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Nesting at CATIE the 5th Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea First recorded at Casa Turire the 5th and again during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Green Heron Butorides virescens First recorded at CATIE the 4th and several more in suitable habitat throughout the rest of the tour

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and numerous; first recorded in the Sarapiqui area Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias First noted at Catie the 5th, numerous during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Great Egret Ardea alba Numerous and widespread in appropriate habitats; first recorded en-route to La Selva the 2nd Tricoloured Heron Egretta tricolor Seen well during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea First seen along the Rio Sarapiqui the 2nd and seen frequently in appropriate habitats thereafter Snowy Egret Egretta thula Recorded frequently in the Pacific lowlands with our first being seen from the bridge over the Rio Tarcoles the 9th Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Large numbers each day along the Pacific coast Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Good numbers daily along the Pacific coast Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasiliensis First recorded from the suspension bridge at Selva Verde the 1st and then frequently in suitable areas thereafter Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Excellent studies of these reptilian creatures from the Sarapiqui boat tour the 1st Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Widespread and common throughout Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Conspicuous and numerous throughout King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Two soaring adults were seen along the Guacimo Road the 11th Crested Caracara Polyborus plancus Two at Selva Verde the 3rd; seen frequently in the Pacific lowlands Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago cheriway Several in the Pacific lowlands the 9th-12th Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans One at La Selva the 3rd, also en-route to Braulio Carrillo NP and again in the Pacific lowlands Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus A juvenile bird at Rancho Naturalista the 6th Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis Nice studies of a juvenile attending an ant swarm at Rancho the 5th Merlin Falco columbarius A male along route 2 heading towards Savegre the 7th Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus carolinensis First seen at Savegre the 8th with excellent views of several birds during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Grey headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis Two adults perched along the Guacimo Road the11th Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus A wonderfully elegant species, our first was seen en-route to Selva Verde the 2nd White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Great views of several during our first morning at the Hotel Bougainvillea and en-route to the Sarapiqui area the 1st Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus A pair at Rancho the 5th, excellent views of a perched bird at Punta Leona the 10th, and a pair along the Rio Tarcoles the 12th Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea One along the River Trail at Carara NP the 10th and again along Guacimo Road the 11th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Casa Turire the 5th Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus One adult in the Savegre Valley the 8th Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperi Seen at Eslabon en-route to CATIE the 5th Bicoloured Hawk Accipiter bicolor Fine views of an adult at Rancho Naturalista the 5th Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens An adult close to the Rio Tarcoles Bridge the 9th Barred Hawk Princeps leucopternis Two over Cinchona the 2nd and one at the base of Silent Mt the 6th White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis Nice views of a soaring bird at La Virgen del Socorro the 1st and then fine perched views the 2nd Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus bangsi Many during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th. Formerly considered a full species named Mangrove Black Hawk B. subtilis Grey Hawk Buteo nitidus First recorded in Sarapiqui area the 2nd, several in the Pacific lowlands Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris First recorded en-route to Rancho the 3rd but particularly good views were enjoyed at Casa Turire Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Recorded frequently, first on the 2nd Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Both pale and dark morphs were seen, our first at Selva Verde the 2nd Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsonii A stream of these long distance migrants were seen in the Caribbean lowlands the 2nd. They were accompanied by many Turkey Vultures and Broad-winged Hawks. Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus Two seen displaying en-route to Alajuela the 12th Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis The resident costaricensis race was seen well at Savegre the 9th Sunbittern Eurypyga helias An adult was seen at Selva Verde on the 3rd and 4th. The group enjoyed close encounters with a pair at La Mina near Rancho on the 6th. White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis HEARD ONLY; first at El Tigre and several times while at Rancho \ Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajanea HEARD ONLY; at El Tigre Marsh the 3rd Sora Porzana carolina HEARD ONLY; at Casa Turire the 5th American Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Seen well at CATIE the 4th and in the water hyacinth at Casa Turire American Moorhen Gallinula galeata Casa Turire the 5th American Coot Fulica americana Casa Turire the 5th Limpkin Aramus guarauna Casa Turire the 5th Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus Seen from the Tarcoles Bridge the 9th and then excellent views along the Guacimo Road the 11th Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus First seen at Playa Guacalillo the 11th and also during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis A pair in the horse paddocks at Casa Turire the 5th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Several were seen along the Rio Tarcoles the 12th. Black-bellied Plover is the accepted name in the New World (AOU) Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Playa Guacalillo the 11th Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Several at Rio Birris Reservoir the 7th Collared Plover Charadrius collaris Seen during the Rio Tarcoles boat ride the 12th Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Common in suitable wetland habitat; first recorded in the Sarapiqui area but CATIE provided our best encounters on the 5th Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus A small flock in flight along the Rio Tarcoles the 12th Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Several were seen at the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles the 12th. The American form shows a uniform rump with no white patch and is often referred to as Hudsonian Whimbrel N. p. hudsonicus Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca One at Playa Guacalillo the 11th Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Two at the Birris Reservoir the 7th Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Recorded in many locations; especially numerous on the Rio Tarcoles boat trip the 12th Willet Tringa semipalmata Seen at Playa Guacalillo and during our Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria macularius Several at the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles the 12th Stilt Sandpiper Calidris virgate A small flock roosting at Playa Guacalillo the 11th Sanderling Calidris alba Several during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Quite numerous; both at Playa Guacalillo the 11th and also on the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Seen at Guacalillo the 11th and several at the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Seen at Guacalillo the 11th and again during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Several along the Pacific coast Royal Tern Thalasseus maxima Several along the Pacific coast Cabot’s Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus One at mouth of the Rio Tarcoles; previously treated as a form of Sandwich Tern T. sandvicensis Black Skimmer Rhynchops niger One at the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles the 12th Rock Pigeon Columba livia Common and widespread in urban areas Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Common in the highlands but our first sightings were at Rancho Naturalista the 5th Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Small numbers recorded in the La Selva area the 2nd-3rd Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris Widespread and numerous; first recorded at the Hotel Bougainvillea Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea First seen well at Rancho the 6th and frequently in the highlands the 8th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris The lowland equivalent of the previous species; first recorded at La Selva the 3rd American Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Seen along the Paraiso road en-route to Tapanti the 7th White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Recorded widely in appropriate areas; first seen at Hotel Bougainvillea Inca Dove Columbina inca Common in the Central Valley and Pacific lowlands Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Several recorded along the Guacimo Road the 10th Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Recorded daily with the exception of our full day in the highlands Plain-breasted Ground Dove Columbina minuta Nice views along the Guacalillo Road the 11th Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa A male seen during our Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 11th White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Common and widespread except in highlands Grey-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii Seen at Selva Verde and several times in the Pacific lowlands Ruddy Quail-dove Geotrygon montana One male at Punta Leona the 10th and also along river trail at Carara Great Green Macaw Ara ambiguus Great views on the Sarapiqui River the 2nd with several during our stay in the Caribbean lowlands Scarlet Macaw Ara macao First recorded along the Rio Sarapiqui and then delightfully numerous in the Pacific lowlands Crimson-fronted Parakeet Aratinga finschi Widespread and common; first recorded in Heredia the 1st Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Perched views at La Selva the 3rd Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis Many fine views along both the Guacimo and Guacalillo Roads the 11th Sulphur-winged Parakeet Pyrrhura hoffmanni First seen along the base of Silent Mt the 6th with more prolonged perched views at Savegre of several flocks on the 8th Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis Widespread and common in both lowlands; first recorded the 2nd Barred Parakeet Buborhyncus lineola A flock of 15 at Rancho Naturalista the 4th and again at La Mina the 5th Brown-hooded Parrot Pionopsitta haematotis Several flight views, La Selva the 3rd and Rancho the 4th White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis Widespread and common in the lower and middle elevations White-fronted Parrot Amazona albifrons Nice studies at Punta Leona the 10th-12th Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis Several nice studies in the La Selva area the 2nd-3rd Mealy Parrot Amazona farinosa Nice views at La Selva the 3rd Yellow-naped Parrot Amazona auropalliata Excellent studies along the Guacalillo Road the 11th Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana First seen well at La Selva the 2nd and frequently thereafter Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Widespread and common in disturbed areas except in highlands

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia A brief individual at El Tigre Marsh the 3rd Lesser Ground Cuckoo Morococcyx erthropygus HEARD ONLY; a distant bird calling on Guacimo Road the 11th Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba Seen well on a day roost in Cartago the 7th Pacific Screech Owl Megascops cooperi A pair along the Guacalillo Road the 11th Bare-shanked Screech Owl Megascops clarkii One in the Savegre Valley the 8th Vermiculated Screech Owl Megascops vermiculatus A day roosting rufous morph at La Selva the 3rd Mottled Owl Strix virigata HEARD ONLY; Rancho Naturalista Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata Spotlight views of one at Punta Leona the 10th Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata HEARD ONLY; Selva Verde area the 1st Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum A pair at Punta Leona the 11th, and very numerous in the dry country Costa Rican Pygmy Owl Glaucidium costaricanum HEARD ONLY; a distant bird in the Savegre area, the 8th Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus Nice views from the suspension bridge at Selva Verde the 2nd & 3rd Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Punta Leona the 10th and several along Guacalillo Road the 11th Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Selva Verde the 3rd and several along the Guacalillo Road the 11th Dusky Nightjar Caprimulgua saturates HEARD ONLY; in the Savegre Valley the 8th Black Swift Cypseloides niger LEADER ONLY; Selva Verde the 4th Spot-fronted Swift Cypseloides cherrei Good views along the La Selva entrance road the 3rd Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutill Good studies along the La Selva entrance road the 3rd White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Widespread; first recorded en route to Selva Verde the 2nd Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Several in the Sarapiqui area; first recorded at La Selva the 3rd Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi Several sightings in middle elevations and highlands; first recorded at Hotel Bougainvillea the 1st Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis Several during the Sarapiqui boat tour the 2nd and at La Selva the 3rd Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri Seen nesting at La Selva the 3rd Green Hermit Phaethornis guy First recorded at Cinchona the 2nd and again at Rancho and Tapanti Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris Several at La Selva the 3rd and again at Carara the 9th. Formerly called ‘Long-tailed Hermit’ as well as ‘Western Long-billed Hermit’ Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis First recorded at La Selva the 3rd and again at Rancho the 4th-6th. Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae A fly-by at Tapanti NP the 7th was all too brief

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Campylopterus cuvierii One along Guacimo Road the 11th and again in the Mangroves the 12th Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus Great views at the feeders at Rancho the 4th White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Many on feeders at Rancho the 3rd-5th Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Seen on feeders at Rancho Naturalista the 4th-6th Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus Very common in the highlands around Savegre the 7th-9th Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii Many on the feeders at Rancho the 4th-6th Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti First at La Selva the 3rd and again at the Old Butterfly Garden Black-crested Coquette Lophornis helenae Males and females at the Old Butterfly Garden and at Rancho Green Thorntail Discosura conversii First seen at Cinchona the 2nd Canivet’s Emerald Chlorostilbon canivetti A male was seen at the Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd. Fiery-throated Hummingbird Panterpe insignis Spectacular views at the feeders at Paraiso Quetzal the 9th Coppery-headed Emerald Elvira cupreiceps ENDEMIC; seen at the feeders at Cinchona the 2nd Stripe-tailed Hummingbird Eupherusa eximia Nice views in the Savegre Valley the 8th & 9th Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris Seen at Tapanti NP 7th Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania columbica Seen at the Old Butterfly Garden the 3rd as well as many at Rancho; the ‘violet’ has been dropped and now just called ‘Crowned’ Blue-throated Goldentail Hylocharis eliciae Excellent studies at La Selva and numerous at Carara and Punta Leona Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila One on Guacimo Road the 11th and again at Guacalillo the same day Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Widespread and common except in the highlands Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis Great views along the La Selva entrance road the 2nd Charming Hummingbird Amazilia decora A few seen on blossoming trees at Punta Leona the 10th-12th Mangrove Hummingbird Amazilia boucardi ENDEMIC; seen feeding on mangrove blossoms on the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerrottei Fine views at Casa de Kevin in Barrio San Jose the 12th Snowcap Microchera albocoronata Many encounters with this little jewel while at Rancho Naturalista Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer Chalybura urochrysia First seen at La Selva the 3rd and several good views while at Rancho White-bellied Mountaingem Lampornis hemileucus First recorded at Cinchona the 2nd and again at Tapanti NP the 7th Purple-throated Mountaingem Lampornis calolaemus Several at Tapanti NP the 7th White-throated Mountaingem Lampornis castaneoventris Pleasantly common in the Savegre Valley the 7th-9th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula First recorded at Cinchona the 2nd and again at Rancho and Tapanti NP Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens Numerous in the Savegre Valley the 7th-9th Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti Seen at La Selva the 3rd, scope view of a female at Selva Verde the 4th and then seen bathing in the late afternoon at Rancho the 6th Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii Nice views of a perched bird the 10th Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubrius Two at the Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd Volcano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula Many in the Savegre Valley the 7th-9th Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla Several at Savegre the 8th-9th with a fine male the morning of the 9th Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus Punta Leona the 10th, numerous in the dry country the 11th Baird's Trogon Trogon bairdii Four individuals at Punta Leona the 10th Gartered Trogon Trogon violaceus Best seen at Punta Leona. Formerly referred to as ‘Violaceous Trogon’ Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Tapanti NP the 7th and also along the Quebrada Trail at Savegre the 8th Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus A pair at La Selva the 3rd as well as Rancho and Carara area Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena Multiple good studies in the Sarapiqui area the 3rd Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno A stunning bird! An inauspicious beginning gave way to sightings of seven birds; two stunning males and five females during our time in the Savegre Valley 8th-9th American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenae A male during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Widespread; seen well on many occasions Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Several nice views including at La Mina the 6th Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Good views of several; particularly along the Rio Tarcoles the 12th Blue-crowned Motmot Motmotus motmota Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd and several daily at Punta Leona Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Seen well at La Selva the 3rd Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Excellent views at La Selva the 3rd Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa Numerous in the Pacific lowlands; first seen at Punta Leona the 8th Blue-throated Toucanet Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis First seen in the Savegre Valley the 8th; formerly treated as a sub-species of Emerald Toucanet A. prasinus Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus Common on the Caribbean slope, first seen at Selva Verde the 2nd Fiery-billed Aracari Pteroglossus frantzii A group was seen during our stay at Punta Leona the 10th-12th Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus Great views at Rancho the 4th-6th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Black-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambiguous swainsonii Common in lowlands on both slopes; though swainsonii is sometimes called Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, it is still considered a race of Black-mandibled Toucan by IOC checklist Prong-billed Barbet Semnornis frantzii Two individuals at Tapanti NP the 7th Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Common in the highlands; first recorded en-route to Savegre the 6th Golden-naped Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Nice views in Carara NP the 10th Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani First seen at Selva Verde the 2nd; common on Caribbean side of CR Hoffmann's Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii Widespread and common in Central Valley and Pacific lowlands Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Seen above Savegre Valley the 8th and again at Paraiso Quetzal Rufous-winged Woodpecker Piculus simplex Seen along the Rio Sarapiqui the 2nd Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus Rancho Naturalista the 5th Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Nice views at Platanillo the 6th Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis La Selva the 3rd and again at Carara NP and Punta Leona the 10th-12th Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda La Selva and Selva Verde the 3rd and again at Carara the 10th White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis Two at Carara NP the 10th White-ruffed Manakin Corapipo leucorrhoa Nice views at Braulio Carrillo the 4th and then several at Rancho Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronate Males and females bathing at Carara the 10th White-collared Manakin Manacus candei La Selva the 3rd, also seen at Selva Verde and several at Rancho Orange-collared Manakin Manacus aurantiacus River trail in Carara NP the10th and again in the afternoon White-crowned Manakin Dixiphia pipra A male at Braulio Carrillo the 4th and males displaying at Rancho the 5th Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis Punta Leona and Carara NP the 10th Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Rancho Naturalista the 6th Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Widespread and fairly common; first seen at Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd Barred Becard Pacyramphus versicolor HEARD ONLY; along the Providencia Road the 9th Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Widespread in Caribbean lowlands, also at Rancho and Rio Tarcoles White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Recorded first at La Selva the 3rd and then daily in the Pacific lowlands Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae A young male at La Selva the 3rd was of the migratory race and is an extremely uncommon bird in Costa Rica. The resident population was common in the Pacific lowlands the 10th-12th Sharpbill Oxyruncus cristatus Seen twice; Braulio the 4th and fantastic views in Tapanti NP the 7th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus One along the Punta Leona entrance road the 10th Snowy Cotinga Carpodectes nitidus Excellent scope studies of a female at La Selva the 3rd and a nice male later the same day Rough-legged Tyrannulet Phyllomyias burmeisteri Providencia Road the 9th Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata Seen well in the Carara area several times from the 10th-12th Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Widespread and common; first seen at El Tigre marsh the 4th Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii Multiples in the highlands; 7th-9th Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe Guacimo Road the 10th Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Punta Leona the 10th Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Nice views of several at La Mina the 6th Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus Widespread and common; first seen at Selva Verde the 2nd Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus HEARD ONLY; Rancho Naturalista the 5th Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus Rancho Naturalista the 6th and again in Carara NP Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Good views at Rancho the 5th and Tapanti NP the 7th Northern Scrub-Flycatcher Sublegatus arenarum Several in the mangroves during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus HEARD ONLY; La Selva the 3rd Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare Punta Leona the 10th Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Best views were Tapanti NP the 7th Slate-headed Tody-flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia HEARD ONLY; Carara the 10th and along the Guacimo road the 11th Common Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Widespread and common; first recorded at Selva Verde the 2nd Black-headed Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps Seen nicely at Rancho the 5th Eye-ringed Flatbill Rhyncocyclus brevirostris Excellent views at Selva Verde the 4th Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomias sulphurescens Widespread and common; first seen at Selva Verde the 2nd Stub-tailed Spadebill Platyrinchus cancrominus Carara NP the 10th Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus HEARD ONLY; in Carara NP the 10th Northern Royal Flycatcher Onchoryhncus mexicanus Prolonged views along Guacimo Road the 11th Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher Myopias sulphureipygius Seen well at Rancho the 5th and again in Carara NP the 10th Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus Carara NP the 10th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Tawny-chested Flycatcher Aphanotriccus capitalis Excellent views of a pair at the moth light at Rancho the 5th Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Common near rivers; seen frequently in appropriate environments Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus Tapanti NP the 7th and again at Savegre the 7th-9th Dark Pewee Contopus lugubris Several at Savegre the 8th Ochraceous Pewee Contopus ochraceus Three at Savegre the 8th, also heard along Providencia Road Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens Just one; before the Rio Tarcoles boat ride the 10th Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Widespread and fairly common; first seen at L Selva the 3rd Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris A frequently recorded winter migrant first seen at Selva Verde White-throated Flycatcher Empidonax albigularis Excellent studies in pasture land close to Rancho the 5th Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens Many at Savegre the 7th-9th Black-capped Flycatcher Empidonax atriceps Several near Savegre the 7th & 8th Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus La Selva the 3rd Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Several, first seen en-route to Tapanti NP the 7th Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Widespread and common; seen daily Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Widespread and common; first recorded at Selva Verde the 2nd Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Conspicuous and numerous throughout; seen daily White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus Several good studies at La Selva the 3rd Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus Excellent views of a pair at Tapanti NP the 7th and again in Savegre Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris Seen at Punta Leona the 11th Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Common in the Pacific lowlands the 9th-12th Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarhynchus pitangua Widespread and common; seen in every environment during the tour Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common throughout Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra Several at La Selva the 3rd and again at Rancho and Tapanti Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Recorded regularly except during our time in the highlands Panama Flycatcher Myiarchus panamensis Guacalillo the 10th and several on our Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Nutting’s Flycatcher Myiarchus nuttingi Great views along the Guacimo Road the 11th Great-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Common in the lowlands; first seen well at La Selva the 3rd

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Brown- crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Numerous in the dry country the 11th Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus Best views at Selva Verde the 4th, also seen in Pacific lowlands Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus La Selva entrance road the 3rd and again at Rancho the 5th Great Antshrike Taraba major Great views of a male along the La Selva entrance road the 3rd Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha HEARD ONLY; La Selva the 3rd; AOU now refers to it as Black-crowned Antshrike Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Good views at Carara NP the 10th Black-hooded Antshrike Thamnophilus bridgesi Several at Punta Leona and Carara NP the 10th-12th Russet Antshrike Thamnophilus anabatinus Rancho Naturalista the 5th and Carara NP the 10th Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Rancho Naturalista the 5th Chequer-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris Rancho Naturalista the 6th Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Rancho Naturalista the 5th and Carara NP the 10th Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis Rancho the 6th and Carara NP the 10th Rufous-rumped Antwren Terenura Callinota HEARD ONLY; despite considerable effort to extract it from a flock at the base of Silent Mt the 6th Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina Rancho the 5th and in the Pacific lowlands Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul Common in the Pacific lowlands the 9th-12th Dull-mantled Antbird Myrmeciza laemosticta A pair at Rancho the 6th Zeledon’s Antbird Myrmeciza zeledoni Several attending an ant swarm at Tapanti the 7th. Formerly treated as a form of Immaculate Antbird, but though not treated as separate by IOC checklist the SACC have recently agreed to ‘split’ Bicoloured Antbird Gymnopithys bicolor Excellent views at Tapanti NP the 7th; formerly treated as conspecific with G. leucaspis Silvery-fronted Tapaculo Scytalopus argentifrons This skulker was eventually seen at Tapanti NP the 7th Thicket Antpitta Hylopezus dives HEARD ONLY; at Rancho Naturalista the 5th and 6th Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis One seen at Carara NP the 10th Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura Fine views at Casa Turire the 5th Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops Tapanti NP the 7th Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens Tapanti NP the 7th Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus Numerous in the highlands of Savegre the 8th-9th Buffy Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes lawrencii HEARD ONLY; in the Savegre Valley the 8th Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus Rancho Naturalista the 5th, also seen in the Carara area the 10th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Striped Woodhaunter Hyloctistes subulatus One at the Old Butterfly Garden the 4th Streak-breasted Treehunter Thripaectes rufobrunneus Seen along the Quebrada Trail at Savegre the 8th Tawny-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus mexicanus Great views of a bathing individual at Rancho Naturalista the 6th Plain Xenops Xenops minutus Common in the lowlands on both slopes; first seen at La Selva the 3rd Plain- brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa La Selva the 3rd, Selva Verde Lodge the 4th and multiples at Rancho Tawny-winged Woodcreeper Dendrocincla anabatina Carara NP the 10th Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Rancho Naturalista the 5th Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorhynchus spirurus Widespread except in highlands; seen first at Selva Verde the 1st Northern Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae First seen in Sarapiqui area the 2nd, several in the Pacific lowlands Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans Common in the lowlands on both slopes and also seen at Rancho Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus HEARD ONLY; Carara NP the 10th Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Seen several times at Rancho and Tapanti NP Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Widespread except in highlands; first recorded at Selva Verde the 2nd Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis Numerous in the highlands, especially on the 8th Brown-billed Scythebill Clampylorhamphus pusillus One in a mixed flock at Rancho the 6th Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Good views in Tapanti NP the 7th Green Shrike-vireo Vireolanius pulchellus HEARD ONLY; first at La Selva and again at Carara Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens Elusive but finally seen on the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 12th Yellow-throated vireo Vireo flavifrons First seen at Rancho the 5th and numerous in many locations Yellow-winged Vireo Vireo carmioli Numerous in the highlands Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Finally seen well at Savegre the 9th Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus First seen at Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd with a smattering throughout Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis Rancho the 5th and considerable numbers in the Pacific lowlands Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps A small flock at Carara NP the 10th Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus Common except in highlands; first encountered at Selva Verde the 2nd Brown Jay Cyanocorax morio Recorded frequently; best views on the feeders at Rancho the 5th & 6th White-throated Magpie-jay Calocitta formosa A real favourite; several on the road to Guacalillo the 11th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Black-and-yellow Phainoptila Phainoptila melanoxantha Seen well on Providencia Road and at Paraiso Quetzal the 9th Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher Ptilogonys caudatus Seen in good numbers in the highlands; the first at Miriam’s the 7th Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea Common along waterways; first seen on Rio Sarapiqui boat tour the 2nd Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Common in the lowlands; seen well in Sarapiqui area and Rio Tarcoles Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Common and widespread; seen daily other than Pacific lowlands Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Recorded almost daily Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Multiple sightings; first noted en route to Selva Verde the 2nd Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Seen along the road to Guacalillo the 12th Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Several in the dry country the 11th Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Numerous in the Pacific lowlands; first recorded at Casa Turire the 5th Band-backed Wren Campylorhynnchus zonatus Seen at La Selva the 3rd and again at Tapanti NP the 7th Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha Common in Central Valley and Pacific lowlands Black-throated Wren Pheugopedius atrogularis HEARD ONLY; first at La Selva and again at Rancho Black-bellied Wren Pheugopedius fasciatoventris HEARD ONLY; Carara NP the 10th Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus Several at Carara NP the 10th Riverside Wren Cantorchilus semibadius Punta Leona the 10th Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus Seen on the Rio Sarapiqui boat tour the 2nd and again at Rancho Stripe-breasted Wren Cantorchilus thoracicus La Selva the 3rd and also at Braulio Carrillo NP and Rancho Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus The base of Silent Mt the 6th and again at the Rio Tarcoles Bridge Plain (‘Canebrake’) Wren Thryothorus modestus zeledoni El Tigre Marsh the 4th Banded Wren Thryophilus pleurostictus HEARD ONLY; a calling pair eluded us on Guacimo Road the 11th Rufous-and-white Wren Thryophilus rufalbus Excellent views at Carara NP the 10th House Wren Troglodytes aedon Widespread and common; some treat this form as a full species: Southern House Wren T. musculus Ochraceous Wren Troglodytes ochraceus Tapanti NP the 7th Timberline Wren Thryorchilus browni Seen well while in the Paramo the 9th White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta La Selva the 2nd, Selva Verde the 3rd and Rancho the 4th & 5th Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Several at Tapanti NP the 7th and numerous in the Savegre Valley

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Scaly-breasted Wren Microcerculus marginatus Rancho the 5th; sometimes referred to as Whistling Wren and before that as Southern Nightingale Wren – by which it is still known by IOC Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus Seen well at Rancho Naturalista the 5th Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris HEARD ONLY; Braulio Carrillo NP the 4th White-lored Gnatcatcher Polioptila albiloris Several along the Guacimo Road the 11th Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea Widespread and common in lowlands and middle elevations Black-faced Solitaire Myadestes melanops Several at Tapanti NP the 7th and again in the Savegre Valley Black-billed Nightingale-thrush Catharus gracilirostris Common in the highlands; first seen at Miriam’s the 7th Orange-billed Nightingale-thrush Catharus aurantiirostris Good views along the entrance road to Tapanti NP the 7th Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush Catharus fuscater Good views of one at Tapanti NP the 7th Ruddy-capped Nightingale-thrush Catharus frantzii Numerous in the highlands; first seen well at Miriam’s the 7th Black-headed Nightingale-thrush Catharus mexicanus A pair at Braulio Carrillo NP the 4th Swainson’s Trhush Catharus ustulatus Just two; one at Cinchona the 2nd and the other at Rancho Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Seen several times but best seen at Rancho the 5th Sooty Thrush Turdus nigrescens Numerous in the highlands; first recorded the 7th Mountain Thrush Turdus plebejus Numerous in the highlands Clay-coloured Thrush Turdus grayi Widespread and common throughout Pale-vented thrush Turdus obsoletus Two at Tapanti NP the 7th House Sparrow Passer domesticus Seen frequently in urban areas; especially around petrol stations Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra Nice views at Savegre the 8th Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla Two at Carara NP the 10th Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum One at Carara the 10th and again at Tarcoles the 11th Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Seen in both lowlands. Particularly numerous in the Pacific lowlands Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla First recorded on Sarapiqui River the 2nd; numerous on Rio Platanillo Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera Fine views at Rancho the 6th Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia A numerous and beautiful migrant seen frequently Prothonatory Warbler Protonotaria citrea Mangroves during the Rio Tarcoles boat tour the 11th Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina Common and widespread migrant seen in virtually all environments

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Flame-throated Warbler Oreothlypis gutturalis Many in the Savegre highlands the 8th & 9th Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava Seen well at the base of Silent Mt the 6th Grey-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala Seen near Rancho Naturalista the 6th Mourning Warbler Geothlypis philadelphia A male at La Selva the 3rd and again at Rancho Kentucky Warbler Geothlypis formosus A male at Rancho the 5th again in Carara NP the 10th Hooded Warbler Setophaga citrina A male at the light at La Selva the 3rd American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla One at Rancho the 5th Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Seen well at Rancho the 6th Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca Seen daily during our time at Rancho the 5th & 6th Yellow Warbler Setophaga aestiva Common wintering migrant in lowlands first seen at Selva Verde the 2nd Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia erithachorides The resident chestnut-headed form (D. p. erithachorides), we saw in the mangroves the 10th & 11th is now widely accepted as a separate species known as the Mangrove Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensilvanica An incredibly abundant winter migrant first recorded the 2nd Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens Numerous in the highlands the 8th & 9th Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda Widespread in lowlands; first seen on Rio Sarapiqui boat tour the 2nd Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons Seen nicely at the Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd and then at intervals throughout the tour in appropriate areas. This population is considered a potential split and is referred to as Chestnut-capped Warbler. Black-cheeked Warbler Basileuterus melanogenys Nice encounters in the highlands the 8th & 9th Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus Seen well at Rancho Naturalista the 5th Wilson’s Warbler Cardellina pusilla Abundant in the highlands from the 7th-9th Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Seen first at Cinchona the 2nd and again in mixed flocks at Rancho Naturalista the 4th and Tapanti NP the 7th Collared Whitestart Myioborus torquatus Numerous in the highlands; first seen the 7th Wrenthrush Zeledonia coronata Elusive but seen in the highlands the 9th; often referred to as Zeledonia Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Recorded daily on the Caribbean slope with good views at La Selva and also at the base of Silent Mt the 6th Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma Widespread and common; particularly around Rancho Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus Selva Verde the 2nd and again at La Selva and Braulio Carrillo NP; now split from C. uropygialis Yellow-billed (Prevost’s) Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus Great views near Rancho Naturalista the 6th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas Several each day in Sarapiqui area; first seen at La Selva the 3rd Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius One at Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Widespread and numerous throughout, first recorded at the Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus Several seen in the dry country the 11th Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Best views were at Casa Turire the 5th Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Widespread with nearly daily sightings Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonairiensis La Selva the 3rd and good views of a pair at Punta Leona the 12th Melodious Blackbird Dives dives Widespread and recorded in every habitat visited Red-winged Blackbird Aglaiae phoeniceus First seen near Sarapiqui the 2nd and again on the Rio Tarcoles Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris Good views of several at Casa Turire the 5th Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Widespread and very common in lowlands and middle elevations Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Seen in pastures near Casa Turire the 5th Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Widespread; small numbers in Sarapiqui area and Rancho Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Widespread and common; mostly middle and high elevations Volcano Junco Junco vulcani Several seen along the Towers Road in the Paramo the 9th Stripe-headed Sparrow Aimophila ruficauda Good numbers in the dry country the 11th & 12th Peg-billed Finch Acanthidops bairdii Excellent views of a female on Towers Road in the Paramo the 9th Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Scattered sightings in lowlands and middle elevations Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Common and widespread; especially in the Caribbean lowlands White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola Nice views at Casa Turire the 5th Thick-billed Seed Finch Oryzoborus funereus Good studies at Casa Turire the 5th Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Very common around Rancho Naturalista and in the highlands Prevost’s Ground Sparrow Melozone biarcuatum Excellent views of a pair in the Hotel Bougainvillea gardens the 2nd White-eared Ground Sparrow Melozone leucosis Good views along the Tapanti entrance road the 7th Olive Sparrow Arremonops rufivirgatus Guacimo Road the 10th Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris Several near Rancho Naturalista the 4th-6th Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Selva Verde the 4th and again at Rancho and Pacific lowlands

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Buarremon brunneinuchus Seen at Tapanti NP the 7th and several in Savegre Large-footed Finch Pezopetes capitalis Numerous encounters in the highlands; first recorded at Miriam’s the 7th Sooty-faced Finch Lysurus crassirostris HEARD ONLY; Tapanti NP the 7th White-naped Brush Finch Atlapetes albinucha Nice views on the Tapanti entrance road the 7th Yellow-thighed Finch Pselliophorus tibialis A real crowd-pleaser; seen on many occasions in the highlands Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata Particularly good views at the manakin pools in Carara NP the 10th White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus Seen daily at Rancho, also in the Pacific lowlands Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii Numerous at Braulio Carrillo NP the 4th where the most significant flock consisted predominantly of this species. Seen again at Silent Mt the 6th. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus First seen at El Tigre Marsh the 4th and again at Platanillo the 6th White-throated Shrike-tanager Lanio leucothorax HEARD ONLY; Braulio Carillo NP the 4th in the mixed flock Crimson-collared Tanager Ramphocelus sanguinolentus Seen well at Cinchona the 2nd, also on Rancho feeders and Tapanti NP Passerini’s Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii Widespread and common on Caribbean slope, but always well received Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Extremely numerous in almost all areas visited Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Numerous in most areas with the exception of the highlands Blue-and-gold Tanager Bangsia arcaei A spectacular tanager of the Caribbean foothills seen at Braulio the 4th Plain-coloured Tanager Tangara inornata Seen only at La Selva with great views there on the 3rd Emerald Tanager Tangara florida Good views at Braulio Carrillo NP the 4th and again at Silent Mt the 6th Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Seen first at Cinchona the 2nd and then daily in the Caribbean foothills and highlands Speckled Tanager Tangara guttata Several at Rancho Naturalista the 4th and again at Silent Mt the 6th Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen well at Silent Mt and Tapanti the 6th & 7th Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata Common except in highlands; first seen at Selva Verde the 1st Spangle-cheeked Tanager Tangara dowii Excellent views at Tapanti NP the 7th and again in the Savegre Valley Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta First seen at Rancho the 5th with particularly good views at Silent Mountain the 6th Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Just one, a male at Punta Leona the 10th Shining Honeycreeper Cyanerpes lucidus Some nice views both at La Selva as well as Selva Verde the 3rd & 4th Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus First seen at Braulio Carrillo the 4th and quite numerous during our stay at Punta Leona. Most remarkable was an all yellow individual at Carara!

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Common except in highlands; first recorded at Selva Verde the 3rd Black-and-yellow Tanager Chrysothlypis chrysomelas Several at Braulio Carrillo NP the 4th, Rancho the 5th and also at the base of Silent Mt the 6th Slaty Flowerpiercer Diglossa plumbea Common in the highlands; first seen at Miriam’s the 7th Common Chlorospingus Chlorospingus ophthalmicus Several were seen at the base of Silent Mt the 6th and again at Tapanti the 7th. IOC now refers to this species as Common Chlorospingus, but used to be Common Bush-tanager Sooty-capped Chlorospingus Chlorospingus pileatus Numerous in the highlands; first recorded at Miriam’s the 7th Ashy-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus canigularis Seen well at Rancho the 5th and again at the base of Silent Mt the 6th Flame-coloured Tanager Piranga bidentata Common in the highlands and first seen on the 7th White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera HEARD ONLY; Tapanti NP the 7th Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Very numerous; seen daily Red-throated Ant-tanager Habia fuscicauda La Selva the 3rd with best views at the insect light at Rancho the 5th Carmiol's Tanager Chlorothraupis carmioli Braulio Carrillo NP the 4th and Rancho the 5th & 6th. Olive Tanager was split with Carmiol’s being the one present here in CR. Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis Several along Guacimo Road the 11th Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla First seen at Selva Verde the 2nd with many subsequent sightings Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea Seen well at Rancho the 5th & 6th and again in Pacific lowlands White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta Rancho Naturalista the 5th & 6th Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima Tapanti NP the 7th Spot-crowned Euphonia Euphonia imitans A singing male at Carara NP the 10th was well studied Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi Common and widespread on the Caribbean slope; particularly memorable sightings at Rancho the 5th Tawny-capped Euphonia Euphonia anneae Seen at Rancho the 5th & 6th and at Tapanti NP Golden-browed Chlorophonia Chlorophonia callophrys Good views of several at Tapanti NP the 7th and also at Savegre Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheuticus tibialis Seen only at the Hotel Bougainvillea the 2nd Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster Good views at La Selva the 3rd and again at Braulio Carrillo NP Slate-Coloured Grosbeak Saltator grossus HEARD ONLY; Braulio Carrillo NP the 4th Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps Seen at Platanillo and the base of Silent Mt the 6th Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Common in lowlands to mid-elevations; first seen at Selva Verde the 2nd Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Hotel Bougainvillea gardens the 2nd and also in Alajuela the 11th

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides Seen well at La Selva the 3rd with numerous sightings at Punta Leona Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea A fine male along Guacimo Road the 11th MAMMALS Long-nosed Bat Rhynconycteris naso Several seen roosting during the Rio Sarapiqui boat tour the 2nd and again on the Rio Tarcoles boat ride the 11th Ghost (White) Bat Ectophylla alba Nice views of a roosting individual on the river trail at Carara NP the 10th White-faced Capuchin Cebus capucinus Punta Leona the 9th-11th Mantled Howler Monkey Alouatta palliata Numerous in the Sarapiqui area and again in the Carara area Central American Spider Monkey Ateles geoffrroyi Nice views of a troop at La Selva the 2nd and again at Carara NP Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth Chloropus hoffmanni La Selva the 3rd Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth Bradypus varigatus Seen at Selva Verde the 4th and again at Rancho the 5th Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis Quite numerous in forested areas; first seen at Braulio Carrillo the 4th Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides Widespread and common; first seen at the Hotel Bougainvillea Montane Squirrel Syntheosciurus brochus Seen well at Tapanti NP the 7th and in the highlands of Savegre Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata La Selva the 3rd and at Carara White-nosed Coati Nasua narica Selva Verde the 2nd and again at Tapanti NP the 7th Collared Peccary Tayassu pecari Many at La Selva the 3rd REPTILES Central American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus Several from the Rio Tarcoles Bridge and on the Rio Tarcoles boat tour Green Iguana Iguana iguana Several at Selva Verde and La Selva the 1st-3rd Black Spiny-tailed Iguana Ctenosaura similis Common around Carara NP and Punta Leona; also called Ctenasaurus Common Basilisk Basiliscus basiliscus Several along streams; first at Sarapiqui the 3rd as well as on the Guacimo Road and at Punta Leona Green Basilisk Basiliscus plumifrons Good views on the Rio Sarapiqui boat tour the 2nd and La Selva the 3rd Tropical House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus Common on the walls of our lodges at night Ground Anole Norops humilis Rancho Naturalista the 5th Stream Anole Norops oxylophus Seen at the Carara manakin pools the 10th Slender Anole Norops limifrons La Selva the 5th and Rancho the 6th Central American Whiptail Ameiva festiva La Selva, Rancho Naturalista and Carara NP

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Trip Report

Costa Rica 1 - 14 March 2015

Amphibians Cane (Marine/Giant) Toad Bufo marinus Heard at night in the Rancho area Wet-forest Toad Bufo melanochlorus Two at Rancho Naturalista the 5th Green-climbing Toad Bufo coniferus Several at Rancho Naturalista the 5th Red-eyed Leaf Frog Agalychnis callidryas Selva Verde Lodge the 3rd Strawberry Poison-dart Frog Dendrobates pumilio Selva Verde Lodge the 3rd

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