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Bird List for Costa Rica ,
In the following list, the birds English (US) and scientific names are used. The details in brackets indicate the order in which the birds were seen, where possible the number of days on which it was recorded and for species that were found/identified for us, either by a guide or another birdwatcher, the letter G . Thus, Pacific Screech-Owl - Otus cooperi (164,1,G) was the 164th bird seen , was seen on only one day and was located for us by another birder.
WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER - Puffinus pacificus (113,2)
- seen on both Bahia Drake pelagics.
SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus (138,2) - less common than above and only
positively identified on the second trip.
BROWN PELICAN - Pelicanus occidentalis (70,14) - seen daily at coastal sites,
often in very large numbers.
BROWN BOOBY - Sula leucogaster (109,3) - much the commonest Booby, seen on both
Pelagics and close to shore from the boat to Corcovado.
RED-FOOTED BOOBY - Sula sula (137,1) - small numbers, mostly juveniles seen
on the second pelagic.
OLIVACEOUS (NEOTROPIC) CORMORANT - Phalacracorax olivaceus - (55,6+) - quite
common at coastal sites. Possibly under-recorded.
ANHINGA - Anhinga anhinga (62,6) - also quite common at coastal sites .
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD - Fregata magnificens (50,8) - seen at most coastal
sites. Very common around Punta Leona/Tarcoles area where several flocks of
Frigatebirds and Pelicans containing hundreds of birds were seen.
LEAST BITTERN - Ixobrychus exilis (294,1) - 2 seen at close quarters on the
Aviarios canoe trip.
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON - Tigrisoma fasciata (220,1) - single bird noted along
Rio Burio, Fortuna.
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON - Tigrisoma mexicanum (88,4) - seen at Tortuguero,
Bahia Drake, Tarcoles and Palo Verde, often at close quarters.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON - Nyctanassa violacea (75,4) - quite common were
present. Seen at Tortuguero, Tarcoles and Aviarios.
CATTLE EGRET - Bulbulcus ibis (25,10+) - common and widespread - seen at most
coastal sites and middle elevations.
STRIATED HERON - Butorides striatus (76,5) - examples of both variants seen.
Possibly under-recorded, as we have the impression that we saw lots of this
species.
LITTLE BLUE HERON - Egretta caerulea (59,8) - usually quite common - seen at
most coastal and lowland sites.
TRICOLORED HERON - Egretta tricolor (293,1) - only seen during the canoe trip
from Aviarios.
SNOWY EGRET - Egretta thula (51,5) - common around Tortuguero and Aviarios
GREAT EGRET - Casmerodius albus (Egretta alba?) (48,7) - seen at most coastal/wetland
sites. Often quite common.
GREAT BLUE HERON - Ardea herodius (53,4) - several individuals seen Tortuguero,
Tarcoles, Palo Verde and Aviarios.
WOOD STORK - Mycteria americana (49,4) - Several seen from boat to Tortuguero.
Common around Palo Verde.
GREEN IBIS - Mesembrinibis cayennensis (185,2) - present at Palo Verde where
probably quite common.
WHITE IBIS - Eudocimus albus (141,1) - seemingly fairly common around Sierpe,
Tarcoles and Palo Verde.
GLOSSY IBIS - Plegadis falcinellus (186,1) - a few seen at Palo Verde.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL - Ajaia ajaja (144,3) - one seen on small pool north of Quepos.
Good numbers at Palo Verde.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK - Dendrocygna autumnalis (181,3) - only seen at
Palo Verde, where numerous. Sadly the Fulvous Whistling Ducks previously reported
from this site are no longer seen recorded there.
MUSCOVY DUCK - Cairina moschata (193,1) - Palo Verde - ask the staff for directions
and timing.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL - Anas discors (145,4) - several on small pool north of Quepos.
Quite common at Palo Verde.
TURKEY VULTURE - Cathartes aura (24,20) - very common and widespread.
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE - Cathartes burrovianus (37,15) - not quite as
common as Turkey Vulture but seen more frequently and in a wider range of habitats
than Stiles and Skutch suggest.
BLACK VULTURE - Coragyps atratus (17,21) - very common and widespread. Seen
daily, often in hundreds.
OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus (131,4) - Corcovado, Tarcoles (where several seen),
Aviarios and Puerto Viejo.
AMERICAN SWALLOW-TAILED KITE - Elanoides forficatus (200,2) - one easily identified
from the car near river crossing east of "La Mansion", Lago De Arenal and a
second over flew Arenal Lodge.
BLACK-WINGED KITE - Elaneus caeruleus (19,1) - a single bird near Paraiso.
WHITE HAWK - Leucopternis albicollois (215,1) - single bird seen from the trail
at Arenal Lodge.
COMMON BLACK-HAWK - Buteogallus anthracinus - (61,8) - apart from the vultures,
the most frequently seen raptor, present at most coastal sites and particularly
numerous around Aviarios.
GRAY HAWK - Buteo nitidus (192,1) - a single bird perched in a roadside tree
on the track to the Muscovy Duck site at Palo Verde was observed for several
minutes..
BROAD-WINGED HAWK Buteo magnirostris (10,2) - one seen over Orosi village and
another near the Guacinal bridge on the road from Monteverde.
black hawk-eagle - Spizaetus tyrannus (90,1) - a juvenile in a tree right outside
our cabin at Tortuguero posed obligingly for photographs. This surprised the
guide at the Lodge, who had not recorded this species there before.
CRESTED CARACARA - Polyborus plancus (143,4) - easily seen whilst driving along
the Pacific coast, when several seen between Sierpe and Punta Leona, and then
between Punta Leona and Palo Verde. Often seen on the ground.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA - Milvago chimachima (105,5) - fairly common on Pacific
coast. Seen during every visit to the Playa Lapa Rojo soccer pitch. Also at
Tarcoles (4 together on mud flats) and near Tilaran.
LAUGHING FALCON - Herpetotheres cachinnans (47,4) - several seen around Tortuguero
and at Palo Verde.
COLLARED FOREST FALCON - Micrastur semitorquatus - (182,1,G) - a stunning pale
phase bird was found by our guide at Palo Verde.
AMERICAN KESTREL - Falco sparverius (177,1) - one found about 3 kms from Bagaces
on the Palo Verde track. A very pretty bird.
PEREGRINE - Falco peregrinus (188,1) - a single bird seen several times hunting
over the Palo Verde wetlands.
CRESTED GUAN - Penelope purpurascens (209,1) - a single observed for a considerable
amount of time in the canopy on the Arenal Lodge trail.
BLACK GUAN - Chamaepetes unicolor (35,4) - one seen in Tapanti National Park.
Quite common around Monteverde/Santa Elena where seen on the night walk, in
and around the Cloud Forest reserve and several in a large tree between Santa
Elena centre and the soccer pitch.
GREAT CURASSOW - Grax rubra (96,1) - a family party glimpsed for a few seconds
from the boat, Tortuguero.
LIMPKIN - Aramus guarauna (184,2) - several at Palo Verde. Easy to find once
identified for the first time.
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL - Aramides cajanea (87,1,G) - a small group seen from
the boat, Tortuguero.
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE - Laterallus albigularis (290,1,G) - several calling from
deep cover during Aviarios canoe trip.
COMMON GALLINULE - Gallinula chloropus (291,1) - Moorhen did not require a guide
for identification. A couple seen during Aviarios canoe trip.
PURPLE GALLINULE - Porphyrio martinica (187,2) - relatively easy to see at Palo
Verde and at Aviarios, where a couple were seen running across the tended lawns.
Stiles and Skutch give this full species status and do not make reference to
the European/African Porphyrio porphyrio.
NORTHERN JACANA - Jacana spinosa (60,11) - common at wetland sites, such as
Tortuguero, Palo Verde and Aviarios.
BLACK-NECKED STILT - Himantopus mexicanus (52,2) - reasonable numbers seen on
boat trip to Tortuguero and at Aviarios.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER - Pluvialis squatarola (74,3) - single birds seen on the
beach at Tortuguero and at Tarcol River mouth.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - Calidris pusilla (168,1) - several around the mouth of
the Tarcoles river, as viewed from Tarcol Lodge.
WILSON'S PLOVER - Charadrius wilsonia (169,1) - quite numerous around the mouth
of the Tarcoles river, as viewed from Tarcol Lodge.
WHIMBREL - Numenius phaeopus (117,3) - a single birds were on beaches near Delfin
Amor on two days and several were seen around the Tarcoles River mouth.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS - Tringa flavipes (56,2) - several seen on boat trip to Tortuguero
and one on beach near Delfin Amor.
WILLETT - Catoptrophorus semipalmatus (164,2) - several seen on beach at Tarcoles
and around Rio Estrella estuary, Aviarios.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER - Actitis macularia - (57,4) - quite numerous around both
Caribbean sites. Common along the beach at Puerto Viejo. Also at Rio Tarcoles
bridge.
RUDDY TURNSTONE - Arenaria interpres (170,2) - seen at Tarcoles River mouth
and at Aviarios.
SANDERLING - Calidris alba (73) - numerous on the beach at Tortuguero. Also
present at Tarcoles and Aviarios. Stiles and Skutch suggest that this species
is uncommon before mid-March but there were over 100 in several flocks on the
kilometre or so of beach north of Laguna Lodge.
WESTERN SANDPIPER - Calidris mauri (172,1) - several seen at Tarcol River mouth
were the only representatives of this species described in Stiles and Skutch
as the commonest 'peep'.
LEAST SANDPIPER - Calidris minutilla (171,1) - as above.
SOUTH POLAR SKUA - Catharacta macormicki (112,1) - two seen on pelagic trip
from Delfin Amor.
POMARINE SKUA - Stercrocarius pomarinus (111,2) - fairly common well offshore
on first pelagic from Delfin Amor. Only one seen on second pelagic.
RING-BILLED GULL - Larus delawarensis (?,1) - at least one seen, Bahia Drake.
Possibly a couple more seen in same area.
LAUGHING GULL - Larus atricilla (133,5) - much the commonest gull, but only
observed on the Pacific coast.
BONAPARTE'S GULL - Larus philadelphia (110,1G) - a single bird identified by
the Delfin Amor biologist a couple of miles offshore.
BLACK TERN - Chlidonias niger (114,1) - quite good numbers of winter plumaged
birds seen on the first Bahia Drake pelagic. The only tern species identified
on this trip, although several other pale terns were seen that were not Black
Terns.
ROYAL TERN - Sterna maxima (54,3) - seen from boat to Tortuguero (Rio Parismina)
and at Agujitas, Bahia Drake.
SCALED PIGEON - Columba speciosa (146,1+) - seen in several places between Sierpe
and Quepos. Most pigeon and dove species were probably under-recorded, with
only one species recorded between Arenal, Monteverde and Aviarios.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON - Columba cayennensis (97,3+) - seen in Tortuguero and Bahia
Drake.
RED-BILLED PIGEON - Columba flavirostris (15,? ) - seen in Orosi area, and possibly
elsewhere.
RUDDY PIGEON - Columba subvinacea (268,2) - around Albergue de Montana Tapanti.
WHITE-WINGED DOVE - Zenaida asiatica (175,2) - seen in Orotina, where quite
common and on Pacific slope when driving from Monteverde to Cerro de Muerte,
e.g. in Nuevo Arenal. Despite notes in Stiles and Skutch, this species was only
seen in settled areas. A rather nice bird.
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON - Columba nigrirostris (101,3+,) - seen and heard in Tortuguero
NP and Aviarios, at least.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE - Columbina talpacoti (44,3+) - quite common along road through
plantations en route to Tortuguero. Also on Sierpe to Quepos road and on road
from Arenal to Monteverde.
INCA DOVE - Columbina inca (166,4) - perhaps the most pleasing of the pigeons
we saw. Quite common on Pacific coast from Tarcoles north. Numerous around Palo
Verde.
BLUE GROUND-DOVE - Claravis pretiosa (104,4+) - first seen on beach at Agujitas
and in several locations thereafter.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE - Leptotila verreauxi (116,3) - seemed fairly common, Bahia
Drake around lodges (not Delfin Amor) and at Palo Verde.
SCARLET MACAW - Ara macao (102,4) - common and easy to locate around Bahia Drake/Corcovado.
Several pairs seen around Carara NP.
ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET - Aratinga canicularis (179,1) - a couple of small flocks
in leafless thickets around about 14 km from Bagaces on the Palo Verde track.
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT - Pionus senilis (8,1,G) - a flock of about 30 seen above
Orosi, identified by the US ornithology student we met.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT - Pionus menstrus (301,1) - a couple of birds in the tall
dead tree behind Pulperia Las Brisas, opposite the entrance to Aviarios.
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT - Amazona albifrons (180,1) - see Orange-fronted Parakeet.
YELLOW-NAPED PARROT - Amazona auropalliata (194,2) - fairly regular around the
Palo Verde study centre, often high in the tall trees along the "football pitch".
MEALY PARROT - Amazona farinosa (83,1,G) - Tortuguero NP.
MANGROVE CUCKOO - Coccyzus minor (191,1) - in the tree outside the Palo Verde
visitor centre.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO - Piaya cayana (289,1) - seen from the canoe, Aviarios. JD probably
also saw this species briefly at Arco Iris, in the lodge gardens.
GROOVE-BILLED ANI - Crotophaga sulcirostris (43,3) - almost certainly under
recorded. Common along road to Parismina River for boat transfer to Tortuguero.
Numerous along Rio Estrella and around Aviarios.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI - Crotophaga ani (173,3) - quite common in pasture land around
Tarcoles. Also at Palo Verde.
PACIFIC SCREECH-OWL - Otus cooperi (165,1,G) - pair roosting in trees in front
of the building opposite Tarcol Lodge.
BARE-SHANKED SCREECH-OWL - Otus clarkii (247,1,G) - single bird located by
guide at presumably a regular roosting tree, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL - Glaucidium brasilianum (196,1) - the only owl species
we found ourselves, in a tree top near the Palo Verde visitor centre.
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL - Ciccaba nigrolineata (174,1) - a pair in a well-known
roosting spot in the park in Orotina. Ask locals for directions if you can't
find them.
GREAT POTOO - Nyctibius grandis (82,1,G) - Tortuguero NP.
COMMON POTOO - Nyctibius griseus (63,1,G) - Tortuguero NP.
COMMON PAURAQUE - Nyctidromus albicollis (5,3) - in a sense our first Costa
Rican bird, as one was calling when we went to bed on the first night, but not
identified until discussed with the US ornithology student we bumped into the
following morning. Seen subsequently on road from Tapanti NP after dark, accompanied
by another small nightjar which we could not identify. Also seen on road to
Arenal Lodge.
WHIP-POOR-WILL - Caprimulgus vociferus (147,1) - a nightjar caught in the car
headlights on the private road to Punta Leona was observed for some time and
almost certainly this species.
WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus cayennensis (225,1) - also caught in the
car headlights on the private road to Arenal Lodge. Prolonged views were obtained
but sadly the photographs we took we completely over exposed due to the headlights.
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT - Cypseloides rutilus (91,1) - seen from the boat in
Tortuguero NP. Stiles and Skutch advises that this bird of middle altitudes
rarely forages down to sea level and then only mentions locations on the Pacific
coast, but we were quite confident that we had identified the right species
and Daniel, our guide, agreed that the bird we spotted was not one he had seen
before in Tortuguero.
CHIMNEY SWIFT - Chaetura pelagica (288,1) - a flock of about 20+ over Rio Estrella
bridge.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT - Panyptila cayennensis (142,1) - several noted
along the river near Sierpe.
BRONZY HERMIT - Glaucis aenea (197,1) - one seen at Palo Verde might have been
north of usual range.
BAND-TAILED BARB-THROAT - Threnetes ruckeri (269,1) - at least one on the hummingbird
feeders at Georgina's. Stiles and Skutch gives much lower altitudes for this
species. Sekerak suggests that the birds seen at Albergue de Montana Tapanti
must be near the limit of their range. Our visit to Georgina's, a few kms from
the Albergue and somewhat higher above sea-level was on a delightfully warm
day and the feeders are a guaranteed food source for hummingbirds, so perhaps
this record is not so surprising.
LONG-TAILED HERMIT - Phaethornis superciliosus (115,2) - several locations in
grounds of Delfin Amor, including from dining area and in flowering bushes along
coastal path.
GREEN HERMIT - Phaethornis guy (214,2) - seen in forested valley near Arenal
Lodge trail. Also at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery.
SCALY-BREASTED HUMMINGBIRD - Phaeocroa cuvierii (183,1) - a group of five at
Palo Verde were initially identified as Magnificent Hummingbirds (they are superficially
similar to the females) but the latter species is only found at altitude.
VIOLET SABREWING - Campylopterus hemileucurus (162,3) - the easiest of the hummingbirds
to identify. Seen at Carara and common at Monteverde, with many visiting the
Hummingbird Gallery.
GREEN VIOLET-EAR - Colibri thalassinus (232,2) - a common visitor to the Monteverde
Hummingbird Gallery.
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO - Anthracothorax prevostii (12,1,G) - a pair nesting on
telegraph wires on the main street through Orosi.
FIERY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD - Panterpe insignis (271,1) - several birds at Georgina's
appeared to be this species, except that we could not see any evidence of the
copper-orange throat. As luck would have it, as we stood up to leave one of
these birds was at the feeder. The "fiery throat" appeared almost as if by magic
when viewed from a standing position, looking down on the bird (see Stiles and
Skutch) thus clinching identification.
[BLUE-THROATED GOLDENTAIL - Hylocharis eliciae (270,1) - a bird which matched
the description of this species seen at Georgina's. Subsequent discussions with
hummingbird experts suggests that this lowland species would be highly unlikely
at altitude and the "golden" tail would probably be as a result of pollen, in
which case identification of this bird remains a mystery.]
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD - Klais guimeti (33,1) - Tapanti NP.
FORK-TAILED EMERALD - Chlorostilbon canivetti (238,1) - one seen on the evening
walk at Monteverde.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH - Thalurania colombica (281,1) - a couple around the building
at Eddie Serrano's Finca.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD - Amazilia tzactl (14,7) - much the most widespread
hummingbird and probably under-recorded as no mention in our notes for the final
10 days of the holiday.
WHITE-TAILED EMERALD - Elvira chionura (252,1) - Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery.
COPPERY-HEADED EMERALD - Elvira cupriceps (254,1) - an endemic and one we had
really hoped to see. None had been present during our late afternoon visit to
the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery on 1st March but they were quite
easy to see on the following day, at an earlier time.
PLAIN-CAPPED STARTHROAT - Heliomaster constantii (253,1) - a very mobile hummingbird
at Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery appeared to be this bird, although it may
have been at higher than usual altitude.
RED-FOOTED PLUMELETEER - Chalybura urochrysia (152,1) - a pair observed in suitable
habitat for some time at Punta Leona. However Stiles and Skutch make this a
purely Caribbean slope bird. However there is a similar species, Bronze-tailed
Plumeleteer, in western Panama (may actually be a sub-species). Bit of a puzzle,
really.
PURPLE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM - Lampornis calolaema (234,2) - a common visitor
to the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (233,2) - a common visitor to the Monteverde Hummingbird
Gallery and Georgina's.
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD - Eugenes fulgens (272,1) - on feeders at Georgina's
and around Finca Eddie Serrano.
MAGENTA-THROATED WOODSTAR (235,2) - a common visitor to the Monteverde Hummingbird
Gallery.
SCINTILLANT HUMMINGBIRD - Selasphorus scintilla (21,2) - several around the
Visitor Centre, Irazu and also at the Albergue de Montana restaurant and Georgina's.
VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD - Selasphorus flammula (20,2) - both males and females quite
common around the summits of Irazu (especially near the Visitor Centre) and
Cerro de Muerte. Females only on the hummingbird feeders at Georgina's.
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL - Pharomachrus mocinno (250,2) - a female found by CC at
Monteverde followed by a brief view of a male located by the guide were bettered
by the pair located by the guide at Finca Eddie Serrano that allowed prolonged,
clear views.
SLATY-TAILED TROGON - Trogon massena (69,3 ) - much the most frequently seen
Trogon, at Laguna Lodge, Punta Leona and Aviarios. Common around the grounds
of Laguna Lodge.
ORANGE-BELLIED TROGON - Trogon aurantiiventris (251,1) - a pair by the Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve visitor centre were apparently regular visitors, feeding
on the insects attracted by lights left on at the centre overnight.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON - Trogon rufus (129,1,G) - Corcovado NP.
RINGED KINGFISHER - Ceryle torquata (78,4 ) - fairly common on lowland fresh
water. Seen at Tortuguero, Rio Clara (Bahia Drake), north of Quepos and Tarcoles
Bridge, often at close range,
BELTED KINFISHER - Ceryle altion (205,1) - seen from our chalet at Arenal Lodge,
where there is a small artificial pool.
AMAZON KINGFISHER - Chloroceryle amazona (77,4) - quite common at Tortuguero
and Rio Clara. Also seen at Rio Burio, Fortuna and Aviarios.
GREEN KINGFISHER - Chloroceryle americana (95,2) - Tortuguero and Aviarios.
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER - Chloroceryle inda (93,1) - Tortuguero.
TURQUOISE-BROWED MOTMOT - Eumomota superciliosa (190,2) - Palo Verde visitor
centre.
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT - Momotus momota (257,1) - Arco Iris grounds and Santa
Elena "cemetery" walk.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR - Galbula ruficauda (213,1) - seen in forested valley
near Arenal Lodge trail.
GREAT JACAMAR - Jacamerops aurea (212,1) - as for Rufous-tailed Jacamar.
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD - Bucco machrorhynchos (85,1,G) - Tortuguero.
RED-HEADED BARBET - Eubucco bourcierii (283,1) - adjacent to iron bridge, 2
kms east of Pacayas.
EMERALD TOUCANET - Aulachorynchus prasinus (235,3) - quite common around Monteverde/Santa
Elena area, including grounds of Arco Iris.
COLLARED ARACARI - Pteroglossus torquatus (89,3) - Tortuguero and Aviarios/Cahuita
area.
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN - Ramphastos sulfuratus (79,5) - Tortuguero, Arenal Lodge,
Arco Iris, Santa Elena and Aviarios.
CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED TOUCAN - Ramphastos swainsonii (80,1) - only one seen at
Tortuguero.
ACORN WOODPECKER - Melanerpes formicivorus (303,1) - the last bird that we identified,
but despite the unlikely location, a pair at sea level in a dead tree behind
Pulperia Las Brisas, Aviarios, we are confident that we correctly identified
this species.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER - Melanerpes pucherani (287,2) - Rio Estrella bridge
and Aviarios.
HOFFMAN'S WOODPECKER - Melanerpes hoffmanii (103,4) - much the commonest woodpecker,
and a very attractive bird. Seen on beach side palm trees at Agujitas, on every
visit to Playa Lapa Rojo soccer pitch, at a variety of random roadside stops
and Santa Elena. Possibly under-recorded.
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER - Melanerpes rubricapillus (155,1) - one seen at Punta
Leona where prolonged observation was required to separate from Hoffman's Woodpecker,
that was also present.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER - Veniliornis fumigatus (119,1) - Playa Lapa Rojo soccer
pitch.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER - Veniliornis rubiginosus (107,1) - Playa Lapa Rojo
soccer pitch. With the Lineated Woodpecker further along the coastal track,
this was a productive area for woodpeckers.
CINNAMON WOODPECKER - Celeus loricatus (84,1,G) - Tortuguero NP.
LINEATED WOODPECKER - Dryocopus lineatus (125,3) - seen along track from Delfin
Amor to Rio Clara, in Carara NP where a pair appeared to be feeding young in
a dead tree near the start of the first partially open area and at Lago de Arenal,
just east of La Mansion.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER - Dendrocingla fuliginosa (94,1) - Tortuguero NP
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER - Deconychura longicauda (71,1) - Laguna Lodge (in trees
north of the lodge boundary).
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER - Glyphorhyncus spirurus (134,1) - Corcovado NP.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER - Xyphorhyncus guttatus (150,1) - Punta Leona.
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER - Xyphorhyncus lachrymosus (127,2) - seen along track
from Delfin Amor to Rio Clara and at Carara NP.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER - Xyphorhyncus ertythropygius (240,1,G) - Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve.
SPOTTED-CROWNED WOODCREEPER - Lepidoclaptes affinis (263,2) - seemingly quite
common around Albergue De Montana Tapanti. Also seen at Finca Eddie Serrano.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL - Premnoplex brunescens (249,1,G) - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Reserve.
RUDDY TREERUNNER - Margarornis rubiginosus (280,1) - Cerro De Muerte (Finca
Eddie Serrano).
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER - Syndactyla subalaris (244,1,G) - Monteverde Cloud
Forest NP.
PLAIN XENOPS - Xenops minutus (140,3) - coastal path just north of Delfin Amor
and Carara NP.
BLACK-HOODED ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus bridgesi (108,4) - fairly common, Bahia
Drake. We called this the "wipe-out" bird because its song sounded rather like
the opening of the song "Wipeout" (by The Surfaris?).
DOTTED-WINGED ANTWREN - Microrhopias quixensis (298,1) - Gandoca-Manzanillo
NP.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD - Myrmeciza exsul (118,2) - also quite common, Bahia
Drake, seen along the path in either direction from Delfin Amor.
SCALED ANTPITTA - Grallaria guatimalensis (34,1) - one watched for several minutes
foraging by the path near the river on Sendero Oropendula, Tapanti NP. In the
rather gloomy late afternoon light it appeared not unlike a tailless juvenile
European Robin.
ROSE-THROATED BECARD - Pachyramphus aglaiae (156,1) - a pair in the grounds
of Punta Leona.
MASKED TITYRA - Tityra semifasciata (36,5+) - fairly common, widespread and
easy to see. Seen on roadside wires just east of Braullio Carillo NP, at Bahia
Drake, Punta Leona, Arco Iris, Santa Elena cemetery walk, and probably at other
locations as well.
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA - Tityra inquisitor (302,1) - in tree behind Pulperia Las
Brisas, Aviarios.
RUFOUS PIHA - Lipaugus unirufus (132,1,G) - Corcovado NP.
SNOWY COTINGA - Carpodectes nitidus (3,1) - one of the species that we had hoped
to see, during months of studying Stiles and Skutch before going to Costa Rica,
we were surprised to find it early on our first morning, in Orosi. We asked
the American ornithologist we met later that morning about their status and
he confirmed that he had seen the species around the village. Sadly our only
sighting of this beautiful bird.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW - Querula purpurata (92,1,G) - one overflew boat in
Tortuguero NP.
THREE-WATTLED BELLBIRD - Procnia tricarunculata (258,1) - we were extremely
pleased to find this species ourselves, in trees opposite the clinic, on the
Santa Elena cemetery walk.
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN - Manacus candei (98,2) - several around the butterfly
garden at Laguna Lodge were the only Manakins we saw. Finnish birders we spoke
to at Tarcoles reported seeing several species in Tapanti NP on the trail between
the park offices and the Mangrove Lagoon trail, at a site well-known for this
family. On reflection an hour or two here would have been more productive than
our side trip to Chomes.
BLACK PHOEBE - Sayornis nigricans (219,1) - one seen in riverside trees outside
the Tabacon Resort, Arenal.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT - Colonia colonus (300,1) - like Snowy Cotinga, a bird we
had hoped to see, but unlike the Cotinga, one of the last species we identified,
behind Pulperia Las Brisas, Aviarios.
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER - Tyrannus forficatus (198,1) - one seen in roadside
trees between Palo Verde and Bagaces.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD - Tyrannus melancholicus (13,10? ) - rather common and widespread.
Seen in Orosi, at Tarcoles Bridge and Aviarios. Definitely under-recorded. Perches
on roadside wires. Several similar species are possible but good views can be
obtained, making it fairly easy to differentiate the different types.
WESTERN KINGBIRD - Tyrannus verticalis (153,?) - again fairly common - large
American flycatcher species (the Kingbirds, Kiskadees, and Flycatchers) were
present in most areas and seen daily and as a consequence didn't always make
it into our field notes.
WHITE-RINGED-FLYCATCHER - Coryphotriccuss albovittatus (39,3) - first seen at
Siquerres, quite common around Laguna Lodge, also at Tarcoles Bridge. Probably
under-recorded.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER - Megarhyncus pitanagua (154,2) - only positively identified
at Punta Leona and on the Santa Elena cemetery walk. Doubtless we saw many more
of this species but we would have spent too long separating them from Great
Kiskadees so mostly ignored them. The Kiskadee is probably commoner and easy
to identify by its distinctive call.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA - Attila spadiceus (86,1,G) - Tortuguero NP.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER - Myiodynastes maculatus (149,2) - seen at Punta Leona and
Palo Verde.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER - Myiozetetes similis (262,1) - almost certainly overlooked,
our only record of this common and widespread species was at the Guacimal Bridge
on the way from Monteverde to the lowlands.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Myiozetetes granadensis (222,3) - La Fortuna, near
Rio Burio bridges and at Aviarios and the Rio Estrella bridge.
GREAT KISKADEE - Pitangus sulphuratus (2,12+) - perhaps the first "exciting"
bird we saw, with a pair around Orosi Lodge about 5 minutes after first light
on the first day. Common in all lowland areas except Bahia Drake and one of
the most frequently seen birds of the trip.
TROPICAL PEEWEE - Cantopus cinereus (167,1) - Tarcoles village.
BLACK-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Empidonax atriceps (278,1) - Cerro De Muerte (Finca
Eddie Serrano).
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER - Terenotriccus erythrurus (273,1) - at the edge of
the forest, Sendero de Descanso, Georgina's, Cerro de Muerte.
BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER - Myiopius atricaudus (160,1) - Carara NP.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER - Todirostrum cinereum (99,8+ ) - quite common and seen
in many locations including Laguna Lodge butterfly garden, La Fortuna, Arenal
Lodge, and Aviarios.
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA - Elaenia frantzii (282,1) - in the pine trees next to the
entrance to Albergue de Montana Tapanti.
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET - Ornithion brunneicapillum (229,1) - Arenal Lodge
PURPLE MARTIN - Progne subis (286,1) - a single bird overhead, heading north,
at Rio Estrella bridge. This area was quite productive for hirundines.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN - Progne chalybea (38,1,G) - several on wires had been
identified by another group of birders when we stopped at Siquerres on the way
to Tortuguero.
CLIFF SWALLOW - Hirundo pyrrhonota (285,1) - Rio Estrella bridge.
BARN SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica (176,2) - a single bird seen at Caldera on the
road between Punta Leona and Palo Verde, and hundreds on the canoe trip at Aviarios,
on passage.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW - Stelgidopteryx ruficollis (161,5) - quite common.
Seen at Carara NP, Lago de Arenal, on the road west of Turrialba and at Rio
Estrella bridge.
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW - Stelgidopteryx serripennis (?,1) - this species
did not make it into our field notes but was definitely seen, although we're
uncertain where. We do remember a prolonged debate about its identification
and seeing Southern Rough-winged Swallow soon afterwards.
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW - Notiochelidon cyanoleuca (11,4) - fairly common around
Orosi, Arenal Lodge and Finca Eddie Serrano .
BANK SWALLOW - Riparia riparia (x,1) - Not given a number, this was probably
the 4th species we saw, at the start of our walk in Orosi village.
We commented on the similarity to Sand Martin (which is the English name for
this species) but could not get decent views. However on checking our photographs
of Blue-and-White Swallows on returning to the UK we have no doubt that some
of the supposed Blue-and-Whites were actually Bank Swallows.
MANGROVE SWALLOW - Tachycineta albilinea (58,7+) - probably the most frequently
seen hirundine. Common around Tortuguero, seen over the sea at Bahia Drake,
at Rio Tarcoles Bridge, Rio Tempisque (Palo Verde)and probably other locations
as well.
WHITE-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY - Calocitta formosa (163,4) - a target species, seen
at Tarcoles, just outside the village, around Palo Verde and around La Fortuna.
BROWN JAY - Cyanocorax morio (30,4) - just outside Tapanti NP, at Punta Leona
and fairly common around Arco Iris/Santa Elena.
BANDED-BACKED WREN - Campylorhynhus zonatus (299,1) we had to work quite hard
for this species, which were present high in the trees on the hotel side of
the small reserve at Aviarios, but they were well worth it, being the most interesting
of the wrens that we saw in Costa Rica.
RUFOUS-NAPED WREN - Campylorhynhus rufinucha (148,5) - quite common along the
Pacific coast, though not seen at Bahia Drake. Present at Punta Leona, Tarcoles,
Chomes and Palo Verde. An attractive and noticeable species.
PLAIN (CANE-BREAK) WREN - Thryophorus modestus (65,2) - fairly common around
the Caribbean boundary of Laguna Lodge.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN - Thryophorus rufalbus (195,2) - Palo Verde, in woods
around bunk houses and at Arco Iris.
BAY WREN - Thryophorus nigricapillus (297,2) - this species has a song that
reminded us of the Laurel and Hardy theme tune. We first heard it at the Gandoca-Manzanillo
NP but were unable to get a view of it and Stiles and Skutch don't mention Laurel
and Hardy, but on our final morning we first heard and the saw this species
in the grounds of Aviarios.
HOUSE WREN - Troglodytes aedon (226,2) - around the main Arenal Lodge reception
entrance. Probably seen on all three days that we were at the lodge, but only
positively identified on the last morning. Also seen on the Santa Elena Cemetery
walk.
OCHRACEOUS WREN - Troglodytes ochraceus (245,1,G) - Monteverde Cloud Forest
NP.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN - Henicorhina leucosticta (215,1) - in the wooded stream
valley near the Arenal Lodge trail.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN - Henicorhina leucophrys (242,1) - Monteverde Cloud
Forest NP. Locally nicknamed the "R2D2 bird" because of its distinctive song.
WHITE-THROATED ROBIN - Turdus assimilis (239,2) - in the grounds of Arco Iris
Lodge and at Stella's Bakery, Monteverde.
CLAY-COLOURED ROBIN - Turdus grayii (1,15+) - Probably seen every day. Very
common and widespread. The first one we saw was on the steps of Orosi Lodge
when we opened the front door on the first morning.
MOUNTAIN ROBIN - Turdus plebejus (264,2) - in the grounds of Albergue de Montana
Tapanti.
SOOTY ROBIN - Turdus nigrescens (32,2) - Tapanti NP (Sendero Oropendula) and
just south of Villa Mills, Cerro de Muerte.
BLACK-FACED SOLITAIRE - Myadestes melanops (241,1) - seemingly quite numerous
in Monteverde Cloud forest NP, where seen in at least 6 different locations.
One of our target birds.
RUDDY-CAPPED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH - Catharus frantzii (266,2) - seemingly regular
in the grounds of Albergue de Montana Tapanti.
BLACK-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH - Catharus gracilirostris (274,1) - Sendero
de Descanso, Georgina's, Cerro de Muerte.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER - Polioptila plumbea (124,1) - one in the wooded area just
south of the soccer pitch, Bahia Drake.
LONG-TAILED SILKY-FLYCATCHER - Ptilogonys caudatus (265,1) - quite easily seen
in the grounds of Albergue de Montana Tapanti, Sendero de Descanso, Georgina's,
Cerro de Muerte and at Finca Eddie Serrano.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO - Vireo flavifrons (120,3) - as per Tropical Gnatcatcher.
Also at Monteverde hummingbird Gallery and probably on the Santa Elena Cemetery
walk (this last bird was not showing well). To our considerable surprise, this
was the only Vireo species positively identified.
BANANAQUIT - Coereba flaveola (16,12+) - very common in many areas, for example
Orosi, Tortuguero NP, Corcovado NP La Fortuna and Aviarios. Visits hummingbird
feeders as at Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER - Miniotilta varia (121,1) - one or perhaps two in the
wooded area just south of the soccer pitch, Bahia Drake. This area was quite
productive and produced several species that we didn't see elsewhere. From memory
the path came down to the beach, possibly by a small stream.
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER - Protonotaria citrea (158,3) - we were quite pleased to
record this gorgeous species in several different localities, including Carara
NP, Palo Verde and Gandoca-Manzanillo NP.
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER - Vermivora chrysoptera (218,2) - in the wooded stream
valley near the Arenal Lodge trail and by the iron bridge 2 km west of Pacayas
on the old road to the Caribbean coast from Cartago.
NASHVILLE WARBLER - Vermivora ruficapilla (199,1) - at roadside on north side
of Lago de Arenal, about 2 km east of La Mansion, just past river crossing.
We'd stopped to watch an American Swallow-tailed Kite when we found this bird.
Stiles and Skutch gives this as a major rarity but correspondence with regular
Costa Rica birdwatcher suggests that the species has been seen quite frequently
in recent years.
FLAME-THROATED WARBLER - Parula gutturalis (267,1) - in the grounds of Albergue
de Montana Tapanti. Apparently fairly common but a good reason to stay at this
hotel.
YELLOW WARBLER - Dendroica petechia (72,3) - fairly common. Seen at Laguna Lodge,
Tortuguero village (several around the open area near the village "centre"),
Delfin Amor and possibly other locations.
YELLOW-RUMPED (MYRTLE) WARBLER - Dendroica coronata (45,3) - very common at
Laguna Lodge, where probably the most numerous passerine.
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER Dendroica virens (31,2) - a probable female at
Tapanti NP and a definite pair at Albergue de Montana Tapanti.
HERMIT WARBLER - Dendroica occidentalis (255,1) - a single bird well observed
in conifers near the entrance to the Monteverde cheese factory.
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH - Seiurus noveboracencis (126,3) - a quite common bird
in wet areas. Seen along the Rio Clara, Bahia Drake, Carara NP, and Aviarios.
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH - Seiurus motacilla (221,1) - one along the Rio Burio,
La Fortuna.
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT - Geothlypis semiflava (203,2) - Arenal Lodge and
canoe trip, Aviarios.
GRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT - Geothlypis poliocephala (261,1) - Santa Elena Cemetery
walk.
WILSON'S WARBLER - Wilsonia pusilla (243,3) - quite common at higher altitudes,
seen in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Cerro de Muerte, including the Paramo
area and Sendero de Descanso. The first male we saw was near the iron bridge
east of Pacayas.
AMERICAN REDSTART - Setophaga ruticilla (100,1) - a male in riverside trees
at Laguna Lodge.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART - Myioborus miniatus (237,2) - a roosting bird found
on the Twilight Walk, Santa Elena, more in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
COLLARED REDSTART - Myioborus torquatus (256,2) - several in the Elfin Forest,
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Also present Sendero de Descanso and at Eddie
Serrano's Finca.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER - Basileuterus tristriatus (248,1) - Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve,
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER - Basileuterus rufifrons (260,1) - Santa Elena Cemetery
walk.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER - Phaeothlypis fulvicauda (130,3) - Rio Clara, Bahia Drake,
Corcovado NP and stream near trail, Arenal Lodge.
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDULA - Psarocolius wagleri (28,3) - one on the Albergue
de Tapanti bird table, several around Punta Leona and another seen along the
Lago de Arenal road.
MONTEZUMA'S OROPENDULA - Psarocolius montezuma (18,6+) often quite common where
present, from Valle Central to the Caribbean lowlands. Noisy and noticeable.
Common around Orosi, present at Laguna Lodge, nest seen at Palo Verde may have
been artificially introduced. A large colony in roadside trees east of Santa
Cruz on road to Caribbean coast from Cartago via Turrialba. Often seen from
car on eastern side of Costa Rica.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE - Cacicus uropygialis (296,1) - several around the small
patch of forest with trails in the grounds of Aviarios, near the small footbridge
at the entrance to the trails.
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE - Amblycercus holosericeus (22,1) - several near the
summit of Volcan Irazu.
GIANT COWBIRD - Scaphidura oryzivora (292,1) - one of these rather odd looking
birds was foraging on the mud at the edge of the Rio Estrella, near it's mouth.
BRONZED COWBIRD - Molothrus aeneus (231,1) - only one seen between Nuevo Arenal
and Tilaran en route to Monteverde.
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE - Quiscalus mexicanus (4,20) - very common. Seen everywhere
except on Cerro de Muerte.
NICARAGUAN GRACKLE - Quiscalus nicaraguensis (46,1) - a couple noted from the
coach in the wetlands west of Cano Blanco on the way to Tortuguero.
ORCHARD ORIOLE - Icterus spurious (157,3) - a possible at Rio Tarcoles bridge
and definites at the Rio Burio bridge, La Fortuna and along the Rio Estrella,
during the canoe trip.
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE - Icterus domicensis (228,3) - Arenal Lodge (in the large
trees outside Reception) and at the Rio Estrella bridge, and Aviarios.
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE Icterus mesomelas (201,1) - seen at a couple of sites along
the Lago de Arenal road, including in the dense roadside growth at the eastern
end of the dam.
NORTHERN (BALTIMORE) ORIOLE - Icterus g. galbula (151,3) - singles at Punta
Leona, Palo Verde and Arenal Lodge.
STREAKED-BACKED ORIOLE - Icterus pustulatus (189,1) - one near the visitor centre,
Palo Verde.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD - Agelaius phoenicius (178,1) - in roadside bushes, just
past Escuela Falconiana, on the way to Palo Verde.
GOLDEN-BROWED CHLOROPHONIA - Chlorophonia callophrys (246,1) - a pair nest-building
by the canopy bridge at Monteverde were easily photographed. Several more of
this species were seen around Stella's Bakery.
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA - Euphonia hirundinacea (259,1) - a couple seen on
the edge of Santa Elena on the cemetery walk were, sadly, the only Euphonias
seen.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER - Tangara icterocephala (29,3) - several visited bird
tables at Albergue de Montana, near the Tapanti NP and at Arenal Lodge, where
they can be photographed, albeit through the windows.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER - Tangara larvata (67,2) - in the grounds of Laguna Lodge,
and along the road north of Sierpe.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER - Tangara gyrola (224,1) - a pair near the Rio Burio bridge,
La Fortuna.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER - Chlorophanes spiza (123,2) - several just south of the
soccer pitch, Bahia Drake. Also on the Arenal Lodge trail, near the stream.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER - Cyanerpes cyaneus (106,6) - quite common around the
soccer pitch, Bahia Drake and also seen in Corcovado NP. Present at Punta Leona
and frequent visitor to the Arenal Lodge bird tables.
BLUE DACNIS - Dacnis cayana (122,1) - same location as Green Honeycreeper.
BLUE-GREY TANAGER - Thraupis episcopus (7,15+) - common and widespread.
PALM TANAGER - Thraupis palmarum (207,2) - regular visitor to bird tables at
Arenal Lodge. May also have been seen elsewhere and not recorded.
PASSERINI'S TANAGER - Ramphocelus passerinii (26, 12+ - see also Cherrie's
Tanager) - common and widespread. This species, together with Cherrie's Tanager,
have recently been split having previously been called Scarlet-rumped Tanager.
CHERRIE'S TANAGER - Ramphocelus costaricensis (128, 5) - common around Delfin
Amor.
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER - Phlogothraupis sanguinolenta (210,1) - Arenal Lodge
trail, near the stream.
SUMMER TANAGER - Piranga rubra (81,2) - Tortuguero NP and on bird tables at
Aviarios.
HEPATIC TANAGER - Piranga flava (66,2) - Laguna Lodge grounds and at iron bridge
east of Pacayas.
SCARLET TANAGER - Piranga olivacea (208,1) - Arenal Lodge bird tables.
WESTERN TANAGER - Piranga ludoviciana (135,1) - Corcovado NP.
FLAME-COLORED TANAGER - Piranga bidentata (9,2) - in Orosi Village and in the
grounds of Albergue de Montana Tapanti.
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER - Habia fuscicauda (68,1) - in the grounds of Laguna
Lodge.
WHITE-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER - Lanio leucothorax (136,2) - Corcovado NP and
around the small ornamental pool, Arenal Lodge.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER - Tachyphonus luctuosus (159,1) - Carara NP on La Vigilancia
trail.
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER - Tachyphonus delattrii (284,2) - Rio Estrella bridge
and Gandoca-Manzanillo NP.
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER - Chlorospingus opthalmicus (211,2) - Arenal Lodge trail,
near the stream and in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
SOOTY-CAPPED BUSH TANAGER - Chlorospingus pileatus (23,2 ) - seen in several
places near summit of Volcan Irazu and at Eddie Serrano's Finca.
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR - Saltator atriceps (217,1) - Arenal Lodge trail, near
the stream.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR - Saltator maximus (27,4) - visiting the bird table at
Albergue de Montana, at Rio Burio bridge, La Fortuna, Arenal Lodge trail, near
the stream and a probable at Aviarios.
GRAYISH SALTATOR - Saltator coerulescens (204,3) - Rio Burio bridge, La Fortuna
and Arenal Lodge bird tables.
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK - Caryothraustes poliogaster (222,1) - Rio Burio bridge,
La Fortuna.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK - Pheucticus ludovicianus (295,1) - Aviarios, in small
stream at edge of forest trail.
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT - Tiaris olivacea (230,2) - along road on north side
of Lago de Arenal and at iron bridge east of Pacayas.
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER - Sporophila torqueola (202,1) - on road on north side
of Lago de Arenal.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER - Sporophila aurita (64,4+) - very common at Laguna Lodge,
Tortuguero and seen at Carara NP. Almost certainly under recorded.
PINK-BILLED SEED-FINCH - Oryzoborus nuttingi (41,1) - on fence near Carmen 1
"village" in the banana plantations on way to Tortuguero.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT - Volatinia jacarina (42,10+) - very common in many areas
where agriculture present.
SLATY FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa plumbea (277,1) - several around Eddie Serrano's
Finca.
LARGE-FOOTED FINCH - Pezopetes capitalis (275,1) - a pair, Sendero de Descanso,
Cerro de Muerte.
YELLOW-THIGHED FINCH - Pselliophorus tibialis (279,1) - several in the grounds
of Eddie Serrano's Finca.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW - Arremon aurantiirostris (139,1) - on path past the front
of Delfin Amor, on the edge of Delfin Amor grounds.
VOLCANO JUNCO - Junco vulcani (276,1) - around the summit area of Cerro de Muerte.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (6,8+) - very common at altitude, often in gardens.
HOUSE SPARROW - Passer domesticus (40,4) - one seen at Siquerres, common around
La Fortuna.
Other wildlife seen
Costa Rica is rich in wildlife. Wild mammals are seen much more frequently than
in, say, the UK, and various reptiles are common in many places. There are lots
of gorgeous butterflies, and identification books are available, and other fascinating
invertebrates. Highlights included:
Mammals
Long-nosed Bat
Greater Fruit-eating Bat
Agouti
Coati
Red-tailed Squirrel
Variegated Squirrel
Red-backed Squirrel
Eastern Cotton-tail Rabbit
Crab-eating Racoon
Tayra
River Otter
White-tailed Deer
Two-toed Sloth
Three-toed Sloth
Olingo
Spider Monkey
Black Howler Monkey
White-faced Capuchin
Short-finned Pilot Whale (c1000)
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (c50)
Common Dolphin (c500)
Bottle-nosed Dolphin (c500)
Spinner Dolphin (c700+)
Reptiles
American Crocodile
Spectacled Caiman
Olive Ridley Turtle
Common Slider Turtle
Black River Turtle
Snape's Turtle
Eyelash Viper
Green Vine Snake
Brown Vine Snake
Ctenosaur
Emerald Basilisk
Green Iguana
Whip-tailed lizard
Anole spp
Yellow-headed Gecko
Amphibia
Bullfrog
Green Treefrog
Red-eyed Treefrog
Talamancan Dart Frog
Others
Golden Orb Weaver Spider
Crab Spider
Wolf Spider
Orange-kneed Tarantula
Leaf-cutter Ant
Fireflies
Click Beetle
Stick Insect sp.
Blue Morpho Butterfly
Purple Morpho Butterfly
Calligo (Owl) Butterfly
Sailfish
Blue Marlin
Pacific Barracuda
Yellowfin Tuna
Flying Fish sp
Bibliography :
A
Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica - F Gary Styles & Alexander F Skutch
A
Travel & Site guide to the Birds of Costa Rica - Aaron D Sekerak
Chris Cameron - e-mail 106760.2643@compuserve.com - November 2003
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