CLASSIC COSTA RICA TOUR REPORT 2025

20 March - 11 April 2025

Fito Downs

This year, our Classic Costa Rica Tour was very successful (again), with an impressive total of 553 species recorded. We added one cumulative species to the Costa Rica list: Cattle Tyrant, which was seen near the wetlands of Caño Negro. We also targeted almost all possible endemics and regional endemics, achieving remarkable success with several bird families. Despite the poor weather we experienced at the beginning of the tour, with about four days of rain (which was entirely unpredictable, especially at this time of year), we managed to find all the trogon species in the country (a total of nine), all the motmot species (six in total), 15 out of the 16 woodpecker species (excluding the migrant Yellow-bellied Sapsucker), an astonishing 43 hummingbird species (49 in total in the country), and 12 owl species out of the 15.

There were many highlights during the tour, but the most significant included the incredible close-up views of a male Snowy Cotinga at La Selva Biological Station, excellent views of an elusive Thicket Antpitta (even through the spotting scope), and a Dull-mantled Antbird eating a caterpillar right next to the group. We had great views of Tody Motmot at Tenorio Volcano National Park and many Nicaraguan Seed-Finches observed nicely at Los Chiles. We also had spectacular views and experiences with Three-wattled Bellbird at Children’s Rainforest, as well as a pair of Resplendent Quetzals building a nest near Monteverde, and a daytime encounter with a Bare-shanked Screech Owl at Santa Elena Reserve. Additionally, we spotted Mangrove Hummingbird (endemic) in the mangroves of Tarcoles, observed White-crested Coquettes, Choco Screech Owl, and Marbled Wood Quails near Corcovado National Park. There was a stunning male Rosy Thrush Tanager, now placed in its own monotypic family, a rare Yellow-billed Cotinga, the elusive and unpredictable Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge, and a superb Snowcap seen extraordinarily well at El Copal. Finally, we had a glimpse of the almost mythical Maroon-chested Ground-Dove on the last day of the tour.

Other species that deserve special mention include Spot-bellied Bobwhite, Veraguan Mango, Black-crested Coquette, Coppery-headed Emerald (endemic), Lesser Ground Cuckoo seen very well, Agami Heron, Bicolored Hawk, Middle American Screech Owl, Keel-billed Motmot, Prong-billed Barbet, Fiery-billed Aracari, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Sulphur-winged Parakeet, and Scaly-throated Leaftosser (an exceptionally rare species). We also observed the Chiriqui Foliage-Gleaner, Streak-crowned Antvireo, Black-headed Antthrush, Scaled Antpitta, Bare-crowned Antbird, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Tawny-chested Flycatcher, White-throated Flycatcher, Ochraceous Pewee, Turquoise Cotinga, Dark Pewee, and both Black-throated and Timberline Wrens.

The list continues with the attractive Costa Rican Brushfinch, Wrenthrush (Zeledonia), Black-billed Nightingale Thrush, the local Volcano Junco, Large-footed Finch, and Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow (seen twice). The Nicaraguan Grackle, Chiriqui Yellowthroat, Collared Redstart, Costa Rican Warbler and Slaty Flowerpiercer were just some of the many specialties observed during the tour.

Our Classic Costa Rica Tour started at the lovely grounds of Hotel Bougainvillea, near downtown San José. As always, we met in the lobby for a quick cup of coffee and then headed out to the gardens to find our first birds. Most were common and widespread such as Social Flycatcher, Great-tailed Grackle, Blue-gray Tanager, Black Vulture, Great Kiskadee, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. Gradually, we discovered less common species like Lesson’s Motmot, Red-billed Pigeon and Rufous-backed Wren, and with some effort, we spotted our first Ferruginous Pygmy Owl!

Later, we encountered Squirrel Cuckoo, noisy Brown Jays, Crested Caracara and a Chestnut-capped Warbler quietly perched near the coffee plantation just outside the garden. Migrants included Philadelphia Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, and the always attractive Baltimore Oriole. However, the pre-breakfast birding was not over yet as we enjoyed great views of a Mottled Owl perched in the bamboo stands, which allowed us to get fantastic views!

Later in the morning at Braulio Carrillo National Park, we walked the first trail called Las Palmas. The activity was a bit low, but we had amazing views of a male White-throated Shrike Tanager. We also saw numerous White-breasted Wood Wren, White-whiskered Puffbird, and glimpsed a Barred Hawk, which we were fortunate enough to see again a week later on the tour near the town of Cinchona. We also visited another trail known as the “viewpoint,” where we saw Black-faced Grosbeak, Boat-billed Flycatcher and a distant White Hawk.

After driving for about 35 minutes we arrived at the town of La Unión for lunch where we had the chance to see Black Phoebe, Variable Seedeater, Palm Tanager, White-tipped Dove, and at the hummingbird feeders, we spotted Green-breasted Mango, the aggressive White-necked Jacobin and Scaly-breasted Hummingbird.

Other important birds here included Black-headed Saltator, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Red-legged Honeycreeper, and the fruiting bush near the feeder attracted Golden-hooded Tanager and a very active White-collared Manakin, which cooperated very well. A White-lined Tanager was occasionally visiting the fruit feeders and we also had the spectacular Shining Honeycreeper showing regularly, but the limelight was stolen with fabulous views of a Three-toed Sloth.

It was a wonderful place for lunch and birdwatching, but we had to leave for another great location situated at the Caribbean foothills. We walked a short distance along the trails near the lodge; however, the activity was very low, so we decided to return to the main entrance road where we found Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Scarlet-rumped Cacique and Olive-backed Euphonia. Later on the road, we saw a great flock of Chestnut-sided Warblers, White-shouldered Tanagers, more Shining Honeycreepers, White-ringed Flycatcher, Emerald Tanager, and the big surprise… a male Snowcap! In the same location we also saw Violet-headed Hummingbird, Crowned Woodnymph, Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Passerini’s), Carmiol’s Tanager and Russet Antshrike.

Our night session was amazing for other wildlife, such as Red-eyed Tree Frog, Masked Tree Frog, Leaf-cutter Ants, and the big surprise of the night—a wonderful Northern Tamandua seen at close range, along with a cooperative Black-and-White Owl to finish off a wonderful day.

With an early start, we met outside our comfortable rooms to search for hummingbirds at the verbena flowers. The activity was slow, but while waiting, we spotted our first Northern Barred Woodcreeper, along with a small flock of Dusky-faced Tanagers, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, and we heard the shy Barred Forest Falcon near our cabins, though despite trying hard to see it, we were unsuccessful.

After that, we had noisy Mealy Amazons flying over the clearing while a Stripe-throated Hermit came into view at the verbena flowers, along with the common Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and Crowned Woodnymph. Continuing on that path, we saw four White-crowned Parrots sitting quietly in a tree, along with a small canopy flock containing White-shouldered Tanagers, Green Honeycreepers, the always abundant Chestnut-sided Warbler, White-necked Jacobin, Lesser Greenlet, Speckled Tanager, Shining Honeycreeper and Olive-backed Euphonia. Inside the trail, we had a few birds with White-flanked Antwren, White-breasted Wood-Wren and a glimpse of Bright-rumped Attila way up in the canopy.

After breakfast, we were entertained by a pair of Baird’s Tapir that crossed the boarding area, allowing us to have spectacular views of this enormous mammal. Right after this, we then headed up the loop trail for forest interior species finding a calling Lattice-tailed Trogon, albeit remaining hidden. The light near the reception area was a bit active with a large flock of Tawny-crested Tanagers, Green Honeycreepers, Chestnut-headed Oropendolas and Lesser Greenlets. We then continued birding along the main entrance road to the reserve when, within ten minutes maximum, we heard our second Lattice-tailed Trogon calling close to the main building. This special trogon was difficult to find at the very beginning, but we managed to locate it and spent some much time watching it. After this important goal was achieved, we moved on to our next destination near the town of La Unión in the lower elevation area. Here we met a local guide who knew stakeouts for two important owls: Crested Owl and Spectacled Owl. 

After a short walk, we first tried the enigmatic Crested Owl with great success and, after that, we drove to another area for the Spectacled Owl. Once there, we walked along the small river and some grassy areas where we got great looks at the owl, which had apparently been there for a few days. After this unforgettable experience, it was time to continue our journey towards La Selva Station.

One quick stop along the main road provided Crested Caracara, Northern Jacana, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Egret and some Mangrove Swallows flying over the field. We arrived at La Selva in the afternoon just in time for the evening activity. We completed the check-in process and spent some time near the restaurant because the fig tree was fruiting right outside, attracting lots of birds including Yellow-crowned Euphonia, Palm Tanager, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Black-faced Grosbeak, a couple of Shining Honeycreepers, Golden-hooded Tanager, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Yellow-throated Toucan, Collared Aracari, Common Tody-Flycatcher, and the best-ever looks at a male Snowy Cotinga that came into view.

The birding near the river was good as well, with sightings of Crested Guan and a daytime roost for the Middle American Screech Owl! After observing the Screech Owls, we then walked back towards the main building area to search for other specialties, not before finding the uncommon Sungrebe from the suspension bridge of the station at the end of the day.

With a full day at La Selva, we started the day right outside our accommodations and headed out to the main building area. We heard Mealy Amazons calling outside the restaurant, along with Crested Guan, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and a shy Cinnamon Woodpecker, while we also heard a Northern Black-throated Trogon here.

Later, we saw lots of Chestnut-headed and Montezuma Oropendolas flying over the forest, along with the regular Great Kiskadee, Collared Aracari, and Gartered Trogon, which was also heard. The rain started again, so we decided to go for breakfast.

At the restaurant, we saw Golden-hooded Tanager, Keel-billed Toucan, Buff-throated Saltator and Yellow-crowned Euphonia visiting the fruiting tree by the restaurant and we also spotted our first Rufous Motmot and Black-cowled Orioles. After breakfast, we walked the main entrance road to La Selva where we found Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, Variable Seedeater (Black Seedeater), Gray-capped Flycatcher, a lonely Plain-colored Tanager, Black-cowled Oriole and one Scarlet Tanager high in the trees. Later on, we saw the elegant Slaty-tailed Trogon, Gartered Trogon and a single Snowy Cotinga flew over the fields. We also observed Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Rufous Mourner and Grey-chested Dove. Additionally, we spotted Yellow-olive Flatbill, Broad-winged Hawk, Cocoa Woodcreeper, White-collared Manakin, Southern Rough-winged Swallow and one more Cinnamon Woodpecker.

During the second part of the walk we went to another forest trail where we saw Red-throated Ant Tanager, Long-tailed Tyrant, Black-crowned Tityra and a Fasciated Antshrike on a nest, along with White-breasted Wood-Wren and Pied Puffbird singing from the tops of the trees.

We then crossed the hanging bridge, where we saw Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Cinnamon Becard, Buff-rumped Warbler, and more Golden-hooded Tanagers. We went to the open areas just outside La Selva hoping to find the rare Great Green Macaw, but we had no success this time. Instead of the macaws, we spotted Red-lored Amazons, Barred Antshrikes, many Ruddy Ground Doves, Yellow-bellied Elaenias, a few Finch’s Parakeets, many Broad-winged Hawks, Northern Tropical Pewees, Mistletoe Tyrannulets, White-lined Tanagers, a very tame Lineated Woodpecker, both male and female Barred Antshrikes, Morelet’s Seedeaters, Blue-black Grosbeaks, Gray-headed Chachalacas, Black-striped Sparrows, Blue-black Grassquits, and the special Bat Falcon!

We returned to our accommodation and started walking the nearby trail, our mission here was to find Great Tinamou, but we only heard it. Along the same trail, we heard Black-crowned Antshrikes, Chestnut-colored Woodpeckers and saw four Broad-billed Motmots singing together. It was a very interesting moment to see so many motmots together. With this special sighting of the motmots, we concluded our day.

We had only a few hours to enjoy this wonderful place before heading towards Arenal Volcano National Park. There was some rain, but luckily it stopped shortly after breakfast, allowing us to walk the trail for the last time. Our main target was to find the Semiplumbeous Hawk, which we had only heard the day before. The famous fruiting tree had the same species as yesterday, with the noisy flock of Black-faced Grosbeaks and Keel-billed Toucans as the highlights of the morning. After spending some time there and once the rain stopped, we ventured into the main trails by the laboratories.

Just before entering the trail, we caught a glimpse of the Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker, which was feeding low on the ground at the heliconia flowers. Further along the trail, we heard Great Tinamou and Great Green Macaws. During our last hour at La Selva, we walked the trail where we had heard the hawk the previous day, and incredibly, the first bird we saw during was the rare Semiplumbeous Hawk,  perched very high up in the canopy. 

Not far from the hawk site, we had a small mixed flock with Bay Wren, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Striped-breasted Wren, Fasciated Antshrike, and the big surprise was to see a Royal Flycatcher, a rare bird on this slope. Another nice surprise was a single Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, which was very busy looking for food in the termite’s nest right next to the trail, with everyone getting great looks at it! That was an excellent way to finish our visit to this wonderful location.

Later, we stopped en route to search for raptors at the impressive canyon of the Sarapiqui River. finding at least eight Swallow-tailed Kites, one Barred Hawk, and a light morph of the acrobat Short-tailed Hawk. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we ordered our food, and while they prepared our lunches, we enjoyed the fruit feeders with species like Silver-throated Tanager, Buff-throated Saltator, Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Passerini’s), and a few minutes later, we got two of the wanted species: a Buff-fronted Quail Dove and a male Red-headed Barbet. Although the barbet never came to the fruits, it stayed long enough for us to have great looks at it.

We had lunch and stayed longer because the Prong-billed Barbet had not yet appeared. Patience paid off when the Prong-billed finally came into view for a prolonged stay. Other interesting birds we saw there included the common Green-crowned Brilliant, Violet Sabrewing, Crimson-collared Tanager and Blue-throated Toucanet. 

We made another important birding stop for the striking Striped Owl, the only one we would see during the entire tour. Our last stop of the day was at the river near the main entrance road to the lodge. Just before the rain came again, we managed to find Black Phoebe, Bay Wren, Scarlet-rumped Tanager (still Passerini’s), among others, but the great surprise was the exquisite Green-fronted Lancebill, which was catching insects at the side of the river. 

An early start began with watching the fruit feeders at the lodge. Here, we saw Crested Guan, Green Honeycreeper, Golden-hooded Tanager, and the impressive Great Curassow, which appeared in large numbers! We also observed Violet-headed Hummingbirds attending the verbena flowers near the balcony. A few minutes after the Guans and Curassows left, we spotted the very common Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Palm Tanager, and at the nearby fig tree, we saw Shining Honeycreeper, Tooth-billed Tanager and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, which is unusual to see at such a low level in the forest. We also noted Yellow-throated Euphonia and Yellow-throated Toucan.

Before breakfast, we ventured to the other side of the garden hoping to find different birds. We took a short walk along one of the trails of the reserve, where we heard Black-headed Nightingale Thrush, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, and another pleasant surprise was to find a young male Black-crested Coquette, along with Brown Violetear and Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer. The forest trail was a bit quiet, even so, we saw Stripe-breasted Wren, Tropical Parula, Buff-rumped Warbler and Spotted Woodcreeper. As the mixed flock began to form, we heard a Thicket Antpitta calling from the dense bushes nearby, so we decided to give it a try and momentarily forgot about the rain. We searched for the antpitta, and not long after our first attempt, we had long views through the spotting scope! 

With the antpitta seen very well, we continued along the waterfall trail where we encountered other interesting birds like Olive-streaked Flycatcher, Song Wren, Spotted Woodcreeper, and we heard Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant. The last portion of the day involved birding from the van, and shortly after we left the lodge, we spotted a Spectacled Owl sitting out in the rain along the main road! It was a real surprise and a unique moment to see it like that. Not long after, we spotted another raptor, this time a lovely White Hawk sitting in a Cecropia tree near the road. As the rain had ceased, we walked near Arenal Lake finding Ringed Kingfisher, Grey Hawk, Northern Jacanas, Mangrove Swallow, Green Heron, Anhinga, Pale-vented Pigeon, Ruddy Ground Dove, Variable Seedeater, White-crowned Parrot, Grey-crowned Yellowthroat, Morelet’s Seedeater, Cinnamon Becard, Northern Tropical Pewee, Least Grebe, and Red-lored Amazon. 

We met early in the morning at the usual spot and then went birding near the gardens, where we saw a nice fruiting tree yesterday. Once there, the first birds to arrive were the abundant Montezuma Oropendolas, followed by Collared Aracari and Crested Guans. As the morning weather cleared a bit, we encountered Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Black-headed Saltator, and a pair of Crimson-collared Tanagers, Blue-gray Tanagers, and other common species. After breakfast we started to walk one of the trails and heard White-ruffed Manakin, but saw Streak-headed Woodcreeper and the attractive Northern Black-throated Trogon.

A little further along the second trail, we spotted a nice pair of Bay-headed Tanagers, which were very cooperative and gave us a great time watching them. Not far from that point, we glimpsed a Streak-crowned Antvireo, Slaty Antwren, and other species. Suddenly, we saw something moving very low next to the trail; it was a stunning Dull-mantled Antbird killing a bug that stayed for a long time, allowing us to have spectacular views of it.

The next stop we made was short but very productive as we finally saw the Red-legged Honeycreeper right in front of us eating papaya at the feeder, along with Yellow-throated Euphonia and Buff-throated Saltator among others. We then entered the park; no more than ten minutes later, we were already watching the secretive White-throated Crake walking very slowly along a small stream. 

A few minutes later, we heard a motmot, but it turned out to be the common Broad-billed. We also saw Hooded Warbler, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Russet-naped Wood-Rail and found a roosting Black-and-White Owl! On the same trail, we heard another Motmot, and after some effort, we all managed to get great looks at the most wanted bird that morning, the local Keel-billed Motmot! With this important bird seen very well, we started our drive to Medio Queso wetlands in northern Costa Rica.

A short stop near Medio Queso wetlands added new species to the tour, such as Wood Stork, Red-breasted Meadowlark, American Kestrel, Solitary Sandpiper and Nicaraguan Seed-Finch, which was the main reason for coming here;  a Jabiru was also flying over the grassland! Another important bird that was a “write in” on the checklist was a new addition to the Costa Rica birdlist recently: the Cattle Tyrant. After finding the Tyrant, we drove a few more minutes to reach Medio Queso wetlands. 

We saw the common Purple Gallinule, a few Pied-billed Grebes, the elusive Least Bittern seen very well, Common Moorhen, Grey-crowned Yellowthroat and the local Pinnated Bittern. We also spotted more Wood Storks and a few Nicaraguan Grackles! Other birds seen here included Slaty Spinetail, Grey Hawk, Amazon Kingfisher, and others. After a very good boat trip, it was time to continue towards our final destination, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

We woke up early this morning for another boat trip at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. On our way to the river, we searched for Grey-fronted Dove which we quickly found just in the main park of town. Later, near the river, we had a great moment with Cinnamon-bellied Saltator, Yellow-throated Vireo, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and two very special species: Olivaceous Piculet and Spot-breasted Wren.

Once on the boat, we began finding the regular and common species like Neotropic Cormorant, lots of Green Herons, Northern Jacanas everywhere, large flocks of White Ibises and some other species seen at the river including Ringed Kingfisher, Southern Lapwing, Nicaraguan Grackles, Great Egret and two Tricolored Herons. Not far from the docking area, we saw Solitary Sandpiper, Northern Waterthrush, Mangrove Swallows and the elegant Black-collared Hawk perched high up in the treetop.

Continuing with our boat trip, we went up the river where we saw Semipalmated Plover, Osprey, Green Ibis, Amazon Kingfisher, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Wood Stork in large numbers, as well as American White Ibises. But the big surprise was the cryptic Common Potoo up in a tree by the river! One of the targets of the boat trip, and we found it: the rare Sungrebe. We also saw Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Orchard Orioles, Glossy Ibis, and both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. One nice surprise was to find two Yellow-tailed Orioles, which are now very rare and local throughout Costa Rica’s northern and Caribbean lowlands. It was time to navigate downriver and search for Agami Heron, which we spotted as a juvenile hunted along the riverbank.

We also saw Boat-billed Herons, Russet-naped Wood-Rail, Black-headed Trogon, more American Pygmy Kingfishers, and others. Shortly after the boat trip, we went to a small town called Las Cubas to see a Great Potoo. The bird was there, and we wrapped up an excellent birding morning. Then we spent most of the afternoon traveling towards Tenorio Volcano National Park. At this new location, we had little time for birding, but we managed to explore some of the secondary roads and trails where we managed to see some species like Streak-crowned Antvireo, which we only observed for a few seconds. At the same place, we spotted a nice pair of Tody Motmots, who performed exceptionally well for us! 

We started this morning with great looks at White-throated Magpie Jay, Hoffman’s Woodpecker, Blue-grey Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Brown Jays, Keel-billed Toucans, Yellow-throated Euphonia and Blue-throated Sapphire right outside the hotel. Then, we had a quick breakfast and headed into the forest trail for the rest of the morning.

The trail was quiet at the beginning, but later we had a Spotted Antbird next to the trail and a rarely tame pair of Tody Motmots close to the trail, which gave us prolonged views; this was not normal behavior for this kind of bird. Along the same trail, we encountered a flock of Black-faced Grosbeaks, Carmiol’s Tanagers, and Spotted Woodcreeper.

The activity began to wane, and we tried to find different species along the trail without success. A few minutes later, we heard a Northern Black-throated Trogon calling, as well as Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Crested Guans and we also saw the Long-tailed Manakin to finish the morning. Our lunch was in the town of Bijagua where we continued birding for the rest of the day.

We took a secondary road where we saw White-fronted Amazon, Banded Wren, Striped-headed Sparrow for the first time during the tour, and we also encountered the elusive Lesser Ground-Cuckoo. Another really important bird in the area was the Elegant Trogon, which was the only individual seen throughout the tour. Later, along the same road, we had great looks at Thicket Tinamou which we observed for a long time at the end of the day. Other birds seen in the afternoon included Grey-crowned Yellowthroat, Turquoise-browed Motmot, and at the end of the day, we had at least five different Common Pauraques. Our best bird was about to be seen, but we needed to wait until it got a bit dark for the first attempts to find the Northern Potoo where we got great looks at this bird and it was the best way to finish a long birding day!

With short time to bird before breakfast we found a fruiting fig tree near our cabins, which was full of Cley-colored Thrushes, Turquoise-browed Motmots, Black-headed Trogons and White-winged Doves. Other common birds there included many Baltimore Orioles, American Yellow-Warblers, Philadelphia Vireo, Garter Trogons, Groove-billed Anis and Great Kiskadees.

Shortly after breakfast we headed to the birding spot known as Sandillal Reservoir, which was completely quiet and the only birds seen there were Yellow-green Vireos and one single Nutting’s Flycatcher, the only one of the tour. Not far from there, we stopped at some salt ponds where we found Marbled Godwit, Willet (Western), Black-necked Stilts, Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers. We also saw a few Wilson’s Plovers, and at the mangrove forest, we found a female Painted Bunting, Great-crested Flycatcher, Turquoise-browed Motmot, and one Spot-breasted Oriole, which was a target here.

After this, we headed towards Monteverde for a two-night stay. Just outside of town, we made a short stop at Los Llanos, where we saw the first Northern Rough-winged Swallow of the tour, Southern Lapwing, White-fronted Amazon, Great-tailed Grackle, Cley-colored Thrush, Blue-and-White Swallow and Great Kiskadee and we also had great looks at the secretive but vocal Cabanis’s Wren.

Our first morning in Monteverde started with some pre-breakfast birding in the hotel’s grounds. Some of the first birds of the day included the common Blue-and-White Swallows, noisy Brown Jays, Band-tailed Pigeons, Rufous-collared Sparrows, and at the edge of the garden, we spotted the first Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush followed by a few White-fronted Amazons flying over the hotel. We also saw the uncommon Canivet’s Emerald working on the flowers near the restaurant.

Later in the morning, we visited a private reserve with one mission in mind: the extraordinary Three-wattled Bellbird. A few minutes after entering the trail, we got great looks at Rufous-and-White Wren, Northern Barred Woodcreeper, Chestnut-capped Warbler and the first Black Guan of the tour. Later on the trail, we heard the first call of the enigmatic Three-wattled Bellbird, which gave us hope to see it. We continued walking the trail a bit further until we reached the spot where we heard it even louder and closer. The adrenaline started to flow because it is one of the most desired birds in Costa Rica and it was calling at very close range. It was the perfect moment to try to see it. With some effort, we managed to find a nice gap between the vegetation where we could use the spotting scope, and finally, we got extraordinary views of this amazing bird. We dedicated some extra time looking for and admiring this bird.

With the Three-wattled Bellbird successfully seen very well by everyone, it was time to move on and search for another enigmatic bird: the Resplendent Quetzal. The rest of the morning was dedicated to walking the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where we had heard rumors about the situation with the quetzals and the nesting behavior they had been exhibiting since early that day and since we arrived in Monteverde.

We started walking the trail of the reserve, and as soon as we arrived, we saw the Resplendent Quetzal working inside its future nest. The female was there, and we saw them when they switched; it was a real natural experience! This pair of Quetzals stayed long enough for everyone, making the morning truly phenomenal with two very special species seen very well. We then had a short break after lunch and headed towards Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve for the afternoon. Upon arrival, we saw the shy Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, the abundant Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, and Slate-collared Redstart. Later, we spotted a pair of Prong-billed Barbets, which we observed very well.

Just before the day was over we saw a wonderful and cooperative Collared Redstart, which was following us along the trail. Before it was time to turn around and head back, we heard the call of the unique Bare-shanked Screech-Owl. We worked hard to see this special bird and we had it just by ourselves; that was an extraordinary way to finish a birding day in Monteverde.

With a travel day ahead we had breakfast as early as possible and left Monteverde after visiting Curi-Cancha Reserve. The first birds seen there included the abundant Lesser Violetear, Common Chlorospingus, Crested Guan, and Brown Jays, which were everywhere. The famous verbena flowers proved productive for Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, and we also had a male Scintillant Hummingbird, which is a rare bird for the area.

In another area with flowers we saw a male Magenta-throated Woodstar and a male of the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald, an uncommon hummingbird and one of the reasons to visit this reserve. Up the trail, we heard and saw one Ruddy Pigeon, White-naped Brushfinch and Yellow-faced Grassquit. We continued walking along the forest trails, hoping to find mixed species flocks or army ant swarms, but we had no success. The open area of the reserve gave us the only Collared Trogon of the day and some Slate-throated Redstarts were present there, too.

We continued walking up the trails and later saw an unforgettable pair of Golden-browed Chlorophonias building a nest. We spent some time watching them work and enjoying their bright colors; it was a real highlight of the morning. On our way back to the main entrance, we glimpsed a Streak-breasted Treehunter, which we flushed from its nest on the side of the trail. 

We began the day with some pre-breakfast birding in the gardens of the lodge. The first birds we saw were Red-legged Honeycreeper, Blue-grey Tanager, Brown Jay, Grey-capped Flycatcher and the only two Costa Rican Swifts flew over the treetops while we were in the gardens. The uncommon White-winged Becard performed very well for us, and as we walked towards the restaurant, we spotted Common Tody Flycatcher, American Yellow Warbler, Buff-rumped Warbler and Yellow-green Vireo. A large and spectacular flock of Scarlet Macaws led the show for quite some time.

After breakfast, it was time to head to Carara National Park, which was part of the plan for the morning. We encountered some common species such as Rufous-backed Wren, Riverside Wren, White-tipped Dove, and Rufous and White Wren. Moving on to the next location, we observed a lovely female Purple-crowned Fairy feeding two chicks! We stayed for a few minutes, waiting for the bird activity to increase, and we were fortunate to see the female feeding them at that particular moment. We then continued walking the trails, where we saw other birds such as female Red-capped Manakin, Muscovy Duck, Black-hooded Antshrike and Chestnut-backed Antbird. We also heard Rufous Piha, Streak-chested Antpitta, Black-striped Woodcreeper and Grey-chested Dove (Pacific form). Shortly thereafter, we observed Grey-headed Tanager, Cocoa Woodcreeper and Northern Plain Xenops, but as the bird activity started to wane, we decided to move to another trail in the park where we again encountered Yellow-olive Flatbill, Northern Plain Xenops, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Cocoa Woodcreeper, among others. In the afternoon, we had a boat trip planned to search for mangrove forest species, our main target here being the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird.

Along the way, we saw many Hudsonian Whimbrels, a few Willets (Western), numerous American White Ibises and only one Ruddy Turnstone. Other species seen near the mangrove included abundant Mangrove Swallows, Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Northern Tropical Pewee and a Plumbeous Kite perched high up in a tree. Inside the mangrove forest, we worked hard to spot the Mangrove Hummingbird, but every time it appeared, it was being chased away by other hummingbirds. On the way back to the docking area, we saw Lesser Nighthawks flying high in the sky, and we also spotted a few more Scarlet Macaws and two Yellow-naped Amazons heading to their roosting spot for the evening. We concluded this birding day with a tame Pauraque sitting outside our cabins back at the hotel.

The first part of the morning was planned to visit a good fragment of the mangrove forest near the town of Tarcoles. Once there, we spotted American Yellow Warbler, Philadelphia Vireo, the aggressive Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, our first White-browed Gnatcatcher of the tour, and also two Panama Flycatchers, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, and a pair of Mangrove Black Hawks building a nest. 

During the second part of the morning, we birded the trail of the hotel, where we saw similar species to those of the previous day, such as Red-legged Honeycreeper, Scarlet Macaws, White-whiskered Puffbird and Buff-rumped Warbler. Other birds of interest included Long-tailed Manakin, the tiny Golden-crowned Spadebill, which gave us fantastic views, a pair of Grey-chested Doves (Pacific form), Cocoa Woodcreeper, Riverside Wren, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Rufous and White Wren, Lineated Woodpecker and two Royal Flycatchers, which provided us with better views than the first time at La Selva Station. We also had good views of the shy Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner and excellent views of the small Northern Bentbill.

After a productive time on the lodge’s trail, it was time to leave and continue our journey to the Southern Pacific slope. Before doing so, we made a short detour into the town of Tarcoles to look for Eurasian Collared Doves, which are very local in Costa Rica and we spotted three of them. After that, we began our journey to the southern part of the country. It was our longest driving day of the trip, but we stopped for lunch en route and continued south. Later in the day, our first birding stop was at the famous Rincon River, where the uncommon and local Yellow-billed Cotinga is always the main target.

From the bridge, we observed species like Ringed Kingfisher, Green Heron, Red-lored Amazon, and our first flock of Fiery-billed Aracaris, which was a nice find. We also encountered Scarlet-rumped Tanagers (Cherris), and while waiting for the Yellow-billed Cotinga, we saw a female of the also uncommon Turquoise Cotinga feeding on a fig tree with the aracaris. Later in the afternoon, our first Yellow-billed Cotinga flew high over the bridge and perched at the top of a tree a bit far away. Almost immediately after this, we spotted a nice male also flying overhead, and we were able to see it well.

We then spent the rest of the day waiting for more birds to perch nearby, but we only saw a few individuals resting in the mangrove trees at a distance. We arrived at the lodge in the evening and went out after dinner to search for the special Choco Screech Owl. During the outing, we heard at least two different individuals calling, but only one (I think) was a bit closer to us. We tried to find it, but in the meantime, we heard a noisy Crested Owl calling above us and also spotted a Kinkajou near the trail. With time and patience, we located the Screech Owl and enjoyed terrific views of this much-desired bird.

Our morning started with the usual pre-breakfast birding, so we set out to the main trail of the lodge. With many targets here, we first spotted a Band-tailed Barbthroat perched right at the side of the trail, followed by a small flock of the shy Marbled Wood Quails. We managed to see only one individual, but it stayed long enough for everyone to get excellent close-up views and perhaps some photos as well. After that, we continued along the main trail until we reached the canopy tower.

Up the tower, we found common species such as Buff-throated Saltator, Masked Tityra, Red-lored Amazon and White-shouldered Tanager. A few minutes later, we encountered a flock of Brown-hooded Parrots, enjoyed great looks at Golden-naped Woodpecker, Mistletoe Tyrannulet, Blue Dacnis, White-browed Gnatcatcher and some Fiery-billed Aracaris that came to eat Cecropia fruits right next to the tower. Later, we spotted Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Pale-vented Pigeon, Piratic Flycatcher and a distant White-necked Puffbird. Before we headed for breakfast, we observed a few Costa Rican Swifts, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swifts, and a few Black Swifts. At the base of the tower, we saw a Black-bellied Wren very well, which is unusual for this secretive species and the verbena flowers right outside the restaurant were very good for Blue-throated Sapphire, Charming Hummingbird, and the White-crested Coquette.

While exploring the skies, we found King Vultures, Grey-lined Hawks and Swallow-tailed Kites. The main entrance road to the lodge was good for Grey-cowled Wood Quail, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Olivaceous Piculet, American Yellow Warbler, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Variable Seedeater (Pacific form), Cocoa Woodcreeper and White-browed Gnatcatcher, among others. Back at the lodge, we still had some energy to continue birding the trails and heard Tawny-winged Woodcreeper (again) and Baird’s Trogon. We also spotted Black-hooded Antshrike and Dot-winged Antwren. As the morning was almost over, we heard a Black Hawk Eagle soaring and calling high in the sky. 

During the lunch break, we saw the regular birds around the main building area, such as Golden-tailed Sapphire, Charming Hummingbird and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. The afternoon outing was very good as well; our first stop provided better views of Grey-lined Hawk and we also found our first Isthmian Wren (after some effort) and a Slaty Spinetail was also present. As we continued birding the road, we stopped at the upper part, but the activity slowed down a little. Some of the first birds to show up were the common Rufous Mourner, Cocoa Woodcreeper, and Dot-winged Antwren. We finally managed to get views of Spot-crowned Euphonia before heading back to the lodge.

Our second morning at our pleasant lodge was dedicated to looking for species that we had only heard the previous day or those we were still missing. We left early in the morning on the forest trail to search for Black-faced Antthrush, which we saw after some effort. We also spotted the handsome Baird’s Trogon after some hard work and saw more Black-hooded Antshrikes. The big surprise of the morning was a cooperative Scaly-throated Leaftosser, which we had great views of while it foraged on the forest floor! Later, on the same trail, we came across the common Chestnut-backed Antbird, Ruddy Quail Dove, and a few Dot-winged Antwrens. On our way to our next destination, we stopped near the town of Rincon, where we got good views of Pale-breasted Spinetail, excellent views of Great Antshrike, Smooth-billed Ani, Roadside Hawk, Variable Seedeater (black-breasted) and Red-breasted Meadowlark.

The next stop was at the mangrove forest, where the activity was quiet, but we had more and better views of the male endemic Mangrove Hummingbird. After that, we continued our journey towards San Vito, not before stopping at La Gamba, where we saw our first Scrub Greenlet, which was very active collecting nesting material. We also spotted a small flock of Brown-throated Parakeets that landed near us, along with Common Tody Flycatcher, Palm Tanager, Yellow-faced Grassquit and other common species of open areas. A little town named Coto 47 was our main goal to search for Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, the local Red-rumped Woodpecker and Veraguan Mango. Upon arrival at the stakeout, we saw (almost immediately) a male Veraguan Mango fighting against a Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Garden Emerald, and a nice-looking Golden-tailed Sapphire. After trying hard, we finally found a male Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, albeit briefly, but we had great views. Along the same road, we also spotted the Red-rumped Woodpecker, which gave us some good views, but very quickly as well. Other important birds seen at the spot included Glossy Ibis, Wood Stork, Blue-winged Teal and the abundant Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. By the end of the day, we had achieved our main targets and it was time to drive towards San Vito.

Our full day of exploration at the village of San Vito started with a visit to a side road in search of the local Chiriqui Yellowthroat, which was more cooperative than on previous occasions. At the same location, we encountered some interesting birds such as Streaked Saltator, Yellow Tyrannulet, Golden-hooded Tanager and the small Bran-colored Flycatcher, which we saw several times throughout the day. Our surprise came while leaving the site when we heard some birds calling at the side of the road; one of them was the elusive Costa Rican Brushfinch. Of course, we gave it a try. A few minutes later, we were ready to try for the Brushfinch, and as soon as we played the first playback, the bird responded and appeared (almost in the open) for a few more seconds, allowing us to have great looks at it. 

After seeing the Yellowthroat and Brushfinch, we continued towards Jilguero Road, a gravel road known for being a great place for birding. Some of the species we encountered at this site included Red-faced Spinetail, Common Chlorospingus, Mistletoe Tyrannulet, Bananaquit, Streaked Saltator, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Variable Seedeater, Tropical Mockingbird and the local Lesser Elaenia, which we observed for an extended period. Continuing along that road, we also spotted the abundant Blue-and-White Swallow, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, Silver-throated Tanager, the common Yellow-headed Caracara, Costa Rican Swift, and more Bran-colored Flycatchers, among others.

A short exploration of some verbena flowers produced Violet-headed Hummingbird, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Garden Emerald, Blackburnian Warbler and Snowy-bellied Hummingbird. After lunch, we visited a new project near the town of Sabalito, but the weather changed dramatically. We spent no more than five minutes at the site before we had to find cover due to heavy rain. It was truly amazing to see the amount of water on the ground because of this rain. The good news is that while we waited for the rain to stop, our local guide showed us a roost of Tropical Screech Owl, which was phenomenal to see again during the day.

The last portion of the day took place in another area, but it was already getting quiet and dark. A few birds found after the rain included a nesting Olivaceous Piculet, White-crowned Parrot, Streaked Saltator, Garden Emerald, Yellow-throated Euphonia, and more common species. We then decided to leave for our lodge.

This day was probably the longest travel day of the trip. We departed San Vito around 5:00 AM towards the high-elevation cloud forest of the Talamanca Mountain Range, also known as Cerro de la Muerte. We made a short stop near the Terraba River, which did not produce many birds; the most notable included Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-headed Caracara, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and the always present Blue-grey Tanager.

The second birdwatching stop was much more productive. Upon arrival at the forest fragment owned by a pineapple company, we saw a single Blue-grey Tanager, Masked Tityra, and Clay-colored Thrush. As we entered the forest trail, we heard our main target singing: the spectacular Rosy Thrush-Tanager, which is now placed in its own monotypic family, making it a highly desired bird. The male was very active and even allowed us to take some photos! Later, we planned to stop near the town of San Isidro, where we had some hummingbird feeders and fruit for birds as well.

Surprisingly, it was very quiet again, but we did see the common Buff-throated Saltator, Grey-headed Chachalaca, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Speckled Tanager and Bay-headed Tanager. The most relevant hummingbirds included Crowned Woodnymph, Brown Violetear, Green-crowned Brilliant and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. After a few minutes at this lovely place we left for higher elevation at Cerro de la Muerte.

We stopped at El Paramo, the highest elevation of the tour. Once there, we concentrated our efforts on finding the local Volcano Junco, which we saw very well and close-up for pictures. Other birds observed at this site included the common Sooty Thrush, Black-billed Nightingale Thrush, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, Chestnut-collared Swift and we heard some Barred Parakeets flying overhead. The rain started, so we left this spectacular location. In the middle of the afternoon, we encountered heavy rain, which affected our limited time for birding that day.

We then drove to a lower elevation, where we saw some birds including Common Chlorospingus, Mountain Elaenia, the spectacular Flame-coloured Tanager (male), Lesser Goldfinch, a huge flock of White-collared Swifts, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, and others.

Today was a fantastic day of birding. We birded around the lodge before breakfast, and afterwards, we went to Los Quetzales National Park. The pre-breakfast birding was good for species such as Talamanca Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, Band-tailed Pigeons, Silver-throated Tanager, Brown-capped Vireo, Red-faced Spinetail, and one juvenile male Scintillant Hummingbird. Once in the park, the first bird we heard was the always hard-to-see Wrenthrush. We gave it a try, but we only managed a couple of short views. After this, we attempted to find Silvery-fronted Tapaculo; the bird walked in front of us a couple of times, but it was hard to see clearly. We tried for another tapaculo in a different area but were unsuccessful. Other important birds seen while birding on this road included Brown-capped Vireo, Red-faced Spinetail, Golden-crowned Warbler, and we heard Spotted Wood Quail. We also spotted Black-thighed Grosbeak, Scintillant Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, Yellow-faced Grassquit and Sooty Chlorospingus, as well as Slaty Flowerpiercer.

Continuing along the trail, we found a rare and territorial Ochraceous Pewee, which was sitting very high in the canopy. Later on, we observed some other species such as Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, Flame-throated Warbler, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeons and Mountain Elaenia. Later in the day, we visited Miriam’s Café, where we enjoyed the hummingbird feeders with species like Talamanca Hummingbird, Grey-tailed Mountain Gem, Lesser Violetear, the stunning Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, and we also had close-up views of a male Slaty Flowerpiercer, the striking Flame-colored Tanager and the Large-footed Finch, which was added to the list, along with Acorn Woodpecker, Sooty Thrush, and the common Rufous-collared Sparrow. After these birds and an excellent coffee, we moved to a lower elevation near the Savegre River.

Once there, we saw Torrent Tyrannulet and Stripe-tailed Hummingbird. We heard the Wrenthrush again, as well as Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, and we saw a few flocks of Sulphur-winged Parakeets flying over the valley. The afternoon session took place in another area of these mountains, where we had more Black-billed Nightingale Thrushes, Long-tailed Silky Flycatchers and the amazing Golden-browed Chlorophonia. 

When everyone was inside the van, we received a call from one of the local guides in the area saying that the Wood Quail was already at the feeders! We immediately rushed down the slope to reach the feeders as soon as possible, but only two participants were able to see them before they disappeared into the bushes. Unfortunately, we decided to stay a bit longer and see what nature would provide for us. Finally, after a long wait, we saw the bird returning to the feeders, but to our great surprise, it was not the Wood Quail; it was the stunning Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge instead. This was one of the few times this species comes to the feeders, and we were there! This was a great day in the mountains and an excellent way to finish it.

This day, we only had a couple of hours for birding before leaving for our next destination. The early morning was primarily focused on finding the noisy but elusive Spotted Wood Quail, which we heard the day before and which were very active (vocal) that morning. We walked the main road towards the lodge, trying to find them since there were no trails or similar paths where we stayed. We heard some of them calling near the road but did not manage to see them. After a few minutes, we heard another group singing but also failed to find them. At this point, playback was ineffective (we had tried it many times without success), so the only alternative was to find them from the road. There is a good patch of Chusquea bamboo along this road where we knew there was a good hiding spot for the Wood Quails. Not long after the last time they called, we found a single individual perched on a small rock right between two bamboo clumps. What a bird! It was a great relief to see them, and we had excellent views as well.

On the way back to the lodge, we found another one also near the road. We then had breakfast and left this lovely place. Before heading back to the city, we stopped on another road for more birding. This particular stop was good for our last views of some classic Talamanca species, such as Black-and-Yellow Phainoptila, Yellow-winged Vireo, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, striking Flame-throated Warbler and Mountain Thrush.

Along the way to our next hotel, we made a short stop in the town of Ujarras, one of the better known places to search for Cabanis’s Ground-Sparrow. It was still a bit hot to look for them, but it was the most convenient place. At the spot, we walked a couple of hundred meters without success when suddenly we spotted one bird sitting up in a tree just behind a water squash plantation. A true surprise for me; I had never seen this species perched high and out in the open! Everyone saw it, and most participants were able to view it through the spotting scope just before it flew down and disappeared into the short, dense vegetation.

After this exquisite Costa Rican endemic, we headed towards our hotel for a one-night stay. For the last hours of the day, we birded the grounds of the hotel, where we saw Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Passerini’s), Montezuma Oropendola, Green-crowned Brilliant, Green Hermit and a female White-bellied Mountain Gem, an uncommon resident of these forests. Later, we spotted other specialties of the lodge, such as White-eared Ground-Sparrow, Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush, the striking Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, the famous Sunbittern, and, saving the best for last, we saw the spectacular Scaled Antpitta! Everyone got great views, and several people even took photos of one of the rarest birds in Costa Rica. Another memorable day with great birds seen very well.

The early morning session began at the feeders where we had seen the Scaled Antpitta the previous day. The start was a bit quiet, but we managed to see some of the regular visitors, such as White-eared Ground Sparrow, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, and the hummingbirds, including the common Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, Green-crowned Brilliant, the occasional visitor Green Thorntail, and Green Hermit. The main goal was to see another local and range-restricted bird: the Black-bellied Hummingbird. While trying to find the hummingbird, we also searched for the shy Sooty-faced Finch, which we heard many times early that morning, but the bird never emerged from its habitat. Nevertheless, we eventually spotted the Black-bellied Hummingbird after some time waiting patiently. Just when we thought we might run out of time for our goal, a Black-bellied Hummingbird appeared, working in the verbena flowers right next to the trail, allowing great views of this regional endemic. Shortly after this moment, we spread out a little, and some lucky participants found a pair of Sooty-faced Finches right next to the trail. 

After breakfast, we left for our next lodge. On the way to Rancho Naturalista, we stopped at El Copal, where we planned to stay as long as possible in this beautiful reserve. It was very sunny, and the bird activity was low, but one of the first birds we saw upon arrival was the spectacular Snowcap, which we had seen on the second day of the tour. This time, we had excellent views for a long time.

We spent some time on the balcony and in the open areas of the reserve, but the activity was not what I had expected. A few minutes later, we decided to enter the forest trail for a while. The first birds we saw there included Black-and-Yellow Tanager, Northern Plain Xenops, a pair of Slaty Antwrens, we heard Black-headed Antthrush, and had great views of the tiny Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant and Mourning Warbler.

We returned to the forest after lunch, but the activity was still quiet. After a few minutes, we left this reserve and drove to Rancho Naturalista. Upon arrival at the lodge, we immediately went to the famous hummingbird pools. A short walk from the lodge took us to this trail, where we just had to wait for the birds to come. The common Chestnut-sided Warbler was the first to arrive, followed by female Crowned Woodnymph and Golden-winged Warbler. Later, we spotted Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, and one of the targets at Rancho Naturalista, the local Tawny-chested Flycatcher, which was an unusual visitor to the pool indeed.

Later on, we saw a few Swainson’s Thrushes, two Canada Warblers, an Orange-billed Sparrow and a Rufous Motmot seen nearby. We also spotted one shy Fawn-throated Foliage Gleaner, Dull-mantled Antbird, a female White-collared Manakin, and some Red-throated Ant Tanagers at the end of the day.

We had a full day to explore the feeders and trails of our comfortable lodge. Birding before breakfast was a bit slow; from the main balcony, we saw regular and common visitors to the feeders, such as Yellow-faced Grassquit, White-winged Dove, Bananaquit, and some Black-striped Sparrows, as well as a few Red-billed Pigeons. From there, we ventured to the forest trails, stopping first in the semi-open areas near the forest, where we saw our first Olive-sided Flycatcher of the tour. Other birds found there included the widespread White-crowned Parrot, Keel-billed Toucan, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Bananaquit, Brown Jays, Montezuma Oropendolas and some Crested Guans.

Inside the forest, we heard birds calling, including White-breasted Wood Wren, Southern Nightingale Wren, Tropical Parula and Golden-crowned Warblers. A few minutes later, we found a cooperative Ruddy Quail Dove walking along the trail. The trail up the hill was not as productive as we had hoped; the only bird recorded was a Black Hawk Eagle that we heard while in the forest interior! 

The second part of the trail was more productive, with some North American migrants such as the abundant Chestnut-sided Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler and Black-and-White Warbler. We also finally had our first views of Fawn-throated Foliage Gleaner, which was active and joined a flock of Carmiol’s Tanagers. At the same location, we observed a male Checker-throated Stipplethroat, which was always hidden inside the tangle of vines. 

After lunch, we visited a small lake called La Angostura, just a few minutes from the lodge. There, we saw Wood Stork, Muscovy Duck, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Little Blue Heron, Anhinga, Snail Kite, Neotropic Cormorant, Northern Jacanas, and two good birds for Costa Rica: the uncommon Pectoral Sandpiper and American Golden-Plover, which is much more difficult to see.

Back at the lodge, we headed to the hummingbird pool again, hoping for more new species to show up. The regular visitors were there: Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush and Crowned Woodnymph. Later, we had more action with Red-throated Ant Tanagers, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer and a female White-collared Manakin was present too. Other birds that came to the pool included the shy Dull-mantled Antbird, which we had great views of, as well as Carmiol’s Tanagers, four White-shouldered Tanagers (an unusual visitor), and the Fawn-throated Foliage Gleaner, which finally decided to show itself. We also saw the elegant male Purple-crowned Fairy right at the end of the day.

We began the morning with a visit to the new Tranquilo Garden. On the way to this new garden, we stopped to try and locate the local White-throated Flycatcher. The first few minutes were very quiet as it was getting hot, and the habitat for the bird is open grassland and scrub. We knew the bird was around the town of Dulce Nombre, and after a while, we spotted one foraging right at the edge of the grassland and sugar cane field. It was a bit unexpected to see it there, and we had very good views through the spotting scope! This was the first sighting of this species on the tour. Other species recorded there included American Yellow Warbler, Variable Seedeater, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Yellow-bellied Elaenia and Black-striped Sparrow. When we arrived at the garden, we saw Green Heron, Social Flycatcher and some Kiskadees. Later, we spotted the first White-throated Crake of the morning, a tame bird that came to eat the corn left at the edge of the grass. 

After that, we moved on to another area of the garden. Along the trail, we observed a King Vulture soaring alongside Black and Turkey Vultures. Some species of hummingbirds seen at the feeders included the common Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, female Crowned Woodnymph a couple of handsome males Green-breasted Mango, Brown Violetear, White-necked Jacobin and a nice male Green Thorntail foraging at the verbena flowers. In addition to the hummingbirds, we had great looks at White-lined Tanager, Black-cowled Oriole, Buff-throated Saltator, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Lesson’s Motmot, Cley-colored Thrush and an Ovenbird seen moving underneath the verbena plants. We also saw many White-winged Doves and Bronzed Cowbirds, and we had a great surprise: the endemic Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow, a new addition to this wonderful spot.

After visiting the garden, we returned to Rancho Naturalista for lunch before heading towards the highlands of Irazu Volcano National Park. The weather was unpredictable (again!), and our afternoon outing was very wet and rainy. Nevertheless, we managed to see some highland specialties, like Black-capped Flycatcher, Sooty Thrush, Black-billed Nightingale Thrush, Mountain Thrush, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and Volcano Hummingbird (Irazu-Turrialba Volcano race). That evening, we went out to search for owls and nightjars. The length of this session largely depended on the weather conditions, as always, at this location. Our first attempts were near the forest fragments before entering the park, where we had our first glimpse of Dusky Nightjar. Later on, up the road, we encountered more Dusky Nightjars, but this one remained hidden.

Our final morning of the tour was dedicated to visiting a single location: private land owned by a local family who use the land to grow potatoes, cabbage and tomatoes. Why did we go there? Easy; that farm is probably the best place in all of Costa Rica to look for the enigmatic (and erratic) Maroon-chested Ground Dove. Upon arrival, you immediately notice why the birds “like” to be there. It is a perfect combination of large oak trees full of moss and bamboo thickets found along the ridge next to the fields, allowing birds to venture outside their habitat to forage on the ground and quickly return to the forest.

However, birds are not always present there, and we knew we had to make an extra effort to have a chance of finding them. While exploring the land, we saw other species we had encountered before, such as Large-footed Finch, Acorn Woodpeckers and many Lesser Goldfinches (with better views this time). We also observed Red-tailed Hawk, and while walking near the forest edge, we spotted a splendid male Resplendent Quetzal. We really enjoyed watching this male, especially because we were the only ones there, allowing us to see it for a long time and even take photos. Later, we spotted a new bird for the tour: the migrant Myrtle Warbler—what a nice surprise!

At the same location, we heard a bird calling; it was a dove, but the call was not loud enough to confirm which species it was. We then moved and approached slowly in that direction, and there it was: a wonderful male Maroon-chested Ground Dove calling from mid-level in the forest, apparently displaying. As soon as we located the bird, it flew over and landed on a nearby tree. Luckily, we all saw it, and the bird stayed for a while; in addition to the male, we also spotted a female! Honestly speaking, this was one of my favourite moments of the tour.

We spent more than two and a half hours searching without any sign of the birds, and there they were—a pair just for us on the final morning of the tour. Minutes later, the birds flew down to forage on the ground. I saw no signs that they were affected by our presence, and we could see them again through the spotting scope! We watched them fly back into the forest, moving along the branches, and the male began displaying again! Definitely, this was the best way to finish our Classic Costa Rica tour.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.2).

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

Great Tinamou  Tinamus major

Little Tinamou  Crypturellus soui

Thicket Tinamou ◊  Crypturellus cinnamomeus  Very well seen near Bijagua.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna autumnalis

Muscovy Duck  Cairina moschata

Grey-headed Chachalaca ◊  Ortalis cinereiceps

Crested Guan  Penelope purpurascens

Black Guan ◊  Chamaepetes unicolor  Seen at Monteverde and Talamanca

Great Curassow ◊  Crax rubra

Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge ◊  Dendrortyx leucophrys  Seen at Talamanca mountains

Spot-bellied Bobwhite ◊  Colinus leucopogon Four seen near Orotina

Marbled Wood Quail  Odontophorus gujanensis

Spotted Wood Quail ◊  Odontophorus guttatus

Lesser Nighthawk  Chordeiles acutipennis

Short-tailed Nighthawk  Lurocalis semitorquatus

Pauraque  Nyctidromus albicollis

Dusky Nightjar ◊  Antrostomus saturatus

Great Potoo  Nyctibius grandis

Northern Potoo ◊  Nyctibius jamaicensis One seen near Bijagua

Common Potoo  Nyctibius griseus

American Black Swift  Cypseloides niger

Chestnut-collared Swift  Streptoprocne rutila

White-collared Swift  Streptoprocne zonaris

Grey-rumped Swift  Chaetura cinereiventris

Costa Rican Swift ◊  Chaetura fumosa Few seen near Corcovado NP

Vaux’s Swift  Chaetura [vauxi] richmondi

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift  Panyptila cayennensis

White-necked Jacobin  Florisuga mellivora

Bronzy Hermit  Glaucis aeneus

Band-tailed Barbthroat  Threnetes ruckeri

Stripe-throated Hermit  Phaethornis striigularis

Green Hermit  Phaethornis guy

Long-billed Hermit  Phaethornis longirostris

Green-fronted Lancebill  Doryfera ludovicae

Brown Violetear  Colibri delphinae

Lesser Violetear  Colibri cyanotus

Purple-crowned Fairy  Heliothryx barroti

Green-breasted Mango  Anthracothorax prevostii

Veraguan Mango ◊  Anthracothorax veraguensis a male seen near Coto 47

Green Thorntail  Discosura conversii

Black-crested Coquette ◊  Lophornis helenae  Few females at Arenal Volcano NP

White-crested Coquette ◊  Lophornis adorabilis

Green-crowned Brilliant  Heliodoxa jacula

Talamanca Hummingbird ◊  Eugenes spectabilis

Fiery-throated Hummingbird ◊  Panterpe insignis  Common at highlands

Plain-capped Starthroat  Heliomaster constantii

White-bellied Mountaingem ◊  Lampornis hemileucus

Purple-throated Mountaingem ◊  Lampornis calolaemus

Grey-tailed Mountaingem ◊  Lampornis cinereicauda

Magenta-throated Woodstar ◊  Philodice bryantae  Nice male at Monteverde

Volcano Hummingbird ◊  Selasphorus flammula

Scintillant Hummingbird ◊  Selasphorus scintilla

Canivet’s Emerald ◊  Cynanthus canivetii

Garden Emerald ◊  Chlorostilbon assimilis

Violet-headed Hummingbird  Klais guimeti

Violet Sabrewing ◊  Campylopterus hemileucurus

Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer ◊  Chalybura urochrysia

Crowned Woodnymph  Thalurania colombica

Snowcap ◊  Microchera albocoronata Well seen at El Copal

Coppery-headed Emerald ◊  Microchera cupreiceps

Stripe-tailed Hummingbird ◊  Eupherusa eximia

Black-bellied Hummingbird ◊  Eupherusa nigriventris

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird ◊  Phaeochroa cuvierii

Blue-vented Hummingbird ◊  Saucerottia hoffmanni

Snowy-bellied Hummingbird ◊  Saucerottia edward

Cinnamon Hummingbird  Amazilia rutila

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird  Amazilia tzacatl

Mangrove Hummingbird ◊  Chrysuronia boucardi  Great looks at Rincon

Sapphire-throated Hummingbird ◊  Chrysuronia coeruleogularis

Blue-chested Hummingbird  Polyerata amabilis

Charming Hummingbird ◊  Polyerata decora

Blue-throated Sapphire ◊  Chlorestes eliciae

Smooth-billed Ani  Crotophaga ani

Groove-billed Ani  Crotophaga sulcirostris

Striped Cuckoo  Tapera naevia

Lesser Ground Cuckoo ◊  Morococcyx erythropygus One seen near Bijagua

Squirrel Cuckoo  Piaya cayana

Rock Dove (introduced) (Feral Pigeon)  Columba [livia] domestica

Scaled Pigeon  Patagioenas speciosa

Band-tailed Pigeon  Patagioenas fasciata

Pale-vented Pigeon  Patagioenas cayennensis

Red-billed Pigeon  Patagioenas flavirostris

Ruddy Pigeon  Patagioenas subvinacea

Short-billed Pigeon ◊  Patagioenas nigrirostris

Eurasian Collared Dove (introduced)  Streptopelia decaocto

Inca Dove  Columbina inca

Common Ground Dove  Columbina passerina

Plain-breasted Ground Dove  Columbina minuta

Ruddy Ground Dove  Columbina talpacoti

Blue Ground Dove  Claravis pretiosa

Maroon-chested Ground Dove ◊  Paraclaravis mondetoura A pair near Irazu Volcano NP

Ruddy Quail-Dove  Geotrygon montana

White-tipped Dove  Leptotila verreauxi

Grey-headed Dove ◊  Leptotila plumbeiceps

Grey-chested Dove ◊  Leptotila cassinii

Buff-fronted Quail-Dove ◊  Zentrygon costaricensis Seen at Cinchona feeders

Chiriqui Quail-Dove ◊  Zentrygon chiriquensis Heard only

Mourning Dove  Zenaida macroura

White-winged Dove  Zenaida asiatica

Sungrebe  Heliornis fulica

Russet-naped Wood Rail ◊  Aramides albiventris

Grey-cowled Wood Rail  Aramides cajaneus

Common Gallinule  Gallinula galeata

Purple Gallinule  Porphyrio martinica

Grey-breasted Crake  Laterallus exilis

White-throated Crake  Laterallus albigularis

Limpkin  Aramus guarauna

Least Grebe  Tachybaptus dominicus

Pied-billed Grebe  Podilymbus podiceps

Double-striped Thick-knee  Hesperoburhinus bistriatus

Black-necked Stilt  Himantopus mexicanus

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

American Golden Plover  Pluvialis dominica

Semipalmated Plover  Charadrius semipalmatus

Southern Lapwing  Vanellus chilensis

Wilson’s Plover  Anarhynchus wilsonia

Northern Jacana  Jacana spinosa

Hudsonian Whimbrel  Numenius hudsonicus

Marbled Godwit  Limosa fedoa

Spotted Sandpiper  Actitis macularius

Solitary Sandpiper  Tringa solitaria

Lesser Yellowlegs  Tringa flavipes

Willet (Western W)  Tringa [semipalmata] inornata

Greater Yellowlegs  Tringa melanoleuca

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

Pectoral Sandpiper  Calidris melanotos

Western Sandpiper  Calidris mauri

Semipalmated Sandpiper  Calidris pusilla

Royal Tern (American R T)  Thalasseus maximus

Laughing Gull  Leucophaeus atricilla

Sunbittern  Eurypyga helias

Wood Stork  Mycteria americana

Jabiru  Jabiru mycteria

Magnificent Frigatebird  Fregata magnificens

Anhinga  Anhinga anhinga

Neotropic Cormorant  Nannopterum brasilianum

Green Ibis  Mesembrinibis cayennensis

American White Ibis  Eudocimus albus

Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus

Roseate Spoonbill  Platalea ajaja

Rufescent Tiger Heron  Tigrisoma lineatum

Bare-throated Tiger Heron  Tigrisoma mexicanum

Fasciated Tiger Heron  Tigrisoma fasciatum

Boat-billed Heron  Cochlearius cochlearius

Agami Heron  Agamia agamí A juvenil seen at Caño Negro

Pinnated Bittern ◊  Botaurus pinnatus  Many seen at Medio Queso

Least Bittern  Botaurus exilis

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

Little Blue Heron  Egretta caerulea

Tricolored Heron  Egretta tricolor

Snowy Egret  Egretta thula

Green Heron  Butorides virescens

Great Egret (American G E)  Ardea [alba] egretta

Western Cattle Egret  Ardea ibis

Great Blue Heron  Ardea herodias

Brown Pelican  Pelecanus occidentalis

King Vulture  Sarcoramphus papa

Black Vulture  Coragyps atratus

Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture  Cathartes burrovianus

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus

White-tailed Kite  Elanus leucurus

Grey-headed Kite  Leptodon cayanensis

Swallow-tailed Kite  Elanoides forficatus

Black Hawk-Eagle  Spizaetus tyrannus

Double-toothed Kite  Harpagus bidentatus

Bicolored Hawk  Astur bicolor

Plumbeous Kite  Ictinia plumbea

Black-collared Hawk  Busarellus nigricollis

Snail Kite  Rostrhamus sociabilis

Common Black Hawk ◊  Buteogallus anthracinus

Barred Hawk  Morphnarchus princeps

Roadside Hawk  Rupornis magnirostris

Harris’s Hawk (Bay-winged H)  Parabuteo unicinctus

White Hawk  Pseudastur albicollis

Semiplumbeous Hawk ◊  Leucopternis semiplumbeus One adult at La Selva Station

Grey Hawk  Buteo plagiatus

Grey-lined Hawk  Buteo nitidus

Broad-winged Hawk (W)  Buteo platypterus

Short-tailed Hawk  Buteo brachyurus

Swainson’s Hawk (W)  Buteo swainsoni Seen migrating near Caño Negro

Zone-tailed Hawk  Buteo albonotatus

Red-tailed Hawk  Buteo jamaicensis

American Barn Owl  Tyto furcata

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl  Glaucidium brasilianum

Striped Owl  Asio clamator  An adult seen on nest near La Fortuna

Bare-shanked Screech Owl ◊  Megascops clarkii  Excellent views at Santa Elena Reserve

Tropical Screech Owl  Megascops choliba

Pacific Screech Owl ◊  Megascops cooperi

Middle American Screech Owl ◊ (Vermiculated S O)  Megascops [guatemalae] vermiculatus One bird seen roosting at La Selva Station

Choco Screech Owl ◊  Megascops centrales One bird at night in Danta Corcovado

Spectacled Owl  Pulsatrix perspicillata

Crested Owl  Lophostrix cristata

Mottled Owl  Strix virgata

Black-and-white Owl  Strix nigrolineata

Resplendent Quetzal ◊  Pharomachrus mocinno A pair nesting in Monteverde

Lattice-tailed Trogon ◊  Trogon clathratus  One male seen at El Tapirus Lodge

Slaty-tailed Trogon ◊  Trogon massena

Black-headed Trogon ◊  Trogon melanocephalus

Baird’s Trogon ◊  Trogon bairdii

Gartered Trogon (Northern Violaceous T)  Trogon caligatus

Northern Black-throated Trogon  Trogon tenellus

Elegant Trogon ◊  Trogon elegans

Collared Trogon  Trogon collaris

Amazon Kingfisher  Chloroceryle amazona

American Pygmy Kingfisher  Chloroceryle aenea

Green Kingfisher  Chloroceryle americana

Ringed Kingfisher  Megaceryle torquata

Tody Motmot ◊  Hylomanes momotula  Few seen at Tenorio Volcano NP

Lesson’s Motmot ◊ (Blue-diademed M)  Momotus lessonii

Rufous Motmot  Baryphthengus martii

Keel-billed Motmot ◊  Electron carinatum One found in Bogarin Trail – Fortuna

Broad-billed Motmot  Electron platyrhynchum

Turquoise-browed Motmot ◊  Eumomota superciliosa

Rufous-tailed Jacamar  Galbula ruficauda

White-necked Puffbird  Notharchus hyperrhynchus

Pied Puffbird  Notharchus tectus

White-whiskered Puffbird  Malacoptila panamensis

Red-headed Barbet  Eubucco bourcierii

Prong-billed Barbet ◊  Semnornis frantzii

Blue-throated Toucanet ◊  Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis

Collared Aracari  Pteroglossus torquatus

Fiery-billed Aracari ◊  Pteroglossus frantzii Common in southern Costa Rica

Keel-billed Toucan  Ramphastos sulfuratus

Yellow-throated Toucan (Chestnut-mandibled T)  Ramphastos [ambiguus] swainsonii

Olivaceous Piculet  Picumnus olivaceus

Acorn Woodpecker  Melanerpes formicivorus

Golden-naped Woodpecker ◊  Melanerpes chrysauchen Seen at Danta Corcovado

Black-cheeked Woodpecker  Melanerpes pucherani

Red-crowned Woodpecker  Melanerpes rubricapillus

Hoffmann’s Woodpecker ◊  Melanerpes hoffmannii

Red-rumped Woodpecker  Veniliornis kirkii One seen at Coto 47

Smoky-brown Woodpecker  Leuconotopicus fumigatus

Hairy Woodpecker  Leuconotopicus villosus

Rufous-winged Woodpecker ◊  Piculus simplex

Golden-olive Woodpecker  Colaptes rubiginosus

Cinnamon Woodpecker  Celeus loricatus

Chestnut-colored Woodpecker ◊  Celeus castaneus Great looks at La Selva Station

Lineated Woodpecker  Dryocopus lineatus

Pale-billed Woodpecker ◊  Campephilus guatemalensis

Crested Caracara (Northern C C)  Caracara [plancus] cheriway

Yellow-headed Caracara  Milvago chimachima

Laughing Falcon  Herpetotheres cachinnans

Barred Forest Falcon  Micrastur ruficollis

Collared Forest Falcon*

  Micrastur semitorquatus

American Kestrel (W)  Falco sparverius

Bat Falcon  Falco rufigularis

Barred Parakeet  Bolborhynchus lineola  Flocks flying over in the highlands of Cerro de la Muerte

Orange-chinned Parakeet (Tovi P)  Brotogeris jugularis

Brown-hooded Parrot ◊  Pyrilia haematotis

Blue-headed Parrot  Pionus menstruus

White-crowned Parrot ◊  Pionus senilis

White-fronted Amazon ◊ (W-f Parrot)  Amazona albifrons

Red-lored Amazon (R-l Parrot)  Amazona autumnalis

Yellow-naped Amazon ◊ (Y-n Parrot)  Amazona auropalliata

Mealy Amazon ◊ (Northern M A)  Amazona [farinosa] farinosa

Sulphur-winged Parakeet ◊  Pyrrhura hoffmanni Few seen at Savegre valley

Olive-throated Parakeet ◊  Eupsittula nana

Orange-fronted Parakeet  Eupsittula canicularis

Brown-throated Parakeet  Eupsittula pertinax

Great Green Macaw ◊  Ara ambiguus Very well seen near La Selva Station

Scarlet Macaw  Ara macao

Finsch’s Parakeet ◊  Psittacara finschi

Tawny-throated Leaftosser ◊  Sclerurus mexicanus

Scaly-throated Leaftosser  Sclerurus guatemalensis One bird foragin at Danta Corcovado trails

Olivaceous Woodcreeper  Sittasomus griseicapillus

Little Long-tailed Woodcreeper ◊  Deconychura típica Seen by the guide at Danta Corcovado trails

Tawny-winged Woodcreeper ◊  Dendrocincla anabatina

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper  Glyphorynchus spirurus

Northern Barred Woodcreeper  Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae

Cocoa Woodcreeper  Xiphorhynchus susurrans

Black-striped Woodcreeper  Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus

Spotted Woodcreeper  Xiphorhynchus erythropygius

Streak-headed Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes souleyetii

Spot-crowned Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes affinis

Northern Plain Xenops  Xenops mexicanus

Lineated Foliage-gleaner  Syndactyla subalaris

Streak-breasted Treehunter ◊  Thripadectes rufobrunneus A bird found nesting at Monteverde

Fawn-throated Foliage-gleaner  Automolus cervinigularis

Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner ◊  Automolus exsertus Great looks near Villa Lapas

Red-faced Spinetail  Cranioleuca erythrops

Slaty Spinetail  Synallaxis brachyura

Pale-breasted Spinetail  Synallaxis albescens

Russet Antshrike  Thamnistes anabatinus

Dot-winged Antwren  Microrhopias quixensis

Checker-throated Stipplethroat  Epinecrophylla fulviventris

White-flanked Antwren  Myrmotherula axillaris

Slaty Antwren  Myrmotherula schisticolor

Plain Antvireo  Dysithamnus mentalis

Streak-crowned Antvireo ◊  Dysithamnus striaticeps A male seen briefly near Heliconias Lodge – Bijagua

Barred Antshrike  Thamnophilus doliatus

Black-hooded Antshrike ◊  Thamnophilus bridgesi

Black-crowned Antshrike  Thamnophilus atrinucha

Fasciated Antshrike  Cymbilaimus lineatus

Great Antshrike  Taraba major

Dusky Antbird  Cercomacroides tyrannina

Spotted Antbird  Hylophylax naevioides

Chestnut-backed Antbird  Poliocrania exsul

Dull-mantled Antbird ◊  Sipia laemosticta Well seen in Arenal Volcano NP

Bare-crowned Antbird ◊  Gymnocichla nudiceps A pair in Caño Negro

Black-faced Antthrush  Formicarius analis

Black-headed Antthrush  Formicarius nigricapillus (H)

Scaled Antpitta  Grallaria guatimalensis

Streak-chested Antpitta ◊  Hylopezus perspicillatus (H)

Thicket Antpitta ◊ (Fulvous-bellied A)  Myrmothera dives

Silvery-fronted Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus argentifrons

Greenish Elaenia  Myiopagis viridicata

Yellow-bellied Elaenia  Elaenia flavogaster

Lesser Elaenia  Elaenia chiriquensis

Mountain Elaenia  Elaenia frantzii

Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet ◊  Ornithion semiflavum

Northern Beardless Tyrannulet  Camptostoma imberbe

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet  Camptostoma obsoletum

Torrent Tyrannulet  Serpophaga cinerea

Yellow Tyrannulet  Capsiempis flaveola

Mistletoe Tyrannulet  Zimmerius parvus

Olive-streaked Flycatcher  Mionectes olivaceus

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher  Mionectes oleagineus

Slaty-capped Flycatcher  Leptopogon superciliaris

Northern Scrub Flycatcher  Sublegatus arenarum

Bran-colored Flycatcher  Myiophobus fasciatus

Northern Bentbill ◊  Oncostoma cinereigulare

Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant  Lophotriccus pileatus

Common Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum cinereum

Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum nigriceps

Eye-ringed Flatbill  Rhynchocyclus brevirostris

Yellow-olive Flatbill  Tolmomyias sulphurescens

Golden-crowned Spadebill  Platyrinchus coronatus

Tawny-chested Flycatcher ◊  Aphanotriccus capitalis

Black Phoebe  Sayornis nigricans

Northern Tufted Flycatcher  Mitrephanes phaeocercus

Olive-sided Flycatcher  Contopus cooperi

Dark Pewee ◊  Contopus lugubris A bird seen well at Toucanet Lodge

Ochraceous Pewee ◊  Contopus ochraceus A bird found at KM 71 – Talamanca

Western Wood Pewee  Contopus sordidulus

Eastern Wood Pewee  Contopus virens

Northern Tropical Pewee  Contopus bogotensis

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher  Empidonax flaviventris

White-throated Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax albigularis

Yellowish Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax flavescens

Black-capped Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax atriceps

Long-tailed Tyrant  Colonia colonus

Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa A single bird found neat the town of Caño Negro

Piratic Flycatcher  Legatus leucophaius

Social Flycatcher  Myiozetetes similis

Grey-capped Flycatcher  Myiozetetes granadensis

Great Kiskadee  Pitangus sulphuratus

White-ringed Flycatcher  Conopias albovittatus

Golden-bellied Flycatcher  Myiodynastes hemichrysus

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher  Myiodynastes luteiventris

Streaked Flycatcher  Myiodynastes maculatus

Boat-billed Flycatcher  Megarynchus pitangua

Tropical Kingbird  Tyrannus melancholicus

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (W)  Tyrannus forficatus

Fork-tailed Flycatcher  Tyrannus savana

Rufous Mourner  Rhytipterna holerythra

Dusky-capped Flycatcher  Myiarchus tuberculifer

Panama Flycatcher ◊  Myiarchus panamensis

Nutting’s Flycatcher ◊  Myiarchus nuttingi

Great Crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus crinitus

Brown-crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus tyrannulus

Bright-rumped Attila  Attila spadiceus

Rufous Piha  Lipaugus unirufus

Three-wattled Bellbird ◊  Procnias tricarunculatus A male performing near Monteverde Reserve

Turquoise Cotinga ◊  Cotinga ridgwayi Female seen at Rincon

Yellow-billed Cotinga ◊  Carpodectes antoniae Males seen at Rincon – mangroves

Snowy Cotinga ◊  Carpodectes nitidus A spectacular male seen at La Selva Station

Long-tailed Manakin ◊  Chiroxiphia linearis Few seen near Monteverde Reserve

White-ruffed Manakin ◊  Corapipo altera

White-collared Manakin ◊  Manacus candei

Orange-collared Manakin ◊  Manacus aurantiacus

Red-capped Manakin  Ceratopipra mentalis

Tropical Royal Flycatcher ◊ (Northern R F)  Onychorhynchus [coronatus] mexicanus

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher  Terenotriccus erythrurus

Black-crowned Tityra  Tityra inquisitor

Masked Tityra  Tityra semifasciata

Northern Schiffornis  Schiffornis veraepacis (LO)

Cinnamon Becard  Pachyramphus cinnamomeus

White-winged Becard  Pachyramphus polychopterus

Rose-throated Becard  Pachyramphus aglaiae

Rufous-browed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis gujanensis

Green Shrike-Vireo ◊  Vireolanius pulchellus (H)

Scrub Greenlet  Hylophilus flavipes

Tawny-crowned Greenlet  Tunchiornis ochraceiceps

Lesser Greenlet  Pachysylvia decurtata

Yellow-green Vireo  Vireo flavoviridis

Red-eyed Vireo  Vireo olivaceus

Philadelphia Vireo  Vireo philadelphicus

Brown-capped Vireo  Vireo leucophrys

Yellow-throated Vireo (W)  Vireo flavifrons

Yellow-winged Vireo ◊  Vireo carmioli Common in Talamanca highlands

Mangrove Vireo ◊  Vireo pallens (H)

White-throated Magpie-Jay ◊  Cyanocorax formosus

Brown Jay  Cyanocorax morio

Black-and-yellow Phainoptila ◊ (B-and-Y Silky-flycatcher)  Phainoptila melanoxantha Seen few times at Talamanca mountains

Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher ◊  Ptiliogonys caudatus Common in Talamanca highlands

Mangrove Swallow  Tachycineta albilinea

Grey-breasted Martin  Progne chalybea

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx serripennis

Southern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

Blue-and-white Swallow  Pygochelidon cyanoleuca

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

American Cliff Swallow (W)  Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Rufous-backed Wren ◊  Campylorhynchus capistratus

Black-throated Wren ◊  Pheugopedius atrogularis

Black-bellied Wren  Pheugopedius fasciatoventris

Spot-breasted Wren ◊  Pheugopedius maculipectus

Rufous-breasted Wren  Pheugopedius rutilus

Banded Wren  Thryophilus pleurostictus

Rufous-and-white Wren  Thryophilus rufalbus

Cabanis’s Wren ◊  Cantorchilus modestus

Canebrake Wren ◊  Cantorchilus zeledoni

Isthmian Wren ◊  Cantorchilus elutus

Riverside Wren ◊  Cantorchilus semibadius

Bay Wren  Cantorchilus nigricapillus

Stripe-breasted Wren ◊  Cantorchilus thoracicus Seen few times in caribean lowlands

Southern House Wren  Troglodytes musculus

Ochraceous Wren ◊  Troglodytes ochraceus

Timberline Wren ◊  Thryorchilus browni Very well seen at Quetzales NP

White-breasted Wood Wren  Henicorhina leucosticta

Grey-breasted Wood Wren  Henicorhina leucophrys

Northern Nightingale-Wren ◊  Microcerculus philomela (H)

Southern Nightingale-Wren  Microcerculus marginatus (H)

Song Wren  Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus

Trilling Gnatwren  Ramphocaenus melanurus

White-browed Gnatcatcher  Polioptila bilineata

White-lored Gnatcatcher ◊  Polioptila albiloris

Tropical Mockingbird  Mimus gilvus

Black-faced Solitaire ◊  Myadestes melanops

Wood Thrush  Hylocichla mustelina

Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush  Catharus aurantiirostris

Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush ◊  Catharus mexicanus

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush  Catharus fuscater

Swainson’s Thrush  Catharus ustulatus

Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush ◊  Catharus gracilirostris Common in the Talamanca highlands

Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush ◊  Catharus frantzii

Sooty Thrush ◊  Turdus nigrescens Abundant at Highlands and Volcanoes

Mountain Thrush ◊  Turdus plebejus Regular sightings in highlands

White-throated Thrush  Turdus assimilis Few seen at Monteverde

Clay-colored Thrush  Turdus grayi

House Sparrow (introduced)  Passer domesticus

Lesser Goldfinch  Spinus psaltria

Yellow-bellied Siskin  Spinus xanthogastrus

Golden-browed Chlorophonia ◊  Chlorophonia callophrys Seen twice at Monteverde and once at Talamanca mountains

Scrub Euphonia  Euphonia affinis

Yellow-crowned Euphonia ◊  Euphonia luteicapilla

Yellow-throated Euphonia  Euphonia hirundinacea

Spot-crowned Euphonia ◊  Euphonia imitans A pair seen near Danta Corcovado lodge

Olive-backed Euphonia ◊  Euphonia gouldi

Tawny-capped Euphonia ◊  Euphonia anneae

Rosy Thrush-tanager  Rhodinocichla rosea Wonderful male seen near the town of Buenos Aires – Volcan

Sooty-capped Chlorospingus ◊  Chlorospingus pileatus Abundant in highlands

Common Chlorospingus  Chlorospingus flavopectus

Stripe-headed Sparrow  Peucaea ruficauda Common in dry forest

Olive Sparrow  Arremonops rufivirgatus

Black-striped Sparrow  Arremonops conirostris

Costa Rican Brushfinch ◊  Arremon costaricensis A cooperative bird at San Vito

Orange-billed Sparrow  Arremon aurantiirostris

Chestnut-capped Brushfinch  Arremon brunneinucha

Sooty-faced Finch ◊  Arremon crassirostris A pair seen at Quelitales Hotel

Volcano Junco ◊  Junco vulcani Few birds seen at the Paramo habitat

Rufous-collared Sparrow  Zonotrichia capensis

Large-footed Finch ◊  Pezopetes capitales Common at Talamanca mountains

White-eared Ground Sparrow ◊  Melozone leucotis

Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow ◊  Melozone cabanisi  Seen well at the town of Ujarras

White-naped Brushfinch  Atlapetes albinucha

Yellow-thighed Brushfinch ◊ (Y-t Finch)  Atlapetes tibialis

Wrenthrush ◊ (Zeledonia)  Zeledonia coronata Great views at Cerro de la Muerte

Eastern Meadowlark  Sturnella magna

Red-breasted Meadowlark  Leistes militaris

Yellow-billed Cacique  Amblycercus holosericeus

Chestnut-headed Oropendola  Psarocolius wagleri

Crested Oropendola  Psarocolius decumanus

Montezuma Oropendola ◊  Psarocolius montezuma

Scarlet-rumped Cacique  Cacicus microrhynchus

Streak-backed Oriole  Icterus pustulatus

Baltimore Oriole  Icterus galbula

Yellow-tailed Oriole  Icterus mesomelas

Spot-breasted Oriole ◊  Icterus pectoralis

Black-cowled Oriole ◊  Icterus prosthemelas

Orchard Oriole  Icterus spurius

Red-winged Blackbird  Agelaius phoeniceus

Giant Cowbird  Molothrus oryzivorus

Shiny Cowbird  Molothrus bonariensis

Bronzed Cowbird  Molothrus aeneus

Melodious Blackbird  Dives dives

Nicaraguan Grackle ◊  Quiscalus nicaraguensis Common at Medio Queso and Caño Negro wetlands

Great-tailed Grackle  Quiscalus mexicanus

Ovenbird  Seiurus aurocapilla

Northern Waterthrush  Parkesia noveboracensis

Golden-winged Warbler   Vermivora chrysoptera

Black-and-white Warbler   Mniotilta varia

Prothonotary Warbler   Protonotaria citrea

Flame-throated Warbler ◊  Oreothlypis gutturalis Seen few times at Talamanca mountains

Tennessee Warbler  Leiothlypis peregrina

Grey-crowned Yellowthroat  Geothlypis poliocephala

Chiriqui Yellowthroat ◊  Geothlypis chiriquensis A male seen near the town of San Vito

Mourning Warbler  Geothlypis philadelphia

Kentucky Warbler  Geothlypis formosa

Olive-crowned Yellowthroat  Geothlypis semiflava

Hooded Warbler   Setophaga citrina

American Redstart  Setophaga ruticilla

Tropical Parula  Setophaga pitiayumi

Bay-breasted Warbler  Setophaga castanea

Blackburnian Warbler  Setophaga fusca

American Yellow Warbler  Setophaga aestiva

Mangrove Warbler  Setophaga petechia

Chestnut-sided Warbler   Setophaga pensylvanica

Myrtle Warbler  Setophaga coronata One seen at Irazu Volcano

Black-throated Green Warbler  Setophaga virens

Buff-rumped Warbler  Myiothlypis fulvicauda

Chestnut-capped Warbler  Basileuterus delattrii

Black-cheeked Warbler ◊  Basileuterus melanogenys Brief sighting at Cerro de la Muerte

Golden-crowned Warbler  Basileuterus culicivorus

Black-eared Warbler ◊  Basileuterus melanotis Seen few times at Monteverde

Canada Warbler  Cardellina canadensis

Wilson’s Warbler   Cardellina pusilla

Slate-throated Whitestart  Myioborus miniatus

Collared Whitestart ◊  Myioborus torquatus Common in highlands

Dusky-faced Tanager  Mitrospingus cassinii

Flame-colored Tanager  Piranga bidentata

Tooth-billed Tanager (Highland Hepatic T)  Piranga lutea

Summer Tanager   Piranga rubra

Scarlet Tanager  Piranga olivacea

White-winged Tanager  Piranga leucoptera

Red-throated Ant Tanager  Driophlox fuscicauda

Carmiol’s Tanager ◊  Chlorothraupis carmioli

Black-thighed Grosbeak ◊  Pheucticus tibialis

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  Pheucticus ludovicianus

Black-faced Grosbeak ◊  Caryothraustes poliogaster

Blue-black Grosbeak  Cyanoloxia cyanoides

Blue Grosbeak  Passerina caerulea

Indigo Bunting  Passerina cyanea

Painted Bunting  Passerina ciris

Green Honeycreeper  Chlorophanes spiza

Black-and-yellow Tanager ◊  Chrysothlypis chrysomelas Males seen on fruiting trees at Arenal NP

Red-legged Honeycreeper  Cyanerpes cyaneus

Shining Honeycreeper ◊  Cyanerpes lucidus

Scarlet-thighed Dacnis  Dacnis venusta

Blue Dacnis  Dacnis cayana

Cinnamon-bellied Saltator  Saltator grandis

Streaked Saltator  Saltator striatipectus

Buff-throated Saltator  Saltator maximus

Black-headed Saltator  Saltator atriceps

Slate-colored Grosbeak  Saltator grossus

Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola

Yellow-faced Grassquit  Tiaris olivaceus

Blue-black Grassquit  Volatinia jacarina

Grey-headed Tanager  Eucometis penicillata

White-shouldered Tanager  Loriotus luctuosus

Tawny-crested Tanager  Tachyphonus delatrii

White-lined Tanager  Tachyphonus rufus

White-throated Shrike-Tanager ◊  Lanio leucothorax Male seen well at Braulio Carrillo NP

Crimson-collared Tanager ◊  Ramphocelus sanguinolentus

Scarlet-rumped Tanager ◊ (Passerini’s T)  Ramphocelus [passerinii] passerinii

Scarlet-rumped Tanager ◊ (Cherrie’s T)  Ramphocelus [passerinii] costaricensis

Morelet’s Seedeater ◊  Sporophila morelleti

Variable Seedeater (Black-breasted S)  Sporophila corvina

Variable Seedeater (Black S)  Sporophila [corvina] corvina

Thick-billed Seed Finch  Sporophila funerea

Nicaraguan Seed Finch ◊  Sporophila nuttingi Few seen along the road to Caño Negro wetlands

Slaty Flowerpiercer ◊  Diglossa plúmbea Common at highlands

Speckled Tanager  Ixothraupis guttata

Blue-grey Tanager  Thraupis episcopus

Palm Tanager  Thraupis palmarum

Golden-hooded Tanager  Stilpnia larvata

Bay-headed Tanager  Tangara gyrola

Emerald Tanager  Tangara florida

Silver-throated Tanager  Tangara icterocephala

Plain-colored Tanager  Tangara inornata A single bird seen briefly at La Selva Station

Mammals

Northern Tamandua  Tamandua mexicana

Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth  Choloepus hoffmanni

Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (B-t Sloth)  Bradypus variegatus

novemcinctus

Coyote  Canis latrans

Northern Grey Fox  Urocyon cinereoargenteus

White-nosed Coati  Nasua narica

Kinkajou  Potos flavus

Tayra  Eira barbara

Central American Tapir (Baird’s T)  Tapirus bairdii

Collared Peccary  Pecari tajacu

White-tailed Deer  Odocoileus virginianus

Common Tent-making Bat  Uroderma bilobatum

Proboscis Bat (Long-nosed B)  Rhynchonycteris naso

Greater Sac-winged Bat (G White-lined B)  Saccopteryx bilineata

Panamanian White-faced Capuchin  Cebus imitator

Central American Squirrel Monkey  Saimiri oerstedii

Mantled Howler  Alouatta palliata

Central American Spider Monkey  Ateles geoffroyi

Central American Agouti  Dasyprocta punctata

Variegated Squirrel  Sciurus variegatoides

Bangs’s Mountain Squirrel (Panama Mountain S)  Syntheosciurus 

Red-tailed Squirrel (Tropical Red S)  Syntheosciurus granatensis

Dusky Rice Rat  Melanomys caliginosus