NORTHERN MEXICO TOUR REPORT 2025

13/15 - 26 May 2025

Leo Garrigues

Our first Northern Mexico tour was a great success, with nearly all of our main target species observed. Highlights included some of the most exquisite and highly sought-after birds in all of Mexico, such as the endangered Thick-billed and Maroon-fronted Parrots, the rare and striking Eared Quetzal, the elusive Bearded Wood Partridge, the endangered Red-crowned Amazon, and the extremely localised and endangered, Worthern’s Sparrow.

Although the tour features a strong influence from the avifauna of southern U.S., regions like Texas and Arizona, it also showcases an outstanding selection of Mexican endemics and near-endemics with species like Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl, Tawny-collared Nightjar, Curve-winged Sabrewing, Blue-capped Motmot, Bronze-winged Woodpecker, Veracruz Wren, Tamaulipas Crow, Chihuahuan Raven, Altamira Yellowthroat and Crimson-collared Grosbeak.

Seeing the Colima Warbler on its breeding grounds was another major highlight of the tour. Other remarkable encounters included a Thicket Tinamou walking completely out in the open, an unforgettable morning session with an American Goshawk, excellent views of Spotted Owl, and open views of Tawny-collared Nightjar. We also had a memorable “show session” with a Ruddy Crake, watched a male Sungrebe carrying a chick on its back, witnessed a pair of Greater Roadrunners mating, and even had a rare sighting of a Ringtail (a nocturnal and arboreal mammal species). Many other goodies were observed, including Mexican Duck, Great Curassow, Northern Bobwhite, Singing Quail, Mexican Whip-poor-will, Northern Potoo, White-throated Swift, Blue-throated and Amethyst-throated Mountaingem, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, American Barn Owl, Mountain Pygmy Owl, Whiskered and Eastern Screech Owls, Elegant (Coppery-tailed) and Mountain Trogons, Arizona Woodpecker, Green Parakeet, Ivory-billed Woodcreeper, White-throated, American Dusky, American Grey, Pine, and Buff-breasted Flycatchers, Grey-collared Becard, Plumbeous Vireo, Mexican, Steller’s, and Green Jays, Phainopepla, Bridled and Black-crested Titmouses, Mexican Chickadee, Verdin, Cave Swallow, American Bushtit, Cactus, Rock, and Canyon Wrens, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Pygmy Nuthatch, Long-billed Thrasher, Blue Mockingbird, Western Bluebird, Brown-backed Solitaire, Black Thrush, Evening and Hooded Grosbeaks, Black-headed Siskin, Botteri’s, Black-throated, Black-chinned, Striped, Rusty, and Rusty-crowned Sparrows, Collared Towhee, Western, Eastern, and Chihuahuan Meadowlarks, Montezuma Oropendola, Scott’s, Audubon’s, Altamira, Bullock’s, Black-vented, and Hooded Orioles, Crescent-chested, Lucy’s, Hermit, Fan-tailed, Rufous-capped, and Red-faced Warblers, Hooded Yellowthroat, Painted Whitestart, Red-throated Ant Tanager, Pyrrhuloxia, Lazuli Bunting, Morelet’s Seedeater, and Yellow-winged Tanager.

This year, we began with the Veracruz pre-extension, departing early in the morning from Mexico City. Miguel, our local guide, came to pick up our group, and from there we started our drive towards Xalapa. Along the way, we made our first attempts to find the Bearded Wood Partridge (our main target). During several efforts, some members of the group managed to get views of the bird. Unfortunately, not everyone was lucky enough to see it. Over the course of both days of the pre-extension, we had seven different encounters, but as expected, this species proved to be very secretive.

Our birding covered a variety of habitats and elevations along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental, starting in pure pine woodlands, continuing through a mixture of broadleaved cloud forest with pines, descending into more tropical and humid foothills, and finally reaching dry forests at the sites where we searched for the Veracruz Wren.

Xalapa sits at a mid-elevation (around 1,400–1,500 metres), surrounded by lush cloud forests interspersed with coffee plantations. This varied habitat creates ideal conditions for a wide range of bird species, including some endemics such as the Curve-winged Sabrewing and Blue-capped Motmot. Other species observed around Xalapa included Plain Chachalaca, Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Roadside Hawk, Acorn and Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Olive-sided, Least, Yellow-bellied, Western, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers, Eastern Wood Pewee, Brown and Green Jays, Band-backed Wren, Blue Mockingbird, Common Chlorospingus, Rusty Sparrow, Black-throated Green and Canada Warblers, American Redstart, and Black-headed Saltator. It is important to clarify that most of our efforts were focused on finding the Bearded Wood Partridge rather than searching for other species.

The locality where we looked for the Veracruz Wren was a drier habitat. We carried out a very brief session focused specifically on this species, but we also added others such as Groove-billed Ani, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Barred Antshrike, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Grass Wren (heard only), and Botteri’s Sparrow, which gave us good views.

The second day, we returned to Mexico City from the Xalapa area, where we spent the night before taking an early flight the following day to Chihuahua City. Many thanks to Miguel for his guidance and driving during these last action-packed days. The next morning, we met the rest of our group and headed off to catch our early flight to Chihuahua.

Our birding in the Chihuahuan Desert region offered a striking contrast to the lush forests of Veracruz. During our first day, we focused on the drive to reach Madera City, making strategic stops along the way. Our first birding stop was at the Santa Isabel River, which turned out to be a particularly entertaining session, where we observed a remarkable variety of North American migrants.  The area acted as a migrant trap, with birds pausing to rest before continuing their journey to their breeding grounds. The highlights of the session were the Chihuahuan Raven, along with Lucy’s Warbler.  Other species who complemented the session were Mexican Duck, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Grey Hawk, Golden-fronted and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, American Dusky and Vermilion Flycatchers, Western Wood Pewee, Black and Say’s Phoebe, Verdin, Hermit Thrush, Cassin’s Vireo, Lesser Goldfinch, Bullock’s Oriole Orange-crowned, MacGillivray’s, Myrtle, Audubon’s, Townsend’s, and Wilson Warblers, Western Tanager and Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks.

We continued our drive towards Madera City, using our final birding stops to check open fields in searching for meadowlarks. The most common species was the Western Meadowlark, though we also observed at least one Chihuahuan Meadowlark. Other species seen during our afternoon stops included Swainson’s Hawk, American Kestrel, Cassin’s Kingbird, Cave Swallow, and Lark Sparrow. We arrived in Chihuahua at dusk, just in time for dinner.

The following day, we visited the Thick-billed Parrot Reserve, a high-elevation pine forest that serves as one of the last strongholds for this charismatic and endangered species. We were fortunate to be accompanied by Javier Cruz, a dedicated researcher who has been working extensively on the conservation and ecology of the Thick-billed Parrot. His deep knowledge and field experience added great value to our visit, as he shared insights about the species’ behaviour, habitat requirements, and took us to the best sites to enjoy fantastic views of this endangered Parrot.  We also enjoyed excellent views of another regional specialty, the striking male Eared Quetzal, a highlight for many in the group. But at least for myself, the most thrilling encounter during our first day in Madera was the morning session with an American Goshawk, where we enjoyed prolonged views of this powerful raptor, a truly memorable moment. Other highlights from our first full day included excellent views of the Red-faced Warbler, and the resident subspecies of Evening Grosbeak [montanus], which is always a noteworthy species for Mexico. An Olive Warbler added a new bird family for some members of the group, although the views were the typical ones high in the pine canopy.

Complementing our day’s list were Mountain Trogon, Northern Flicker, Greater Pewee, Northern Tufted, Western and Pine Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireo, Steller’s Jay, Northern Raven, Mexican Chickadee, Violet-green Swallow, American Bushtit, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern House Wren (Brown-throated [cahooni]), White-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Chipping Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco, Canyon and Spotted Towhees, Hermit, Townsend’s, Grace’s and Tennessee Warblers, Painted and Slate-throated Whitestarts, Hepatic Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting.

We had a productive owling session, highlighted by excellent views of Spotted Owl (Mexican [lucida]) and Mexican Whip-poor-will. We also had two separate encounters with the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Unfortunately, the first attempt was disrupted by a Spotted Owl, while during the second, the Saw-whet Owl remained high in the pine canopy, resulting in only brief and poor views for a few of us. We also tried for Flammulated Owl at one of the territories that Javier knew, but no answers at all.

We spent the morning birding lower elevations around Madera, where drier oak-dominated habitats offered a change in birdlife. Highlights included Arizona Woodpecker and a very obliging Mountain Pygmy Owl. Other species seen were White-throated Swift, Red-tailed Hawk, Elegant Trogon (Coppery-tailed [goldmani]), Hairy Woodpecker, Hutton’s Vireo, Mexican Jay (Arizona [arizonae]), Bridled Titmouse, Western Bluebird, and Pine Siskin.

After a productive morning session, we said our goodbyes and thanked Javier and his assistant Irwing for their invaluable knowledge of the area. We then departed Madera City and began our journey back to Chihuahua, where we would spend the night. A few brief stops en route produced just a handful of sightings, including Cave Swallow, Great Blue Heron, and Black-crowned Night Heron. Our main birding stop was in the afternoon at the Chihuahua Water Reservoir, where we recorded Black-chinned Hummingbird, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, American Grey Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Bewick’s Wren, and Canyon Towhee. We ended the day with dinner at a local taco restaurant, where we enjoyed their delicious secret recipe tacos while going over our bird list.

The following day, we had the longest drive of the tour, crossing the Chihuahuan Desert as we travelled eastward toward the Saltillo region in the state of Coahuila. Our first birding stop was at Vado de Meoqui, a wetland area where we were hoping to find Aztec Rail. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any response, possibly due to the low water levels at the time. Nevertheless, we recorded a good number of species at the site, including Gadwall, Mexican Duck, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Black-necked Stilt, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Double-crested Cormorant, Warbling Vireo, Cave Swallow, and many Great-tailed Grackles, which were actively breeding in the area. We made several stops in desert habitat, where we picked up a few new species for the tour. Highlights included our first sightings of Greater Roadrunner and a nice encounter with Pyrrhuloxia. Other species that rounded out our drive through the Chihuahuan Desert included Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Black-throated Sparrow [grisea], Brown-headed Cowbird and Varied Bunting.  We arrived in Saltillo in the early evening and enjoyed dinner at a very good restaurant; cold beers were very welcome after a long day on the road.

The next morning, we explored Valle La Soledad, a high altitude valley surrounded by open desert scrub and grasslands. Our main target here was Worthen’s Sparrow, a very special endemic restricted to just a few highland valleys in northeastern Mexico. Although we didn’t have to search too hard, we ended up seeing around eight individuals during our visit. A memorable bonus was witnessing a pair of Greater Roadrunners mating, offering far better views than we’d had the day before. Other species seen during the morning included Burrowing Owl, Crested Caracara, Say’s Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Horned Lark, Western Meadowlark and Morelet’s Seedeater. We also had a great morning for mammals, with around 100 Mexican Prairie Dogs seen in the area, as well as a Spotted Ground Squirrel foraging near the burrows.

Another main attraction in the Saltillo area is the Colima Warbler. While it may not be the most colourful of warblers, it’s a particularly special species, often considered the only truly ‘Mexican’ warbler to occur in the United States. The difference is that here, near Saltillo, we can see it with relative ease, unlike in Big Bend National Park in Texas where it tends to require a bit more effort to find. Other species seen in this area included the endemic Hooded Yellowthroat and closer views of Olive Warbler. The session was rounded out with sightings of Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Hutton’s Vireo, Mexican Jay (Couch’s[couchii]), Mexican Chickadee, American Bushtit, Spotted Towhee, and Scott’s Oriole. A highlight was watching four Maroon-fronted Parrots fly by, it makes it special to see them away from their usual nesting cliffs at Las Cumbres de Monterrey.

During our last morning in Saltillo, we focused on other desert specialties.  Some of the most remarkable sightings of the morning included good views of Phainopepla, several Cactus Wrens, close encounters with Rock Wrens, a familiar group of Black-vented Orioles, and a small group of Black-chinned Sparrows. The session was further complemented by Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Peregrine Falcon, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Bluebird, Hooded Oriole, and the only Nashville Warbler of the tour.

After our morning session, we continued our journey to Monterrey in the state of Nuevo León. This beautiful city, nestled in a dramatic mountain valley, served as our base for exploring the Sierra Madre Oriental. Once we settled into our hotel, we spent the afternoon birding at lower elevations around the foothills that surround Monterrey.  Two near-endemics, Crimson-collared Grosbeak and Long-billed Thrasher, gave us excellent first views. Other species during the session included Plain Chachalaca, Green Jay [luxuosus], Northern Raven, Carolina Wren [berlandieri], Tropical Parula, Rufous-capped, Golden-crowned and Myrtle Warblers, and even an Eastern Cottontail. The highlight, however, was the endemic Tawny-collared Nightjar. After several attempts, we finally managed to locate one perched and enjoyed very satisfying views; an exciting moment, as this species can often be difficult to see well.

Our first full day in the Monterrey area was one of the tour’s major highlights, as we explored the spectacular Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. This impressive reserve is home to one of the last breeding populations of the endangered and striking Maroon-fronted Parrot, which nests on specific cliffs within the park. We were treated to an outstanding show, enjoying excellent views of this iconic species of Northern Mexico. Other species of interest during our morning at Cumbres de Monterrey NP included the White-throated Swift, Blue-throated Mountaingem, Elegant Trogon (Coppery-tailed), Mexican Jay, Black-crested Titmouse, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Canyon Wren, Brown-backed Solitaire, Audubon’s Oriole, Crescent- chested Warbler, Painted and Slate-throated Whitestarts and Flame-colored Tanager. We did an owling session in the drier, lower elevations around Monterrey, which produced views of the Eastern Screech-Owl (McCall’s [mccallii]).

The next day, we visited Rufino Tamayo Metropolitan Park hoping to see Green Parakeets (which we had observed flying from our hotel in Monterrey), but none appeared during our visit. The only noteworthy species during this brief stop was a pair of Northern Cardinals. Afterward, we continued birding along Cola de Caballo Road, which leads back into the pine woodland habitat in the mountains.  Notable species included our first sightings of the endemic Bronze-winged Woodpecker, as well as excellent views of a male Grey-collared Becard (a species that can sometimes be tricky to find) and the endemic Rufous-capped Brushfinch. This birding session was rounded out with sightings of Blue-throated Mountaingem, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Grey Hawk, Elegant Trogon, Acorn Woodpecker, Western and Dusky-capped Flycatchers, Brown-capped Vireo, Bridled and Black-crested Titmouses, Canyon and Carolina Wrens, Brown Creeper, Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, Spotted Towhee, Lesser Goldfinch and Blue Grosbeak (for some). Another owling session produced a Whiskered Screech Owl, but the main highlight was spotting a “Ringtail”, which is a nocturnal, arboreal mammal that is tricky to see and related to the Cacomistle, but found farther north.

The following morning, we departed our hotel in Monterrey after breakfast and began our journey toward Gómez Farías, a well-known birding hotspot in the state of Tamaulipas. This location lies at a fascinating ecological transition zone between tropical lowland forest and cloud forest along the Sierra Madre Oriental. One of the notable features of Gómez Farías is that many tropical species reach the northern limit of their range here. While this might not be the main draw for seasoned Birdquest participants, it certainly adds excitement for North American birders who haven’t yet travelled to the tropics. Species such as Montezuma Oropendola, Double-striped Thick-knee and Red-lored Parrot are just a few examples.  Although those species weren’t the primary focus of our visit, it’s an interesting aspect of what makes this place special. During our travel day from Monterrey to Gómez Farías, we recorded our first Tamaulipas Crows, a near-endemic and one of the main specialties of the region. Other species observed along the way included Plain Chachalaca, White-tailed Hawk, Groove-billed Ani, Red-billed Pigeon, Common Ground Dove, Crested Caracara, Brown-crested and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds, Masked Tityra, Brown Jay, Chihuahuan Raven, Eastern Meadowlark, and both Altamira and Hooded Orioles. We spent three nights in Gómez Farías to search for the endemics and specialties of the region.

On our first full day in Gómez Farías we had the valuable help of our excellent local guide Esteban, and with him we visited El Cielo Biosphere Reserve. This reserve protects a fascinating transition of ecosystems, from tropical lowland forest through montane cloud forest to pine-oak woodland at higher elevations. Our main target for the morning was the endemic Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl, which we successfully saw at two locations. The first encounter, however, provided the best and most satisfying views of this major specialty.

Other remarkable species seen during the morning included three endemic specialties such as the Curve-winged Sabrewing, Blue-capped Motmot, and Bronze-winged Woodpecker. Additional highlights were Great Curassow, Singing Quail, Amethyst-throated Mountaingem, Hooded Grosbeak, Audubon’s Oriole, Fan-tailed Warbler, and the near-endemic Crimson-collared Grosbeak. Rounding out our morning list were Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Short-tailed Hawk, Mountain Trogon, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Yellow-green Vireo, Spot-breasted Wren, Blue Mockingbird, Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush, White-throated Thrush, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Melodious Blackbird, Rufous-capped and Golden-crowned Warblers, Cinnamon-bellied and Black-headed Saltators, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Morelet’s Seedeater, and both Blue-grey and Yellow-winged Tanagers. Without a doubt, it was a very birdy and successful morning.

In the afternoon, our focus was on the endangered near-endemic Red-crowned Amazon. Fortunately, Esteban knew of a very reliable stakeout where a pair of these parrots had a nest cavity in a tree. With a bit of patience, we achieved our main goal, enjoying excellent views of this iconic species.  Another major highlight of the afternoon was getting great views of a Thicket Tinamou, one of the most confiding individuals I’ve ever seen.  Other species observed during the afternoon included Muscovy Duck, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Double-striped Thick-knee, Least Grebe, Ringed Kingfisher, Lineated Woodpecker, Bat Falcon, Red-lored Amazon, Great Kiskadee, Rose-throated Becard, Tamaulipas Crow, and Montezuma Oropendola.

During our last full day at Gómez Farías, we focused our morning efforts on finding the restricted endemic Altamira Yellowthroat, another major target species for the area.  We had tried for it during our first afternoon, but it wasn’t very responsive then, so we gave it a proper attempt this morning. Esteban took us to one of his known sites, and it didn’t take long before we located a bird that showed exceptionally well for us.

After enjoying great views of the Altamira Yellowthroat, it was our turn to try and return the favour by sharing a lifer with our local guide, Esteban. On that first afternoon while trying for the Altamira Yellowthroat, we unexpectedly heard some Ruddy Crakes calling. Although we tried for them, only I managed to get a quick view that day. So, this morning, we went back to that same spot and tried our luck again, creating little openings or “tunnels” through the grasses in hopes of spotting one. Ironically, those same tunnels might have scared the bird off, as we didn’t even get a response. Luckily, by exploring different parts of the area, we eventually found a more responsive Ruddy Crake that gave us prolonged and outstanding views right out in the open. Not every day Esteban gets a lifer in Gómez Farías!

Another remarkable encounter was finding the first Northern Bobwhites of the tour, with everyone in the group enjoying good views. Other more regular species seen during the morning included Roadside Hawk, Sulphur-bellied, Social and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Clay-colored Thrush, Altamira Oriole, Bronzed Cowbird, Morelet’s Seedeater, and Blue-black Grassquit.

After our morning session, we headed to the Bocatoma area, where we took a brief boat ride in search of the Sungrebe.  We were treated to excellent views of a male Sungrebe carrying a chick on his back, a truly adorable moment. Other highlights during the boat ride included Elegant Trogon (Coppery-tailed), Blue-capped Motmot, Green Kingfisher, Ivory-billed Woodcreeper, and Red-throated Ant-Tanager, with the last three being new additions to our tour list.

The rest of the day we birded in dry forest areas in the lower elevations where we added some species, as well we improved views of other ones too. We saw again another Thicket Tinamou, plenty of Plain Chachalacas, Great Curassow, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, White-tipped Dove, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, White-crowned Parrot, Tamaulipas Crow, Spot-breasted Wren, Olive Sparrow and better views of Crimson-collared Grosbeak.

This night we did an owling session to look for Northern Potoo where we saw two different individuals. We also saw a Tawny-collared Nightjar in flight and we had a nice show of a Barn Owl who flew above us several times and gave us really good views in flight. We said bye to Esteban and we went back to our hotel to enjoy a nice dinner with our farewell drinks!

Our last day of the trip was uneventful in terms of birding, as our main mission was simply to drive to the Monterrey airport, and we did so without complications. We made a couple of brief birding stops along the way, with the only noteworthy sighting being two Chihuahuan Ravens that gave us a chance for some decent photos after we tossed them a bit of food.

That said, we did extremely well overall and secured great views of all the main target species during the tour. Many thanks to all the participants for their enthusiasm throughout the trip, and a big thankyou to Fernando for all his help with the driving and overall assistance.

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1st Maroon-fronted Parrot

2nd Thick-billed Parrot

3rd Eared Quetzal

4th Tawny-collared Nightjar

5th American Goshawk

6th Red-crowned Amazon

7th Bearded Wood-Partridge

8th Ruddy Crake

9th Spotted Owl

10th Sungrebe

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 follow Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2025. IOC World Bird List (v15.1).

BIRD LIST

Thicket Tinamou ◊  Crypturellus cinnamomeus  Great views in the open at Gómez Farías; heard only in Monterrey areas.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna autumnalis  

Muscovy Duck  Cairina moschata  Seen at Bocatoma, Gómez Farías.

Gadwall  Mareca strepera  Good views at Vado de Meoqui.

Mexican Duck ◊  Anas diazi

Plain Chachalaca ◊  Ortalis vetula

Great Curassow ◊  Crax rubra  Good views at Gómez Farías. 

Bearded Wood Partridge ◊  Dendrortyx barbatus  Seen by some during the pre-extension.  

Northern Bobwhite ◊  Colinus virginianus   Excellent views in the open twice at Gómez Farías. 

Singing Quail ◊  Dactylortyx horacicus  Good views at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.

Pauraque  Nyctidromus albicollis

Tawny-collared Nightjar ◊  Antrostomus salvini    Seen on two occasions, with one perched offering excellent views. 

Mexican Whip-poor-will ◊  Anstrostomus arizonae  Excellent views at Madera.

Northern Potoo  Nyctibius jamaicensis  Seen at Goméz Farías.

Chestnut-collared Swift  Streptoprocne rutila

Vaux’s Swift  Chaetura vauxi  Seen at Goméz Farías.

White-throated Swift ◊  Aeronautes saxatalis  Best views at Cumbres de Monterrey NP, also at Madera.

Blue-throated Mountaingem ◊  Lampornis clemenciae  Seen at Cumbres de Monterrey NP, also in the agave flowers at Laguna Sanches Village.

Amethyst-throated Mountaingem ◊  Lampornis amethystinus  A female at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.

Black-chinned Hummingbird ◊  Archilochus alexandri  

Broad-tailed Hummingbird ◊  Selasphorus platycercus  Seen at pine woodlands but also visiting agave flowers at Saltillo area.

Broad-billed Hummingbird ◊  Cynanthus latirostris  A female at Laguna de Sanches Village, Monterrey.

Canivet’s Emerald ◊  Cynanthus canivetii (LO)  Seen by leader and local guide at Gómez Farías.

White-eared Hummingbird ◊  Basilinna leucotis

Curve-winged Sabrewing ◊  Pampa curvipennis  Endemic.  Seen during the pre-extension at Xalapa, also seen at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.

Azure-crowned Hummingbird ◊  Saucerottia cyanocephala  Seen at Xalapa. 

Buff-bellied Hummingbird ◊  Amazilia yucatanensis  Seen at Monterrey and Gomez Farías.

Groove-billed Ani  Crotophaga sulcirostris

Greater Roadrunner  Geococcyx californianus  Great views of a pair matting at Valle La Soledad, also seen at Chihuahua desert.    

Squirrel Cuckoo (Mexican S C) ◊  Piaya [cayana] mexicana

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

Band-tailed Pigeon  Patagioenas fasciata

Red-billed Pigeon  Patagioenas flavirostris

Eurasian Collared Dove (introduced)  Streptopelia decaocto

Inca Dove  Columbina inca

Common Ground Dove  Columbina passerina

White-tipped Dove  Leptotila verreauxi

White-faced Quail Dove ◊  Zenaida albifacies (H)  Heard only at Xalapa area.

Mourning Dove  Zenaida macroura

White-winged Dove  Zenaida asiatica

Sungrebe  Heliornis fulica 

Ruddy Crake ◊  Laterallus ruber  Excellent views at Gómez Farías. 

Common Gallinule  Gallinula galeata

American Coot  Fulica americana

Least Grebe  Tachybaptus Dominicus

Pied Grebe  Podilymbus Podiceps

Double-striped Thick-knee ◊  Hesperoburhinus bistriatus  Seen at Gómez Farías.

Black-necked Stilt  Himantopus mexicanus

Killdeer  Charadrius vociferus

Northern Jacana  Jacana spinosa

Spotted Sandpiper  Actitis macularius

Greater Yellowlegs  Tringa melanoleuca  

Ring-billed Gull  Laurus delawarensis  Seen at Chihuahua water reservoir. 

Double-crested Cormorant  Nannopterum auritum  Seen at Vado de Meoqui.

White-faced Ibis  Plegadis chihi (LO)  A group flew by at Madera.

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

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

Black Vulture  Coragyps atratus

Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura

American Goshawk ◊  Astur atricapillus  Great views at Madera.

Roadside Hawk  Rupornis magnirostris

White-tailed Hawk  Geranoaetus albicaudatus  Seen on route from Monterrey to Gómez Farías.

Grey Hawk  Buteo plagiatus  

Zone-tailed Hawk  Buteo albonotatus  Seen at Madera.

Short-tailed Hawk  Buteo brachyurus

Swainson’s Hawk  Buteo swainsoni  Several in paddyfields at Madera; also seen in flight at other sites.

Red-tailed Hawk  Buteo jamaicensis

American Barn Owl ◊  Tyto furcata  Good views at Gómez Farías, also seen at Saltillo area by some of us.

Northern Saw-whet Owl ◊  Aegolius ridgwayi  We heard it at two localities at Madera; at some point we located it but only some managed to get bad views.

Burrowing Owl  Athene cunicularia  Several individuals at Valle La Soledad, Satillo.

Mountain Pygmy Owl ◊  Glaucidium gnoma  Good views at Madera.  

Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl ◊  Glaucidium sanchezi  Seen it at two occasions at El Cielo

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl  Glaucidium brasilianum  

Whiskered Screech Owl ◊  Megascops trichopsis  Good views during our owling session in the mountains of Monterrey area.

Eastern Screech Owl ◊  Megascops [mccallii] asio  A distinctive subspecies from southern Texas and norheastern Mexico.  Great views around Monterrey. 

Spotted Owl ◊  Strix occidentalis  Great views at Madera.

Mottled Owl  Strix virgata (H)

Eared Quetzal ◊  Euptilotis neoxenus  A nice male at Madera.

Elegant Trogon  Trogon elegans  We recorded two different subspecies of the “Coppery-tailed” group, which is suggested as a split of the Elegant Trogon.  Best views were of the ambiguus subspecies at Cumbres de Monterrey and Gómez Farías. Some got brief views of the canescens subspecies at Madera.

Mountain Trogon ◊  Trogon mexicanus  Excellent views at Madera.

Green Kingfisher  Chloroceryle americana

Ringed Kingfisher  Megaceryle torquata

Blue-capped Motmot ◊  Momotus coeruliceps  Endemic.  Seen at Xalapa and Gómez Farías.

Emerald Toucanet  Aulacorhynchus prasinus (H)  Heard only at Xalapa.

Acorn Woodpecker  Melanerpes formicivorus

Golden-fronted Woodpecker ◊  Melanerpes aurifrons

Ladder-backed Woodpecker  Dryobates scalaris

Smoky-brown Woodpecker  Leuconotopicus fumigatus (H)  Heard only at Xalapa area.  

Arizona Woodpecker ◊  Leuconotopicus arizonae  Good views at Madera.

Hairy Woodpecker  Leuconotopicus villosus

Bronze-winged Woodpecker ◊  Colaptes aeruginosus  Endemic.  Good views at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve and Cola de Caballo Road. 

Northern Flicker  Colaptes auratus

Lineated Woodpecker  Dryocopus lineatus

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

Collared Forest Falcon  Micrastur semitorquatus

American Kestrel  Falco sparverius  Seen at Madera and at La Hediondilla, Saltillo.

Bat Falcon  Falco rufigularis

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus

White-crowned Parrot  Pionus senilis  Seen at Gómez Farías.

Red-lored Amazon (R-l Parrot)  Amazona autumnalis  Seen at Gómez Farías.

Red-crowned Amazon ◊  Amazona viridigenalis  An Endangered nearly-endemic species, which gave us good views at Gómez Farías.

Thick-billed Parrot ◊  Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha  The bird of the tour but by very little.  An outstanding show at Cumbres de Monterrey NP.

Maroon-fronted Parrot ◊  Rhynchopsitta terrisi  The second bird of the tour, excellent views at Madera, at the Thick-billed Parrot Reserve.

Green Parakeet ◊  Psittacara holochlorus  Seen at Monterrey.

Olivaceous Woodcreeper  Sittasomus griseicapillus  Seen at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.

Ivory-billed Woodcreeper  Xiphorhynchus flavigaster

Barred Antshrike  Thamnophilus doliatus

Northern Beardless Tyrannulet  Camptostoma imberbe

Yellow-olive Flatbill  Tolmomyias sulphurescens  Seen at Macuiltépelt Ecological Park, Xalapa.

Black Phoebe  Sayornis nigricans

Say’s Phoebe  Sayornis saya

Northern Tufted Flycatcher  Mitrephanes phaeocercus  Seen at Madera.

Olive-sided Flycatcher  Contopus cooperi

Greater Pewee  Contopus pertinax

Western Wood Pewee  Contopus sordidulus

Eastern Wood Pewee  Contopus virens

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher  Empidonax flaviventris  Seen at Xalapa.

White-throated Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax albigularis  Seen at Las Minas de Perote.

Least Flycatcher  Empidonax minimus

American Dusky Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax oberholseri  Seen at Santa Isabel River, near Chihuahua.

American Grey Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax wrightii  Seen at Chihuahua water reservoir. 

Pine Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax affinisi  Seen at Madera,

Western Flycatcher (Pacific Slope F)  Empidonax [difficilis] difficilis

Buff-breasted Flycatcher ◊  Empidonax fulvifrons  Seen at Minas del Perote and at Madera.

Vermilion Flycatcher  Pyrocephalus obscurus

Piratic Flycatcher  Legatus leucophaius  

Social Flycatcher  Myiozetetes similis

Great Kiskadee  Pitangus sulphuratus

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher  Myiodynastes luteiventris

Boat-billed Flycatcher  Megarynchus pitangua

Tropical Kingbird  Tyrannus melancholicus

Couch’s Kingbird  Tyrannus couchii  Common at Gómez Farías.

Cassin’s Kingbird  Tyrannus vociferans  

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher  Tyrannus forficatus  Seen on route from Monterrey to Gómez Farías.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher  Tyrannus savana  Seen at the drier areas of Xalapa.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher  Myiarchus tuberculifer

Great Crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus crinitus

Brown-crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus tyrannulus  Seen at Gómez Farías.

Masked Tityra  Tityra semifasciata

Grey-collared Becard ◊  Pachyramphus major  Great views at Cola de Caballo Road.

Rose-throated Becard  Pachyramphus aglaiae

Rufous-browed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis gujanensis

Yellow-green Vireo  Vireo flavoviridis

Red-eyed Vireo  Vireo olivaceous

Philadelphia  Vireo  Vireo philadelphicus  Seen at Xalapa.

Brown-capped Vireo  Vireo leucophrys

Hutton’s Vireo  Vireo huttoni

Cassin’s Vireo ◊  Vireo cassinii  Seen at Santa Isabel River.

Plumbeous Vireo ◊  Vireo plumbeus  Good views at Madera.

Loggerhead Shrike  Lanius ludovicianus  Seen at Valle de La Soledad, Saltillo.

Brown Jay ◊  Cyanocorax morio

Green Jay  Cyanocorax luxuosus

Steller’s Jay  Cyanocitta stelleri

Mexican Jay ◊  Aphelocoma wollweberi  During the trip we saw two different subspecies, arizonae at Madera, and couchii at Monterrey and Saltillo areas. 

Tamaulipas Crow ◊  Corvus imparatus  Near-endemic, good views at Gómez Farías.

Northern Raven  Corvus corax

Chihuahuan Raven ◊  Corvus cryptoleucus

Grey Silky-flycatcher ◊  Ptiliogonys cinereus  Some flew over while we were searching for Woodpartridges at El Perote.

Phainopepla ◊  Phainopepla nitens  Good views at La Hediondilla, Saltillo.

Bridled Titmouse ◊  Baeolophus wollweberi  Good views at Madera and Cola de Caballo Road.

Black-crested Titmouse ◊  Baeolophus atricristatus  Seen at Cola de Caballo Road.

Mexican Chickadee ◊  Poecile sclateri

Verdin ◊  Auriparus flaviceps  Seen on stops along the Chihuahuan desert, also seen building a nest at Santa Isabel River.

Horned Lark  Eremophila alpestris

Sand Martin  Riparia riparia

Violet-green Swallow  Tachycineta thalassina

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx serripennis

Barn Swallow (American B S)  Hirundo [rustica] erythrogaster

American Cliff Swallow  Hirundo rustica

Cave Swallow  Petrochelidon fulva

American Bushtit  Psaltriparus minimus

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  Corthylio calendula

Band-backed Wren  Campylorhynchus zonatus

Veracruz Wren ◊  Campylorhynchus rufinucha  Good views in the dry areas of Xalapa.

Cactus Wren ◊  Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

Rock Wren ◊  Salpinctes obsoletus  Good views at La Hediondilla.

Canyon Wren  Catherpes mexicanus  Great views at Cumbres de Monterrey NP.

Grass Wren  Cistothorus platensis (H)  Hear only at some grasslands near Xalapa. 

Bewick’s Wren  Thryomanes bewickii

Spot-breasted Wren ◊  Pheugopedius maculipectus  Seen at Xalapa.

Carolina Wren  Thryothorus ludovicianus

Northern House Wren ◊  Troglodytes aedon

Grey-breasted Wood Wren  Henicorhina leucophrys

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher ◊  Polioptila melanura  Seen in the Chihuahuan Desert, also at Valle La Soledad.

White-breasted Nuthatch  Sitta carolinensis

Pygmy Nuthatch ◊  Sitta pygmaea  Good views at Madera.

Brown Creeper  Certhia americana

Northern Mockingbird  Mimus polyglottos

Long-billed Thrasher ◊  Toxostoma longirostre  Near-endemic, seen at Monterrey.

Curve-billed Thrasher  Toxostoma curvirostre

Blue Mockingbird ◊  Melanotis caerulescens  Endemic. Seen at Xalapa and El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.

Common Starling  Sturnus vulgaris  Seen on route from Madera to Chihuahua.

Western Bluebird ◊  Sialia mexicana

Brown-backed Solitaire ◊  Myadestes occidentalis

Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush ◊  Catharus mexicanus  Good views at Cola de Caballo Road and El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.

Swainson’s Thrush  Catharus ustulatus  Seen by some at Xalapa.

Hermit Thrush  Catharus guttatus  Good views at Madera.

Russet Nightingale-Thrush ◊  Catharus occidentalis  Seen at El Perote.

American Robin  Turdus migratorius

Black Thrush ◊  Turdus infuscatus  Seen at El Perote.

White-throated Thrush  Turdus assimilis

Clay-colored Thrush  Turdus grayi

House Sparrow (introduced)  Passer domesticus

Olive Warbler ◊  Peucedramus taeniatus  Seen at Madera, also in pine woodlands near Saltillo.

Evening Grosbeak ◊  Hesperiphona vespertine  Great views at Madera of the resident Mexican subspecies montanus.

Hooded Grosbeak ◊  Hesperiphona abeillei  Excellent views of individuals eating berries at El Cielo.

House Finch  Haemorhous mexicanus

Lesser Goldfinch  Spinus psaltria

Pine Siskin  Spinus pinus  Seen at El Perote and at Madera.

Black-headed Siskin ◊  Spinus notatus  Seen at El Perote.

Elegant Euphonia  Chlorophonia elegantissima  Seen at Xalapa.

Yellow-throated Euphonia ◊  Euphonia hirundinacea  Seen at Gómez Farías.

Common Chlorospingus  Chlorospingus flavopectus

Botteri’s Sparrow ◊  Peucaea botterii  Seen at some grasslands near Xalapa.

Olive Sparrow ◊  Arremonops rufivirgatus  Common at Gómez Farías and Monterrey.

Black-throated Sparrow ◊  Amphispiza bilineata  We saw the subspecies grisea which is a resident Mexican subspecies with a darker mantle than other subspecies.

Lark Sparrow  Chondestes grammacus

Chipping Sparrow  Spizella passerine

Black-chinned Sparrow ◊  Spizella atrogularis  Good views near La Hediondilla, Saltillo.

Worthen’s Sparrow ◊  Spizella wortheni  Endemic.  Excellent views of several individuals (around 8 individuals) at Valle de La Soledad, Saltillo.

Chestnut-capped Brushfinch  Arremon brunneinucha

Yellow-eyed Junco  Junco phaeonotus

Striped Sparrow ◊  Oriturus superciliosus  Endemic.  Good views at El Perote, during the pre-extension.

Canyon Towhee ◊  Melozone fusca

Rusty Sparrow ◊  Aimophila rufescens

Rufous-crowned Sparrow ◊  Aimophila ruficeps

Spotted Towhee  Pipilo maculatus

Collared Towhee ◊  Pipilo ocai  Endemic. Seen at El Perote.

Rufous-capped Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes pileatus  Endemic. Seen at Cola de Caballo Road, Monterrey.

Western Meadowlark  Sturnella neglecta

Eastern Meadowlark  Sturnella magna

Chihuahuan Meadowlark  Sturnella lilianae  At least one individual on the way to Madera. 

Yellow-billed Cacique  Amblycercus holosericeus

Montezuma Oropendola ◊  Psarocolius Montezuma

Scott’s Oriole  Icterus parisorum  One individual at San Antonio de Alaciencias, near Saltillo.

Audubon’s Oriole ◊  Icterus graduacauda  Seen at Cola de Caballo Road. We saw the subspecies audobonii.

Altamira Oriole ◊  Icterus gularis

Bullock’s Oriole ◊  Icterus bullockii  One individual seen at Santa Isabel River.

Black-vented Oriole ◊  Icterus wagleri  Good views at La Hediondilla, Saltillo.

Hooded Oriole ◊  Icterus cucullatus

Red-winged Blackbird  Agelaius phoeniceus  Seen near Madera.

Bronzed Cowbird  Molothrus aeneus

Melodious Blackbird ◊  Dives dives

Great-tailed Grackle  Quiscalus mexicanus

Crescent-chested Warbler ◊  Oreothlypis superciliosa

Tennessee Warbler  Leiothlypis peregrina  One seen at Madera.

Orange-crowned Warbler  Leiothlypis celata  One seen at Santa Isabel River.

Colima Warbler ◊  Leiothlypis crissalis  Great views at their breeding grounds in pine woodlands near Saltillo.

Lucy’s Warbler ◊  Leiothlypis luciae  Seen at Santa Isaber River.

Nashville Warbler  Leiothlypis ruficapilla

MacGillivray’s Warbler  Geothlypis tolmiei

Altamira Yellowthroat ◊  Geothlypis flavovelata  Endemic. Good views at Góme Farías.

Hooded Yellowthroat ◊  Geothlypis nelson  Endemic.  Seen at El Perote during the pre-extension, also seen during our days at Saltillo.

American Redstart  Setophaga ruticilla

Tropical Parula  Setophaga pitiayumi

American Yellow Warbler  Setophaga aestiva

Myrtle Warbler  Setophaga coronata  Seen at Santa Isabel River, also at Monterrey.

Audubon’s Warbler ◊  Setophaga auduboni  Several individuals were seen at Santa Isabel River.

Graces’s Warbler ◊  Setophaga graciae  Seen at Madera.

Townsend’s Warbler  Setophaga townsendi

Hermit Warbler ◊  Setophaga occidentalis

Black-throated Green Warbler  Setophaga virens

Fan-tailed Warbler ◊  Basileuterus lachrymosus  Good views at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.

Rufous-capped Warbler ◊  Basileuterus rufifrons

Golden-crowned Warbler  Basileuterus culicivorus

Canada Warbler  Cardellina canadensis  Seen at Xalapa.

Wilson’s Warbler  Cardellina pusilla

Red-faced Warbler ◊  Cardellina rubrifrons  Excellent views at Madera.

Painted Whitestart ◊  Myioborus pictus

Slate-throated Whitestart  Myioborus miniatus

Flame-colored Tanager ◊  Piranga bidentata

Hepatic Tanager  Piranga hepatica  First seen at Madera, also seen in the mountains above Monterrey.

Western Tanager  Piranga ludoviciana

Red-throated Ant Tanager  Driophlox fuscicauda  Seen at Bocatoma River, Gómez Farías.

Black-headed Grosbeak  Pheucticus melanocephalus

Northern Cardinal  Cardinalis cardinalis  Seen at Rufino Tamayo Park, at Monterrey.

Pyrrhuloxia ◊  Cardinalis sinuatus  Good views at the Chihuahuan Desert.

Crimson-collared Grosbeak ◊  Periporphyrus celaeno  Near-endemic.  Good views at Gómez Farías and Monterrey.

Blue Grosbeak  Passerina caerulea

Lazuli Bunting ◊  Passerina amoena  Seen at Santa Isabel River.

Cinnamon-bellied Saltator  Saltator grandis  Seen at Gómez Farías.

Black-headed Saltator  Saltator atriceps  Seen at Xalapa and Gómez Farías.

Yellow-faced Grassquit  Tiaris olivaceus

Blue-black Grassquit  Volatinia jacarina

Morelet’s Seedeater ◊  Sporophila morelleti

Blue-grey Tanager  Thraupis episcopus

Yellow-winged Tanager ◊  Thraupis abbas  Seen at Xalapa and Gómez Farías.

MAMMALS LIST

Ringtail  Bassariscus astutus  Seen during a night session in the mountains of Monterrey.

White-nosed Coati  Nasua narica  Seen at Gómez Farías.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit  Lepus californicus  Seen during our drive throught the Chihuahuan desert, also seen at La Hediondilla area near Saltillo.   

Desert Cottontail  Sylvilagus audubonii  Seen at the Chihuahuan Desert.

Eastern Cottontail  Sylvilagus floridanus  Seen at Monterrey area, one afternoon at Santiago Woodlands, also the night at General Zuazua.

Mexican Prairie Dog  Cynomys mexicanus  Lots of them at Valle de La Soledad (100+).

Cliff Chipmunk  Neotamias dorsalis  Seen at Madera.

Common Rock Squirrel  Otospermophilus variegatus  Seen at Santa Isabel River, near Chihuahua, the only possibility in that area with the features that we saw on it.

Abert’s Squirrel  Sciurus aberti  This species was seen by some of us at Madera (not the whole group), and is easy to distinguish as is the only squirrel with long ears at this locality.

Allen’s Squirrel  Sciurus alleni  This was the Squirrel with white-bellied seen during our second full day at Gómez Farías, at the moment we put it in the list under the name of Deppe’s Squirrel, but this species doesn’t reach this localitity.

Red-bellied Squirrel  Sciurus aureogaster  Seen at Xalapa, specially at the Macuitepel Metropolitan Park.

Spotted Ground Squirrel  Xerospermophilus spilosoma  Seen at Valle de La Soledad, Saltillo.