EL TRIUNFO, MEXICO - Birdquest -EL TRIUNFO- REP 14... · and we managed to identify Great and Snowy...

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: El Triunfo, Mexico 2014 www.birdquest-tours.com

The fabulous Horned Guan (Mark Beaman)

EL TRIUNFO, MEXICO

19 – 28 FEBRUARY 2014

LEADERS: MARK VAN BEIRS & MARK BEAMAN

Our first ever El Triunfo tour was a mega milestone for Birdquest as we managed to hit the fabled 10,000 mark on Birdquest’s lifelist. The honour went to the rare and almost mythical, glorious Horned Guan. This incredible number was finally reached in the wilderness of El Triunfo after several thousands of tours to more than a hundred countries. The rarity and aura of the Horned Guan, the perfect, superb views, the magical untouched surroundings and the magnificent scenery made for a truly special and much cherished moment for our selected party. No other bird tour company has ever reached this astonishing number and no other tour company is even close. The Biosphere Reserve of El Triunfo, situated in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, in the extreme south of the country, is the largest remaining wilderness in Mexico. It was established in 1990


and covers c120,000 hectares (288,000 acres). It forms part of Endemic Bird Area 018 (the North Central American highlands), as defined by BirdLife International and consists of a mixture of humid montane and lower montane semi deciduous forest, cloud forest dominated by evergreen oaks, pine-oak forest, cypress forest and on the lower slopes tropical deciduous forest and oak scrub. It has very high levels of plant endemism. The bird of the trip was without a doubt the legendary Horned Guan, but other contenders for distinction were the tremendous Resplendent Quetzal, the extraordinary Fulvous Owl and the remarkable Cabanis’s (or Azure-rumped) Tanager. Other rare or outstanding species seen on the tour were Highland Guan, Singing Quail, White-breasted Hawk, White-faced Quail-Dove, Rufous Sabrewing, Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, Sparkling-tailed Woodstar, Slender Sheartail, Wine-throated Hummingbird, Tody and Blue-throated Motmots, Paltry Tyrannulet, Belted Flycatcher, Black-throated Jay, Black-capped Swallow, Giant Wren, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Hooded Grosbeak, Prevost’s Ground Sparrow and Red-breasted Chat. An unexpected extra outing at the end of the tour added exquisite Orange-breasted and Rose-bellied Buntings to the list. Mammals were rather scarce on the ground, but we observed Central American Spider Monkey and White-nosed Coati.

A male of the rare Slender Sheartail (Mark Beaman) The tour started fairly early in the morning at Tuxtla Guttierez airport, where the six participants, the two Birdquest leaders, Mark and Mark, and our two very knowledgeable local guides, Jorge and Amy, convened. We first visited the famous El Sumidero Canyon just north of sprawling Tuxtla. We made several stops at viewpoints along this very scenic, extremely deep canyon cut out amongst the limestone rock by the mighty Grijalva River on its way to the Usamacinta River and the Gulf of Mexico. The highlight of our blitz visit was our splendid encounter with a male and female of the rarely seen Slender Sheartail. These unobtrusive hummers were found feeding at tiny red flowers in the forest undergrowth, but luckily went to rest now and then on more obvious mid canopy perches. The attractive and very localized Belted Flycatcher was located in its bamboo cloaked thorn forest, a smart-looking male Red-breasted Chat showed off its colourful plumage and a sneaky Blue-and-white Mockingbird skulked in the dense scrub. The dry deciduous forest held a nice assortment of resident and migrant species. Flowers attracted Canivet’s Emerald, Azure-crowned, Buff-bellied and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Streak-backed and Bar-winged Orioles while fruiting trees held Yellow-throated and Blue-headed Vireos, Clay-coloured Thrush and Yellow-throated Euphonia. A party of


Brown Pelicans soared over, a couple of Plain Chachalacas sat quietly in a shady patch, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine and Violet-green and Ridgway’s Rough-winged Swallows were noted overhead, Red-billed Pigeon, White-winged and White-tipped Dove represented the pigeon guild and Least Flycatcher, Couch’s Kingbird, Brown-crested and Dusky-capped Flycatchers tested our identification skills. Northern migrants included Black-and-white, Magnolia, Black-throated Green and Wilson’s Warblers, Summer and Western Tanagers, Blue Grosbeak and smart Indigo and Painted Buntings. Other interesting species included Collared Trogon, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Banded Wren, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Yellow-billed Cacique, Olive Sparrow and Black-headed and Greyish Saltators.

The splendid Belted Flycatcher and the gorgeous Red-breasted Chat (Mark Beaman) We had our tasty picnic lunch at mirador one and then drove to the distant small town of Jaltenango stopping at likely viewpoints, bridges and other suitable habitat. A large reservoir held an assortment of waterbirds and we managed to identify Great and Snowy Egrets, American White Pelican, Western Osprey and Laughing Gull in the shimmering haze. Small rivers held Muscovy Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Green and Little Blue Herons, Black-necked Stilt, Green, Amazon and Ringed Kingfishers and Black Phoebe. Birds of prey observed along the way included White-tailed Kite, Sharp-shinned and Grey Hawks and Northern Crested Caracara. A delicate Russet-crowned Motmot showed, Velasquez’s and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers drummed away, Inca Dove, Common and Ruddy Ground Doves foraged on the roadside, Social Flycatchers and Great Kiskadees betrayed their presence by their loud calls and a variety of icterids included Mexican Cacique, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Giant and Bronzed Cowbirds and Melodious and Red-winged Blackbirds. A shrubby pasture held Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird and a party of migrant Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. More migrants like Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, American Yellow and Audubon’s Warblers appeared on our list and at a marshy area we saw Purple Gallinule and heard Ruddy Crake. Several flocks of Dickcissels were quite unexpected. Other goodies recorded included Barred Antshrike, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Rose-throated Becard, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Lesser Goldfinch, Scrub Euphonia, Blue-grey and Yellow-winged Tanagers, White-collared Seedeater and Yellow and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Just before dusk several Lesser Nighthawks appeared and not much later we checked in at our hotel in this remote corner of Chiapas. Early next morning we boarded a converted cattle truck and took the dirt road to Finca Prusia, a more or less derelict coffee plantation at the head of the trail up to the El Triunfo Reserve. Overhead we admired Black Hawk-Eagle, the localized White-breasted Hawk and a Zone-tailed Hawk, while a Peregrine Falcon was found perched in a pine tree. A Laughing Falcon showed well and parties of Green Parakeets and White-crowned and Red-lored Amazons winged past. Flocks of small Vaux’s Swifts wheeled overhead. An extended stop at some brushy pastures yielded Green-breasted Mango, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Masked Tityra, Warbling Vireo, five smart Cedar Waxwings, Grey Catbird, Green Jay, Plain Wren, a well performing MacGillivray’s Warbler, American Redstart, a couple of nice


Yellow-breasted Chats, some very skulky Prevost’s Ground Sparrows, Red-legged Honeycreeper and several singing Rusty Sparrows. Some Black-capped Swallows were fluttering near their nest holes in a road cut and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Acorn Woodpecker and Olivaceous Woodcreeper were observed in a forested gully.

The converted cattle truck that took us to the trailhead and a Laughing Falcon (Mark Beaman) Upon arrival at the trailhead we munched our picnic lunch, while several arrieros (muleteers) packed our luggage on the backs of the waiting donkeys and mules. Soon after we started the c12 km walk up to the El Triunfo clearing. We had to cover an altitudinal difference of c700m, so we took it easy and hit the trail at a fairly sedate birding pace.

Packing up for the trek (Mark Beaman) and the beginning of the trek up to El Triunfo (Mark Van Beirs)

After just a few hundred meters we already flushed a male Singing Quail, which then sat for minutes and allowed perfect telescope studies! Amazing and much appreciated views! High pitched calls drew our attention to a lek of several male Emerald-chinned Hummingbirds. The ensuing scope views of these exquisite, diminutive hummingbirds were truly splendid. We heard Tody and Blue-throated Motmots and soon got used to the remarkable song of the modestly plumaged Brown-backed Solitaire. Emerald Toucanet, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Yellowish Flycatcher, Slate-throated Whitestart and White-winged Tanagers escorted us on our walk and a nest of a Green-throated Mountaingem was found on a small cliff face. The distinctive, ascending clear whistles and the rattling wing clatter of Highland Guans were often heard. Higher up the trees became really impressive and the giant oaks (genus Quercus) and sweet gums (genus Liquidambar) were adorned with bromeliads, lichens, orchids and mosses. Mexico has 160 species of oaks


(more than any other country) of which 109 are endemic, while the sweet gum is the same species that embellishes some of our European gardens (Liquidambar styraciflua). Upon arriving at the highest ridge we were fortunate enough to first hear the low humming of our main target, and soon we were able to scope a magnificent Horned Guan on his perch high in a epiphyte-laden forest giant. This particular moment was also a mega milestone in the 33 years of Birdquest’s existence as this fabled species was nr 10,000 on the Birdquest lifelist. In late afternoon we finally reached the famous El Triunfo clearing, where we duly occupied the bunk house. The accommodation was simple, but more than adequate and the food served kept us in good health over the following days.

The fabulous Singing Quail that posed so very well for us (Mark Beaman) The magnificent Biosphere Reserve of El Triunfo covers 120,000 hectares in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas. Two main different forest types are represented: Pacific Coast evergreen forest and Central American cloud forest. The combination of these makes it home to a wide variety of endangered plant and animal species.

A male Emerald-chinned Hummingbird and the moment number 10,000 fell (Mark Beaman)


A male Flame-coloured Tanager and our first Horned Guan (Mark Beaman) We greeted a chilly dawn from the clearing at 2,200m overlooking the edge of the surrounding montane forest. A Barred Forest-Falcon was barking in the distance and suddenly a male Resplendent Quetzal started calling nearby. Not much later his call intensified and we saw him all too briefly hover in display over the treetops showing off his immensely long tail. A sight to behold. The race here (the nominate) has a distinctly longer tail than the race further south. A bit later we saw another male display further away. Magical moments. A Brown-backed Solitaire also performed its display flight before it landed in a treetop to continue its ethereal song. Several trees were fruiting and were visited by Emerald Toucanet, Plumbeous Vireo (of the race notius, which looks almost like a Cassin’s Vireo), Blue-headed Vireo, Grey Silky-flycatcher, White-throated Thrush, a very handsome male and female Hooded Grosbeak, several splendid Elegant Euphonias, a glistening, green Blue-crowned Chlorophonia, Common Bush Tanager, Flame-coloured Tanager and several Mexican Yellow Grosbeaks of the bright orange subspecies aurantiacus. The hibiscus-like flowers of a Turk's Cap Mallow attracted a gorgeous male Violet Sabrewing, several Green-throated Mountaingems and a fine-looking Magnificent Hummingbird.

A Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner and a Green-throated Mountaingem (Mark Beaman)


Some more scanning added Hairy Woodpecker, a discreet Paltry Tyrannulet, Hammond’s Flycatcher and a lovely Townsend’s Warbler to the tally. Scores of Chestnut-collared and White-collared Swifts suddenly appeared and after a scrumptious breakfast we hit the Palo Gordo trail. A small glade full of flowering bushes held a territory of a tiny and dapper male Wine-throated Hummingbird. We admired this dainty species as it perched on a bare twig or flew bumblebee-like from flower to flower. We also witnessed some lovely male-female interaction. The forest itself was rather quiet and we only managed to lure Grey-breasted Wood-Wren, some smart Golden-browed Warblers and a Deppe’s Squirrel into view. In the afternoon we tried another trail where Mountain Trogon and Blue-throated Motmot were heard and Ruddy Foliage-gleaner and Tawny-throated Leaftosser were glimpsed. A Northern Tufted Flycatcher sat up and we obtained our first all too brief looks at a secretive Black-throated Jay. A party of five Unicolored Jays were more cooperative and a Spotted Nightingale-Thrush gave good views to some. The last hour of the day at the clearing was enlivened by a singing male Black Thrush and a couple of wintering Lincoln’s Sparrows. At night we heard the distinctive barking hoots of a Fulvous Owl from our beds.

A Common Bush Tanager and the gorgeous Golden-browed Warbler (Mark Beaman) Next morning, at dawn, we were again listening to and admiring the same variety of species at the clearing and later we explored the Finca Prusia trail. Highland Guans were glimpsed, a Mountain Trogon showed well, two Blue-throated Motmots allowed decent scope views, a Golden-olive Woodpecker performed, a Spot-crowned Woodcreeper played hide and seek and several Black-throated Jays played hard to get. Mark B saw a Scaled Antpitta on his solo wandering and during the afternoon at the clearing we noted Band-tailed Pigeons and hundreds of Chestnut-collared and White-collared Swifts. Five Hooded Grosbeaks showed off at length and a White-throated Quail-Dove and a smart Spotted Nightingale-Thrush visited the kitchen compost heap for mega looks. In late afternoon we returned to the Finca Prusia trail where a Spotted Woodcreeper was seen and after nightfall a pair of magnificent Fulvous Owls were located and they showed extremely well at close range to the whole group. A fabulous experience!

A male Wine-throated Hummingbird and the adorable male Mexican Yellow Grosbeak of the race aurantiacus (Mark Beaman)


The following day started with some magnificent display of a male Resplendent Quetzal, a cracking male Violet Sabrewing, several dazzling Hooded Grosbeaks, a pair of striking, nest-building Elegant Euphonias and an adorable Crescent-chested Warbler. Later we birded the Bandera trail where a Horned Guan gave us fantastic looks and Black-throated Jay showed reasonably well. A Chestnut-capped Brush Finch saved the afternoon, but the most appreciated moment of the day was when a male Resplendent Quetzal sat for minutes on a mossy bough at the forest edge showing off his extremely long tail. He was joined by a female and the scope views were out of this world. Wow!

The cute Spotted Nightingale Thrush and a male Hooded Grosbeak (Mark Beaman)

Our last hours at the El Triunfo clearing were enlivened by a couple of Acorn Woodpeckers, a Tennessee Warbler, a secretive White-naped Brush Finch and two not very cooperative Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercers.

The secretive White-faced Quail Dove (Mark Beaman)


We packed up, left the luggage to be carried by the mules and donkeys and started walking through the cloud forest down along the Pacific slope to Cañada Honda, our camping ground for the following night. Sharp-eyed Amy found a Fulvous Owl on its day roost, so we spent a very happy 30 minutes admiring this most handsome fellow. Glorious moments!! Soon after a Ruddy Foliage-gleaner gave great looks and lower down we entered the pine cypress belt. In a glade with some flowering bushes a splendid male Sparkling-tailed Woodstar guarded his territory from a high perch, allowing us to scope this charming creature at leisure. Close to Cañada Honda we started to hear the mournful call of Thicket Tinamou and we found another lek of tiny Emerald-chinned Hummingbirds. After getting the camping organised, we did a bit of exploring. Jorge observed a male Black-crested Coquette, Berylline Hummingbirds flitted about, a pair of Golden-crowned Warblers put in an appearance, we heard the piercing notes of Bright-rumped Attila, but best of all was the cute Tody Motmot that showed very well. A distant fruiting tree was visited by five Cabanis’s Tanagers, but the views of this very special bird were a bit disappointing. In late afternoon a pair of attractively-patterned White-eared Ground Sparrows foraged around the campground.

Our camp at Cañada Honda and the localized Cabanis’s Tanager (Mark Beaman) The next morning, before breakfast, we had already obtained better views of the much-wanted Cabanis’s (or Azure-rumped) Tanager near our camp. This new species for the Birdquest lifelist is restricted to this corner of Mexico and adjacent Guatemala and the total population is obviously quite small. This endangered species is a real gem when seen well. A Rufous Sabrewing was also found and another male Sparkling-tailed Woodstar showed. The walk down to our camp at Limonar took us through beautiful stretches of evergreen forest on rather steep slopes. A couple of King Vultures soared overhead, a Tody Motmot performed nicely, a striking male Long-tailed Manakin gave himself up and a modest Lesser Greenlet reacted to our pishing. In the Limonar area we positioned ourselves at a strategic viewpoint from where we scoped a dozing Crested Guan and had pretty good looks at Rufous Sabrewing and Cabanis’s Tanager. In the late evening we admired a Mottled Owl sitting in a dead tree on a bare bough. Dawn found us at the viewpoint where Rufous Sabrewing and Cabanis’s and White-winged Tanagers were seen well. A fruiting tree in the camp site held a skittish Red-crowned Ant-Tanager. After packing up, we started our leisurely walk to our final overnight spot, Paval, c8 km away and situated c750m lower than Limonar. A couple of wintering Broad-winged Hawks soared over and we spotted Gartered Trogon and attractive Blue-diademed (split from Blue-crowned) and Turquoise-browed Motmots sitting quietly in the mid canopy. Ivory-billed and Streak-headed Woodcreepers were seen hitching up tree trunks and a bit of subtle taping brought in Greenish Elaenia, Northern Bentbill, Stub-tailed Spadebill, Spot-breasted and Rufous-and-white Wrens and a vinetangle-loving Long-billed Gnatwren. A Collared Aracari sat up briefly. Nashville, Hermit, Fan-tailed and Rufous-capped Warblers and Red-throated Ant-Tanager were flitting through the undergrowth and several Pacific Parakeets were recorded in flight. The very low humming of a singing Great Curassow emanated from a deep valley while a party of 15 adorable-looking White-nosed Coatis tumbled out of a tree almost at our feet. Meanwhile Mark B had hiked back up to Cañada Honda to try to photograph Cabanis’s Tanagers, had an interesting encounter with a Godman’s Pit Viper and added Ruddy Quail-Dove and Smoky-brown Woodpecker to the trip list. We arrived at Paval (the place of the Guan) in late afternoon


and while relaxing in the camp area we heard the mournful bark of a Collared Forest-Falcon and observed goodies like Orange-fronted Parakeet, White-fronted Amazon, Tropical Pewee, Altamira Oriole and an eye-catching Hernandez’s Helmeted Basilisk. At dusk a Pauraque started calling, but sadly owls kept a very low profile during our last night of camping.

A male Elegant Euphonia and a dozing Crested Guan (Mark Beaman)

On our final day of the tour we first birded the surroundings of the Paval campsite. A Collared Forest-Falcon was lured in and showed nicely in flight, while a sneaky White-bellied Chachalaca only appeared briefly. We found a perched King Vulture and observed a Common Black Hawk soaring over the nearby hills. Several endearing male Long-tailed Manakins were admired in display. A flowering tree held an unexpected male White-necked Jacobin and a Rufous-browed Peppershrike showed very well. A Yellow-billed Cacique was enticed to present itself and a pair of rarely-encountered Prevost’s Ground Sparrows performed extremely well. The minibus was waiting for us at the end of the road and it was decidedly strange to hear mechanical noise after a superb week of just hearing natural sounds. We only drove a short distance and stopped at a favourite stake out for the restricted range Giant Wren. It didn’t take too long before we were able to observe a pair of these overgrown wrens at close range. Several parties of Orange-chinned Parakeets were also about. Later, on the way to Tuxtla Guttierez, we made several stops in the foothills above the town of Arriaga. We heard a Lesser Ground Cuckoo and added White-tailed Hawk, Nutting’s Flycatcher, the localized Green-fronted Hummingbird and Bell’s Vireo to the list, but best of all were the fantastic Orange-breasted and the out of this world Rose-bellied (or Rosita’s) Buntings that provided a fitting end to this truly magnificent tour!

Prevost’s Ground Sparrow and the colourful White-eared Ground Sparrow (Mark Beaman)


The glorious Fulvous Owl (Mark Beaman) SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR The species names and taxonomy used in the report mostly follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). IOC World Bird Names. This list is updated several times annually and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org. Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). 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). Conservation threat categories and information are taken from Threatened Birds of the World, BirdLife International’s magnificent book on the sad status of the rarest 10% of the world’s avifauna, and updates on the BirdLife website: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/home E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Thicket Tinamou ◊ Crypturellus cinnamomeus (H) Regularly heard on the Pacific slope. Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Two were seen in late afternoon near Jaltenango. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Several of these migrant ducks were found on rivers on the drive to Jaltenango. Plain Chachalaca ◊ Ortalis vetula Nice looks at several in the Sumidero Canyon. White-bellied Chachalaca ◊ Ortalis leucogastra Amy found this Pacific coast speciality for us at Paval.


Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Several sightings. Great scope looks at a dozing bird at Limonar. Highland Guan ◊ Penelopina nigra (V) Often heard and regularly seen. Not an easy species to observe well.

The clearing at El Triunfo and the fabled Horned Guan (Mark Beaman) Horned Guan ◊ Oreophasis derbianus (E) THE BIRD OF THE TOUR! Exquisite encounters. See Note. Great Curassow Crax rubra (H) (V) We heard the low humming below Limonar. Singing Quail ◊ Dactylortyx thoracicus Amazing scope views of a cooperative male near the Finca Prusia trailhead. Green Heron Butorides virescens A few observations from bridges on the first day of the tour. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Many were seen on the drive to Jaltenango. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias A few were noted at the reservoir on our way to Jaltenango. Great Egret Ardea alba Several were observed in the same area. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Several sightings at small rivers on our way to Jaltenango. Snowy Egret Egretta thula A few at the reservoir on our way to Jaltenango. American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 20+ were at the reservoir on our way to Jaltenango. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis A squadron of 15 showed in flight at the Sumidero Canyon. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Small numbers were noted on the rivers on our way to Jaltenango. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Regular observations throughout the trek. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Good numbers at both ends of the trek, but only a few at El Triunfo. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa No fewer than seven sightings of this attractive species. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus A single bird showed well on our way to Jaltenango. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus A single bird was seen near Jaltenango. Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis A distant individual was scoped in the Paval area. Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus Three observations of this powerful bird of prey. Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus A single bird was seen on our way to Jaltenango. White-breasted Hawk ◊ Accipiter chionogaster Three sightings of this northern Central American speciality. Common Black Hawk* Buteogallus anthracinus One showed well at Paval. Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Just a few records. White-tailed Hawk Geranoaetus albicaudatus A single bird was seen in the Arriaga foothills. Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus Regular encounters in the lowlands. Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Two of these migrants were seen below Limonar. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Five observations of this widespread bird of prey. Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus Three sightings of this Turkey Vulture look alike. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A couple of observations of this well known species. Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway A few encounters in the lowlands. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans One showed well near Finca Prusia. Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis (H) We regularly heard the distinctive barking in the cloud forests. Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus Nice looks at one in flight at Paval. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Two observations of this cutie in the lowlands. Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis Jorge and Amy saw one on the return drive to Tuxtla Guttierez. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Singles showed well in the Sumidero Canyon and near Finca Prusia. Ruddy Crake Laterallus ruber (H) We heard the distinctive trills in a marsh near Jaltenango.


Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus One showed briefly near Jaltenango. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Several were noted in the rivers on our drive to Jaltenango.

The showy Mottled Owl (Mark Beaman) Killdeer Charadrius vociferus (H) The typical call was heard at a river crossing on our way to Jaltenango. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Regular sightings at rivers in the lowlands. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Small numbers were seen at the reservoir. Rock Dove (feral) Columba livia A few in villages in the lowlands. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Regular observations from the El Triunfo clearing. Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris Commonly seen in the lowlands. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica A regular inhabitant of the lowlands. Inca Dove Columbina inca Regularly seen in the lowlands. Common Ground Dove Columbina passerine A few were seen on our drive to Jaltenango. Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Only seen on the first day of the tour. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Regularly heard and less often seen in the lower reaches of the Reserve. White-faced Quail-Dove ◊ Geotrygon albifacies Regular. The one at the compost heap showed particularly well. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana Mark B saw one and heard others on his walk down from Cañada Honda. Orange-fronted Parakeet ◊ Eupsittula canicularis Many great looks in the Pacific lowlands. Green Parakeet ◊ Psittacara holochlorus A few were seen in the Finca Prusia area. Pacific Parakeet ◊ Psittacara strenuus A few were heard and seen in the Pacific foothills. Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis Excellent looks at several in the Pacific lowlands. White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis A couple showed quite well on the drive to Finca Prusia. White-fronted Amazon Amazona albifrons Great looks at several in the lowlands. Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis A few were noted on our drive to Finca Prusia. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Common on the drive to Jaltenango. Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia (H) We heard the distinctive double note below Finca Prusia. Pheasant Cuckoo Dromococcyx phasianellus (H) We heard it in the Paval area. Lesser Ground Cuckoo Morococcyx erythropygus This one called a few times in the Arriaga foothills. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Several nice observations in the lowlands.


Fulvous Owl ◊ Strix fulvescens This glorious species showed very well on several occasions. Wow!! Mottled Owl Strix virgata Cracking looks at one at Limonar.

The striking male Wine-throated Hummingbird and a Green-throated Mountaingem (Mark Beaman)

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum (H) We heard a couple in the Jaltenango area. Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Several were active at dusk near Jaltenango. Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis One was active at dusk at Paval. Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila Regularly seen over the El Triunfo clearing. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Common over the El Triunfo clearing. Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi Many observations of this tiny species all along our route. Rufous Sabrewing ◊ Campylopterus rufus Nice looks at several in the Limonar area. A speciality! Violet Sabrewing ◊ Campylopterus hemileucurus A gorgeous male visited the Turk’s Cap Mallow at the clearing. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora A male showed briefly in the Paval area. Unusual there! Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus (H) We heard the distinctive ticking in the cloud forest. Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii Several excellent encounters in the lowlands. Emerald-chinned Hummingbird ◊ Abeillia abeillei We experienced several active leks. Smashing studies! Black-crested Coquette ◊ Lophornis helenae Jorge saw a male at Cañada Honda. Canivet's Emerald ◊ Chlorostilbon canivetii Two were seen in the Sumidero Canyon. Buff-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia yucatanensis A few were seen on the first day of the tour. Azure-crowned Hummingbird ◊ Amazilia cyanocephala Regular encounters on the first two days of the tour. Green-fronted Hummingbird Amazilia viridifrons This localized species showed well in the Arriaga foothills. Berylline Hummingbird ◊ Amazilia beryllina Regular encounters. Green-throated Mountaingem ◊ Lampornis viridipallens Commonly seen in the highlands. A nest was also found. Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens A few encounters around the clearing. Long-billed Starthroat ◊ Heliomaster longirostris Great looks at a male in the Paval area. Sparkling-tailed Woodstar ◊ Tilmatura dupontii Males showed very well in the Cañada Honda area. Crackers! Slender Sheartail ◊ Doricha enicura Exquisite looks at male and female in the Sumidero Canyon. Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris Regular encounters with this northern migrant. Wine-throated Hummingbird ◊ Atthis ellioti Magnificent encounters with male and female near the clearing. Resplendent Quetzal ◊ Pharomachrus mocinno (NT) Breath-taking views of this glorious species. Gartered Trogon (Northern Violaceous T) Trogon caligatus Two males showed well in the Pacific lowlands. Mountain Trogon ◊ Trogon mexicanus Several lovely sightings.


Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Male and female showed very well at the Sumidero Canyon. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Several were noted at river crossings on the first day of the tour.

Tody Motmot and Turquoise-browed Motmot (Mark Beaman) Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona A single bird was seen at a river on the drive to Jaltenango. Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Several were noted at river crossings on the first day of the tour. Tody Motmot ◊ Hylomanes momotula Regularly seen, but often rather elusive. A lovely critter. Blue-throated Motmot ◊ Aspatha gularis Regularly heard and several times studied through the scope in detail. Russet-crowned Motmot ◊ Momotus mexicanus A few showed well on the first days of the tour. Attractive. Blue-diademed Motmot Momotus lessonii Several excellent encounters in the Pacific lowlands. See Note. Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa This smart-looking species showed well in the Pacific lowlands. Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus Regular encounters in the highlands. Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus A single sighting near Paval. Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Regular encounters with this widespread, vocal species. Velasquez’s Woodpecker Melanerpes santacruzi Regular and loud in the lowlands. See Note. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Three very nice sightings of this northern migrant. Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris One was seen at one of the stops on our way to Jaltenango. Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus A few showed in the highland forests. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus Mark B saw one near Cañada Honda. Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus A few encounters with this widespread species. Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (Spectacled F-g) Anabacerthia variegaticeps Regular sightings. Ruddy Foliage-gleaner Automolus rubiginosus Superb looks, eventually, of this skulking furnarid. Tawny-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus mexicanus Glimpses only in the montane forest. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Regular sightings of this tiny, widespread species. Ivory-billed Woodcreeper ◊ Xiphorhynchus flavigaster A couple of sightings in the Pacific lowlands. Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius A couple of encounters in the highland forests. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii We saw this one in the Pacific lowlands. Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis Several nice observations in the montane forests. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus A couple of encounters on the first days of the tour. Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis Mark B saw two on his solo wanderings in the cloud forests. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata Great looks at two of these unobtrusive birds in the Pacific lowlands. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Two showed well at a stop on the drive to Finca Prusia. Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe Several encounters with this tiny critter. Paltry Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius vilissimus Regular observations. A new bird for the Birdquest lifelist! See Note.


Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleaginous (H) Amy heard this one at Paval. Northern Bentbill ◊ Oncostoma cinereigulare Heard and then seen in the foothill forests. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Nice looks at this widespread cutie at Paval. Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens A few encounters. Stub-tailed Spadebill ◊ Platyrinchus cancrominus Finally nicely seen after having heard it several times. Lovely. Belted Flycatcher ◊ Xenotriccus callizonus (NT) Great looks at this smart looking species in the Sumidero Canyon. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans A few sightings along streams. Northern Tufted Flycatcher (Tufted F) Mitrephanes phaeocercus A few observations in the clearing.

A Magnificent Swallowtail and the trail on the Pacific slope (Mark Beaman) Eastern Wood Pewee Contopus virens A single bird showed quite well on the drive to Jaltenango. Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Several could be observed at length at Paval. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris Several of these winter visitors gave good looks in the lowlands. Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Regular observations of this northern migrant. Hammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii Regular sightings around open areas in the cloud forests. Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens Small numbers could be observed in the montane forests. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Two males showed off near Jaltenango. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Common and noisy in the lowlands. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus This well-known bird was regularly seen and heard in the lowlands. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris Amy saw one of these summer visitors at Paval. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Small numbers showed in the foothills and lowlands. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Regular in the lowland areas. Couch's Kingbird ◊ Tyrannus couchii One showed well at the Sumidero Canyon. Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Several were noted on the first days of the tour. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus c15 of these lovely migrants gave good views near Jaltenango. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer A few observations all along our route. Nutting's Flycatcher ◊ Myiarchus nuttingi Two showed well in the Arriaga foothills. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Several gave good views at the beginning and the end of the trek. Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus (H) We regularly heard this distinctive voice on the Pacific slope. Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis Several excellent sightings of cracking males on the Pacific slope. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Several allowed good views at the beginning and the end of the trip. Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae Excellent looks on several occasions of males and females.


Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Eye-ball to eye-ball encounters at Paval. Chestnut-sided Shrike-vireo ◊ Vireolanius melitophrys (H) We heard it at Cañada Honda, but no joy. Green Shrike-vireo ◊ Vireolanius pulchellus (H) We heard it in the distance below Limonar. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons A couple of observations of this smart migrant. Bell’s Vireo Vireo belli (NT) A single bird gave good looks in the Arriaga foothills. Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus Regular encounters with residents and migrants. See Note. Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius Several nice sightings of this northern migrant. Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus A few observations of this northern migrant. Unobtrusive. Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys A handful of sightings of this evergreen forest resident. Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis (H) We heard this summer resident in the montane forest. An early arrival? Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus A few showed on the Pacific slope. Black-throated Jay ◊ Cyanolyca pumilo Regularly heard and eventually seen well in the El Triunfo cloud forest. Green Jay Cyanocorax luxuosus Several flocks were encountered at the Sumidero Canyon and on the lower slopes. White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa A common bird of the thorn forests at lower altitude. Unicolored Jay ◊ Aphelocoma unicolor Several very nice observations of this deep blue species. Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Flocks of this smart, northern migrant were seen on both slopes.

The handsome Grey Silky-flycatcher is always a delight to observe (Mark Beaman) Grey Silky-flycatcher ◊ (Grey Silky) Ptiliogonys cinereus This attractive species was regularly observed. Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina Small numbers were noted. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Only seen on the drive to Jaltenango. Black-capped Swallow ◊ Notiochelidon pileata This speciality showed well around its nesting holes in road cuts. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis A few on the first days of the tour. Ridgway’s Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ridgwayi Several allowed good views at the Sumidero Canyon. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica A single migrant was seen on day one of the tour. Giant Wren ◊ Campylorhynchus chiapensis Great looks at a pair near Paval. A Pacific coast speciality. Spot-breasted Wren ◊ Pheugopedius maculipectus A few were seen in the Pacific foothills. Banded Wren Thryophilus pleurostictus Singles were noted at the Sumidero Canyon and at Arriaga. Rufous-and-white Wren Thryophilus rufalbus Regularly heard and eventually seen on the Pacific slope. Plain Wren Cantorchilus modestus Nice views in shrubby growth on the way to Finca Prusia.


House Wren Troglodytes aedon (H) We heard it at Finca Prusia. Rufous-browed Wren ◊ Troglodytes rufociliatus Regularly heard and also glimpsed in the cloud forests. White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticta (H) Often heard in the Pacific lowland forest. Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Regularly seen and heard in the highland forests. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus We recorded this vine tangle lover in the Pacific foothills. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea A couple of observations at lower altitudes. White-lored Gnatcatcher ◊ Polioptila albiloris A single bird showed well in the Sumidero Canyon. Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis A few sightings of this northern migrant. Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus A single bird was seen on the drive to Jaltenango. Blue-and-white Mockingbird ◊ Melanotis hypoleucus Nice looks at one in the Sumidero Canyon. A speciality! Brown-backed Solitaire ◊ Myadestes occidentalis Many excellent observations. Lovely song and display flight. Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris Regularly heard and also seen on the Pacific slope. Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush Catharus frantzii One or two seen in the highland forests. Spotted Nightingale-Thrush Catharus dryas Several lovely sightings of this smart species.

A Hermit Thrush and a White-lored Gnatcatcher (Mark Beaman)

Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Small numbers of this northern migrant showed well. Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus A few of these migrants were seen around the clearing. Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina One or two were recorded on the trek. Black Thrush ◊ Turdus infuscatus A regular inhabitant of the cloud forests. Mountain Thrush Turdus plebejus A few were recorded at the higher altitudes. Clay-coloured Thrush Turdus grayi Regular observations in the open areas. White-throated Thrush Turdus assimilis Regular observations in fruiting trees. Rufous-collared Thrush ◊ Turdus rufitorques Amy saw one at the clearing. House Sparrow Passer domesticus A few were noted in downtown Tuxtla Guttierez. Hooded Grosbeak ◊ Hesperiphona abeillei Repeated magnificent views around the clearing. Very handsome! Lesser Goldfinch Spinus psaltria A few were seen on the drive to Jaltenango. Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis Several nice encounters in the foothills. Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea Great looks at a few in the Sumidero. Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima Perfect observations of feeding and nest-building pairs at the clearing. Blue-crowned Chlorophonia Chlorophonia occipitalis Regular encounters. So smart… Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla A single bird foraged early in the morning on one of the trails. Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla (H) We heard the distinctive call several times at highland streams. Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Two showed at a bridge on the drive to Jaltenango. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Regular encounters with this highly appealing species. Crescent-chested Warbler ◊ Oreothlypis superciliosa A few observations of this handsome critter.


Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina Small numbers of this subtly coloured warbler were noted. Nashville Warbler Leiothlypis ruficapilla Two of these migrants showed well low on the Pacific slope. Grey-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala (H) We heard its quiet song in shrubby fields on both slopes. MacGillivray's Warbler Geothlypis tolmiei A single bird played hide and seek on the drive to Finca Prusia. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas A few on the first days of the tour. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla A few sightings of this lovely migrant. Northern Parula Setophaga americana A single migrant was seen on the first day of the tour.

A pair of Hooded Grosbeaks working a mossy tree trunk (Mark Beaman)

Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia A few of these migrants were seen at lower altitudes. American Yellow Warbler Setophaga aestiva Common at lower altitudes. Audubon’s Warbler Setophaga auduboni A single female bird was spotted on the drive to Jaltenango. Grace’s Warbler Setophaga graciae (H) This resident was heard in the pines on the drive to Finca Prusia. Townsend's Warbler Setophaga townsendi Regular observations in the highland forests. Hermit Warbler Setophaga occidentalis (NL) Ian saw one of these migrants in the Limonar area. Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens Regular observations. Fan-tailed Warbler ◊ Basileuterus lachrymosus One or two were noted in undergrowth on the Pacific slope. Rufous-capped Warbler ◊ Basileuterus rufifrons Seen on both slopes. See Note. Golden-browed Warbler ◊ Basileuterus belli This beauty showed very well on several occasions. Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus A few showed well in the Cañada Honda area. Wilson's Warbler Cardellina pusilla Regular encounters with this dainty migrant. Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus This attractive species was a regular in the highland forests. Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens A few were seen in shrubby growth at lower altitudes. Mexican Cacique ◊ (Yellow-winged C) Cacicus melanicterus A few were seen low down on both slopes. Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus A single at the Sumidero and two at Paval. Orchard Oriole Icterus spurious A few sightings in the lower reaches. Bar-winged Oriole ◊ Icterus maculialatus A single bird was seen in the Sumidero Canyon. Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Regular observations of northern migrants. Streak-backed Oriole ◊ Icterus pustulatus Regular in the foothills and lowlands. Altamira Oriole ◊ Icterus gularis A few were noted at Paval. Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus A male showed at a river crossing on our way to Jaltenango. Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Common on the drive to Jaltenango. Melodious Blackbird Dives dives Regular sightings all along our route. Noisy! Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Small numbers were noted on the drive to Jaltenango. Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Common and very noisy in the cultivated areas. Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Several of these migrants showed well in the clearing.


Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis A few performed well in the clearing. Quite unobtrusive. Rusty Sparrow Aimophila rufescens Great looks at several in shrubby pastures on our way to Finca Prusia. Prevost's Ground Sparrow ◊ Melozone biarcuata Glimpses on day two and a splendid showing at Paval. White-eared Ground Sparrow ◊ Melozone leucotis Great looks at these smart birds on the Pacific slope. Olive Sparrow ◊ Arremonops rufivirgatus Two showed well in the Sumidero Canyon. Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Arremon brunneinucha Regular encounters in forest undergrowth. White-naped Brush Finch Atlapetes albinucha Two showed well in the clearing bush. Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus Regular encounters in the highland forests. See Note. Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus A few in the lowlands. Yellow-winged Tanager ◊ Thraupis abbas Small numbers in the lowlands, often together with the previous species. Cabanis's Tanager ◊ (Azure-rumped T) Tangara cabanisi (E) Good looks, but never very close on the Pacific slope. Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus Common on the Pacific slope. Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer ◊ Diglossa baritula A few were noted around the clearing. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Two observations in shrubby pastures near Jaltenango. White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola A few together with the previous species.

The unique Orange-breasted Bunting and the out-of-this world Rose-bellied Bunting (Mark Beaman) Flame-coloured Tanager ◊ Piranga bidentata Several showed very well in fruiting trees at the clearing. Summer Tanager Piranga rubra A handful of sightings of this northern migrant. Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Regular observations in the lowlands and foothills. White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera Several great sightings of this beautiful species. Red-crowned Ant Tanager Habia rubica One showed well in a fruiting tree at Limonar. Red-throated Ant Tanager Habia fuscicauda (H) We heard a party above Paval. Dickcissel Spiza americana Several flocks of these migrants were seen on our way to Jaltenango. Mexican Yellow Grosbeak ◊ Pheucticus chrysopeplus Fantastic looks at two different forms. Smart! Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Regular sightings of males and females. Red-breasted Chat ◊ Granatellus venustus A male showed well in the Sumidero Canyon. Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps Several noisy parties showed in the lowlands and foothills. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens A few observations of this widespread species. Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea Small numbers, including cracking males were seen on the first days. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea A few observations in shrubby pastures. Painted Bunting Passerina ciris (NT) Several of these beautiful critters were seen in shrubby growth. Rose-bellied Bunting ◊ (Rosita’s B) Passerina rositae (NT) Perfect looks at this marvel in the Arriaga foothills. Orange-breasted Bunting ◊ Passerina leclancherii Great looks at several in the Arriaga foothills. Gorgeous!


MAMMALS Deppe's Squirrel Sciurus deppei Regular encounters in the highland forests. Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides A single animal was seen in the Paval area. Cacomistle (Southern Ringtail) Bassariscus sumichrasti We all heard the distinctive whistles. Mark B saw several. White-nosed Coati Nasua narica A party of 15+ animals stormed out of a tree on our walk to Paval. Central American Spider Monkey Ateles geoffroyi Several excellent encounters with these noisy acrobats. Collared Peccary (Javelina) Pecari tajacu (H) We saw tracks and heard these smelly fellows. Mexican Red Brocket Mazama temama A single crossed the trail on our way up to the clearing.

A Deppe’s Squirrel and a Cacomistle (Mark Beaman) REPTILES Godman’s Pit Viper Cerrophidion godmani Mark B had an interesting encounter with this beauty. Hernandez’s Helmeted Basilisk Corytophanes hernandezi This amazing reptile showed very well at Paval.

A woman from one of the local tribes and a Godman’s Pit Viper (Mark Beaman)


The stunning Resplendent Quetzals of El Triunfo (Ian Lewis and Mark Van Beirs)

NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Horned Guan Oreophasis derbianus This Endangered species only occurs in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico, and throughout west-central Guatemala. The population is thought to number 1,000-2,499 individuals. Blue-diademed Motmot Momotus lessonii The original Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota has now been split into six species. The form concerned occurs from southern Mexico to western Panama. Interestingly, the remaining Blue-crowned Motmot M. coeruliceps is now endemic to a small area in north-eastern Mexico. Velasquez’s Woodpecker Melanerpes santacruzi This is a recent split from Golden-fronted Woodpecker M. aurifrons. Paltry Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius vilissimus The original Paltry Tyrannulet has now been split into four forms, whereby the remaining form retains the English and scientific name. It is now restricted to southern Mexico to El Salvador. Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus Note that the resident form south of the isthmus, V. p. notius looks almost exactly like Cassin’s Vireo V. cassini. Rufous-capped Warbler ◊ Basileuterus rufifrons Some authors split the southern forms off as a separate species: Chestnut-capped Warbler B. delattrii. Recent research has indicated that intergrades occur. Both forms were seen on this tour. Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus The IOC is still debating what to do with this complex. Common Bush Tanager probably comprises multiple species, at least 5 in Mexico and Middle America.


BIRD OF THE TOUR Horned Guan 40 Resplendent Quetzal 33 Fulvous Owl 18 Paltry Tyrannulet 11 Turquoise-browed Motmot 8 Long-tailed Manakin 6

A Collared Aracari (Mark Beaman)

EL TRIUNFO, MEXICO - Birdquest -EL TRIUNFO- REP 14... · and we managed to identify Great and Snowy...

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Transcript of EL TRIUNFO, MEXICO - Birdquest -EL TRIUNFO- REP 14... · and we managed to identify Great and Snowy...