Costa Rica, 19th February, 1990 to 8th March, 1990

 Costa Rica   19th February to the 8th March 1990

John, Doreen and David Cooper

David, Doreen and myself, joined a small group of observers with the trip being organised by Steve Whitehouse. Although we had visited North America on several occasions previously, this was our first trip to Central America and therefore many new birds were seen by ourselves. In total, we saw 435 different species of birds which included 36 species of Hummingbirds, 4 species of Motmots and 7 species of Trogons plus the Resplendent Quetzal.

In 1990, before digital cameras, I was using a fairly basic Nikon camera with a standard 300mm lens and colour transparency films with generally slow film speeds and in the rain forests, photography became almost impossible and the general results were very poor. Since our visit, Costa Rica has become far more popular on the birder's itinerary and many more sites have become known but even so Costa Rica has a large bird list and even in a two week trip an impressive bird-list can be obtained.

ITINERARY

19th February : Morning at Volcan Poas with afternoon and evening at Puntarenas.

Volcan Poas difficult conditions for photography

20th February : All day at Palo Verde.

Coati in the dry forest at Palo Verde.

Iguana at Palo Verde

Ctenosaurat Palo Verde.

21st February : Morning at Santa Rosa with afternoon at La Pacifica.

Santa Rosa.

Wings of Fancy butterfly.

22nd February : Morning at Santa Rosa with afternoon drive up to Monteverde and evening in the grounds of Pension Quetzel.

Taken on the drive to Monteverde.

Monteverde Cloud Forest.

23rd February : All day at Monteverde.

Inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

24th February : All say at Monteverde.

Some of the Flowers in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

 

Butterfly in the Cloud Forest.

25th February : Morning at Monteverde with afternoon at Chomes Fish Ponds.

26th February : All day at Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail with lunch at nearby river.

Braullio Carillo Ridge.

Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail.

 River at Braullio Carillo.

27th February : Morning at Virgen de la Sorocco with afternoon at Selva Verde Lodge and evening atLa Selva.

28th February : All day at La Selva.

John and Doreen at the start for a walk in the rain forest at La Selva Nature Reserve.

David at La Selva Nature Reserve.

Above three views taken inside the La Selva rain forest. reserve.

1st March : All day at La Selva.

Very large snake in the rain forest at La Selva.

Large Yellow-fronted Owl Butterfly in the rain forest at La Selva.

2nd March : Most of day at La Selva with late afternoon drive to San Jose.

3rd March : All day at Braullio Carillo visiting the Ridge Trail, the Waterfall Trail and the Water-buckets trail.

Waterfall Trail at Braullio Carillo.

4th March : All day at Carara.

Boat-billed Heron breeding site at Carara.

Carara Pool. at Carara

5th March : All day at Carara.

6th March : Morning at Manuel Antonio with afternoon drive to La Cruces with evening spent in the botanical gardens there.

Above 3 coastal views in the La Cruces coastal areas.

Views taken at the Manuel Antonio Coastal Park.

La Cruces Botanical Gardens.

7th March : All day at La Cruces Botanical Gardens.

Tiger Butterfly.

La Cruces Botanical Gardens.

8th March : Our final day. Early morning at San Vito Pools with the rest of the morning spent at La Cruces with the late afternoon and evening spent at La Georgina.

Systematic List

Great Tinamou - Tinamus major fuscipennis C

Seen along various trails at La Selva with 3 seen on the 28th and 2 on the 1st.

Great Tinamou appears to be on its nest in the rain-forest at La Selva.

Slaty-breasted Tinamou - Crypturellus boucardi costaricensis C

A family party of 4 were seen along the CCA trail at La Selva on the 28th. In del Hoyo et al.(1992) it details the complex taxonomic treatment of this and closely related forms including the fact that it has sometimes included Red-legged Tinamou C. erythropus seen in Venezuela. However, Clements (2000) follows the same treatment as del Hoyo et al. (1992) in treating it separately.

Least Grebe - Tachybaptus dominicus brachypterus C

We saw 2 on roadside pools just north of the Monteverde turn-off on the 22nd and c.20 at Carara on both the 4th and 5th.

Looking down on some of the Least Grebes at Carara.

Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis C

Around 50 were seen at Puntarenas on the 19th and up to 25 were seen along the coast at both Carara and Manual Antonio on three dates.

Brown Pelican off Manual Antonio.

Brown Booby - Sula leucogaster etesiaca C

At least 15 were seen flying around the offshore rocks at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Neotropic Cormorant - Phalacrocorax brasilianus brasilianus C

Around 20 were seen at Puntarenas on the 19th, 3 at Santa Rosa on the 22nd and 1 at Chomes on the 25th.

Anhinga - Anhinga anhinga leucogaster C

A single individual was seen at Palo Verde on the 20th and up to 3 were seen at Carara on the 4th and 5th.

Looking down on an Anhinga at Carara.

Magnificent Frigatebird - Fregata magnificens C

An estimated 500 were seen at Puntarenas on the 19th with small numbers seen daily at Chomes and Carara and up to 40 at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Part of the 400 Magnificent Frigatebirds seen at Puntarenas.

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias herodias C

Seen on eight dates but never more than 2 on a day.

Great Egret - Ardea alba egretta C

Seen on six dates in suitable areas with a daily maximum of 50 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Tricolored Heron - Egretta tricolor ruficollis C

At Puntarenas 4 were seen on the 19th with singles at Palo Verde on the 20th, Chomes on the 25th and Carara on the 4th.

Little Blue Heron - Egretta caerulea C

Small numbers were seen on eight dates with a daily maximum of 15 seen at Puntarenas on the 19th.

Snowy Egret - Egretta thula brewsteri C

At Chomes 2 were seen on the 25th and at Carara 2 were seen along the river on both the 4th and 5th.

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis ibis C

Seen almost daily with a daily maximum of 500 seen at La Pacifica.

Green Heron - Butorides virescens C

Seen on eight dates in suitable areas with a daily maximum of 5 seen at Carara on the 5th.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - Nyctanassa violacea C

Around 10 were seen in the mangroves at the mouth of the river at Carara on the 5th and 1 was seen at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Boat-billed Heron - Cochlearius cochlearius panamensis C

We saw 6 roosting along the river at La Pacifica on the 21st and at Carara up to 15 were seen along the edge of the pond with several nests being found containing either eggs or immatures being visited on both the 4th and 5th.

Boat-billed Herons at Carara.

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron - Tigrisoma mexicanum C

At Carara 3 were seen on the pool on both the 4th and 5th.

A distant Bare-throated Tiger-Heron at Carara.

Fasciated Tiger-Heron - Tigrisoma fasciatum salmoni C

A single individual was seen feeding along a fast-flowing river on the opposite side of the road to a café several miles east of the Ridge Trail at Braullio Carillo on the 26th.

 Fasciated Tiger-Heron on the river at Braullio Carillo.

 Least Bittern - Ixobrychus exilis exilis C

A single individual was seen at Carara on the 5th.

Wood Stork - Mycteria americana C

We saw 4 at Puntarenas on the 19th, 200 at Palo Verde on the 20th and 1 at Carara on the 5th.

Four Wood Storks at Puntarenas.

White Ibis - Eudocimus albus C

Around 20 were seen at Puntarenas on the 19th and 10 were seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus C

We saw 10 at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Roseate Spoonbill - Ajaia ajaja C

A single individual was seen at Puntarenas on the 19th, 3 were seen at Palo Verde on the 20th, 1 at Chomes on the 25th and up to 2 on the river at Carara on the 4th and 5th.

Fulvous Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna bicolor C

At least 10 were seen on the pool at Palo Verde on the 20th and 1 was seen on a roadside pool near the entrance to Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna autumnalis C

At least 1,000 were seen at Palo Verde on the 20th, 100 were seen near La Pacifica on the 22nd, 15 were seen on a roadside pool on the 22nd and up to 100 were seen on the river at Carara on the 4th and 5th.

Muscovy Duck - Cairina moschata C

We saw 5 at Palo Verde on the 20th, 4 at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 4 at Carara on the 4th.

Blue-winged Teal - Anas discors C

We saw 2 at Palo Verde on the 20th and 8 at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Ring-necked Duck - Aythya collaris C

A single female was seen at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Masked Duck - Nomonyx dominica C

Up to 5 including 2 drakes were seen at the San Vito Pools on the 6th and 8th.

Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus brasiliensis C

This species proved very common everywhere apart from at Monteverde with a daily maximum of 200 seen on the 25th.

Black Vulture at Manual Antonio.

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura C

Very common apart from at Monteverde with a daily maximum of 300 seen on the 2nd.

King Vulture - Sarcoramphus papa C

We only saw adults seeing 2 at Palo Verde on the 20th, 1 at La Selva on the 28th and 1st, 2 at Manual Antonio on the 6th and 1 at La Cruces on the 8th. Superb.

A distant King Vulture over Manual Antonio.

Osprey - Pandion haliaetus carolinensis C

Seen in small numbers on six dates whilst in suitable areas.

Swallow-tailed Kite - Elanoides forficatus yetapa C

First seen at Monteverde with 5 seen on the 23rd, then 5 at Virgen de la Sorroco on the 27th, 3 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd and singles roadside on the 6th and at La Cruces on the 7th.

Swallow-tailed Kite migrating over Monteverde.

White-tailed Kite - Elanus leucurus majusculus C

Seen on four dates usually whilst driving with a daily maximum of 6 at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Snail Kite - Rostrhamus sociabilis sociabilis C

A single individual was seen seemingly hunting all day at Palo Verde on the 20th.

A distant Snail Kite at Palo Verde, our only sighting on the trip.

Tiny Hawk - Accipiter superciliosus fontanieri C

A single individual was seen flying across a clearing and then briefly perched below the canopy at La Cruces on the 7th.

Sharp-shinned Hawk - Accipiter striatus velox C

Singles were seen at Chomes on the 25th and at La Cruces on the 8th.

Barred (Black-chested) Hawk - Leucopternis princeps C

We saw 6 at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th and 1 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Barred (Black-chested) Hawk over Braullio Carillo.

White Hawk - Leucopternis albicollis costaricensis C

We saw 4 adults (including a perched bird) at Braullio Carillo on the 26th. Superb.

Mangrove Black Hawk - Buteogallus subtilis bangsi C

A single individual was seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Great Black Hawk - Buteogallus urubitinga ridgwayi C

A single individual was seen both perched and in flight at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Grey Hawk - Asturina nitida plagiata / costaricensis C

A single plagiata was seen perched near Santa Rosa on the 21st and a costaricensis roosted near the river at Carara on both the 4th and 5th.

Roadside Hawk - Buteo magnirostris griseocauda C

Living up to its name it was seen whilst we were driving between sites in the north-west of the country with 6 seen on the 20th and 5 the following day.

Broad-winged Hawk - Buteo platypterus platypterus C

Seen on twelve dates with a daily maximum of 3 seen on the 27th.

Short-tailed Hawk - Buteo brachyurus fuliginosus C

Singles were seen at Volcan Poas on the 19th, at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and carrying a snake at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th.

Short-tailed Hawk over Volcan Poas in poor weather conditions.

Swainson’s Hawk - Buteo swainsoni C

A single individual was seen over Carara on the 4th.

White-tailed Hawk - Buteo albicaudatus hypospodius C

A single individual was seen at Carara on the 5th.

Zone-tailed Hawk - Buteo albonotatus C

Singles were seen at Palo Verde on the 20th and at the Carara HQ on the 4th.

Zone-tailed Hawk over Palo Verde.

Black Hawk-Eagle - Spizaetus tyrannus serus C

A superb individual was seen several times at Virgen de la Sorrocco on the 27th.

Crested Caracara - Caracara plancus audubonii C

Seen on five dates often being seen whilst we were driving between sites with a daily maximum of 15 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Crested Caracara on the drive to Santa Rosa.

Yellow-headed Caracara - Milvago chimachima cordatus C

Seen around La Cruces with 4 seen on both the 6th and 7th and 1 on the 8th.

Yellow-headed Caracara being mobbed by a Fork-tailed Flycatcher at La Cruces.

Laughing Falcon - Herpetotheres cachinnans cachinnans C

Singles were seen perched along the entrance road to La Selva on the 1st, on the drive to La Cruces on the 6th and at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

American Kestrel - Falco sparverius C

We saw 6 whilst driving on the 20th and 2 on the 22nd.

Bat Falcon - Falco rufigularis petoensis C

We watched a superb adult sat on an exposed branch for an hour at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus C

Singles were seen at Palo Verde on the 20th and at Braullio Carillo on the 26th.

Grey-headed Chachalaca - Ortalis cinereiceps C

A single individual was seen near Carara on the 4th.

Crested Guan - Penelope purpurascens aequatorialis C

We saw 3 at Palo Verde as they crossed the entrance road on the 20th, 10 at Santa Rosa on the 22nd, up to 3 along the Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail on the 26th and the 3rd and 3 at La Selva on the 2nd.

Crested Guan taken against the light at Palo Verde.

Great Curassow - Crax rubra rubra C

A pair were watched as they came to drink at a small pool in a near-dry riverbed along the Santa Rosa Nature Trail on the 22nd. Absolutely superb.

Limpkin - Aramus guarauna dolosus C

We saw 5 at Palo Verde on the 20th.

American Purple Gallinule - Porphyrula martinica C

We saw 2 at Palo Verde on the 4th, up to 4 at Carara on the 4th and 5th and up to 12 at the San Vito Pools on the 6th and 8th.

Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus cachinnans C

Only seen at the San Vito Pools where 5 were noted on the 6th and 8 on the 8th.

Northern Jacana - Jacana spinosa spinosa C

Seen on six dates in suitable areas with a maximum of 40 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Northern Jacanas at Palo Verde.

Black-necked Stilt - Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus C

We saw 2 at Palo Verde on the 20th, 6 at Chomes on the 25th and 3 at Carara on the 4th and 5th.

Double-striped Thick-knee - Burhinus bistriatus bistriatus C

We saw 7 (including 5 together) on the entrance tracks to Palo Verde on the 20th.

 Double-striped Thicknees along the entrance to Palo Verde.

Grey Plover - Pluvialis squatarola C

We saw 2 at Puntarenas on the 19th and an estimated 500 at Chomes on the 25th.

Semipalmated Plover - Charadrius semipalmatus C

We saw 2 at Puntarenas on the 19th and 20 at Chomes on the 25th.

Wilson’s Plover - Charadrius wilsonia beldingi C

We saw 5 at Puntarenas on the 19th, 2 at Chomes on the 25th and 2 at Carara on the 5th.

Killdeer - Charadrius vociferus vociferus C

We saw 15 in flooded fields on the way to Palo Verde on the 20th.

Collared Plover - Charadrius collaris C

We saw a party of 4 along the shingle banks along the river which has to be crossed by ferry on the way to Las Cruces on the 6th.

Collared Plover on a shingle river near Las Cruces.

Short-billed Dowitcher - Limnodromus griseus C

We saw 3 at Puntarenas on the 19th, 150 at Chomes on the 25th and 1 near Carara on the 5th.

Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus C

Seen on five dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen at Puntarenas on the 19th.

Lesser Yellowlegs - Tringa flavipes C

We saw 3 at Puntarenas on the 19th and 2 at Chomes on the 25th.

Solitary Sandpiper - Tringa solitaria C

We saw 3 at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Spotted Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos C

Seen on five dates with a daily maximum of 5 seen at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Spotted Sandpiper in winter plumage at Manual Antonio.

Wandering Tattler - Heterosceles incanus C

A fine adult was found on the beach at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Willet - Catoptrophorus semipalmatus C

We saw 6 at Puntarenas on the 19th, 5 at Chomes on the 25th, 1 at Carara on the 5th and 3 at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Turnstone - Arenaria interpres morinella C

We saw 6 at Chomes on the 25th.

Surfbird - Aphriza virgata C

A party of 6 were seen at Chomes on the 25th being unexpected especially as seen on fish ponds.

Red Knot - Calidris canutus C

A single individual was seen at Chomes on the 25th.

Sanderling - Calidris alba C

We saw 20 at Puntarenas on the 19th and 1 at Chomes on the 25th.

Western Sandpiper - Calidris mauri C

We saw 20 at Puntarenas on the 19th and at least 300 at Chomes on the 25th.

Least Sandpiper - Calidris minutilla C

We saw 5 at Chomes on the 25th.

Laughing Gull - Larus atricilla megalopterus C

Seen on four dates with a daily maximum of 200 seen at Puntarenas on the 19th.

Winter plumage Laughing Gulls at Puntarenas.

Gull-billed Tern - Sterna nilotica C

We saw 50 at Chomes on the 25th.

Caspian Tern - Sterna caspia C

We saw 2 at Puntarenas on the 19th.

Sandwich Tern - Sterna sandvicensis acuflavidus C

We saw up to 12 at Puntarenas on the 19th and 20 at Chomes on the 25th.

Royal Tern - Sterna maxima maxima C

We saw 15 at Puntarenas on the 19th and 20 at Chomes on the 25th.

Forster’s Tern - Sterna forsteri C

We saw 2 at Chomes on the 25th.

Band-tailed Pigeon - Columba fasciata crissalis C

We saw 10 at Volcan Poas on the 19th and 3 at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Pale-vented Pigeon - Columba cayennensis pallidicrissa C

We saw 2 at La Selva on the 27th, 1st and 2nd.

Red-billed Pigeon - Columba flavirostris C

We saw 5 on the drive up to Monteverde on the 22nd, 1 at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th and 4 at Carara on the 5th.

Short-billed Pigeon - Columba nigrirostris C

We saw 1 at La Cruces on the 6th and 2 at La Selva on the 28th and 2nd.

Ruddy Pigeon - Columba subvinacea subvinacea C

A single individual was seen at Monteverde on the 24th with others heard there.

Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura turturilla C

A single individual was seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

White-winged Dove - Zenaida asiatica australis C

We saw 50 at Puntarenas on the 19th, 10 at Palo Verde on the 20th and 3 at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Common Ground-Dove - Columbina passerina neglecta C

Good numbers were seen on five dates with a daily maximum of 50 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Ruddy Ground-Dove - Columbina talpacoti rufipennis C

Often seen whilst driving being encountered on eight dates with a daily maximum of 20 seen on the 19th.

 Ruddy Ground-Dove.

Inca Dove - Columbina inca C

Seen in the north of the country on four dates with a daily maximum of 35 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Blue Ground-Dove - Claravis pretiosa C

Only seen at Carara where we saw 5 on the 4th and 2 on the 5th.

White-tipped Dove - Leptotila verreauxi verreauxi C

Seen in forest areas on seven dates with a daily maximum of 20 seen at Santa Rosa on the 22nd.

White-tipped Dove at Santa Rosa.

Grey-chested Dove - Leptotila cassini C

Up to 4 were seen on a day at La Selva and Carara on a total of five dates. Only seen in dense forest and often only seen briefly.

Chiriqui (Rufous-breasted) Quail-Dove - Geotrygon chiriquensis C

A single individual was watched creeping around behind the rubbish pit at the Pension Quetzel at Monteverde on both the 24th and 25th.

Olive-backed Quail-Dove - Geotrygon veraguensis C

We saw 2 in dense forest at La Selva on the 28th.

Scarlet Macaw - Ara macao macao C

Seen at Carara where we saw 20 on the 4th and 10 on the 5th including a pair at a nest-hole and a flock of 10 leaving the forest at dusk. Simply amazing.

Scarlet Macaws at their nest hole at Carara.

Scarlet Macaws leaving the forest at dusk to roost.

Crimson-fronted Parakeet - Aratinga finschi C

Seen on all three dates at La Cruces with a daily maximum of 12 seen on the 8th.

Olive-throated Parakeet - Aratinga nana astec C

We saw 2 along the entrance road to La Selva on the 1st.

Orange-fronted Parakeet - Aratinga canicularis canicularis C

We saw 10 at Palo Verde on the 20th and 5 at La Pacifica on the 21st.

Orange-chinned Parakeet - Brotogeris jugularis jugularis C

We saw 3 at Santa Rosa Nature Trail on the 22nd and 2 at Carara on the 4th.

Brown-hooded Parrot - Pionopsitta haematotis haematotis C

We saw 4 at La Selva on the 2nd and 12 at Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail on the 3rd.

White-crowned Parrot - Pionus senilis C

Seen at Braullio Carillo, La Selva and La Cruces on a total of seven dates with a daily maximum of 30 seen at La Cruces.

White-fronted Parrot - Amazona albifrons nana C

Only seen at Palo Verde and Santa Rosa with a daily maximum of 10 seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Red-lored Parrot - Amazona autumnalis salvini C

We saw 2 in the clearing at La Selva on the 1st and 2nd and up to 3 at Carara on the 4th and 5th.

Yellow-naped Parrot - Amazona auropalliata C

We saw 4 on the drive to Palo Verde on the 20th, 2 at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 1 near Chomes on the 25th.

Yellow-naped Parrot near Palo Verde.

Mealy Parrot - Amazona farinosa virenticeps C

Seen in good numbers on all four dates at La Selva with a daily maximum of 80 seen on the 28th.

Black-billed Cuckoo - Coccyzus erythropthalmus C

A single individual seen in the Flor Mar garden at Monteverde was apparently a new species for Monteverde.

Squirrel Cuckoo - Piaya cayana thermophila C

We saw small numbers on eight dates with a daily maximum of 4 seen at Carara on the 4th. Superb.

 

Squirrel Cuckoo at La Cruces.

Smooth-billed Ani - Crotophaga ani C

Only seen on three dates in the La Cruces and San Vito Pools area with a daily maximum of 5 seen on the 8th.

Groove-billed Ani - Crotophaga sulcirostris C

Seen on six dates with a daily maximum of 50 seen on the drive out to Palo Verde on the 20th.

Grove-billed Ani on the drive to Palo Verde.

Barn Owl - Tyto alba guatemalae C

A single individual was seen hunting over fields near Canas on the 20th.

Mottled Owl - Ciccaba virgata centralis C

A single individual was located around an hour after dark in the roadside trees between the Pension Quetzel and the nearby Café at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Black-and-white Owl - Ciccaba nigrolineata C

A superb individual was seen hunting around street lights in Puerto Viejo near La Selva on the 27th. Stunning.

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl - Glaucidium brasilianum ridgwayi C

A pair were found roosting near the biological station at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl at Palo Verde.

Lesser Nighthawk - Chordeiles acutipennis C

We saw up to 50 feeding at dusk over the river at Carara on both the 4th and 5th. Other unidentified Nighthawks were seen at Santa Rosa.

Pauraque - Nyctidromus albicollis intercedensC

A single individual was seen on the road to Carara on the 3rd with others heard elsewhere.

Black Swift - Cypseloides niger C

A flock of 40 passed over Braullio Carrillo on the 26th.

Chestnut-collared Swift - Strptoprocne rutila brunnitorques C

We saw 2 flying around the La Selva HQ early on the 28th.

White-collared Swift - Streptoprocne zonaris bouchellii C

A flock of 80 flew low over us at Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail on the 3rd and a party of 6 were seen on the drive to La Cruces on the 6th. Other large Swifts always seen at long range were almost certainly this species.

Band-rumped Swift - Chaetura spinicauda fumosa C

Up to 20 were seen on both days at Carara.

Grey-rumped Swift - Chaetura cinereiventris phaeopygos C

Up to 20 were seen daily around the La Selva HQ.

Vaux’s Swift - Chaetura vauxi richmondi C

Up to 20 were seen on eight dates at widespread locations.

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift - Panyptila cayennensis cayennensis C

This delightful Swift was watched feeding low over the river at Carara with 2 seen on the 4th and 6 there on the 5th. Superb.

Bronzy Hermit - Glaucis aenea C

A nest was found along the SAT trail at La Selva with 2 attendant adults seen there on the 1st and a single individual was seen near the bridge on the 2nd.

Bronze Hermit at its nest at La Selva.

Band-tailed Barbthroat - Threnetes ruckeri ventosus C

We saw 3 along the SOC trail at La Selva on the 28th and 1 there on the 2nd.

Band-tailed Barbthroat at La Selva.

Green Hermit - Phaethornis guy coruscus C

We saw 5 and found a nest along the high altitude La Ventana Trail at Monteverde on the 23rd and singles at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th and at La Cruces on the 8th.

Western Long-tailed Hermit - Phaethornis longirostris cephalus C

We saw 3 at La Selva on the 28th and 1 there on the 1st.

Stripe-throated Hermit - Phaethornis striigularis saturatus C

We saw 3 feeding at flowers by the bridge at La Selva on the 2nd.

Green-fronted Lancebill - Doryfera ludovicae veraguensis C

Excellent views were obtained of a single individual that repeatedly visited a waterfall at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd. Superb.

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird - Phaeovhroa cuvierii maculicauda C

A single individual was seen at Carara on the 5th.

Violet Sabrewing - Campylopterus hemileucurus mellitus C

Seen daily in fair numbers at Monteverde with a daily maximum of 8 seen on the 24th. Most easily seen at the feeders in the various gardens near the reserve.

Violet Sabrewing at Monteverde.

White-necked Jacobin - Florisuga mellivora mellivora C

Single males were seen along the Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail on the 26th and the 3rd.

Brown Violet-ear - Colibri delphinae C

An adult was seen at the waterfall at Braullio Carrillo on the 3rd.

Green Violet-ear - Colibri thalassinus cabanidis C

We watched around 5 attending the feeders at Monteverde on the 24th and 2 were seen at La Cruces on the 8th.

Green Violet-ear at Monteverde.

Green-breasted Mango - Anthracothorax prevostii gracilirostris C

A single individual was seen at the bridge at Carara on the 4th and 2 were seen there the following day.

Violet-headed Hummingbird - Klais guimeti merritti C

A single individual was watched displaying at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th and another was seen at La Selva on the 28th.

Black-crested Coquette - Lophornis helenae C

We obtained superb views of a stunning male at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th.

Male Black-crested Coquette at Virgen de la Sorocco.

Canivet’s (Fork-tailed) Emerald - Chlorostilbon canivetii salvini C

We saw 1 at Palo Verde on the 20th, up to 6 at Santa Rosa on the two days spent there and 1 at Monteverde on both the 23rd and 24th.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird - Panterpe insignis C

At least 20 were seen at Volcan Poas on the 19th and 3 were seen at La Georgina on the 8th.

White-tailed Emerald - Elvira chionura C

We watched 2 feeding in the gardens at La Cruces on the 7th.

Coppery-headed Emerald - Elvira cupreiceps C

This endemic was seen at Monteverde where a single individual was seen on the 23rd, 24th and 25th and another was seen at a café above Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th.

Stripe-tailed Hummingbird - Eupherusa eximia egregia C

Small numbers were seen daily at Monteverde with a daily maximum of 10 seen on the 24th.

Violet-crowned Woodnymph - Thalurania colombica C

A single male was seen along the river at the crossing of the SOC trail at La Selva on the 28th.

Blue-throated Goldentail - Hylocharis eliciae eliciae C

We watched 3 feeding in a blossum tree at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird - Amazilia tzacatl tzacatl C

This proved to be the commonest Hummingbird encountered being seen on nine dates at widespread locations with a daily maximum of up to 6 seen at La Selva.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird at La Selva.

Cinnamon Hummingbird - Amazilia rutila corrallirostris C

We saw 2 at the small park in Alajuela on the 19th and 1 at Santa Rosa on the 22nd.

Mangrove Hummingbird - Polyerata boucardi C

A single male of this endemic species was seen presumably catching insects whilst hovering over a Palm tree before flying over adjacent mangroves at Puntarenas on the 19th.

Steely-vented Hummingbird - Saucerottia saucerrottei hoffmanni C

We saw 1 at Palo Verde on the 20th and 4 at Santa Rosa and La Pacifica on the 21st.

Bronze-tailed (Red-footed) Plumeleteer - Chalybura urochrysia melanorrhoa C

On forest trails at La Selva we saw 2 on the 28th and 6 there on the 1st.

Red-footed Plumeleteer in the rain forest at La Selva.

White-bellied Mountain-gem - Lampornis hemileucus C

A single individual was seen briefly along the La Ventana trail at Monteverde on the 23rd and another was seen to bathe and then showed well at the waterfall at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Purple-throated Mountain-gem - Lampornis calolaema C

The common Hummingbird at Monteverde feeders where up to 25 were seen daily.

Male Purple-throated Mountain-gem at Monteverde.

Female Purple-throated Mountain-gem at Monteverde.

Green-crowned Brilliant - Heliodoxa jacula henryi C

We saw up to 12 regularly attending the feeders at Monteverde on three dates there and singles were seen at Braullio Carillo on both visits.

Green-crowned Brilliant at Monteverde.

Magnificent Hummingbird - Eugenes fulgens spectabilis C

A single individual was seen at Volcan Poas on the 19th and 2 were seen at La Georgina on the 8th.

Purple-crowned Fairy - Heliothryx barroti C

A single male of this elegant species was seen along the ridge trail at Braullio Carillo on the 26th. Superb.

Plain-capped Starthroat - Heliomaster constantii constantii C

A fine male was seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st. Superb.

Long-billed Starthroat - Heliomaster longirostris longirostris C

A single individual was seen at Carara on the 5th and 2 were seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Magenta-throated Woodstar - Calliplox bryantae C

We saw 2 at the feeders at Monteverde on the 23rd and 3 there on the 24th.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Archilochus colubris C

We saw 2 at Palo Verde on the 20th and up to 4 at Santa Rosa on the two dates there.

Volcano Hummingbird - Selasphorus flammula simoni / torridus C

We saw ‘Cerise-throated Hummingbird’ S. f. simoni at Volcan Poas where at least 10 were seen on the 19th and ‘Heliotrope-throated Hummingbird’ S. f. torridua at La Georgina on the 8th.

Black-headed Trogon - Trogon melanocephalus C

Only seen in the dry forests at Palo Verde, Santa Rosa and La Pacifica with 6 seen on the 20th and 8 on the 21st.

Black-headed Trogon in the dry forest at Palo Verde.

Baird’s Trogon - Trogon bairdii C

A fine male was watched for around five minutes perched motionless in the canopy along the Carara Loop Trail on the 4th. Superb.

Violaceous Trogon - Trogon violaceus concinnus C

This species proved widespread with 2 seen at La Pacifica on the 21st, 2 at Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th, 2 at La Selva on the 2nd with 3 there on the 4th and finally 2 at Carara on the 5th.

Violaceous Trogons at La Selva.

Orange-bellied Trogon - Trogon aurantiiventris C

A superb male was seen along the Sendero Nebuso Trail at Monteverde on the 25th. Our reward for getting continually soaked on this day.

Black-throated Trogon - Trogon rufus tenellus C

A male was seen along the SOR trail at La Selva and a female along the CEN trail on the 2nd and a pair were seen around the Carara Loop Trail on the 5th.

Male Black-throated Trogan along  the Carara Loop Trail.

Slaty-tailed Trogon - Trogon massena hoffmanni C

At La Selva we saw 5 on the 28th and singles on the 1st and 2nd and at Carara we saw 2 on the 4th.

Male Slaty-tailed Trogon at La Selva.

Lattice-tailed Trogon - Trogon clathratus C

Only seen along the Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail where 2 were seen on the 26th and 6 on the 3rd.

Male Lattice-tailed Trogon along the Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail.

Resplendent Quetzal - Pharomachrus mocinno costaricensis C

Only seen along the Sendero Nuboso Trail at Monteverde where we saw a party of 5 (including 3 full-plumaged males) on the 23rd and a pair seen on both the 24th and 25th. Superb.

Two poor record shots in difficult light of Resplendent Quetzels 

along the Sendero Nuboso Trail at Monteverde.

 Belted Kingfisher - Ceryle alcyon C

A single individual was seen at Chomes on the 25th and another was seen at Manuel Antonio on the 6th.

Ringed Kingfisher - Ceryle torquata torquata C

We saw up to 3 at La Selva on the two dates there and up to 3 at Carara on the two dates there and 1 at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Amazon Kingfisher - Chloroceryle amazona mexicana C

Singles were seen along the river at the Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th and at Carara on the 4th.

Amazon Kingfisher taken against the light at Carara.

Green Kingfisher - Chloroceryle americana isthmica C

We saw 2 at La Pacifica on the 21st, 2 on the river near the café below Braullio Carillo on the 26th, 1 at Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th and up to 5 at Carara on both the 4th and 5th.

Green Kingfisher at La Pacifica.

American Pygmy Kingfisher - Chloroceryle aenea C

A superb immature was seen at close range as it repeatedly returned to the same perch whilst fishing at Carara on the 4th.

South American Pygmy Kingfisher at Carara.

South American Pygmy Kingfisher at Carara.

Blue-crowned Motmot - Momotus momota lessonii C

Seen in the gardens of both the Pension Quetzal and the Flor Mar at Monteverde with 1 seen on the 22nd and 3 on the 24th. Superb.

Blue-crowned Motmot taken from out of our toilet window at Monteverde.

Rufous Motmot - Baryphthengus martii C

A pair were seen along the SOR trail and a single individual was seen along the CCC trail at La Selva on the 28th. Superb.

Broad-billed Motmot - Electron platyrhynchum minor C

A pair were watched on the edge of the clearing at La Selva on the 1st. Superb.

Broad-billed Motmot at La Selva.

Turquoise-browed Motmot - Eumomota superciliosa australis C

A single individual was seen in the forest behind the Research Station at Palo Verde on the 20th and a pair were watched for some time at close range at La Pacifica on the 21st. A contender for best bird of the trip being absolutely spectacular.

Turquoise-browed Motmot at Palo Verde.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar - Galbula ruficauda melanogenia C

A party of 3 were seen around the rubbish pits on all four dates spent at La Selva, 3 were seen at Carara on the 4th and 1 was seen there the following day. Superb.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar at La Selva.

White-necked Puffbird - Notharchus macrorhynchos hyperrynchus C
A superb individual was seen in the dry forest at Palo Verde on the 20th.

White-necked Puffbird at Palo Verde.

White-whiskered Puffbird - Malacoptila panamensis C

At Carara we saw 2 on the 4th and 3 on the 5th.

White-whiskered Puffbird again taken against the light in the forest at Carara.

White-fronted Nunbird - Monasa morphoeus grandior C

Only seen in the clearing at La Selva where a pair were seen on both the 1st and 2nd.

White-fronted Nunbird in the clearing at La Selva.

Red-headed Barbet - Eubucco bourcierii salvini JFC

JFC saw a single individual along the water-buckets trail at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Emerald Toucanet - Aulacorhynchus prasinus maxillaris C

Up to 5 were seen daily around the gardens at Monteverde and a single individual was seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Poor record shot of a Emerald Toucanet at Monteverde.

Collared Aracari - Pteroglossus torquatus torquatus C

Only seen at La Selva where we saw 20 on the 28th, 8 on the 1st and 10 on the 2nd.

Collared Acaracis at La Selva.

Fiery-billed Aracari - Pteroglossus frantzii C

We were fortunate to see a single individual fly over the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Yellow-eared Toucanet - Selenidera spectabilis C

DC saw a single individual perched in the canopy along the Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail on the 26th.

Keel-billed Toucan - Ramphastos sulfuratus brevicarinatus C

A slow-moving flock of 12 were watched along the Santa Rosa Nature Trail on the 22nd and up to 6 were seen daily at La Selva.

Keel-billed Toucan along the Santa Rosa Nature Trail.

Keel-billed Toucan at La Selva.

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan - Ramphastos swainsonii C
We saw 4 at La Selva on the 28th and a single individual which allowed excellent views along the loop trail near the Carara HQ on the 4th.

Olivaceous Piculet - Picumnus olivaceus flavotinctus C
A single individual was seen at Carara on the 4th.

Acorn Woodpecker - Melanerpes formicivorus striatipectus C
We saw 2 at La Georgina on the 8th.

Black-cheeked Woodpecker - Melanerpes pucherani C
Only seen at La Selva where we saw 2 on both the 27th and 4th.

Red-crowned Woodpecker - Melanerpes rubricapillus rubricapillus C
Seen at La Cruces where we saw 2 on the 7th and 1 on the 8th.

Hoffmann’s Woodpecker - Melanerpes hoffmannii C
Seen on eight dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Hoffmann's Woodpecker at Manual Antonio.

Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus sanctorum C

We saw a single individual at Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Rufous-winged Woodpecker - Piculus simplex C

We saw a single individual on the Carara loop trail on the 5th.

Golden-olive Woodpecker - Piculus rubiginosus yucatanensis C

We saw 1 at Brauliio Carillo on the 26th and 3 there on the 3rd.

Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker - Celeus castaneus C

A single individual was seen near the La Selva bridge on the 2nd. Superb.

Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker taken from the bridge at La Selva.

Lineated Woodpecker - Dryocopus lineatus C

A single individual was seen along the Carara Loop trail on the 4th.

Pale-billed Woodpecker - Campephilus guatemalensis guatemalensis C

We saw a pair at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 22nd, 2 at Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th, 1 at La Selva on the 1st, 1 at Carara on the 5th and 1 at La Cruces on the 7th. Superb.

Pale-breasted Spinetail - Synallaxis albescens latitabunda C

We obtained good views of a pair at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Spotted Barbtail - Premnoplex brunnescens brunneicauda C

We saw 3 along the Sendero Nebuso trail at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Ruddy Treerunner - Margarornis rubiginosus rubiginosus C

A single individual was seen continually tending its nest at Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Plain Xenops - Xenops minutus ridgwayi C

Pairs were seen at Monteverde on the 23rd and at Carara on both the 4th and 5th.

Streaked Xenops - Xenops rutilans septentrionalis C

A single individual was seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner - Automolus ochrolaemus exsertus C

A single individual was seen along the Carara loop trail on the 5th.

Ruddy Foliage-gleaner - Automolus rubiginosus C

A group of 3 crossed the river at La Cruces and noisily moved up the opposite bank always remaining difficult to see close to the ground on the 7th.

Tawny-winged Woodcreeper - Dendrocincla anabatina anabatina C

A single individual was seen at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Ruddy Woodcreeper - Dendrocincla homochroa acedesta C

We saw a single individual along the Sendero Nebuso trail at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Olivaceous Woodcreeper - Sittasomus griseicapillus sylvioides C

We saw a single individual at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper - Glyphorynchus spirurus sublestus C

Seen daily at Braullio Carillo, La Selva and Carara with a daily maximum of 3 seen on the 1st.

Northern Barred-Woodcreeper - Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae nigrirostris C

Singles were seen at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and at La Selva on the 28th.

Cocoa Woodcreeper - Xiphorhynchus susurrans C

Singles were seen at Carara on both the 4th and 5th.

Black-striped Woodcreeper - Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus lachrymosus C

A single individual was seen along the Carara Loop trail on the 5th.

Spotted Woodcreeper - Xiphorhynchus erythropygius punctigula C

Singles were seen at Monteverde on the 23rd and at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes souleyetii compressus C

Seen at La Selva, Carara and La Cruces on a total of five dates with a daily maximum of 3 seen on the 4th.

Great Antshrike - Taraba major melanocrissus C

At La Selva singles were seen along the entrance road on the 1st and at the bridge on the 2nd.

Barred Antshrike - Thamnophilus doliatus C

A pair showed well at Santa Rosa on the 21st and singles were seen at Carara on the 4th and 5th. Superb.

Male Barred Antshrike at Santa Rosa.

Black-hooded Antshrike - Thamnophilus bridgesi C

This species proved to be common at Carara where we saw 6 on the 4th and 8 on the 5th and a pair were seen at Manuel Antonio on the 6th.

Russet Antshrike - Thamnistes anabatinus saturatus C

A single individual showed well along the Carara Loop trail on the 5th.

Slaty Antwren - Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor C

A pair seen along the Carara Loop trail on the 5th.

Dot-winged Antwren - Microrhopias quixensis virgata C

A party of 3 of these superb birds were seen along the Carara Loop trail on the 4th.

Dusky Antbird - Cercomacra tyrannina crepera C

We saw 3 at Carara on the 4th.

Chestnut-backed Antbird - Myrmeciza exsul exsul C

We saw 2 along the LOC trail at La Selva on the 28th and 5 at Carara on the 4th and 1 there on the 5th.

Rufous Piha - Lipaugus unirufus unirufus C

Singles were seen at Braullio Carillo on the 26th, La Selva on the 28th and at Carara on the 5th with many more heard calling.

Rufous Piha at La Selva.

Turquoise Cotinga - Cotinga ridgwayi C

A superb male was seen at La Cruces on the 6th.

Snowy Cotinga - Carpodectes nitidus C

A male was watched performing its amazing display for around half an hour near the clearing at La Selva on the 28th and 2 females were seen near the bridge there on the 2nd. Superb.

Bare-necked Umbrellabird - Cephalopterus glabricollis C

An immature male was watched for some time whilst it was perched motionless just below the canopy along the CES trail at La Selva on the 28th. Very pleasing.

Thrushlike Manakin – Schiffornis turdinus JFC

A single individual was seen by JFC with the White-collared Manakins on the 28th.

White-collared Manakin - Manacus candei C

Seen at various leks at La Selva where 10 were seen on the 28th, 2 on the 1st and 4 on the 2nd. Superb.

Orange-collared Manakin - Manacus aurantiacus aurantiacus C

We found a lek of 5 males at Carara on the 4th and 1 there the following day. Superb.

White-ruffed Manakin - Corapipo altera C

We saw a party of 5 along the Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail on the 26th and a party of 6 at La Cruces on the 7th.

White-ruffed Mannakin against the light at La Cruces.

Long-tailed Manakin - Chiroxiphia linearis fastuosa C

A party of 4 were seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st. Superb.

Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet - Ornithion semiflavum C

A single individual was seen along the Loop trail at Carara on the 5th.

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet - Camptostoma obsoletum flaviventre C

A single individual was seen at Carara on the 4th.

Yellow Tyrannulet - Capsiempis flaveola semiflava C

A single individual was seen around the La Selva HQ buildings on the 2nd.

Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet - Tyrannulus elatus C

A single individual was tentatively identified at La Cruces on the 7th.

Greenish Elaenia - Myiopagis viridicata accola C

Tentatively identified at Carara where 1 was noted on the 4th and 2 on the 5th.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia - Elaenia flavogaster subpagana C

A pair were seen at Santa Rosa on the 22nd, 6 were seen al La Cruces on the 7th and 1 was seen there on the 8th.

Mountain Elaenia - Elaenia frantzii frantzii C

A single individual was seen at Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Torrent Tyrannulet - Serpophaga cinerea grisea C

We saw 2 along the river at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th. Superb.

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher - Mionectes oleagineus C

We saw 3 at La Selva on the 1st, 1 at Carara on the 2nd and 2 there on the 4th.

Paltry Tyrannulet - Zimmerius vilissimus parvus C

We saw singles at La Selva on the 1st and 2nd and at La Cruces we saw 1 on the 6th, 2 on the 7th and 1 on the 8th.

Northern Scrub-Flycatcher - Sublegatus arenarum arenarum C

We saw 2 at Carara on the 4th.

Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant - Lophotriccus pileatus luteiventris C

At Braullio Carillo we saw 2 on both the 26th and 3rd, and at La Cruces we saw 1 on the 7th.

Northern Bentbill - Oncostoma cinereigulare C

We saw 2 at Carara on the 4th.

Slate-headed Tody-Tyrant - Poecilotriccus sylvia schistaceiceps C

A single individual was seen at Carara on the 5th.

Common Tody-Flycatcher - Todirostrum cinereum wetmorei C

We saw up to 4 daily at La Selva and singles were seen at La Cruces on both the 7th and 8th.

Eye-ringed Flatbill - Rhynchocyclus brevirostris brevirostris C

DC saw a single individual along the Sendero Nebuso trail at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Yellow-olive Flycatcher - Tolmomyias sulphurescens cinereiceps C

We saw 4 at Santa Rosa on the 21st with 1 seen there the following day and 2 at Carara on the 4th.

Yellow-margined Flycatcher - Tolmomyias assimilis flavotectus C

We saw 2 at La Selva on the 27th.

Golden-crowned Spadebill - Platyrinchus coronatus superciliaris C

A single individual that showed very well along the Carara Loop trail proved to be one of the highlights of the trip.

Royal Flycatcher - Onychorhynchus coronatus mexicanus C

We were pleased to see three at Carara on both the 4th and 5th including a pair with a nest.

Royal Flycatcher at Carara.

Bran-coloured Flycatcher - Myiophobus fasciatus furfurosus C

A single individual was seen at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher - Terenotriccus erythrurus fulvigularis C

A superb individual performed well for us along the Carara Loop trail on the 5th.

Tufted Flycatcher - Mitrephanes phaeocercus aurantiiventris C

At Braullio Carillo we saw 1 on the 26th and 2 on the 3rd.

Tufted Flycatcher at Braullio Carillo.

Eastern Wood-Pewee - Contopus virens C

A single individual was tentatively identified on the way to Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th.

Tropical Pewee - Contopus cinereus brachytarsus C

A single individual was seen along the entrance road to La Selva on the 1st.

Tropical Pewee at La Selva

.Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - Empidonax flaviventris C

A single individual was seen at La Selva on the 1st and 2 were seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Alder Flycatcher - Empidonax alnorum C

We saw 1 near Santa Rosa on the 22nd and another at La Cruces on the 7th.

Yellowish Flycatcher - Empidonax flavescens flavescens C

We saw 2 along the jeep trail at Monteverde on the 25th.

Yellowish Flycatcher along the jeep trail at Monteverde.

Black-capped Flycatcher - Empidonax atriceps C

We saw 2 at Volcan Poas on the 19th and 2 at La Georgina on the 8th.

Long-tailed Tyrant - Colonia colonus leuconotus C

We saw up to 3 daily whilst at La Selva. Superb.

Long-tailed Tyrant at La Selva.

Rufous Mourner - Rhytipterna holerythra holerythra C

At La Selva we saw 8 on the 28th and 1 on the 2nd.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher - Myiarchus tuberculifer C

We noted 2 in the north-west on the 21st and singles at Monteverde on both the 24th and 25th.

Nutting’s Flycatcher - Myiarchus nuttingi flavidior C

We saw 1 at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Great Crested Flycatcher - Myiarchus crinitus C

Seen in small numbers on five dates with a daily maximum of 4 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Brown-crested Flycatcher - Myiarchus tyrannulus brachyurus C

Seen on six dates with a daily maximum of 6 seen at Santa Rosa and La Pacifica on the 21st.

Great Kiskadee - Pitangus sulphuratus guatimalensis C

Seen on nine dates usually near water with a daily maximum of 5 seen at Puntarenas on the 19th.

Boat-billed Flycatcher - Megarynchus pitangua mexicanus C

Probably under-recorded being noted on just seven dates with a daily maximum of 4 seen in the north-west on the 21st.

Boat-billed Flycatcher at La Selva.

Social Flycatcher - Myiozetetes similis C

Common being seen on twelve dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen at La Selva on the 27th.

Social Flycatcher at La Selva.

Grey-capped Flycatcher - Myiozetetes granadensis granadensis C

Seen on eight dates with a daily maximum of 12 being seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

 Grey-capped Flycatcher at La Cruces.

 White-ringed Flycatcher - Conopias albovittata C

Probably under-recorded with just 2 seen below Braullio Carillo on the 26th, 2 at Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th and 1 at La Selva on the 1st being the only birds identified.

Golden-bellied Flycatcher - Myiodynastes hemichrysus C

A single individual was seen at Virgen del Socorro on the 27th.

Golden-bellied Flycatcher at Virgen del Socorro.

Streaked Flycatcher - Myiodynastes maculatus C

A single individual was seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 4 were seen at Carara on the 4th.

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher - Myiodynastes luteiventris C

We only identified a single individual being along the Carara Loop trail on the 5th.

Piratic Flycatcher - Legatus leucophaius leucophaius C

Seen at La Selva where 3 were seen on the 27th and at La Cruces where 4 were seen on the 7th.

Tropical Kingbird - Tyrannus melancholicus satrapa C

This species proved very common being seen at most locations in good numbers although not seen at Monteverde.

Tropical Kingbird - Common roadside bird.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher - Tyrannus savana monachus C

A superb individual was watched mobbing a Yellow-headed Caracara on the drive to La Cruces on the 6th.

Fork Tailed Flycatcher at La Cruces.

Cinnamon Becard - Pachyramphus cinnamomeus fulvidior C

Singles were seen around the La Selva HQ on both the 1st and 2nd.

White-winged Becard - Pachyramphus polychopterus similis C

We saw 2 at Carara on the 4th and 1 the following day.

Rose-throated Becard - Pachyramphus aglaiae C

We saw 3 at Carara on the 4th and 2 there on the 5th, and a single individual at La Cruces on the 7th.

Masked Tityra - Tityra semifasciata costaricensis C

Small numbers were seen on eight dates at various locations with a daily maximum of 4 seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Female Masked Tityra at La Cruces.

Black-crowned Tityra - Tityra inquisitor fraserii C

We saw 2 at La Selva on both the 1st and 2nd and 3 at Carara on the 5th.

Grey-breasted Martin - Progne chalybea chalybea C

We saw 2 in towns whilst driving towards Monteverde from Santa Rosa on the 22nd and 1 feeding over the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Mangrove Swallow - Tachycineta albilinea C

We saw 6 at Punterenas on the 19th, 15 at Carara on both the 4th and 5th and 10 at Manual Antonio on the 6th.

Blue-and-white Swallow - Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca C

Seen on seven dates usually whilst driving with a daily maximum of 20 seen on the drive to Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx serripennis C

Small numbers were seen at various locations on eight dates with a daily maximum of 15 seen at Palo Verde on the 20th.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx ruficollis C

Small numbers were seen at various locations on six dates with a daily maximum of 12 seen on the 27th.

Sand Martin - Riparia riparia riparia C

Singles were seen whilst driving on the 19th and the 4th.

Cliff Swallow - Petrochelidon pyrrhonota C

A party of 5 were seen along the entrance road to Palo Verde on the 20th.

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica erythrogaster C

Seen on most days with a daily maximum of 50 seen at Chomes on the 25th.

Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher - Phainoptila melanoxantha C

We saw 2 at Monteverde on the 23rd and 3 at Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher - Ptilogonys caudatus C

A party of 3 seen just to the north of La Georgina on the 8th was our last new bird of the trip - a fitting end !

American Dipper - Cinclus mexicanus ardesiacus C

We saw 2 along the river at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th.

Band-backed Wren - Campylorhynchus zonatus costaricensis C

A single individual was seen in the clearing at La Selva on the 28th.

Rufous-naped Wren - Campylorhynchus rufinucha C

We saw 2 at Puntarenas on the 19th, 5 at Palo Verde on the 20th, 2 at La Pacifica on the 21st and 8 at Carara on the 5th.

Rufous-naped Wren at Carara.

Black-bellied Wren - Thryothorus fasciatoventris melanogaster C

We saw 8 at Carara on the 5th.

Rufous-breasted Wren - Thryothorus rutilus hyperythrus C

We saw 2 at Carara on the 4th and 5th and 1 at La Cruces on the 7th.

Riverside Wren - Thryothorus semibadius C

We saw a single individual at Carara on the 4th, 4 at Manual Antonio on the 6th and 1 at La Cruces on the 7th.

Bay Wren - Thryothorus nigricapillus costaricensis C

We saw 2 at La Selva on the 27th, 8 on the 28th and 2 on the 1st.

Stripe-breasted Wren - Thryothorus thoracicus C

We saw 2 at La Selva on the 28th, 1 on the 1st and 2 on the 2nd.

Banded Wren - Thryothorus pleurostictus ravus C

We saw 2 at Santa Rosa on both the 21st and 22nd.

Plain Wren - Thryothorus modestus modestus / zeledoni C

We saw 4 at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 1 there on the 22nd and 1 at Monteverde on the 24th. A single Canebrake Wren T.m. zeledoni was seen and heard singing at the edge of San Vito Pools on the 8th. See Wrens, Dippers & Thrashers for their proposal to afford Canebrake Wren species status.

Rufous-and-white Wren – Thryothorus rutilus JFC

JFC saw a single individual on the drive up to Monteverde on the 22nd.

House Wren - Troglodytes aedon intermedius C

Singles seen on seven dates and 2 were seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Ochraceous Wren - Troglodytes ochraceus ochraceus C

A single individual was seen along the La Ventana high altitude trail at Monteverde on the 23rd.

White-breasted Wood-Wren - Henicorhina leucosticta C

A single individual was seen at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and at La Selva we saw 3 on the 28th, 4 on the 1st and 1 on the 2nd. Superb.

Grey-breasted Wood-Wren - Henicorhina leucophrys collina C

A single individual was seen at Monteverde on the 23rd, 2 were seen at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd and 2 were seen at La Cruces on the 7th. Superb.

Black-faced Solitaire - Myadestes melanops C

We saw 3 at Monteverde on both the 23rd and 24th and 1 at Braullio Carillo Waterfall on the 3rd.

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush – Catharus fuscater C

JFC saw a single individual along the Sendero Nebuso Trail at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush - Catharus aurantiirostris C

Singles were seen in the garden of the Pension Quetzal at Monteverde on the 24th and at La Cruces on the 7th.

Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush - Catharus gracilirostris gracilirostris C

We saw 2 hopping out on the road during the early morning at Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush at Volcan Poas

This bird was out on the main track but kept to the dark shaded areas.

Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush - Catharus frantzii frantzii C

We saw a pair along the high altitude La Ventana trail at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Veery - Catharus fuscescens C

A single individual was seen at La Selva on the 28th.

Wood Thrush - Hylocichla mustelina C

We saw 1 at Monteverde on the 23rd, 2 on the 24th and 1 on the 25th and singles at La Selva on the 27th and 1st and at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Sooty Robin - Turdus nigrescens C

We saw 15 at Volcan Poas on the 19th and 12 at La Georgina on the 8th.

Mountain Robin - Turdus plebejus plebejus C

A single individual was seen at Volcan Poas on the 19th and up to 2 were seen daily along the Sendero Nebuso trails at Monteverde.

Pale-vented Thrush - Turdus obsoletus obsoletus C

A single individual was seen at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th and 2 were seen at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Clay-coloured Robin - Turdus grayi casius C

Seen on eleven dates with a daily maximum of 20 seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

White-throated Thrush - Turdus assimilis C

A single individual was seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Long-billed Gnatwren - Ramphocaenus melanurus rufiventris C

We saw a single individual at Carara on the 5th.

White-lored Gnatcatcher - Polioptila albiloris albiloris C

We saw 8 at Palo Varde on the 20th, 4 at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 1 there on the 22nd.

Tropical Gnatcatcher - Polioptila plumbea superciliaris C

We saw a pair at the Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th, 2 at Carara on the 4th and 4 there on the 5th.

White-throated Magpie-Jay - Calocitta formosa pompata C

We saw 10 on the drive to Palo Verde on the 20th, 3 at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 8 there on the 22nd.

White-throated Magpie-Jay near Palo Verde.

Brown Jay - Cyanocorax morio cyanogenys C

At Monteverde we saw 8 on the 22nd, 3 on the 23rd and 6 on the 24th, at Braullio Carillo we saw 2 on the 26th and at La Selva we saw 1 on the 1st.

Azure-hooded Jay - Cyanolyca cucullata cucullata C

Only seen at Monteverde where 2 were seen on the 23rd and 3 on the 25th.

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus C

We saw 2 whilst at a garage on the 22nd.

Yellow-throated Vireo – Vireo flavifrons C

We saw 1 at Palo Verde on the 20th, 3 at Santa Rosa on the 21st, 2 at Carara on the 5th and 1 at La Cruces on the 8th.

Philadelphia Vireo – Vireo philadelphicus C

We saw singles at Volcan Poas on the 19th and at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 22nd.

Lesser Greenlet – Hylophilus decurtatus decurtatus C

Seen on six dates with daily maximums of 10 at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 6 at Carara on the 4th.

Yellow-bellied Siskin – Carduelis xanthogastra xanthogastra C

A party of 3 were watched feeding in tall trees at La Cruces on the 7th.

Golden-winged Warbler – Vermivora chrysoptera C

We saw 2 at Monteverde on the 23rd and singles there on the 24th and 25th, 1 at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th and 1 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Brewster’s Warbler – Vermivora brewsteri

Good views were obtained of this interesting hybrid at La Cruces on the 7th.

Tennessee Warbler – Vermivora peregrina C

Seen on eleven dates with a daily maximum of 6 seen at Carara on both days there.

Flame-throated Warbler – Parula gutturalis C

We saw 2 of these stunning Warblers at Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Tropical Parula – Parula pitiayumi speciosa C

A pair were seen at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd, 2 were seen at Carara on the 4th and 1 was seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Yellow Warbler – Dendroica petechia / xanthotera C

Seen on seven dates with a daily maximum of 4 seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st. A male and a few female Mangrove Warbler D.p. xanthotera were seen at Punterenas on the 19th and 2 were seen at Chomes on the 25th.

Chestnut-sided Warbler – Dendroica pensylvanica C

The commonest Warbler encountered being seen daily from the 26th with a daily maximum of 8 seen at La Selva on the 28th.

Chestnut-sided Warbler in winter plumage at La Selva.

Yellow-rumped Warbler – Dendroica coronata C

We saw 3 between Guacimal and Monteverde on the 22nd.

Black-throated Green Warbler – Dendroica virens C

At least 12 were seen at Volcan Poas on the 19th, 1 was seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 2 were seen at Monteverde on the 23rd.

Blackburnian Warbler – Dendroica fusca C

We saw a single individual at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th, 2 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd and 1 at La Cruces on the 8th.

Black-and-white Warbler – Mniotilta varia C

We saw singles on seven dates and 2 at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Prothonotary Warbler – Protonotaria citrea C

A single individual was seen at Carara on the 5th.

Ovenbird – Seiurus aurocapillus C

Singles were seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st and Monteverde on the 24th.

Northern Waterthrush – Seiurus noveboracensis C

We saw 2 at Chomes on the 25th and singles at La Selva on the 1st, Carara on the 5th and Manual Anotonio on the 6th.

Kentucky Warbler – Oporornis formosus C

A single individual was seen in the garden of the Pension Quetzal at Monteverde on the 24th.

Mourning Warbler – Oporornis philadelphia C

A single individual was seen well at La Cruces on the 6th.

Olive-crowned Yellowthroat – Geothlypis semiflava bairdi C

A single individual was seen in thick scrub at the entrance to the Car Park at the start of the Braullio Carillo Ridge Trail on the 3rd.

Grey-crowned Yellowthroat – Geothlypis poliocephala C

We saw 2 at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 2 between Guacimal and Monteverde on the 22nd.

Grey-crowned Yellowthroat at Santa Rosa.

Wilson’s Warbler – Wilsonia pusilla C

We saw a single individual at Volcan Poas on the 19th, up to 3 at Monteverde on three dates and up to 3 at La Cruces on our three dates there.

Slate-throated Redstart – Myioborus miniatus C

At Monteverde we saw 4 on the 23rd, 2 on the 24th and 1 on the 25th, then 2 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd and 3 at La Cruces on the 7th.

Collared Redstart – Myioborus torquatus C

Only seen at Monteverde where we saw 5 on the 23rd and 3 on the 24th.

Male Collared Redstart in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Three-striped Warbler – Basileuterus tristriatus C

Only seen at Monteverde where 12 were seen on the 23rd and 3 on the 24th.

Golden-crowned Warbler – Basileuterus culicivorus C

We saw a single individual in the garden of the Pension Quetzal on the 24th.

Rufous-capped Warbler – Basileuterus rufifrons C

We saw 4 of these superb Warblers at Santa Rosa on the 21st and 1 in the garden of the Pension Quetzal at Monteverde on the 24th.

Buff-rumped Warbler – Basileuterus flaveolus C

We saw a single individual along the river below Braullio Carillo on the 26th, 2 at La Selva on the 28th and 1 there on the 1st.

Bananaquit – Coereba flaveola mexicana C

Seen on eight dates with a daily maximum of 5 seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Common Bush-Tanager – Chlorospingus ophthalmicus C

We saw 12 at Monteverde on the 23rd, 4 there on the 24th and 14 there on the 25th, 1 at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th and 4 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager – Chlorospingus pileatus pileatus C

We saw 10 at Volcan Poas on the 19th, 1 at Monteverde on the 23rd and 2 at La Georgina on the 8th.

Black-and-yellow Tanager – Chrysothlypis chrysomelaena chrysomelaena C

We saw 2 at Braullio Carillo on both the 26th and 3rd.

Dusky-faced Tanager – Mitrospingus cassinii costaricensis C

We saw 3 at Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th, 2 at La Selva on the 28th and 1 at Carara on the 4th.

White-shouldered Tanager – Tachyphonus luctuosus C

At Carara we saw a party of 12 on the 4th and 8 on the 5th.

White-lined Tanager – Tachyphonus rufus C

We saw 2 at La Cruces on the 7th.

Red-throated Ant-Tanager – Habia fuscicauda fuscicauda C

We saw 2 along the SAT Trail at La Selva on the 1st.

Summer Tanager – Piranga rubra C

We saw up to 3 on six dates.

Western Tanager – Piranga ludoviciana C

At Santa Rosa we saw 5 on the 21st and 2 on the 22nd.

Crimson-collared Tanager – Ramphocelus sanguinolentus apricus C

A single individual was seen at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th.

Scarlet-rumped Tanager – Ramphocelus passerinii C

This species proved to be common being seen on ten dates with a daily maximum of 15 seen at La Selva on the 2nd.

Scarlet-rumped Tanager at La Selva.

Blue-grey Tanager – Thraupis episcopus cana C

This species proved to be common being seen on ten dates with a daily maximum of 20 being seen at La Cruces on the 7th.

Blue-grey Tanager at La Cruces.

Palm Tanager – Thraupis palmarum atripennis C
We saw 1 at Puntarenas on the 19th, 5 at La Selva on the 27th with 1 seen there on the 1st, 12 at La Cruces on the 6th and 6 there on the 7th.

Blue-and-gold Tanager – Bangsia arcaei caeruleigularis C
A superb individual was seen near the start of the Ridge Trail at Braullio Carillo on the 26th.

Scrub Euphonia – Euphonia affinis affinis C
We saw 2 at Palo Verde on the 20th and 2 at Santa Rosa on both the 21st and 22nd.

Scrub Euphonia at Palo Verde.

Yellow-crowned Euphonia – Euphonia luteicapilla C

We saw a pair at Carara on the 4th.

Yellow-throated Euphonia – Euphonia hirundinacea gnatho C

A single bird was seen at Palo Verde on the 20th and 4 were seen on the drive up to Monteverde on the 22nd.

Spot-crowned Euphonia – Euphonia imitans C

A single male was seen on the walk down to the river at La Cruces on the 7th.

Olive-backed Euphonia – Euphonia gouldi praetermissa C

We saw at least 8 at the Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th and at La Selva we saw 2 on the 1st and 8 on the 2nd.

Olive-backed Euphonia at Selva Verde Lodge.

Tawny-capped Euphonia – Euphonia anneae anneae C

We saw a pair at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and 1 there on the 3rd.

Golden-browed Chlorophonia – Chlorophonia callophrys C

A pair were seen along the Jeep Trail at Monteverde on the 24th and 2 were seen along the Water Buckets Trail at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Plain-coloured Tanager – Tangara inornata rava C

We saw 3 at La Cruces on the 7th.

Emerald Tanager – Tangara florida florida C

We saw 3 at Brauliio Carillo on the 26th and 1 at Carara on the 4th.

Silver-throated Tanager – Tangara icterocephala frantzii C

This species proved common being seen at Virgen de la Sorocco, Braullio Carillo and daily at La Cruces where a daily maximum of 6 were seen on the 7th.

Speckled Tanager – Tangara guttata eusticta C

We saw 2 at La Cruces on the 7th.

Bay-headed Tanager – Tangara gyrola bangsi C

This species proved common being seen daily at Braullio Carillo, Virgen de la Soroccos and Carara with a daily maximum of 5 seen at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Golden-hooded Tanager – Tangara larvata C

This species proved common being seen daily at Virgen de la Sorocco, La Selva and La Cruces with a daily maximum of 8 being seen at La Selva on the 2nd.

Golden-hooded Tanager at La Selva.

Scarlet-thighed Dacnis – Dacnis venusta venusta C

Only seen at Braullio Carillo where we saw 6 on the 26th and 4 on the 3rd.

Blue Dacnis – Dacnis cayana C

We saw 4 at Selva Verde on the 27th, 6 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd and up to 3 daily at La Cruces.

Green Honeycreeper – Chlorophanes spiza arguta C

We saw 6 at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and 2 there on the 3rd, up to 6 at La Selva on two dates and a single individual at La Cruces on the 7th.

Shining Honeycreeper – Cyanerpes lucidus isthmicus C

We saw a pair at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and the 3rd, 2 at Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th and 2 at La Selva on the 2nd.

Red-legged Honeycreeper – Cyanerpes cyaneus carneipes C

We saw pairs at Santa Rosa on the 21st, La Selva on the 1st and Carara on the 4th and a single individual at Manual Antonio on the 7th.

Blue-black Grassquit – Volatinia jacarina splendens C

At Carara we saw 5 on the 4th and 1 on the 6th.

Variable Seedeater – Sporophila corvine C

Seen on eight dates with a daily maximum of 12 seen at Carara on the 4th.

White-collared Seedeater – Sporophila torqueola C

We saw a single female at the San Vito pools on the 8th.

Nicaraguan Seed-Finch – Oryzoborus nuttingi C

We saw 5 along the entrance road to La Selva on the 26th and 3 there on the 1st.

Thick-billed Seed-Finch – Oryzoborus funereus C

Small numbers were seen on each of the four days spent at La Selva.

Yellow-faced Grassquit – Tiaris olivacea pusilla C

We saw up to 6 at Monteverde on two dates and up to 4 at La Cruces on two dates.

Peg-billed Finch – Acanthidops bairdii C

We saw a party of 3 of these interesting birds at La Georgina on the 8th.

Slaty Flowerpiercer – Diglossa plumbea plumbea C

We saw at least 5 at La Georgina on the 8th often performing their strange feeding action.

Yellow-thighed Finch – Pselliophorus tibialis C

We saw a single individual at the entrance of Volcan Poas on the 19th.

Large-footed Finch – Pezopetes capitalis C

We saw 2 at La Georgina on the 8th.

White-naped Brush-Finch – Atlaptes albinucha parvirostris C

We saw 3 at Monteverde on the 24th and 6 there on the 25th.

Stripe-headed Brush-Finch – Buarremon torquatus costaricensis C

DC saw a single individual at La Cruces on the 7th.

Orange-billed Sparrow – Arremon aurantiirostris C

We saw up to 2 daily at La Selva and 1 at Carara on the 5th.

Olive Sparrow – Arremonops rufiventris 

JFC saw a single individual at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Black-striped Sparrow – Arremonops conirostris richmondi C

We saw up to 2 at La Selva on the 27th and 28th and 3 at La Cruces on the 7th and 8th.

White-eared Ground-Sparrow – Melozone leucotis leucotis C

We saw singles at the Pension Quetzal at Monteverde on the 22nd and 23rd and 3 there on the 24th.

Stripe-headed Sparrow – Aimophila ruficauda ruficauda C

We saw at least 6 along the entrance road to Palo Verde on the 20th and 1 at Santa Rosa on the 21st.

Rufous-collared Sparrow – Zonotrichia capensis costaricensis C

Only seen on four dates with 6 seen at Volcan Poas on the 19th, 1 at Monteverde on the 24th, 3 at La Cruces on the 7th and 6 there on the 8th.

Rufous-collared Sparrow at Volcan Poas.

Volcano Junco – Junco vulcani C

We saw 3 at La Georgina on the 8th.

Streaked Saltator – Saltator striatipectus furax C

We saw 2 at the San Vito Pools on the 8th.

Buff-throated Saltator – Saltator maximus C

Seen on ten dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen at La Selva on the 28th.

Black-headed Saltator – Saltator atriceps C

We saw 2 at La Selva on the 1st and 4 there on the 2nd.

Black-faced Grosbeak – Caryothraustes poliogaster scapularis C

We saw up to 5 daily at La Selva and 2 at Braullio Carillo on the 3rd.

Black-faced Grosbeak at La Selva.

Black-thighed Grosbeak – Pheucticus tibialis C

A stunning individual was seen at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 27th.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak – Pheucticus ludovicianus C

A single individual was seen at Virgen de la Sorocco on the 1st and 6 were seen at Carara on the 4th and 2 there on the 5th.

Blue-black Grosbeak – Cyanocompsa cyanoides toddi C

We saw 1 at La Selva on the 1st and 2 there on the 2nd and 1 at Carara on the 5th.

Blue Grosbeak – Guiraca caerulea C

We saw 6 along the entrance road to Palo Verde on the 20th.

Indigo Bunting – Passerina cyanea C

A single individual was seen at Santa Rosa on the 21st and up to 10 were seen at Carara on the 4th and 5th.

Painted Bunting – Passerina ciris pallidor C

We saw 2 males at Carara on the 4th.

Dickcissel – Spiza americana C

Several often large flocks flew over Carara on both the 4th and 5th.

Eastern Meadowlark – Sturnella magna alticola C

We saw up to 2 on four dates often being seen whilst driving between sites.

Great-tailed Grackle – Quiscalus mexicanus peruvianus C

This species proved very common.

Bronzed Cowbird – Molothrus aeneus aeneus C

Seen whilst driving between sites with 15 seen on the 19th and 50 on the 4th.

Giant Cowbird – Scaphidura oryzivora impacifica C

A single individual was seen at the Selva Verde Lodge on the 27th.

A distant Giant Cowbird at the Selva Verde lodge.

Streak-backed Oriole – Icterus pustulatus sclateri C

A total of 8 were seen in the woodland around Palo Verde on the 20th.

Baltimore Oriole – Icterus galbula C

Common being seen on thirteen dates with a daily maximum of 30 at Carara on the 4th.

Orchard Oriole – Icterus spurius spurius C

We saw 2 at Punterenas on the 19th.

Black-cowled Oriole – Icterus dominicensis praecox C

Only seen at La Selva where we saw 2 on the 27th, 4 on the 28th, 2 on the 1st and 2 on the 2nd.

Scarlet-rumped Cacique – Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus C

A single individual was seen at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and at La Selva we saw 2 on the 28th and 5 on the 1st.

Chestnut-headed Oropendola – Psarocolius wagleri ridgwayi C

We saw a party of 4 at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and at La Selva we saw 2 on the 1st and 15 on the 2nd.

Montezuma Oropendola – Gymnostinops montezuma C

We saw a pair at Braullio Carillo on the 26th and on all four days at La Selva where a maximum of 50

were seen on the 2nd.

Species seen during the stopover in Miami, Florida 

Pied-billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps podiceps C

Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis C

American Coot - Fulica americana americana C

Laughing Gull – Larus atricilla C

Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis C

Starling - Sturnus vulgaris C

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus C

Boat-tailed Grackle – Quiscalus major major C