Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Collared Aracari |
 Bicoloured Antbird |
 Cinnamon Woodpecker |
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Introduction
Having thought of this as a perfect way to mark my 50th Birthday, I was actually late in coming to the idea of going to Costa Rica and arrived two years behind target. The mix of stable and friendly location, well established ecotourism and the mix of wildlife in fabulous scenery - what is there not to consider attractive about Costa Rica.
This was an organised trip, arranged by Birdfinders and organised through Gateway Costa Rica. The guiding was excellent and the efforts by Steven Easley and his wife Magdalena, and supported by the birding driver Vernon. The itinerary has been honed over a number of years and the resulting trip gave a mix of both the Caribbean and Pacific sides, plus a range of altitudes that covered the primary biomes across the country and maximised the list of species seen, this yielded 534 species seen by myself, plus another 3 by the group, together with another 15 heard only.
Steven and the team worked tirelessly to get the group onto the birds, a tough job on narrow trails in rain forest, but the results are testament to the quality of the guiding as well as the biodiversity; 39 hummers, 11 owls, 5 motmots, 9 trogons, 28 tanagers, 19 wrens amongst others. Also a goodly number of butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, reptiles, amphibians were also seen covering sizes from a Three toed Sloth down to poison dart frogs. It is difficult to believe the biodiversity this small country has to offer
In general terms the days followed the same pattern, an early morning session just after dawn that lasted 2-3 hours, post breakfast trip again of 2-3 hours and then lunch. A break at lunchtime or travel, and then a later session running through to dusk. Night birding was also the feature of a number of evenings to catch owls and other nocturnal species.
Compared with other tropical countries the mixed species flocks seemed smaller and less well developed. This meant that most times – separating the species was straightforward and we didn’t experience the bewildering rush I have had elsewhere. The only ant swarms we found had a few species with them as well. However if you don’t like forest birding and a reliance on playback – then perhaps this isn’t the trip for you.
Thanks
In writing this I must offer thanks to the Birdfinders team for setting up this trip, and to their Ground agents Costa Rica Gateway, especially Steve, Magda and Vernon. Also thanks must go to the crew, my fellow traveller, who made this a thoroughly enjoyable trip; Terry Bond, Rosemary Buckland, Adrian Grundy, Peter Dooley, Helge Grastveit, John Hunt, “Willy” Siew Kwek, Craig Morris, David Ohlsen and Robert Woodward.
Itinerary
18th March: Flight Heathrow – Miami- San Jose. Arrived after dark and transfer to Hotel Robledal.
19th March: Morning journey NW of San Jose to Guacimo Road and then on to Caldera Mangroves, Chomes salt pans arriving at Solimar Ranch as night fell.
20th March: Morning around Solimar Ranch before driving out to Colerado salt pans and to Arenal via Tilaran, night at Arenal Observatory Lodge.
21st March: All day around Arenal, night at Arenal Observatory Lodge.
22nd March: Morning around the observatory lodge and then to the Skywalk area. Afternoon journey to Monteverde with visit to Cloud Forest reserve entrance at dusk. Night at Trapp Family lodge.
23rd March: Pre-breakfast visit to Cloud Forest reserve and then to Santa Elena. Late morning visit to Bosque de los Niños and then back to Santa Elena in the afternoon to dusk. Night at Trapp Family lodge.
24th March: Morning at Curi Crancha and then long drive along Pan American highway around the volcanos and across to Caño Negro. Pre-dusk visit to the river, and then evening owl drive. Night at Natural Lodge, Caño Negro.
25th March: Early morning boat trip at Caño Negro. Stops for Nicaraguan Seed-finch and then to Medio Queso. Travelled to La Quinta de Sarapiqui, including stop outside La Selva. Night at La Quinta Country Inn.
26th March: Full day around La Selva. Night at La Quinta Country Inn.
27th March: Stop at Rio San Jose for Sun Bittern and then travel towards San Jose. Visits to El Tapir (Old Butterfly Farm) and Braulio Carillo NP. Post Lunch stops at Lankaster Pond and Cartago, and then on through the central valley to Oresi. Night at Tepanti Media Lodge.
28th March: Morning visit to Tepanti National Park, and then back through Cartago to Cerra de la Muerte and down to Savegre. Night at Savegre Mountain Lodge.
29th March: Day in Savegre Valley and then up to Towers Road on Cerra de a Muerte. Night at Savegre Mountain Lodge.
30th March: Morning walk down Providencia Road and then lunch at Los Quetzalis. Drive south west via Bosque del Tolomuco to the outskirts of San Isidro and on to Talari. Night at Hotel Talari.
31st March: Morning breakfast walk at Talari and then drive to Los Cusingos (Alexander Skutch reserve). Continued on to Pacific coast and Rio Savegre. Late afternoon boat trip along Rio Tarcoles. Night at Hotel Cerro Lodge.
1st April: Visit to Carara NP in morning and afternoon and then evening outing owling near Jaco. Night at Hotel Cerro Lodge.
2nd April: Pre breakfast visit above Carara NP. Left Cerro Lodge for the drive to San Jose airport and flight back to Heathrow via Miami.
Locations
Guacimo Road – a pacific slope location near to San Jose and at this time of year dry and sun baked. These are grazing lands, interspersed with scrubby woods. Our introduction to Guanacaste habitat named after the tree with the “elephant ear” seed pods. .The birds came thick and fast, as with any first day in a new country, two species of Gnatcatchers, Turquoise-browed Motmots, Laughing Falcons and a good mix of Tyrants all featured.
Caldera Mangroves – on the pacific coast and the primary reason for stopping here was for both Mangrove Vireo and Mangrove Hummingbird. Both species are range limited and habitat specific and we found both – not without a little difficulty. The surrounding area also gave us our first Frigate birds, waders and other typical dry country birds. The mangroves are also a known site for Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, but we couldn’t magic one out of the tangle of trees and roots.
Chomes – a series of shrimp pools and woodland edge. The targets were the herons and waders, all of which were typical to visitors to the southern US and Central America. For Costa Rica, the single American Avocet was a key species, but for most of us the location offered a mix of mangrove edge species including our sole Panama Flycatcher and Lineated Woodpecker.
Solimar – a beef ranch in the middle of the Guanacaste area, which has a hacienda that can cater for groups. This is a mix of dry country together with the flood plains that attract birds as the dry season progresses. The area gave us Lesser Ground Cuckoo and Canivet’s Emerald, as well as a good mix of water birds. Only location for Jabiru, and also a mix of raptors including Snail kite and Harris Hawk. The day-time roost of Spectacled Owls was one of the highlights of the day.
Arenal – the observatory lodge with it immediate view of the volcano and also views down to the lake. We spent time in various places around Arenal, including the lodge gardens and trails, by the dam, and forest and secondary edges. The lodge was the only place for Emerald Tanager that came to the feeders and the forests were superb with White-fronted Nunbird, Keel-billed Motmot, White-throated Shrike-Tanager and Bare-necked Umbrella bird as stand out species.
Monteverde – another highland area, but higher than Arenal and in the cloud forest proper. The forests here are covered in moss and therefore a key area for Furnariads, including treehaunters, woodcreepers and Barbtail. We visited four reserves, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena, Bosque de los Niños, and Curi Crancha. Each had a different mix of species and subtly different habitat. Our days here were clear and warm, that affected flock activity but we still managed to build a long list including our first Resplendent Quetzals, Mottled Owl, Prong-billed Barbet, Three-wattled Bellbird and a mix of wrens, tanagers and hummingbirds.
Caño Negro - A lowland floodplain area close to the Nicaraguan border and Caribbean slope by zone. This is a prime location for two very tricky species, namely Nicaraguan Grackle and the Seed- finch. Apparently the former has been dropping in numbers due to the over grazing and we found it tricky as the water level had dropped substantially. The area around the floodplain is also a good location for dry forest species and also species more typical of open grassland and agricultural areas. A night drive also brought Common and Great Potoo and Black & White Owl
La Selva – this area of lowland forest on the Caribbean slope is famous, principally due to the Tropical rainforest research station established by Duke University from North Carolina, USA. The station provides a destination in its own right but additionally has created a series of trails into the forest that provide ready access into primary forest. We stayed outside at La Quinta, but visited in the early morning and later afternoon. Morning was certainly busier with bird flocks in the entrance road including four Snowy Cotingas, a party of Dusky-faced Tanagers and our first Black-faced Grosbeaks. Into the forest, walking through the research campus with its resident Collared Peccaries we found
Braulio Carillo and Tepanti – More forested sites and again on the Caribbean slope. The first site of El Tapir is the old butterfly farm and one relying on flowering bushes, rather than feeders. The key target species is Snowcap and we saw male, female and juvenile. The near-by National Park nearby, covers many valleys and although nominally similar to La Selva, being at a higher elevation had a different mix of species, including
new Ant-vireos and Tanagers including the highlights of Yellow-and-black Tanager and Ash-throated Chlorospingus.
Tepanti was higher again and the birding was mainly on Forest roads and many species were seen before we got into the park itself. The entrance road offered American Dipper and Torrent Tyrannulet. Other specials as we climbed higher towards the park were Red-Headed Barbet, White-winged Tanager and Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant. Higher still we found one, maybe two Sharpbills that appeared to be nest building and certainly excited Steve.
Savegre & Cerro de la Muerte – the highest point of the trip and to some extent it felt like the best. The lodge at Savegre is a wonderful place to access the mix of altitudinal specialities in this part of the country although we swapped the trail birding for roadside both near the lodge, at the top of the volcano and along Providencia road. Highlights were everywhere, from both Silky-flycatchers, the flame-throated warblers to the range limited Volcano Junco – the original “angry bird”. The feeders at the lodge made catching up with Scintillant, and Magnificent Hummers simple, higher up the Fiery throated and Volcano came into their own. The Zeledonias performed brilliantly but perhaps the highlight was the nesting Resplendent Quetzal. Having done so well for night birds elsewhere, the success of Dusky Nightjar and heard Bare-shanked Screech owl seemed quite quiet. Providencia Road, which we walked down the following day, gave us Black-and-yellow Silky Flycatcher and Timberline Wren at the top and continued to offer new species in the bands of primary forest as we headed down. Flyover Barred Parakeets, dazzling Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, singing Black-cheeked Warbler and top of the list was Costa Rican Pygmy-owl.
Talari and San Isidro area – coming down from Cerra de la Muerte, we first hit the Pacific Southwest at Bosque del Tolomuco. This is a bird friendly Hacienda run by ex-Pat Canadians, and the gardens attract a number of pacific slope specials. The first indication of this change was the move from Passerini’s to Cherrie’s Tanager. Also this was the only site for Snowy-bellied Hummingbird and Long-billed Starthroat. Moving on to the outskirts of San Isidro, the habitat changed to open grazing and agricultural small holdings. This brought a new mix of open country species – Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Pearl Kite and the first Smooth-billed Ani. This was reinforced with the first Streaked Saltator and a party of Fiery-billed Aracari. Talari is a lodge by the river but in a patch of forest. The key species here are Turquoise Cotinga and Speckled Tanager, but also it is a good site for Riverside and Rufous-breasted Wrens, and Grey-headed Tanager. We also spent the morning at the Los Cusingos reserve around the home of Alexander Skutch, the pioneering ornithologist who promoted the neotropics and the preservation of the natural habitat. The reserve is lowland forest and we found two antswarms that delivered great views of Chestnut-backed and Bicoloured Antbirds.
Tarcoles and Carara NP – Back on the Pacific coast, we continued to connect with subtly different habitat and still more species. The area around Tarcoles is famed for its crocodiles and boat trips along the Rio Tarcoles to see reputedly the largest American Crocodiles anywhere are popular with foreign and Tico tourist alike. Taking the trip late in the day, gave us views of birds moving to roost, including Scarlet Macaws and enormous numbers of Tropical Kingbirds. Also the trip gave us the only Collared Plover and Black Hawks of the trip, although Steve was more excited by the Dickcissels on the banks. We headed out to the mouth of the river and the sand bars had a mix of terns including Sandwich and Elegant, mixed in to the more familiar Royals. Carara NP is allegedly one of the most diverse sites in the country, although to the uneducated eye, the thick forest was similar to the other forested area. However what was true was its ability to pull scarce and normally retiring species into easy views for the group. Black breasted Wren was the morning warm up to Streak-chested Antpitta, Black-faced Antthrush and White-crested Coquette in the afternoon. We found a massive antswarm and this brought in species and gave us a great view of the impact of these mass movements as they swept through the forest.
Species list
Great Tinamou (Tinamus major) – the first seen at La Selva on 26th and a second was at Carara on 1st April.
[Highland Tinamou (Nothocercus bonapartei) one was seen only by Magda at Santa Elena on 23rd.]
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) - by far the commonest duck at Solimar with an estimated 2000+ present. Also present, but in much smaller numbers, at Caño Negro and Tarcoles.
Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) – three or so were at Solimar on the 20th and a single was seen at Caño Negro on 24th.
Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) - relatively common at Solimar on 20th March, there after seen at Caño Negro and also on the pools around San Jose on 27th.,
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) - only recorded at Solimar, where low numbers were seen.
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) - one was at Chomes on 19th March, and then after birds were found near to Caño Negro and on the lakes on the route from San Jose to Oresi on 27th.
Grey-headed Chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps) - more of a species of open forest and scrubby areas, first seen in Arenal on 21-March and then at Cano Negro and finally near San Isidro.
Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) - a party of three were seen when we arrived on Arenal on the evening of 20th March and thereafter seen daily around
Arenal and also at La Selva.
Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor) – this arboreal forest species was first seen at the entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest on 22nd March and seen in
the area on the following two days. Thereafter only heard at Tepanti,
Great Curassow (Crax rubra) – first seen around the lodge at Arenal on 21 March onwards where the male came to the bird feeders. A male was also at La Selva.
Black-breasted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus leucolaemus) – only seen at Monteverde with three at Santa Elena on 23rd and another party at Curi Crancha the following morning.
Spotted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus guttatus) - a family party was found in the hotel grounds at Savegre, on the 29th.
Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) - three were seen on the pools at Solimar on 20th.
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) - two on Lake Arenal on 22nd March were the only record.
Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) – a minimum of three birds at Solimar on 20th March.
Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) - although first seen at Chomes on 19th March, the main sites were Solimar and then Caño Negro, the latter location having 60+ birds.
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) – common on visits to the coasts with large numbers at Caldera on the 19th and over 100 at Tarcoles on 31st.
Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – first seen were a flock of 15 at Lake Arenal on 21st March. Common at Caño Negro and also present in low numbers at the mouth of Rio Tarcoles on 31st.
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) – a few bird were at Solimar, but was plentiful on the boat trip in Caño Negro. Also reported on the boat trip along the Rio Tarcoles.
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) - again common on visits to the coasts with a few numbers at Caldera on 19th, but over 100 at Tarcoles on 31st,
Pinnated Bittern (Botaurus pinnatus) – a single was seen well at Medio Queso on 25th March.
Fasciated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – one was on the river below the Observatory Lodge at Arenal on 21st March.
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum) - although common with c40 at Solimar, it was relatively scarce at both common at each wetland area, Caño Negro and Tarcoles.
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) - less common than the other herons, but still in reasonable numbers at Solimar, Caño Negro and Tarcoles with a peak of 20 at Solimar on the 20th.
Great Egret (Ardea alba) -first seen at Chomes, and common at each wetland area, Solimar, Caño Negro and Tarcoles.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) - although plentiful at Chomes and Solimar, certainly less common at Caño Negro and Tarcoles.
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) - common at each wetland area, Solimar, Caño Negro and Tarcoles.
Tricoloured Heron (Egretta tricolor) - not uncommon at each wetland area, Solimar, Caño Negro and Tarcoles.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) - seen daily.
Green Heron (Butorides virescens) - common at each wetland area, Solimar, Caño Negro and Tarcoles.
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) - a maximum of six birds were seen at Solimar on 20th March.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) - The last of the herons, with three on the Rio Tarcoles on 31st March.
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) – only seen on the boat trip at Caño Negro, with about 12 seen on 25th March.
White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) - common at each wetland area, Solimar, Caño Negro and Tarcoles
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) - a single bird was seen at a lagoon at Caño Negro on the evening of the 24th and was still there the following morning,
Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – a single was seen in the forest at La Selva on 26th March
Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) – first seen with c.four at Chomes on the 19th. Also present at Caño Negro and Rio Tarcoles.
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) – very common and seen daily across the country.
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) - as with the previous species, ever present.
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus) - only seen at Caño Negro, with two over the boat on 25th March.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) - one flew over Guacimo Road on 19th and then one was at Chomes the same day. A further two were seen at Solimar and one at Arenal. Also birds were seen at Caño Negro, and four were on the Rio Tarcoles on 31st.
Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – two were seen on the stop for Fork-tailed Flycatchers just outside San Isidro on 30th March.
White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) – a bird of open areas and first seen with two at Solimar on 20th. Also recorded at Caño Negro, around San Jose and a pair with a young bird was seen just outside San Isidro on 30th.
Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – the first was a female that flew over when we were watching the Prevost’s Ground Sparrows on 27th. Another female was seen early morning the following day as we loaded the bus at Tepanti Media Lodge.
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) – these elegant raptors became increasingly familiar after the first seen at Arenal on 21st March. Peak count was 10+ at Arenal on 22nd.
Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) – a red letter day whenever this beautifully marked raptor is found. One was seen from the Skywalk at Arenal on 22nd March. One was giving tantalising perched views eating a monkey at Braulio Carillo NP on 27th and lastly was at Tepanti the next day.
Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – four or more birds were present hunting over the marshes at Solimar on 20th March.
Double-toothed Kite (Harpagus bidentatus) - two perched birds were seen at Carara NP on 1st April.
Common Black-Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) - only seen on the Rio Tarcoles with a minimum of two there on 31st March. This form was previously separated as Mangrove Black Hawk.
Barred Hawk (Morphnarchus princeps) - two were seen at the Skywalks, Arenal on 22nd March
Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) – after the first two at Solimar on 20th, also found at lowland areas in Caño Negro and around San Isidro.
Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) – only seen at Solimar with a minimum of three there on 20th.
White Hawk (Pseudastur albicollis) - only seen at Arenal with three on the 21st and two the following day.
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) - the first at Tepanti on 28th were probably resident birds, however the kittling migrating flocks seen on the next three days were certainly heading to the USA to breed.
Grey Hawk (Buteo plagiatus) - Probably the commonest raptor in the lowlands, first seen on 19th at Guacimo Road.
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) - another species seen regularly in the lowlands after the first at Caldera on the 19th.
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) - seen on 31st around Talari amongst the Broad-winged Hawk kettles, overall c 12 seen during the day.
Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) - seen only on the pacific slope with one at Caldera on 19th and then one at Solimar the next day. Finally one was at Rio Tarcoles on 31st,
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) – a single at Savegre of the Costa Rican subspecies on 29th March was the only sighting
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) - Two were found on Rio San Jose, near La Selva on 27th March.
Grey-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides cajaneus) - seen at Caño Negro and at Tarcoles,
[White-throated Crake (Latterallus algigularis) attempts to encourage one out into the open, ultimately failed.]
Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) - six were at Solimar on 20th and then three at Rio Tarcoles on 31st.
Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) - three were at Lankaster Pond, San Jose on 27th.
American Coot (Fulica americana) – the first was one at Solimar on 20th, followed by 2 on Arenal lake. Lastly one was on the pools on the road to Tepanti on 27th.
Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) - one was the highlight of the early morning boat trip at Caño Negro on 25th.
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) - four were seen at Solimar on the 20th and one was seen on both days a Caño Negro.
Double-striped Thick-knee (Burhinus bistriatus) – quite plentiful in the Guanacaste areas of the North west and seen both on Guacimo Road and Solimar
Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) - one of the most plentiful waders at Chomes, Colerado, Caño Negro and Rio Tarcoles
American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) – a species that is only a scarce visitor to Costa Rica, however the one at Chomes had been apparently hanging around for a while.
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliates) - three were present at Chomes on 19th.
Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) - Common at Chomes and Colerado and also present at Rio Tarcoles.
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) - six were at Solimar, and two at Caño Negro. The last record was one at Lankaster Pond, San Jose.
Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris) - a single on the Rio Tarcoles, on 31st March was the only record.
Wilson's Plover (Charadrius wilsonia) - over 50 were seen at Chomes and another 10 were present at Colerado,
Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) – outnumbered Wilson by around 4:1 at both Chomes and Colerado and also common at Rio Tarcoles
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferous) - one at Lankaster Pond, San Jose on 27th was the only record.
Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) - very plentiful with an estimate of over 1,000 at Solimar, and 200 plus at Caño Negro. Not quite so plentiful, but still 30 at Rio Tarcoles.
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) - present at each wetland area visited, with a maximum of 40 at Rio Tarcoles on 31st March.
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) – only found inland with up to two on both days in Caño Negro and another at Lankaster Pond on 27th.
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) - one at Chomes on 19th and another at Rio Tarcoles on 31st were the only records.
Willet (Tringa semipalmata) - first seen at Caldera and plentiful at both Chomes and Caldera. Also present at Rio Tarcoles.,
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)- seen with one Chomes and two at Solimar, with the last record of one at Lankaster Pond, San Jose.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) - another coastal species seen in reasonable numbers at Chomes, Colerado and Rio Tarcoles with a peak count of 20 on the 19th.
Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) - only seen at Chomes with around 40 present on 19th.
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) - only seen on the sand bar at the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles on 31st March.
Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) - one at Colerado on 20th was the only one seen.
Sanderling (Calidris alba)- apart from a single at Chomes, only seen at the mouth of Rio Tarcoles, with a flock of c30 birds on 31st March.
Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) – common at Chomes, Colerado and Rio Tarcoles. Unlike the other peeps also ten were found at Caño Negro.
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) - first seen at Chomes on the 19th, but by far the most plentiful wader at Colerado with perhaps 2,000 present the following day.
Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) – although more plentiful at Chomes than the Semipalmated with c60 present, only c.20 were at Colerado.
Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) - only seen at Chomes, Colerado and Rio Tarcoles with a maximum of 40 at Chomes on 19th.
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) - seen at Caldera and Chomes on 19th. Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) - one at Chomes was the only record.
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) - eight were counted at Chomes on 19th.
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) - the commonest tern at both Chomes and Rio Tarcoles with c50 at the former, and c40 at the latter location.
Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) – only seen on the sand bar at the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles on 31st March.
Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans)- a few were with the mixed tern flock at the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles, on the 31st March.
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) - c50 birds were present at Chomes on 19th.
Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis) – one was at Arenal on 21st and the also seen at La Selva.
Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas speciose) - the first was seen at Los Juntas, on the way to Caño Negro on 24th and another was at the Rio Savegre in the Pacific lowlands on 31st.
Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris) – the default canopy pigeon, first seen at Arenal on 20th and thereafter seen daily.
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) – seen regularly in the highlands, most typically with in- flight views of flocks heading to or from roosts. Maximum counts of c.20 were at Monteverde on 22nd and along Providencia Road on the morning of 31st.
Ruddy Pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea) – one was seen in the grounds of Trapp Family lodge on 24th March and then birds were heard around Savegre on 29th and 30th.
Short-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas nigrirostris) - although heard at Arenal, the first sightings were three at La Selva on 26th and then another at Braulio Carillo NP the following day.
White-winged Dove(Zenaida asiatica) – the common pigeon, seen daily in urban areas
Inca Dove (Columbina inca) – seen daily when in the lowlands and especially in suburban areas, where common.
Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina) – found in the lowland dry areas such as the Guanacaste areas of Guacimo Road, Solimar and Tarcoles.
Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti) – first seen in Caño Negro on 25th, but found to be more plentiful in the lowlands around San Isidro and down to the pacific coast.
Blue Ground-Dove (Claravis pretiosa) – although two were reported at Cano Negro, the only sighting were two at La Selva on 26th.
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi) – the common forest dove, whose call was the backdrop to most trips out. Seen daily except in open country.
Grey-headed Dove (Leptotila plumbeiceps) - only seen at Caño Negro, where one was seen on 24th and another heard the following day
Grey-chested Dove (Leptotila cassini) - seen at Arenal with a peak count of 4 on 21st and also reported at La Selva,
Buff-fronted Quail-Dove (Geotrygon costaricensis) - one seen in the hotel grounds at Savegre on 29th.
[Chiriqui Quail-Dove (Geotrygon chiriquensis) – one evaded all but Steve and Magda at Curi Crancha on 24th.]
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) – only seen at La Selva, but heard at Guacimo Road, Arenal and Carara.
Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor) - only seen at Caño Negro, where about ten were seen on the early morning boat trip.
Lesser Ground-Cuckoo (Morococcyx erythropygus) - after birds refused to respond on Guacimo road, it was a relief to get close views at Solimar on the morning of 20th.
Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)- this species only occurs in the South west of Costa Rica and only appeared when we arrived in the outskirts of San Isidro on the 30th, and also seen the following day.
Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) - a common roadside bird especially in the cattle areas and seen daily with the exception of when we were in the South-west
Barn Owl (Tyto alba) – one was at the day roost near the Hacienda at Solimar on 20th March.
Pacific Screech-Owl (Megascops cooperi)- two species of owl in two minutes, after the above owl the next tree had this species roosting.
Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba) - an odd location but good views of a roosting bird on 27th March from a district railway station platform in Cartago,
Vermiculated Screech-Owl (Megascops guatemalae) - an after dark return to La Selva managed to find an active bird that gave us the run around in the deep forest, before finally perching in the torch light.
Bare-shanked Screech-Owl (Megascops clarkia) - an easy one, at the high point of the Santa Elena reserve at dusk on the 23rd , one immediately responding to the tape and sitting just above our heads in full view.
Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata) – our 11th species of owl for the trip. Just outside the rainforest experience near Jaco on 1st April, 3 birds responded to the tape at dusk and one flew in to perform impeccably above our heads.
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata) - two were seen at the day time roost at Solimar on 20th. One was also heard each night calling around the hotel at La Quinta.
Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium costaricanum) – one was finally tracked down and showed distantly at Providencia Road on 30th.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) - first seen at Hotel Robledal, San Jose on the morning of the 19th and common in the dry northern Guanacaste area.
Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgate) - a calling bird showed well after dark on the road to the Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve, just outside the Trapp Family Lodge on 22nd March.
Black-and-white Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata) – one was seen on the Potoo and owling expedition at Caño Negro on 24th and another was seen at Hotel Cerro lodge on the evening of 31st March.
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) – first seen when arriving to Solimar at dusk on 19th. 6+ were seen at dusk at Caño Negro, however they were extremely common as dusk approached at Tarcoles, with over 40 seen on the 31st.
Short-tailed Nighthawk (Lurocalis semitorquatus) one flew over calling when we were looking for tree frogs at dusk by the dam at Arenal on 21st March.
Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) – after finding two on the track at Arenal dam on the 21st, we saw three on the night drive at Caño Negro, and heard birds at La Selva and Tepanti. The latter bird called all night long in the car park by the lodge testing the patience of all of us.
Dusky Nightjar (Antrostomus saturates) – search on Cerra de la Muerte, above Savegre as night fell on 29th resulted in about 3 calling birds, one of which was seen.
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) - one was found on the night drive at Caño Negro, on the 24th
Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) - one was found at Caño Negro when looking for the previous species
Spot-fronted Swift (Cypseloides cherriei) - six were seen at Arenal on 21st and also seen from above the entrance road to La Selva on 26th.
Chestnut-collared Swift (Streptoprocne rutile) – only recorded at Talari on 30th with c.40 seen.
White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris) – odd birds were seen at Arenal on 21st and 22nd, but more plentiful in the Cerra de la Muerte highlands with up to 50 birds seen daily and also present pacific southern lowlands.
Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi) – the most plentiful and widespread of the swifts. Seen from Arenal to Cerra de la Muerte, with to 40 recorded per day,
Costa Rican Swift (Chaetura fumosa) – the replacement of the previous species along the pacific coast at Tarcoles where recorded on the 31st and ten seen on 01st April.
Grey-rumped Swift (Chaetura cinereiventris) – only seen at La Selva with c.40 seen in the mixed swift flocks.
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis) – again, only seen at La Selva with a couple of fly-throughs on the 26th March.
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) - two were at Arenal on 22nd and then another was seen at El Tapir, nr Braulio Carillo NP.
Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy) – one was seen each day at Arenal on 22nd and then another was seen at El Tapir, nr Braulio Carillo NP.
Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris) - although reported at Arenal and heard at La Selva it was only at Carara NP that one showed well.
Stripe-throated Hermit (Phaethornis striigularis) – again reported at Arenal but seen well at Los Cusingos on 31st and again in Carara NP the following day.
Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae) - seen each day at Arenal on 22nd and then another was seen at El Tapir, nr Braulio Carillo NP.
Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) – seen daily, albeit in low numbers around
Monteverde, but was plentiful around the feeders at Savegre areas with a peak count of 30 on 30th. A nest with two almost fledged young was also found in the hotel grounds.
Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti) – one was at Tepanti on the 28th and another seen at Carara NP on the 1st,
Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) – one at La Selva on the 25th was the only sighting.
Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) – one was seen at El Tapir (old Butterfly Farm) on 27th.
Black-crested Coquette (Lophornis helenae) – a male and a female were in the lodge grounds in Arenal and a further pair were at El Tapir on the 27th.
White-crested Coquette (Lophornis adorabilis) - after missing these at Los Cusingos, two were found by Vernon in the canopy in the car park at Carara NP on 1st April.
Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) – seen daily around the sites in Monteverde but with a peak count of only two.
Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) - common around the feeders at the lodge at Savegre with c.10 seen each day.
Long-billed Starthroat (Heliomaster longirostris) - one was at Bosque del Tolomuco on 30th March.
Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis) - only found on the 31-March in the area of Cerra de la Muerte, from Providencia Road through to Los Quetzalis with a day count of ten.
White-bellied Mountain-gem (Lampornis hemileucus) – one at Tepanti on 28th March was the only record.
Purple-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis calolaemus) – seen daily around Monteverde, with a maximum count of 6 at Curi Crancha on 24th. Also one was at El Tapir on 27th.
White-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis castaneoventris) – four were around Savegre on 29th.
Magenta-throated Woodstar (Calliphlox bryantae) – three were around the feeders at Curi Crancha on 24th.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) – the only record was one feeding on the flowers along the veranda at Solimar on 20th.
Volcano Hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula) – Although both this and the next species were present in the Savegre/Cerra del la Muerte area. The Volcano hummer is the higher elevation species and they're generally seen further up the hill than the lodge and more scarce. The highest count was four on 30th.
Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla) – Peak count was six on the 29th March, and when in doubt closer inspection generally showed birds to be of this species.
Canivet's Emerald (Chlorostilbon canivetii) – two were found at Solimar on the morning of 20th.
Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti) – seen at Arenal with three there on 21st, and then at La Selva and Braulio Carillo.
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird (Phaeochroa cuvierii) – two subspecies are present. The Caribbean form roberti was seen from Arenal through to La Selva. The Pacific form maculicauda was seen at Talari on 31st.
Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus) – a dominant species at hummingbird feeders, seen daily in Monteverde with a peak count of four. Also recorded at Tepanti and Talari.
Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer (Chalybura urochrysia) – two were at Arenal on 21st and a further two were seen at El Tapir (old butterfly farm) on 27th,
Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica) – relatively scarce with one at Arenal on 22nd and then another at La Selva. Finally one was at El Tapir on 24th.
Stripe-tailed Hummingbird (Eupherusa eximia) -
seen initially at the feeders at Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve on the evening of the 22nd and also on both days in the area. Also seen around Savegre and Los Quetzalis.
Black-bellied Hummingbird (Eupherusa nigriventris) - two was found feeding on forest flowers along the river at Tepanti on 28th.
Coppery-headed Emerald (Elvira cupreiceps) – another endemic that was common around the flowering hedges at Curi Crancha on both the 23rd and 24th.
Snowcap (Microchera albocoronata) - only seen at El Tapir (old Butterfly Farm), where three were seen on the 27th, one each of male, female and juvenile.
Blue-chested Hummingbird (Amazilia amabilis) – one at La Selva on 26th was the only record.
Charming Hummingbird (Amazilia decora) – the southern pacific slope equivalent of the previous species. Two were seen at Los Cusingos on 31st.
Mangrove Hummingbird (Amazilia boucardi) – one of this endangered endemic species was seen in the mangroves at Caldera on 19th.
Steely-vented Hummingbird (Amazilia saucerrottei) – first seen at Guacimo Road on 19th and then again at Arenal.
Snowy-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia edward) - one, or two, showed well at Bosque del Tolomuco on 30th March.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacati) – a widespread Hummingbird, initially seen at Arenal on 21st and seen daily thereafter with the exception of the highest areas of Cerra de la Muerte.
Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutile) - first seen on the first morning in San Jose and then in the Guanacaste.
Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) –after brief unsatisfactory views, and mainly of females around Monteverde, we were spoilt in Savegre with birds at a nest and also perching in plain sight.
Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena) - three were seen at La Selva on 26th and also heard in Carara NP.
Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus) – a lowland open woodland species seen in the Guanacaste along Guacimo Road and Solimar, and also around Caño Negro
Baird's Trogon (Trogon bairdii) – two were seen in Carara NP on 1st April.
Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus) – first seen at Guacimo Road, and then heard at Arenal, seen at La Selva and heard at Los Cusingos & Carara NP
Black-throated Trogon (Trogon rufus) - a single immature bird was finally tracked down in La Selva, and also heard in Carara NP.
Orange-bellied Trogon (Trogon aurantiiventris) – seen well in Arenal during the stay and not seen again. Although heard both in Monteverde and Carara NP.
Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris) - only seen at Tepanti with two seen there on 28th, but also heard on Providencia Road on 30th
Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps) – unlike the other Motmots seemed to like to bury itself low and deep in forested areas. First seen at Monteverde on both days and then at Talari Los Cusingos and Carara NP.
Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii) – one was seen well at La Selva on 16th and another heard the following day.
Keel-billed Motmot (Electron carinatum) – one was seen high in the canopy at Arenal on 21st.
Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum) – One seen at Arenal on the 21st and another at Braulio Carillo NP on 27th.
Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa) – common in the Guanacaste habitat from Guacimo Road to Solimar, with a peak count of 20 on the 19th. Also seen in similar habitat around Tarcoles.
Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) – first seen at Solimar where one was on the main pools, but common with a minimum of ten at Caño Negro on 25th.
Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazon) – the commonest of the Kingfishers at Caño Negro with
c.50 seen on the 25th, also reported at Rio Tarcoles.
Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) – seen at Caño Negro and then again at Rio Tarcoles,
American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) – one was found on the evening of 24th at Caño Negro and four on the boat trip the following morning.
White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – a single bird was found around the laboratories at La Selva on the evening of 26th March.
Pied Puffbird (Notharchus tectus) – two were seen at Caño Negro on 25th.
White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis) – One was seen at La Selva on 26th.
White-fronted Nunbird (Monasa morphoeus) – a party of 3 birds were sitting quietly in the canopy in Arenal on 21st.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) – two were found in Arenal on 22nd and another two at La Selva on 26th.
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii) - a female was seen at Tepanti on 28th March.,
Prong-billed Barbet (Semnornis frantzii) - only seen at the entrance of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where a small, but noisy party were found.
Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) - seen daily during our stay in Monteverde, with a pair appearing to be nest in the gardens of the Trapp family lodge. Also present in the lodge gardens at Savegre.
Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) – first seen in Caño Negro, however it was more plentiful in La Selva with c10 seen there on
the 26th.
Fiery-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus frantzii) - Only seen around Talari with 3 on the 30th March.
Black-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguous) – seen regularly with two at Arenal on 21st, two at La Selva on 26th, and another at Braulio Carrillo NP the next day. Also seen at Talari and Los Cusingos.
Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) – more widespread a plentiful that the other large toucan, seen daily
at Arenal, with four there on 21st and also at Monteverde and La Selva, with a peak count of six on 26th.
Olivaceous Piculet (Picumnus olivaceus) – one was seen well at Caño Negro on 25th and then heard at Talari and Carara
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) – common around Savegre, where it comes to feeders.
Golden-naped Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysauchen) - two were found at Rio Savegre on the Pacific coast on 31st March.
Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani) – first seen at Arenal on 21st and thereafter seen regularly on the Caribbean slope, with a peak count of three at La Selva. This is one of the woodpeckers that came to bird feeders.
Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus) – the pair species of Hoffman’s and only found in the pacific lowlands of the South-west. As soon as we got to San Isidro the species appeared and seen regularly over the next couple of days.
Hoffmann's Woodpecker (Melanerpes hoffmannii) - first seen on 19th March at Hotel Robledal, this is the commonest woodpecker in the North of the country and seen daily until in the Pacific south.
Smoky-brown Woodpecker (Picoides fumigatus) - after being first seen at Arenal on the 21st, further birds were heard at Monteverde and seen at Tepanti.
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) - the dark Costa Rican subspecies extimus was common in the Savegre valley on the 29th & 30th March.
Rufous-winged Woodpecker (Piculus simplex) – one was at Arenal on 21st and another was at La Selva on 26th.
Golden-olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus) – One was seen at Arenal on 21st March, and another heard at Monteverde.
Cinnamon Woodpecker (Celeus loricatus) – two were seen at Caño Negro on 25th.
Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker (Celeus castaneus) – one was seen at Caño Negro and then four at La Selva the following day.
Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) – the first was seen at Chomes on 19th March and then although heard at Arenal and Carara NP the only other seen was just outside La Selva on 25th.
Pale-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis) - although heard at Monteverde and Los Cusingos, two were seen at La Selva on 26th.
Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) – common in the lowland areas with farmland and other open habitat., such as Solimar, Cano Negro and the pacific coastal strip around Tarcoles. Peak count of 16 on the 1st April around Jaco and Tarcoles.
Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) – found in similar areas to it bigger cousin, with a peak count of six around Tarcoles.
Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – After the first at Guacimo Road, seen again at Arenal and then heard at Caño Negro and Carara NP.
[Barred Forest Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis) – a calling bird did show around the feeding flock at Arenal on the morning of 22nd.]
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) – two were seen at Solimar on 20th March.
Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis) – the first was at the parrot roost near La Selva on 26th March and another was seen at the bridge over Rio Tarcoles on 1st April.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) – one, perhaps two, were causing havoc over the pools at Solimar on 20th March.
Sulphur-winged Parakeet (Pyrrhura hoffmanni) - a loose flock of 10 were busy destroying the apples in the orchards around Savegre on 29th March.
Crimson-fronted Parakeet (Aratinga finschi) – first seen at Arenal on 22nd and then common on the Carribean lowlands from Cano Negro, La Selva and onto Tepanti. Peak count was c.60 at Tepanti on 28th.
Olive-throated Parakeet (Aratinga nana) - seen on both days at Caño Negro with a maximum count of 20 on the 25th.
Orange-fronted Parakeet (Aratinga canicularis) – a Guanacaste parrot first seen at Guacimo Road on
19th and also present at Solimar. Then not seen again until c20 around Cerro lodge on 1st April.
Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguous) – two came to roost on the pasture just outside La Selva at dusk on 26th March.
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) – 19 were counted going to roost on the boat trip along the Rio Tarcoles at dusk on 31st and over 15 were seen the next day by the river valley and in Carara NP,
Barred Parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola)- a flock of five flew over calling along Providencia Road on 31st.
Orange-chinned Parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis) – another lowland, species first seen in the Guanacaste and then around Cano Negro and La Selva. Unlike some of the other species also seen in the Pacific southwest and common around Tarcoles.
Brown-hooded Parrot (Pyrilia haematotis) - a forest species seen in low numbers at Arenal, Monteverde and then Carara, with a peak count of four on the 21st.
White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis) - after the first at Arenal on 21st, seen almost daily except in the Pacific lowlands and the highest areas.
Red-lored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis) - seen daily in the lowlands from Arenal onward, with a peak count of 12 at the parrot roost outside La Selva on 26th.
Yellow-naped Parrot (Amazona auropalliata) – another of the Guanacaste parrots, and although heard at Chomes the first sightings were c.10 at Solimar on 20th. Also one at Cerro lodge on 1st April.
White-fronted Parrot (Amazona albifrons) - seen in the north with the first at Chomes on the 19th and then at Solimar, Arenal and Monteverde. Peak count was 30 at Solimar on 20th.
Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) – two were seen at La Selva on 26th and another heard only at Carara NP on 1st April.,
Fasciated Antshrike (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – after the first at Arenal on 21st, the only other record was three at La Selva on 26th.
Great Antshrike (Taraba major) – one at Arenal and one at La Selva were the only records.,
Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) – first seen with two at Arenal on 21st and then near La Quinta on 25th. Also heard at Monteverde, Talari and Carara NP.
Black-crowned Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – a male and a female showed well at La Selva on 26th,
Black-hooded Antshrike (Thamnophilus bridgesi) – although first heard the day before, four were seen at Carara NP on 1st April.
Russet Antshrike (Thamnistes anabatinus) – one was seen at Arenal on 21st and then two were on the trails at Braulio Carrillo on 27th
Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis) – two at Curi Crancha on the 24th were the only record.,
Streak-crowned Antvireo (Dysithamnus striaticeps) – a mixed flocked at Braulio Carrillo NP contained this species.
Checker-throated Antwren (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – in the same flock as the above species, with at least two at Braulio Carrillo NP on 27th.
[Slaty Antwren (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – reported at Arenal and Tepanti and also heard at Curi Crancha, this was one I failed to catch up with.]
Dot-winged Antwren (Microrhopias quixensis) – three, including a displaying male, were seen at Carara NP on 1st April.
Dusky Antbird (Cercomacra tyrannina) – first heard at Arenal on 21st and two seen the following day. Also one was at Carara NP on 1st April.
[Bare-crowned Antbird (Gymnocichla nudiceps) – although calling loudly, one at Arenal on 21st refused to come out of it hiding place.]
Chestnut-backed Antbird (Myrmeciza exsul) - an antswarm species and two were found following the small ant swarm at Los Cusingos on 31st and they were more confiding on the much larger swarm at Carara NP the next day.,
Dull-mantled Antbird (Myrmeciza laemosticta) – one responded to the tape at Arenal on 21-March
Bicoloured Antbird (Gymnopithys leucaspis) – the first was following the larger antswarm at Los Cusingos on 31st and another two were seen on the large antswarm at Carara NP the next day.
Spotted Antbird (Hylophylax naevioides) – a pair showed well at the Dull-mantled Antbird site in Arenal on 21st March, and additionally were heard the following
day.
Streak-chested Antpitta (Hylopezus perspicillatus) – one was seen at Carara NP on the afternoon of 1st April.
[Thicket Antpitta (Hylopezus fulvivventris) - calling birds were heard at Arenal on 21st & 22nd but could not be seen.]
Black-faced Antthrush (Formicarius analis) – a total of three were found on the afternoon of 1st, including two at the antswarm at Carara NP.
[Rufous breasted Anthrush (Formicarius rufipectus) – one heard in the depths of the undergrowth at Tepanti was never going to show.]
[Silvery-fronted Tapaculo (Scytalopus argentifrons) – We tried a couple of times in Santa Elena on the 23rd and although call birds appeared to be getting close to us they never showed. A search at Savegre also came up with a blank.]
Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus) - two were seen at Curi Crancha on the morning of 24th.
Long-tailed Woodcreeper (Deconychura longicauda) – one joined the birds around the ant swarm at Carara NP on 1st.
[Tawny-winged Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla anabatina) – one was calling at Talari on the morning of 31st]
Ruddy Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla homochroa) – the one at Los Cusingos on the 31st was the only sighting.
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – first seen from the Skywalk at Arenal on 22nd, and then one at Braulio Carillo on 27th. Lastly one was at Tepanti on 28th.
Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) - two were found at La Selva on 26th and then another at Carara NP on 1st April.
Cocoa Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) – a familiar woodcreeper of more open areas and seen regularly including at Arenal, Caño Negro, La Selva, Los Cusingos and Carara NP. Also heard at Monteverde and Braulio Carillo.
[Brown-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – one was heard at Santa Elena on 23rd.]
Spotted Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – one was seen at Arenal on 21st and then others were heard at Monteverde and Tepanti.,
Streak-headed Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – lowland woodcreeper found at Guacimo Road, Arenal, Caño Negro, La Selva, Talari, Los Cusingos and Carara NP.
Spot-crowned Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes affinis) – only seen above Savegre, with four on 29th and two the following day.
Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus) – sightings were one at Arenal on 21st and one at Carara NP on 1st April. Others were reported from La Selva and Los Cusingos.,
Lineated Foliage-gleaner (Syndactyla subalaris) – although heard at Arenal, the only sighting was one at Tepanti on 28th.
Striped Woodhaunter (Hyloctistes subulatus) – one was in the mixed feeding flock at Arenal on the 21st and also heard there the next day. Also, one was heard at Braulio Carillo on 27th.
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner (Automolus ochrolaemus) – one was heard at Arenal, however the first was seen at Braulio Carrillo NP on 27th. Also one was at Los Cusingos and two at Carara NP.
[Buffy Tuftedcheek (Pseudocoloptes lawrencii) – one was heard but couldn’t be seen at Providencia Road on 30th]
Streak-breasted Treehunter (Thripadectes rufobrunneus) – two were found gleaning the moss covered tree branches at Santa Elena on 23rd March, and another was at Providencia Road on 30th.
Spotted Barbtail (Premnoplex brunnescens) – one was seen at Santa Elena on 23rd and another heard at Tepanti on 28th.
Ruddy Treerunner (Margarornis rubiginosus) – four were seen at Santa Elena on 23rd and another was reported at Savegre on 29th,
Red-faced Spinetail (Cranioleuca erythrops) – four were seen on 23rd at both Monteverde Cloud Forest and Santa Elena and then two were seen at Tepanti on 28th.
Pale-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis albescens) – a pair were in typical scrubby field edges just down the road from Los Cusingos on 31st.
Slaty Spinetail (Synallaxis brachyura) – a nesting bird was difficult to see at Arenal on 21st although it rewarded perseverance. Another was near La Selva on 25th.
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (Camptostoma imberbe) – two of these tiny dry country flycatchers were seen on Guacimo Road on the 19th,
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum)- one was seen well at Talari on the morning of 31st and another was at Carara NP the next day.
Yellow Tyrannulet (Capsiempis flaveola) – two were at Arenal on 21st and another was heard at La Selva on 26th.
Greenish Elaenia (Myiopagis viridicata) – having missed the one at Solmar on 20th, my first was the single in the lodge grounds at Talari on 30th. Also recorded at Carara NP on 1st April.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster) – seen almost daily from Arenal onwards. The maximum count was six on 30th at Talari and Los Cusingos.
Lesser Elaenia (Elaenia chiriquensis) – two were seen at Tepanti on 28th, a further two were at Talari on 30th and anther sighting there the following morning.
Mountain Elaenia (Elaenia frantzii) – as the name suggests, this species was limited to the higher ground. First seen at Monteverde Cloud Forest with singles on the 22nd and 23rd, it was more common on Cerra de la Muerte above Savegre, with a maximum of six seen on 29th.
Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea) – two were at Tepanti on 28th and another one was by the river at Savegre Lodge on 29th.
Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus) - one was seen at Arenal on 22nd and then another was at Tepanti on 28th.
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Mionectes oleaginous) – two were seen at La Selva on 26th and one was seen at Carara NP on 1st April.
Slaty-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon superciliaris) – although heard at Arenal on 21st, the only sighting was at Tepanti on 28th.
Paltry Tyrannulet (Zimmerius vilissimus) - this canopy flycatcher was seen daily after the first at Monteverde on the evening of 22nd March. It was mainly unobtrusive rather than scarce although most daily counts were limited to single birds. However six were recorded along Providencia Road on the 30th.
Northern Scrub-Flycatcher (Sublegatus arenarum) – two were seen on 19th at Chomes.
Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant (Myiornis atricapillus) – two were seen in La Selva, including a male nest building by the boardwalk.
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus) – after having heard them on each day in Arenal, finally caught up with a confiding bird at Tepanti on 28th.
Northern Bentbill (Oncostoma cinereigulare) – two were seen in the vine tangles on the road above Carara NP on the 1st April. The bill is not bent, but
has a strange “egg-tooth” like protuberance on the upper mandible.
Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus sylvia) – two showed well at Carara NP on the 1st April.
Common Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum) – a common species first seen at Caldera on 19th and then at Arenal, Monteverde, Caño Negro, La Selva, Los Cusingos and Carara, peak count being four at Caño Negro on 25th.
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum nigriceps) – one stayed high in the canopy at the entrance to La Selva on 26th March.
Eye-ringed Flatbill (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – one was at Tepanti on 28th and then one heard at Los Cusingos on 31st.
Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – two were seen along Guacimo Road on 19th and then another at La Selva on 26th. Also recorded at Carara NP.
Stub-tailed Spadebill (Platyrinchus cancrominus) – the last of the Spadebill set, after one was difficult to track in the undergrowth, a second showed well at the manakin bathing pools at Carara NP, on 1st April.
White-throated Spadebill (Platyrinchus mystaceus) - the only record was one at Santa Elena on 23rd March.
Golden-crowned Spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus) – one showed well at Los Cusingos on 31st March and another was heard calling the next day at Carara,
Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus) – one was found at Carara NP on 1st April, close to the nest site that was active earlier in the year.
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – two were seen at Braulio Carrillo NP, on 27th and then another at Carara NP on 1st April.
Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher (Myiobius sulphureipygius) – one was seen briefly at Arenal on 21st and another was at the Manakin pools at Carara NP on 1st April.
Tufted Flycatcher (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) – the first was seen at Santa Elena on 23rd and then another two at Tepanti on 28th. Lastly one was seen at Savegre on 29th.
Dark Pewee (Contopus lugubris) – one was seen at Tepanti on 28th and then another the following day above Savegre.
Ochraceous Pewee (Contopus ochraceus) – this scarce primary forest specialist was seen from the road side above Savegre on the 29th and heard there the following day.
Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) – one was around the lodge at Savegre on both 29th and 30th.
Tropical Pewee (Contopus cinereus) - after the first at Arenal on 21st, it was more common with c.10 at Cano Negro on 25th. The last record was two at La Selva.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) – one was seen from the Skywalk bridge at Arenal on 22nd March and then another was seen at Los Cusingos on 31st.
White-throated Flycatcher (Empidonax albigularis) – two were in the open fields below the Tepanti reserve on 28th.
Yellowish Flycatcher (Empidonax flavescens) – the first was seen at Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve on 23rd and another was at Savegre on 29th.
Black-capped Flycatcher (Empidonax atriceps) – a pair were nesting in the roadside bank above Savegre lodge and seen on both 29th and 30th March.
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) – not uncommon and seen daily, except in the Guanacaste.
Long-tailed Tyrant (Colonia colonus) - the first were two at Arenal on 21st and also seen the following day. Although recorded at Monteverde, the next sighting was two at La Selva on 26th.
Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus) – after being heard at Chomes, Solimar and Arenal, it was something of a relief that one showed well at La Selva on 26th. Also heard at Carara NP.
Rufous Mourner (Rhytipterna holerythra) – one was at Monteverde Cloud Forest on 23rd and then another at La Selva on 26th.Finally one was seen at Tepanti on 28th.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – seen daily at Arenal, with a maximum of three on the 21st. Also recorded at La Selva, Braulio Carillo NP and Carara NP.
Panama Flycatcher (Myiarchus panamensis) – at least one was fond in the Mangroves at Chomes on 19th March,
Nutting's Flycatcher (Myiarchus nuttingi) - surprisingly common both at Guacimo Road, and Chomes with around a dozen seen on 19th.. One was also seen at Solimar the next day.
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) – after two Solimar on 20th, singles were also seen at La Selva and Tepanti.
Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – another Guanacaste species and seen both at Guacimo Road and Solimar,
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) - a common species seen and heard most days. Peak count was
c.20 at Rio Tarcoles on 31st.
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua) – seen almost daily and a few were confused with the more plentiful Great Kiskadee and probably overlooked. The maximum daily count was four at La Selva.
Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis) – seen daily with a peak count of ten at La Selva on 26th,
Grey-capped Flycatcher (Myiozetetes granadensis) – seen regularly in low numbers from Arenal onwards, except in the Guanacaste. Albeit strangely absent from Monteverde.
White-ringed Flycatcher (Conopias albovittatus) – two were seen at Caño Negro on 24th and a further two were at La Selva on 26th.
Golden-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes hemichrysus) – one was seen briefly on the evening of 22nd at Monteverde Cloud Forest, but gave more prolonged views the next morning. Also heard at Tepanti.
Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus) – another species seen in the Guanacaste, with one at Guacimo Road on 19th and two seen at Solimar the next day. Again seen around Tarcoles and Cerro Lodge at the end of the trip.
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris) – very similar to the previous species but seen in a wider range of habitats. Firstly, one was in the grounds of Hotel Robledal, San Jose on the morning of the 19th and then singles were seen on the two full days in Arenal. One was also seen in Monteverde on 24th.
Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius) – the first were four around Arenal on 21st and then seen almost daily thereafter.
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
- one of, if not the, commonest bird in Costa Rica, seen everywhere in good numbers and the flocking as dusk fell at Rio Tarcoles was quite impressive.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) – common in Guanacaste habitat with c.20 seen along Guacimo Road on 19th
and the same number around Solimar the next day. Also recorded, with four around Tarcoles on 31st.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) - only seen on the outskirts of San Isidro, with three there on the 30th and also recorded when we passed the same way the next day.
Sharpbill (Oxyruncus cristatus) - one was seen at Tepanti on the 28th and there may have been a second bird present,
Bare-necked Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus glabricollis) – one was seen at the top of the trail in the grounds of the Observatory Lodge at Arenal on 22nd March.
Turquoise Cotinga (Cotinga ridgwayi) - After the first male in the hotel grounds before breakfast, two others- a male and female, were found around Talari on
31st.
Rufous Piha (Lipaugus unirufus) - two were seen at Los Cusingos on 31st.
Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus) – one was finally seen well at Bosque dos los Niños, on 23rd.
Snowy Cotinga (Carpodectes nitidus) – five were seen around the entrance road and car park at La Selva on 26th.
White-ruffed Manakin (Corapipo altera) – after missing a call bird at Arenal the only sighting was a female at Braulio Carrillo NP on 27th.
Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis) - the first was at Guacimo Road on 19th, however better views of a male with long streamers was had at Solimar the next day. Birds were heard at Santa Elena but not seen. Lastly one was seen at Carara NP on 1st April.
Red-capped Manakin (Ceratopipra mentalis) – four showed well at Los Cusingos on 31st, but they were more plentiful at Carara the next day,
where c10 were seen, including birds coming to bath at the Manakin pools.
White-collared Manakin (Manacus candei) – first seen at Arenal on 22nd and then two at La Selva on 26th.
Orange-collared Manakin (Manacus aurantiacus) – one was seen at Talari on 31st March and then three at Carara the next day.
Blue-crowned Manakin (Lepidothrix coronata)
– two were at Los Cusingos on 31st, but up to six were seen the next day at Carara NP, including birds at the bathing pools.
Black-crowned Tityra (Tityra inquisitor) – initially the commoner of the two Tityra with birds seen at Guacimo Road and Solimar. Also two were at Caño Negro.
Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata) – after the first at Santa Elena on 23rd, seen daily except in the highlands and the pacific coast. Maximum count was three at Los Cusingos on 31st.
Barred Becard (Pachyramphus versicolor) – one was at Santa Elena on 23rd and another was Providencia Road on 30th.
Cinnamon Becard (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – two were seen near the observatory lodge at Arenal on 21st and then three were seen at La Selva on the 26th. Lastly, another pair was at Braulio Carillo NP on 27th,
White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – one was heard but would not show at Talari on 31st but another showed well at Carara NP the
next day.
Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) - first seen on Guacimo Road on the 19th and a peak count of four at Solimar the next day. Also heard around Carara NP on 31st March and 1st April
[Green Shrike Vireo (Vireolanius pulchellus) – one was heard at Braulio Carillo on 27th]
Mangrove Vireo (Vireo pallens) – one was finally tracked down at Caldera on 19th.
Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) – a North American migrant
and one was seen at Guacimo Road on 19th. One was also seen at Solimar on 20th and finally one at Monteverde on 23rd.
Yellow-winged Vireo (Vireo carmioli) – common above Savegre and up to Cerra de La Muerte with six on the 29th and four along Providencia road the next day.
Brown-capped Vireo (Vireo leucophrys) – two were seen at Tepanti on 28th and the a further two were found in the Savegre valley the next day.
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) – two were seen at Monteverde on the evening of the 22nd and then again the next day. Also recorded at Savegre, Talari and Carara NP.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) – one, maybe two, were in the riverside trees at Talari on 31st March.
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) - two were at Guacimo Road on 19th and a further two were seen at Solimar the following day.
Tawny-crowned Greenlet (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) – one was seen at Curi Crancha on 24th.
Lesser Greenlet (Hylophilus decurtatus) - quite widespread from Arenal onwards, but nowhere particularly plentiful. Peak count was four at Carara NP on 1st April.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – the only sighting was one at Bosque dos los Niños on 23rd April, although others were heard around Savegre and Talari.
Silvery-throated Jay (Cyanolyca argentigula) - one or two were calling an barely visible in the primary forest area along Providencia Road on 31st.
White-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta formosa) – on seen in the guan caste of the Northwest, with three at Guacimo Road and four at Solimar.
Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio) – generally seen on the edge of towns and in dry areas. First seen at Hotel Robledal, San Jose and almost daily thereafter,
with a peak count of c20 on 24th.
Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – overall the one of the most widespread and commonest of the hirundines seen almost daily with a count of c40 at Solimar on 20th.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) - overall seen more frequently than the next species but where seen, present in lower numbers.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – common at Arenal, and also seen at La Selva and Tarcoles.
Grey-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea) - mainly seen around suburban areas and open fields. Peak count being c.20 on 25th.
Mangrove Swallow (Tachycineta albilinea) – coastal and wetland species seen on the Pacific coast and Caño Negro. Peak count of c.20 at Rio Tarcoles on 31st.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) – common and seen almost daily in a mix of habitats across the country.
Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – an obvious movement was seen at La Selva during our stay with flock passing overhead. Peak count was c.100 on 25th. Also, a few seen on the 31st near Los Cusingos.
Nightingale Wren (Microcerculus philomela) – one was coaxed to respond and then show itself at Arenal on the 21st.
Scaly-breasted Wren (Microcerculus marginatus) – one showed well above Carara NP on 2nd April.
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) - seen daily from Arenal onwards with a peak count of six on both the 22nd and 30th.
Ochraceous Wren (Troglodytes ochraceus) – this canopy wren was first seen with two at Santa Elena on 23rd March. Also one was heard at Tepanti on 28th.
Timberline Wren (Thryorchilus browni) – after a frustrating blank the evening before, one performed well at the top of Providencia Road on 30th March
Band-backed Wren (Campylorhynchus zonatus) – one was seen at Arena on21st and head there fthe following day. Another was at La Selva on 26th.
Rufous-naped Wren (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) – a Guanacaste species, first seen at Hotel Robledal, on the 19th and common at Guacimo Road, with perhaps 20 seen that day. Also seen at Solimar, but then not again until we were back in the right habitat around Cerro lodge at the end of the trip.
Black-bellied Wren (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) – remarkably similar to an antbird in appearance, this tough-to-see species finally showed itself at Carara NP on 1st.
Rufous-breasted Wren (Pheugopedius rutilus) – two were seen at Talari on the evening of 30th and one the following morning.
Spot-breasted Wren (Pheugopedius maculipectus) - one at Caño Negro on 25th was the only sighting.
Black-throated Wren (Pheugopedius atrogularis) – the one at Arenal on 21-March was the only sighting, although birds were heard again the following day and then around La Selva.
Banded Wren (Thryophilus pleurostictus) – two were found along Guacimo Road on 19th March.
Rufous-and-white Wren (Thryophilus rufalbus) – two were seen at Bosque dos los Niños on 23rd and another was heard the next day at Curi Crancha.
Stripe-breasted Wren (Cantorchilus thoracicus) - one was seen at Arenal on the 21st, but found to be common with six at La Selva on 26th and one at Braulio Carillo the next day.
Plain Wren (Cantorchilus modestus) – one of the nominate group was seen at Bosque dos los Niños on the 23rd. One of the subspecies zeledoni, also known as Canebrake Wren, was seen at La Selva on 25th. Birds were also heard at Braulio Carillo NP, Tepanti and Talari.
Riverside Wren (Cantorchilus semibadius) – two were heard and seen in the hotel grounds at Talari on the evening of 30th March. Other birds were heard the following couple of days.
Bay Wren (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – after one being heard at Arenal on 21st, one showed well at Caño Negro on 25th and then at La Selva the next day.
White-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucosticte) – although heard at Arenal, the only sightings were two confiding birds at La Selva on 25th.
Grey-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophry) - although heard at Arenal, the first was seen at Santa Elena on 23rd. Also seen above Savegre on 29th.
[Song Wren (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) – singing birds were found at Arenal on both days, but neither showed.]
Tawny-faced Gnatwren (Microbates cinereiventris) – one was seen well at Arenal on 22nd and then- heard at Braulio Carillo on 27th. Finally one was gain seen at Carara NP on 1st April.
Long-billed Gnatwren (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – although heard at Arenal on 21st, it was only the following day that one showed itself. Also, calling birds were heard at La Selva and Los Cusingos.
White-lored Gnatcatcher (Polioptila albiloris) – a species typical of the guanacaste and common on
Guacimo Road and also Solimar the next day, Also heard at La Selva.,
Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea) – although found in the same habitat and side by side in Guacimo Road, this species was a little more widespread, being seen not only at Solimar, but also Providencia road, and heard around Los Cusingos and Carara NP.
American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) - the Costa Rican subspecies is distinctive in being pale and grey compared with more northerly birds. First seen at Tepanti on the river crossing below the entrance and then another was seen at Savegre by the lodge.
Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops) – a common sound in the highland forests and three were some of the first birds seen at Santa Elena on 23rd. Birds were heard at Tepanti, but seen above Savegre and heard around the lodge.
Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus gracilirostris) - only seen in the highlands above Savegre on Cerra de la Muerte where it actually turned out to be the most confiding of all the Nightingale- Thrushes seen,
Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus aurantiirostris) - after the first two at Bosque dos los Niños on 23rd, birds were heard at Curi Crancha and Tepanti. Also recorded at Talari on 30th.
Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus fuscater) – after one being heard but not seen at Arenal, I was frustrated by missing two at Santa Elena on 23rd, before finally connecting with a singing bird at Tepanti on the 28th.
Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus frantzii) – one was seen well at Santa Elena on 23rd, however they were found to be common around the cabins at Savegre lodge.
Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus mexicanus) – one was seen at Arenal on 22nd and then another was seen at Curi Crancha on the morning of 24th.
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)- after the first at Tepanti on 28th, this migrant was seen daily thereafter with a maximum count of six around Savegre on 29th.
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) – one was at Arenal on 21st and a second was seen there the next day. Another was seen at La Selva on 26th.
Sooty Thrush (Turdus nigrescens) – common on Cerra de la Muerte above Savegre first seen on the descent on the evening of 28th and
then over ten on both the following couple of days.
Mountain Thrush (Turdus plebejus) – after the first at Bosque dos los Niños on 23rd, four were seen at Curi Crancha the next day, and then three at Providencia Road on 30th.
Pale-vented Thrush (Turdus obsoletus) - three were seen at Tepanti on 28th March.
Clay-coloured Thrush (Turdus Greyi) – the Costa Rican national bird and a common one seen daily.
White-throated Thrush (Turdus assimilis) - a forest thrush that was initially seen at Monteverde Cloud Forest on the evening of the 22nd and then three seen the following day. Also one was seen at Tepanti on 28th, which was of the subspecies cnephosus, rather than oblitus seen earlier in the trip.
Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) – a Pacific southwest species, first found at San Isidro with three on 30th. Another seen there the following day.
Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher (Phainoptila melanoxantha) – a key species of Cerra de la Muerte and four were found along Providencia road and at Los Quetzalis on 31st.
Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher (Ptilogonys caudatus) – common around the lodge at Savegre, with a nesting pair by reception,
Also seen higher up the valley with a peak count of six on 29th.
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) – one was seen at Monteverde on 22nd and two there the next day.
Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) -a single of the stream below the lodge at Savegre was rapidly chased away by a thrush and refused to show itself again.
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) – this unobtrusive migrant was seen regularly, but always as singles. One was at Guacimo Road on 19th, another at La Selva and also heard at Braulio Carillo NP. One was seen on the banks of the Rio Tarcoles on 31st and also in Carara NP the following day.
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) – one was seen well at La Selva on 26th.
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) – another North America migrant first seen at Santa Elena on 23rd March and also at Bosque de los Niños the same day.
Flame-throated Warbler (Oreothlypis gutturalis) - common on Cerra de la Muerte above Savegre with a maximum of six seen on 30th.
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrine) – first seen at Caldera on the 19th. This fairly common North American migrant was common in the lowland areas on both slopes, with a peak count of c20 at La Selva.
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala) – seen at Guacimo Road on 19th and then heard at Arenal and Caño Negro.
Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) – one by the dam at Arenal on 21st was the only record,
Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) – one was seen at Arenal on 21st.
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis semiflava) – two were seen at Arenal on 21st and thereafter only heard at La Selva and Braulio Carillo.
Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) – a bright individual was feeding on insects attracted to a light in the early morning of 26th at La Selva.
Tropical Parula (Setophaga pitiayumi) - two were seen at Arenal om 21st and thereafter heard at La Selva and Tepanti.
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) – two were seen at Tepanti on 28th.
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) – the commonest of the lowland warblers and seen daily in good numbers. In addition the mangrove Yellow Warbler was seen at Caldera in 19th.
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) – another common migrant warbler and some were moulting into full breeding plumage. Peak count of 20 at La Selva on 26th.
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) – two were at Santa Elena on 23rd and then one at Savegre on the 29th and four along Providencia Road the next day.
Rufous-capped Warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons) – seen at Monteverde on the afternoon of 22nd and then again at Santa Elena the next day. Also recorded at Tepanti, Los Cusingos and Carara NP.
Black-cheeked Warbler (Basileuterus melanogenys) – after much persistence one eventually showed well along Providencia Road on 30th March.
Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus) - only seen around Arenal and Monteverde with no more than a single seen each day.
Three-striped Warbler (Basileuterus tristriatus) – four were seen at Santa Elena on 23rd.
Buff-rumped Warbler (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – a lowland forest species particularly associated with stream edges. First seen at Arenal and also at La Selva. Also heard at Carara NP.
Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) – the commonest higher altitude warbler, first seen at Monteverde on 22nd, and also common on the Cerra de la Muerte.
Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus) – the first were a nesting pair by the car park at Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve on 23rd, and a further four were seen that day around Santa Elena. Six were also seen at Tepanti on 28th.
Collared Redstart (Myioborus torquatus) – one was as at Santa Elena on 23rd and then at least two were seen along Providencia Road on the 30th, including one that took a dislike to the Costa Rican Pygmy owl we were watching.
Wrenthrush (Zeledonia coronate) – two showed well at point blank range at Savegre on 29th March.
Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata) - this low level and ant swarm tanager was first found I the hotel grounds at Talari on the night of the 30th March. The following day it was plentiful at Los Cusingos around the ant swarm and then again with the ant swarm at Carara NP on 1st April.
White-shouldered Tanager (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – a party was seen apparently mobbing an unseen snake in the trees in Carara NP on 1st April, and another was seen the following day.
Tawny-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus delatrii) – only seen at Braulio Carrillo NP, with four there in a mixed feeding flock on 27th.
White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) - one was seen on the edge of the pineapple fields on the edge of La Selva, on the 25th and another was reported the following day.
White-throated Shrike-Tanager (Lanio leucothorax) – a single was leading the bird flock at Arenal on the morning of the 21st.
Crimson-collared Tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) - two were seen at Arenal on 21st and then a single was reported at Curi Crancha on the morning of 24th. One was at Tepanti on the 28th.
Passerini's Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii) - Common on the Carribean slope and the default species at feeders from Arenal to Tepanti.
Cherrie's Tanager (Ramphocelus costaricensis) – range separated from Passerini’s and common on the Pacific slope from the 30th March. Only the females are readily distinguishable from Passerini’s.
Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) - seen daily, probably the commonest tanager.
Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) - first seen at Arenal on the 20th and then daily thereafter.
Golden-hooded Tanager (Tangara larvata) – the most widespread of the tangara tanagers and familiar on feeders at Arenal with a dozen seen on 21st. Also seen at Curi Crancha, La Selva, Braulio Carillo NP, Tepanti and Los Cusingos.
Speckled Tanager (Tangara guttata) - the only record was one that came to the feeders at Talari on 31st March.
Spangle-cheeked Tanager (Tangara dowii) - more of a canopy bird that the other tangara tanagers, and therefore difficult to get good views. Three were found at Santa Elena on 23rd and then four were seen at Tepanti and two at Savegre.
Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola) - one was in the lodge garden at Arenal on 21st and four were seen at Tepanti on 28th.
Emerald Tanager (Tangara florida) - only seen at Arenal where birds were regular at the feeders at the observatory lodge.
Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala) - the first was an elusive single at Monteverde Cloud Forest on 22nd, and more equally elusive birds were found at Braulio Carillo on 27th. However over ten showed well and Tepanti and we again had point blank views at Savegre.
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis (Dacnis venusta) - common around Arenal on 21st March with a dozen seen but only a single the next day. Also seen at Tepanti on 28th.
Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) – one was seen at La Selva on 26th and another reported at Los Cusingos on 31st.
Shining Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes lucidus) – the only record was a pair present at La Selva on 26th.
Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus) - although first seen at Guacimo Road on 19th, this was particularly common at Arenal with c.20 seen there. Also seen at Caño Negro, La Selva, Talari and Carara NP.
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) – another familiar species seen on multiple days in multiple locations. Common around Arenal with a maximum of six on 21st, but strangely not seen in Monteverde. Six were at La Selva and then seen daily, except in the Serra de la Muerte and around Carara.
Black-and-yellow Tanager (Chrysothlypis chrysomelas) – a pair, the male like a mini golden oriole, were in the canopy at Braulio Carrillo NP on 27th.
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) - Common around Savegre on both days,
[Peg-billed Finch (Acanthidops bairdi) – a bird was singing close to the road along Cerra de la Muerte as dusk fell on 29th, but it did not show.]
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) – a pair were at Guacimo Road on 19th and a further pair near La Quinta on 25th. In the areas around Talari and Tarcoles they were more common, with a peak of c.20 around Tarcoles on 1st April.
Variable Seedeater (Sporophila corvine) – two subspecies are present, the dark nominate Caribbean birds were seen from Arenal to La Selva. When we got to Talari they were replaced by the pied birds of subspecies hoffmannii on the pacific slope.
White-collared Seedeater (Sporophila torqueola) – after the first as Chomes on 19th, seen regularly in small numbers. Peak count of 6 was at Caño Negro on 25th.
Nicaraguan Seed-Finch (Oryzoborus nuttingi) – one male of this range restricted species was seen on 25th at Caño Negro.
Thick-billed Seed-Finch (Oryzoborus funereus) – seen at Caño Negro on the evening of the 24th and then heard the following two days. Another was seen at Los Cusingos on 31st.
Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) – seen regularly in the forested areas, but not in the numbers expected from my previous encounters in Brazil and the Carribean. Peak counts were six at both Arenal and La Selva.
Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivaceus) - first reported around Arenal but 6 were seen at Bosque dos los Niños, Monteverde on 23rd. Also seen around La Selva and Tepanti.
Dusky-faced Tanager (Mitrospingus cassinii) - a small flock were in a fruiting tree as we arrived at La Selva on 26th.
Streaked Saltator (Saltator striatipectus) – one was at Talari on the 30th and also reported the next day.
Grayish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens) - seen regularly from Arenal onwards in low numbers but missed in the Pacific south-west.
Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus) – initially the subspecies magnoides was seen from Arenal through to Tepanti, with a peak count of four at Arenal on 21st. At Bosque de la Tolomuco, this was replaced by intermedius being seen there, and also at Los Cusingos.
Black-headed Saltator (Saltator atriceps) – two were seen in Arenal on 21st and despite being heard at La Selva Braulio Carillo NP and Tepanti, no further sightings were had.
[Slate-colored Grosbeak (Pitylus grossus) – recorded at La Quinta on 26th and also heard at Braulio Carillo on 27th but eluded all but a select few in the group]
Yellow-thighed Finch (Pselliophorus tibialis) – first seen at Santa Elena on the 23rd, but quite common above Savegre with a maximum of ten on 29th.
Large-footed Finch (Pezopetes capitalis) – one was seen above Savegre on the 29th and heard nearby the next day.
[Sooty-faced Finch (Arremon crassirostris) – although heard and searched for extensively at Tepanti, this species eluded us]
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch (Arremon brunneinucha) - three were seen on 23rd at Monteverde Cloud Forest and another above Savegre on 29th.
Orange-billed Sparrow (Arremon aurantiirostris) – one species that although not rare gave many of us the run around. Although initially seen at Arenal, I caught up with them at La Quinta, were they were regular in the hotel grounds and of the rufidorsalis subspecies. At Carara NP, these were replaced with the nominate subspecies.
Olive Sparrow (Arremonops rufivirgatus) – two seen at Guacimo Road were the only records.
Black-striped Sparrow (Arremonops conirostris) – four were seen at Arenal on 1st where it was common around the feeders, but not seen again although heard at La Selva.
White-naped Brush-Finch (Atlapetes albinucha) –two were seen at Monteverde Cloud Forest on 23rd and then Curi Crancha on 24th.
White-eared Ground-Sparrow (Melozone leucotis) - one showed well at our first stop in Monteverde on 22nd and thereafter heard the following day and at Tepanti.
Prevost's Ground-Sparrow (Melozone biarcuata) – a single, perhaps two birds, finally gave themselves up in a coffee plantation near Ujarrvas on the 27th March.
Stripe-headed Sparrow (Peucaea ruficauda) – a common bird of the dry Guanacaste country with about 50 seen on 19th at Guacimo Road and also at Solmar the following day.
Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) – relatively scarce, and perhaps overlooked until we headed into the central valley and around Savegre and San Isidro. Peak count of c.40 on 30th March.
Volcano Junco (Junco vulcani) – two confiding birds were seen at the top of Cerra de la Muerte on 29th.
Common Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – a common constituent of mixed flocks in the highlands, from Monteverde, to Tepanti and Savegre.
Sooty-capped Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus pileatus) – first seen at Santa Elena on the 23rd and then again at Savegre on 29th and 30th.
Ashy-throated Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus canigularis) - one, perhaps more, joined a mixed feeding floor in Braulio Carrillo NP, on 27th.
Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava) – only seen at Arenal, were common on the Observatory lodge feeders.
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) – the first bird seen in Costa Rica, thanks to a roosting female being pointed out in the car park at Hotel Robledal, on the 18th. It was still there at dawn the following day. Thereafter, seen at Arenal, Monteverde and Carara.
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) – a male was seen at La Selva on the 26th and another was at Tepanti on 31st March.
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) - on the last morning above Carara NP at least three were in the roadside trees.
Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga bidentate) – very common around Savegre, but not seen elsewhere.
White-winged Tanager (Piranga leucoptera) – a pair of these luminous coloured birds were seen from the entrance road to Tepanti on 28th March.
Red-throated Ant-Tanager (Habia fuscicauda) – a pair were found in the riverside forest at La Selva on 26th March.
Carmiol's Tanager (Chlorothraupis carmioli) - common at Arenal, on the 21st and also heard at Braulio Carrillo NP.
Black-faced Grosbeak (Caryothraustes poliogaster) – a small party was seen at La Selva on the 26-March and then two were at Braulio Carrillo NP the next day.
[Black-thighed Grosbeak (Pheucticus tibialis) – one was heard along Providencia Road on 30th but didn’t show]
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – a North America migrant which normally sits quietly in the tops of trees. One was at Caldera on 19th March and then one was at Savegre on 29th. Finally one was at Talari on 30th.
Blue-black Grosbeak (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) - one was by the entrance of La Selva on 26th March and then a further two we found at Carara NP on 1st April.
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) - the Costa Rican resident subspecies lazula was found in the dry Guanacaste country Guacimo Road, Chomes and Solimar on the 19th and 20th.
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) - one was at Guacimo Road on 19th.
Dickcissel (Spiza americana) - a minimum of five along the Rio Tarcoles on 31st was one of the surprises of the boat trip.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) - after the first at Solimar, seen again at Caño Negro and also very plentiful at Rio Tarcoles.
Red-breasted Blackbird (Sturnella militaris) – one at the Nicaraguan Seed–finch site in Caño Negro, was seen on the 25th.
Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) – first seen at Guacimo Road on 19th and also common at Solimar. Lastly seen on the agricultural fields nr Jaco on 1st April.
Melodious Blackbird (Dives dives) – patchily distributed and seen at Solimar, with six on 20th and then Arenal. However it not seen again until a single at La Selva on 26th. Also present around Savegre and Providencia Road, but not seen after.
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) - common and seen daily.
Nicaraguan Grackle (Quiscalus nicaraguensis) – only seen at Caño Negro on the 25th March with four or more displaying birds.
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) – one, a female, was seen at La Selva on 26th.
Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) – seen on the transfer to Caño Negro on 23rd, and then at Caño Negro itself. Also seen around San Jose, San Isidro before becoming common around Tarcoles.
Giant Cowbird (Molothrus oryzivorus) – one was seen at Curi Crancha on 24th and another was near the parrot roost outside La Selva on 26th.
Black-cowled Oriole (Icterus prosthemelas) – relatively frequent at the feeders at the observatory lodge at Arenal, with a peak count to six on 21st. Also recorded at La Selva.
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) - one at Caño Negro on the 25th was the only record.
Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus) – two were seen briefly at Chomes on 19th, but was common around Solimar on 20th.
Spot-breasted Oriole (Icterus pectoralis) - first seen at Hotel Robledal, San Jose, but common around the Hacienda at Solimar with a count of c10 there.
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) - a common migrant and seen daily. It was most common in the drier habitats but also a familiar species at feeders throughout.
Yellow-billed Cacique (Amblycercus holosericeus) – a skulking species that was finally tempted out at Arenal on 21st March.
Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis) – only seen at La Selva on 25th.
Chestnut-headed Oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) – much scarcer than the next species but often seen together where their smaller size was evident. Seen at Curi Crancha on the morning of the 24th and then a count of c40 was made at the parrot roost on the evening of the 26th. Also common at Tepanti.
Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma) - common on the Caribbean slope and first seen around the feeders at the Observatory lodge where they were the dominant species. Thereafter seen daily until we reached the pacific slope, with a peak count of c50 on both the 21st and 22nd.
Scrub Euphonia (Euphonia affinis) - four were seen in guanacaste habitat along Guacimo Road on the 19th and then later in the trip, heard around Cerro Lodge on the 1st April.
Yellow-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia luteicapilla) – although heard at \Monteverde, the only sighting was one at La Selva on 26th March.
Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) – three were seen around Talari on the morning of 31st March.
Yellow-throated Euphonia (Euphonia hirundinacea) – the first was seen at Arenal on 21st and then singles were seen both days at Caño Negro.
Elegant Euphonia (Euphonia elegantissima) – a pair of these stunning little birds were seen at the entrance to Tepanti on the 28th and then four were around Bosque del Tolomuco, including a pair with a nest.
Spot-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia imitans) - one was found at Los Cusingos on 31st and another the next day at Carara NP.
Olive-backed Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi) – two were seen at Arenal on 21st and a further two at La Selva.
Tawny-capped Euphonia (Euphonia anneae) – although heard at Arenal, the only sightings were two at Tepanti on 28th.
Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys) - four were seen Monteverde Cloud Forest on the evening of 22nd, and heard around Monteverde on the next two days. Also recorded at Tepanti and finally heard at Talari.
Yellow-bellied Siskin (Spinus xanthogastrus) - a pair was found, nest building at Savegre on 29th March.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) - only seen around San Jose and the central valley.
Mammals
Although mammal watching is a difficult pass time, especially with large groups on narrow jungle trails, there are so many potential sites in the forest that you can hope for encounters. The forests are still inhabited by cats and tapirs, and we saw signs of Puma and Margay including scratch posts and footprints – but acknowledged that these shy and normally nocturnal animals are unlikely to show to a bunch of noisy birders. None the less, we did see a mix of species listed below, plus a number of other bats that will have to remain unidentified.
Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris sp) – seen at La Quinta roosting under the roof of the main restaurant on 27th.
Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) – first seen in Arenal, but also common at Monteverde and Carara.
Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) – common around the research centre at La Selva on 26th March.
Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata) – first seen at Solimar and regularly thereafter in the forested areas. Most often heard, but troops often slipped though in the canopy.
Panamanian White faced Capuchin (Cebus capucinus) – the most frequently encountered Primate, seen at Guacimo Road, Solimar, Braulio Carillo and Carara NP.
Central American (Geoffroy’s) Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) – heard only at Carara on 1st April.
Red-tailed Squirrel (Sciurus granatensis) – appeared to need forested areas more than the next species, but common in Arenal, Monteverde, La Selva, Tepanti and Savegre.
Variegated Squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) - common around the country and seen daily. There were various colour morphs seen around the county with particularly grey individuals in San Jose and very dark ones in Arenal.
Alfaro’s Pygmy Squirrel (Microsciurus alfari) – one was seen from the Canopy walkways at Skywalk, Arenal on 22nd March.
White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica) – particularly common at Arenal, but
Brown-throated (Three-toed) Sloth (Bradypus variegatus) - one was seen well in light woods just outside La Selva on 25th March.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Although most of the discussion was about snakes and especially the infamous Fer-de-Lance, we actually failed to see a single one during the trip. However there were plenty of other species to keep us interested. We hardly scratched the surface of what could be found, but still some of the sights were memorable.
American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) – first seen at Solimar on 20th March, and a few were also present at Caño Negro on the 25th. However it was the famous gathering at Rio Tarcoles that showed the potential for size of these massive beasts and they have a fearsome reputation.
Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) – only seen at Caño Negro were common. They are apparently far less aggressive than the crocs.
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) – common at Caño Negro on the boat trip.
White-lipped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon leucostomum) – seen at La Selva on 26th March.
Black River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys funerea) – a single at La Selva on 26th March.
Costa Rican Tropical Night Lizard (Lepidophyma reticulatum) – one at La Selva on 26th March.
Central American Whiptail (Ameiva festiva) - very common in La Selva on 26th March.
Slender Anole (Norops limnifrons) – first seen at Bosque de los Niños and later at Talari and Carara NP.
Ground Anole (Norops humilis) – seen at La Selva.
Scaly-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) – first seen at Caldara and thereafter the most common of the lizards seen daily except in the highlands.
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) – seen regularly in the lowland wet areas, and was especially common at Caño Negro.
Pacific Basilisk (Basilicus vittatus) – very common at Rio Tarcoles.
Green Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) – seen at Arenal and particularly commonly around La Selva.
Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactius frenatus) – seen in most of the hotels and a common occupant of our rooms.
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio) – a couple were found at La Selva on 26th.
Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychris calidryas) – one was seen at Arenal on 21st and two adults and a young were at La Quinta near La Selva on the nights of the 25th and 26th March
Gladiator Tree Frog (Hypsiboas rosenbergi) – a juvenile was in my bathroom at Caño Negro on 24th.
Black and Green Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) - one was found on the last morning at Carara whilst looking for the Scaly-breasted Wren.
Smooth Skinned Toad (Bufo haematiticus) - one was seen at La Selva on 26th March
Marine Toad (Rhinella marina) – seen on a number of dates including at Arenal and La Selva
Butterflies and Odonata
Costa Rica has a wealth of species of butterflies (over 2800 or which about half are skippers) and about 290 odonata. Not much time was spent looking for them, but the size and spectacular nature of some, e.g. the Morphos and the Helicopters means that they were as unmissable as some of the birds. Most of those listed below are those caught on camera – many more were seen, but those not captured remain a fleeting and diminishing memory.
Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius) – seen at Guacimo Road.
Black-bordered Tegosa (Tegosa anieta) – recorded at Aren.al
Variable Presonia (Tithorea_tarricina) – recorded at Arenal.
Waiter Daggerwing (Marpesia zerynthia) – seen at Tepanti on 28th.
Marcella Daggerwing (Marpesia marcella) – also seen at Tepanti.
Rusty-Tipped Page (Siproeta epaphu) -
Banded Peacock (Anartia Fatima) – a common species, and said to be the most widespread in the country.
Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanilla) – seen at Solimar and at Colerado.
Starred Exeo (Oxeoschistus tauropolis) – photographed along Providencia Road.
Isabella's Heliconian (Eueides Isabella) – seen at Los Cusingos
Lamplight Actinote (Altinote ozomene) – common at Tepanti
Monarch (Danaus plexippus) – seen at Monteverde and Savegre
Mexican Pedalio (Pedaliodes circumducta) – seen along Providencia Road
Common (or Blue) Morpho (Morpho helenor) – the most common of the Morpho and seen at Monteverda and La Selva.
Short-tailed Morpho (Morpho theseus) – seen at Los Cusingos
Cypris Morpho (Morpho cypris) – seen at Tepanti
Green Page Moth (Urania fulgens) – a long distance migrant and a species that looks like a butterfly. A general movement of numerous individuals was seen at Bosque del Tolomuco.
Bromeliad Helicopter (Megaloprepus modesta) – only slightly smaller than the more famous Blue-winged – seen at Arenal, Monteverde and Los Cusingos.
Blue-winged Helicopter (Megaloprepus caerulatus) – supposedly the largest odonatan in the world and a spectacular creature seen at La Selva.
Silver-sided Skimmer (Libellula herculean) – seen at Los Cusingos
Roseate Skimmer (Orthemis ferruginea) – seen at Solimar
Carmine Skimmer (Orthemis discolor) – seen at La Selva
Chiriqui Skimmer (Orthemis chiriqui) – seen at Tepanti
Great Pondhawk (Erythemis vesiculosa) – common at Solimar
Gold-tipped Darner (Gynacantha tibiata) – first seen at La Selva and also at Los Cusingos
Band-winged dragonlet (Erythrodipax umbrata) – recorded at La Selva
Andagoya Dragonlet (Erythrodipax andagoya) – seen at La Selva
Red-mantled Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax fervida) – seen at La Selva
Common Amberwing (Brachythemis contaminata) – common at Caño Negro
Smoky Rubyspot (Hetaerina titia) – seen at La Selva
Epigomphus sp – a male of a unidentified species was a La Selva on 26th.