please note: we have revised our belize itinerary for 2015

Please note: We have revised our Belize itinerary for 2015 to visit Crooked Tree Lagoon and the Punta Gorda area in the southern part of the country. We believe this will be a very productive trip to a less-traveled area with some rich birding sites. Despite the itinerary differences, we expect the cross section of birds we'll see in 2015 to overlap in all important aspects with what is reported in this triplist in the pages that follow, perhaps with the exception of Orange-breasted Falcon. We look forward to seeing you in Belize!!

Field Guides Tour Report

Belize: Birds, Banding & Mayan Ruins

Apr 9, 2011 to Apr 16, 2011

Peter Burke & Lety Andino

A wide-angle view of the ruins at Caracol and the surrounding forest (Photo by participant Peter Heilbroner)

This trip to Belize marks a revival of Field Guides trips to this popular Neotropical destination. We chose Blackrock for itsbeauty, comfort, and birdlife and were not disappointed! With such a dramatic landscape and comfortable birding from theLodge's veranda, who couldn't help but enjoy this place? Our novel approach to introduce birders to some new familiesthrough bird banding was also a great success, with some fun opportunities to see birds like woodcreepers, Schiffornis,tanagers, and flycatchers up close and personal. We also had some exciting opportunites to see prime examples ofNeotropical Ornithology's great shows -- hummingbird niche partitioning, an oropendola nesting colony, manakin lekbiology, and the unforgettable chaos of an army ant swarm. All of this combined made for a great tour with super folks,and we're really pleased to have been able to share it with you.

Hope to see you again soon on the birding trail!

--Peter and Lety

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Belize: Birds, Banding & MayanRuins.

KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced,E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDSTinamidae (Tinamous)

(Tinamus major) – Regularly heard in the first and last hour of light each day. (Crypturellus cinnamomeus) – One heard on our first evening walk together. [*]

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – A large group of these tree-perching ducks were

seen near the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout. (Anas discors) – A single lingering male with the whistling-ducks.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

GREAT TINAMOUTHICKET TINAMOU

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK

BLUE-WINGED TEAL

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Our group had several great views of White-whiskeredPuffbird. (Photo by guide Peter Burke)

(Ortalis vetula) – Several during our forays from Blackrock. (Crax rubra) – Two males made brief road crossings near Caracol.

Odontophoridae (New World Quail) (Odontophorus guttatus) – Heard our first night at Blackrock. [*]

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) (Meleagris ocellata) – This stunning bird was seen on the entrance road to Caracol.

Ciconiidae (Storks) (Mycteria americana) – Soaring high above Aguacate with vultures.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Tigrisoma mexicanum) – The rapids below the lodge hosted an actively feeding

adult on our second to last day. (Egretta thula)

(Egretta caerulea) – Several atscattered locations, mainly white immatures.

(Bubulcus ibis) (Butorides virescens)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures) (Coragyps atratus)

(Cathartes aura) (Cathartes

burrovianus) – Rather brief views of soaring birds near theLadyville Airport.

(Sarcoramphus papa) – This species can bedifficult on visits to the tropics, but in Belize it is usuallydependable. We were not disappointed and were treated todaily views.

Pandionidae (Osprey) (Pandion haliaetus) – A high-flying migrant on the

MPR.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – Distant

views of a soaring dark morph at Slate Creek lookout. (Elanoides forficatus) – Several

encounters with this graceful raptor during our stay. (Elanus leucurus) – A couple of birds

in the farmland around San Ignacio. (Harpagus bidentatus) – A couple

of high-soaring birds on two separate days. (Ictinia plumbea) – Once we got traveling around, it became obvious that this is a common breeder.

We even encountered a nest with an incubating female near El Pilar. (Leucopternis albicollis) – One of the coolest raptors around, and we saw plenty of them well.

(Buteogallus anthracinus) – An immature perched on the road into Blackrock one morning. (Buteogallus urubitinga) – A soaring adult at Blackrock fooled me into thinking it was a

Solitary Eagle. We later enountered an immature soaring in the Macal River valley. (Buteo magnirostris) – We had a few opportunities to get to know this 'great deceiver' of tropical

raptors.

PLAIN CHACHALACAGREAT CURASSOW

SPOTTED WOOD-QUAIL

OCELLATED TURKEY

WOOD STORK

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT

BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON

SNOWY EGRETLITTLE BLUE HERON

CATTLE EGRETGREEN HERON

BLACK VULTURETURKEY VULTURELESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE

KING VULTURE

OSPREY

HOOK-BILLED KITE

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE

WHITE-TAILED KITE

DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE

PLUMBEOUS KITE

WHITE HAWKCOMMON BLACK-HAWKGREAT BLACK-HAWK

ROADSIDE HAWK


(Buteo nitidus) – Several of these smart looking raptors. (Buteo brachyurus) – A couple of these, including a dark morph bird soaring at Blackrock.

(Spizaetus tyrannus) – Two high-flying birds at Slate Creek Valley allowed us to see theirdistinctive soaring profile.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Micrastur semitorquatus) – A resident pair at Blackrock started the morning chorus of

birds daily, but we never got a visual on them. [*] (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Lety pulled this one out of a roadside Cecropia tree en route to

Caracol. (Falco rufigularis) – Caracol gave us nice views of a high, perched male near the back plaza.

(Falco deiroleucus) – A nesting pair on the face of Hill 2 at Blackrock. Those of usthat made the steep, difficult ascent to the top of the Summit Trail on the afternoon of Day 3 were rewarded with someunfortgettable views of the male as he perched just 30 feet away.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) (Charadrius vociferus) – The artificial pond at the Mennonite complex.

Jacanidae (Jacanas) (Jacana spinosa) – Several on the ponds going into Blackrock.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Actitis macularius)

(Tringa solitaria) – One at the Mennonite Pond and on the road into Blackrock were lingeringmigrants.

(Tringa flavipes) – Three at the Mennonite Ponds. (Calidris minutilla) – One at the Mennonite Ponds.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) – Very scarce in Belize; we saw singles in San Ignacio and San Antonio.

(Patagioenas cayennensis) – Nice looks at Aguacate. (Patagioenas flavirostris) – Well seen right at Blackrock in numbers.

(Patagioenas nigrirostris) – Heard on several occasions. [*] (Columbina minuta) – A recent arrival in the San Ignacio area due to the

clearing of land. (Columbina talpacoti) – We caught one bird at Blackrock but it was otherwise common.

(Claravis pretiosa) – A couple of birds seen a Blackrock by a few folks and occasionally heard. (Leptotila verreauxi) – Commonly encountered at Caracol as well as other places during the trip

but most often heard. (Leptotila plumbeiceps) – Heard at El Pilar and the entrance gate to the MPR. [*] (Leptotila cassini) – One was seen at Blackrock and heard there as well.

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Aratinga nana) – Fine views along the Blackrock road and Aguacate.

(Pionus senilis) – A couple of good scope views at Blackrock for some one morning. (Amazona albifrons) – Noisy and conspicuous at Blackrock as well as the San Ignacio

area. (Amazona autumnalis) – A nesting pair just outside of Aguacate gave great views.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Piaya cayana) – Great views of this attractive cuckoo.

(Crotophaga sulcirostris)

Tytonidae (Barn-Owls) (Tyto alba) – A distant bird during our night drive at Blackrock.

GRAY HAWKSHORT-TAILED HAWKBLACK HAWK-EAGLE

COLLARED FOREST-FALCON

LAUGHING FALCON

BAT FALCONORANGE-BREASTED FALCON

KILLDEER

NORTHERN JACANA

SPOTTED SANDPIPERSOLITARY SANDPIPER

LESSER YELLOWLEGSLEAST SANDPIPER

ROCK PIGEONPALE-VENTED PIGEONRED-BILLED PIGEONSHORT-BILLED PIGEONPLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE

RUDDY GROUND-DOVEBLUE GROUND-DOVEWHITE-TIPPED DOVE

GRAY-HEADED DOVEGRAY-CHESTED DOVE

OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEETWHITE-CROWNED PARROTWHITE-FRONTED PARROT

RED-LORED PARROT

SQUIRREL CUCKOOGROOVE-BILLED ANI

BARN OWL


Lety gets ready to release one of the species we got to seeup close and personal during the banding operation, Ivory-

billed Woodcreeper. (Photo by guide Peter Burke)

Strigidae (Owls) (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Heard only during the night drive. [*]

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Great views of a roadside bird during the night drive.

Nyctibiidae (Potoos) (Nyctibius jamaicensis) – Peter nailed this one for us along the Blackrock road during the night

drive as it perched on a vertical tree trunk at forest's edge.

Apodidae (Swifts) (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Small groups along the MPR, perhaps driven down by large

amounts of smoke in the air. (Chaetura vauxi) – A big group of birds at

Blackrock that would occasionally drop below us to drink fromthe Macal River.

(Panyptilacayennensis) – High fliers at Blackrock; we never really got tosee the bird enter its nest under the ceiling of the restaurant.This odd nest looked more like someone's woolly sock!

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) (Florisuga mellivora) – A fine

male down at the river at dusk our last day at Blackrock. (Phaethornis striigularis) – A

singleton on the trail across the river from Blackrock our lastday.

(Archilochus colubris)– A male working some canopy flowers near the Kanaa templeat Caracol was likely a migrant.

(Campylopterus curvipennis)– Some decent views of several birds from the banding station.

(Amazilia candida) – A coupleof birds that sat briefly, seen from our perch atop the SlateRiver lookout.

(Amaziliacyanocephala) – We had nice views on the MPR of a pair.

(Amazilia tzacatl) – Thecommon hummer of the trip.

Trogonidae (Trogons) (Trogon massena) – The glowing

red belly was hard to miss once we found this species in thecanopy.

(Trogon melanocephalus) – Daily visits by this and the next species to the melastome fruitat Blackrock made for spectular viewing.

(Trogon caligatus)

Momotidae (Motmots) (Hylomanes momotula) – Score!!! We lucked into a cooperative male that perched low at roadside

near the lodge. It sat long enough for everyone to get repeated scope views. (Momotus coeruliceps exiguus) – We had to wait a bit to get good looks

but we ultimately saw this species well.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Megaceryle alcyon)

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL

COMMON PAURAQUE

NORTHERN POTOO

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT

VAUX'S SWIFT

LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN

STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

WEDGE-TAILED SABREWING

WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD

AZURE-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD

SLATY-TAILED TROGON

BLACK-HEADED TROGON

GARTERED TROGON

TODY MOTMOT

BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (LESSON'S)

BELTED KINGFISHER


(Chloroceryle amazona) – Great views of roadside birds near Blackrock.

Bucconidae (Puffbirds) (Malacoptila panamensis) – We saw this species as well as I've ever seen it and

multiple times!

Galbulidae (Jacamars) (Galbula ruficauda) – A very cooperative male offered fantastic views at Blackrock.

Ramphastidae (Toucans) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) – The fruiting melastome at Blackrock delivered wonderful views

of this handsome toucan. (Pteroglossus torquatus) – Daily views of this species.

(Ramphastos sulfuratus) – Nothing says you are in the tropics like a Keel-billed Toucan!Who can forget this handsome bird gliding across the Macal River valley in perfect morning light?

Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Melanerpes formicivorus) – Several sightings in the MPR of the 'Clown-faced Woodpecker'.

(Melanerpes pucherani) – An attractive species, we saw plenty of them aroundBlackrock.

(Melanerpes aurifrons) (Colaptes rubiginosus) – A very cooperative male at Aguacate that Lety put us all

onto. (Celeus castaneus) – What a bird! Splendid views at El Pilar of a male that

came in to playback perfectly. (Dryocopus lineatus) – Several observations during the week including a dust-bathing bird

at Aguacate. (Campephilus guatemalensis) – Another bird we saw repeatedly. The male that we

watched feeding in the scope was quite entertaining.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) (Xenops minutus) – This secretive forest inhabitant was eventually seen by all.

(Dendrocincla anabatina) – Our first day of bird banding gave us an up-closeview. Later we saw a couple of birds actively feeding and were surprised by its somewhat different appearance with thatbushy crest.

(Dendrocincla homochroa) – Lety had one at the Army ant swarm at Aguacate that wemissed. A second bird was seen across the river from Blackrock our last afternoon.

(Sittasomus griseicapillus) (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Several at Caracol responded well to playback.

(Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – We were treated to unforgettable views ofthis handsome woodcreeper during an Army Ant swarm at Aguacate.

(Xiphorhynchus flavigaster) – One was mist-netted at Blackrock. We regularlyencountered them during the week.

(Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – A calling bird at Blackrock. [*]

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) (Thamnophilus doliatus) – A lovely male offered great views at Blackrock.

(Microrhopias quixensis) – A group favorite - we saw them at Caracol and across the riverfrom Blackrock.

Formicariidae (Antthrushes) (Formicarius analis monileger) – For the group that hiked the Summit

Trail one bird played coy during our decent. Although very close it never offered any good views in the dwindling light.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) (Ornithion semiflavum) – Great views of this treetop dweller at El Pilar and the

AMAZON KINGFISHER

WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD

RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR

EMERALD TOUCANET

COLLARED ARACARIKEEL-BILLED TOUCAN

ACORN WOODPECKERBLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER

GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKERGOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER

CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER

LINEATED WOODPECKER

PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER

PLAIN XENOPSTAWNY-WINGED WOODCREEPER

RUDDY WOODCREEPER

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPERWEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPERNORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER

IVORY-BILLED WOODCREEPER

STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER

BARRED ANTSHRIKEDOT-WINGED ANTWREN

BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (MEXICAN)

YELLOW-BELLIED TYRANNULET


Entering the main plaza at Caracol (Photo by guide Peter Burke)

MPR entrance gate. (Myiopagis viridicata) – We finally got some decent views at Aguacate.

(Elaenia flavogaster) – That fluffy head was unmistakable! (Mionectes oleagineus) – A single bird along the Blackrock entrance road.

(Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – Another confusing forest flycatcher that weeventually got great views of at Caracol.

(Oncostoma cinereigulare) – Only subtly curved at the tip, this species bill is a give-awaywhen seen well. More often one hears the dry shrill call.

(Poecilotriccus sylvia) – Hurray for small tyrannids! We saw this speciesvery well below eye level at Blackrock.

(Rhynchocyclus brevirostris) – We had more than one opportunity to see this canopyflycatcher during the trip.

(Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – Perhaps the most overlooked bird of the forest - it'sweak call is often missed but we caught a couple of them in the nets for perfect views.

(Platyrinchus cancrominus) – A single bird came in close at El Pilar but when aChachalaca flushed from its nest, the bird quickly vanished.

(Myiobius sulphureipygius sulphureipygius) – We saw two of these birds, onecharacteristically close to the Army Ants swarm at Aguacate.

(Contopus virens) – A couple of migrants. (Contopus cinereus) – A resident pair at Blackrock hung around the parking area.

(Empidonax flaviventris) – We netted one bird. (Empidonax minimus) – Still hanging around, this migrant was often at the melastome off the

verandah. (Sayornis nigricans) – Several down along the Macal River.

(Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Many birds in the Mennonite area. (Attila spadiceus) – A male sat patiently for us in the scope at Blackrock.

(Myiarchus tuberculifer) – A nest building bird at Aguacate and several others heard. (Myiarchus crinitus) – One heard at the MPR entrance. [*]

(Myiarchus tyrannulus) – Commonly seen throughout.

GREENISH ELAENIAYELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIAOCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHERSEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER

NORTHERN BENTBILL

SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER

EYE-RINGED FLATBILL

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER

STUB-TAILED SPADEBILL

SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER

EASTERN WOOD-PEWEETROPICAL PEWEEYELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERLEAST FLYCATCHER

BLACK PHOEBEVERMILION FLYCATCHERBRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILADUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHERGREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHERBROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER


(Pitangus sulphuratus) – Common. (Megarynchus pitangua) – One that visited the melastome made repeated visits during

our stay. (Myiozetetes similis) – Common.

(Myiodynastes luteiventris) – Common breeder that had recently arrived. (Legatus leucophaius) – Common breeder that had just arrived.

(Tyrannus melancholicus) (Tyrannus couchii) – This bird is visually identical to the former but is vocally distinct. We saw

them on the MPR. (Tyrannus savana) – En route to Blackrock.

Pipridae (Manakins) (Manacus candei) – A wonderful male along the entrance road to Blackrock even

performed some calls to add to his appearance.

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) (Tityra inquisitor) – Always a tough bird in northern Central America. We bumped into a

nesting pair at Aguacate. (Tityra semifasciata) – These attractive birds were seen regularly during the trip.

(Schiffornis turdina) – Probably our 'best' catch in the nets. We were able to closelystudy this taxonomic anomoly in the hand. Otherwise their characteristic song was frequently heard.

(Pachyramphus aglaiae) – A nesting pair at Blackrock was seen irregularly.

Vireonidae (Vireos) (Vireo flavifrons) – One at El Pilar.

(Vireo olivaceus) – A few migrants during our week. (Vireo flavoviridis) – Captured in the nets but one of the most abundant birds by song.

(Hylophilus ochraceiceps) – Two very cooperative birds at Caracol. (Hylophilus decurtatus) – Regularly seen during the week, this bird reminds one of a Nashville

Warbler. (Vireolanius pulchellus) – Heard only from the Slate Creek lookout. [*]

(Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Heard across the river from Blackrock our lastafternoon. [*]

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Psilorhinus morio) – Common and noisy.

(Cyanocorax yncas) – Good views of this handsome jay at the MPR entrance.

Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – The swallows at Blackrock appear to be

Northern Rough-winged Swallows that share a couple of features of Ridgeway's Rough-winged Swallow. (Progne chalybea) – Several in open areas near Spanish Lookout.

(Tachycineta albilinea) – Always on watercourses like the Macal River. (Hirundo rustica) – Migrants at Aguacate.

Troglodytidae (Wrens) (Campylorhynchus zonatus) – These big, noisy Wrens were seen at Caracol and the MPR.

(Pheugopedius maculipectus) – Common, we caught a few at Blackrock as well. (Troglodytes aedon) – Blackrock.

(Uropsila leucogastra) – Good looks at this species at El Pilar. (Henicorhina leucosticta) – A skulking bird along the road to Blackrock.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – A pair across the river from Blackrock our last afternoon

played hide-and-seek in the tangles.

GREAT KISKADEEBOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER

SOCIAL FLYCATCHERSULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERPIRATIC FLYCATCHERTROPICAL KINGBIRDCOUCH'S KINGBIRD

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER

WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN

BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA

MASKED TITYRATHRUSH-LIKE SCHIFFORNIS

ROSE-THROATED BECARD

YELLOW-THROATED VIREORED-EYED VIREOYELLOW-GREEN VIREOTAWNY-CROWNED GREENLETLESSER GREENLET

GREEN SHRIKE-VIREORUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE

BROWN JAYGREEN JAY

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW

GRAY-BREASTED MARTINMANGROVE SWALLOWBARN SWALLOW

BAND-BACKED WRENSPOT-BREASTED WRENHOUSE WRENWHITE-BELLIED WRENWHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN

LONG-BILLED GNATWREN


Our 2011 group at the Caracol ruins (Photo by guide PeterBurke)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Turdus grayi) – A few around Blackrock and our other sites.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) (Dumetella carolinensis) – One at Blackrock.

(Mimus gilvus) – Common along the roads near the airport.

Parulidae (New World Warblers) (Vermivora cyanoptera) – Lety had one at Aguacate.

(Oreothlypis peregrina) – These migrants were noted high in the canopy at Caracol andBlackrock.

(Dendroica petechia) – Open areasaround the Mennonite complex.

(Dendroica pensylvanica) – Adrab molting bird was seen daily at Blackrock.

(Dendroica magnolia) – Numerousbirds around during the week, including some alternateplumaged birds.

(Dendroica virens)– A few around Caracol.

(Dendroica fusca) – A singlemale at Caracol with other migrant warblers.

(Dendroica graciae) – Nice views of thispine-loving species on the MPR.

(Mniotilta varia) – Severalduring the week.

(Setophaga ruticilla) (Helmitheros vermivorum) – A

couple of birds feeding characteristically on large hanging deadfoliage.

(Seiurus aurocapilla) – Several caught in the mistnets.

(Parkesia noveboracensis) –Still numerous around Blackrock.

(Oporornis formosus) – An adult female caught at Blackrock. (Geothlypis trichas)

(Geothlypis poliocephala) – A singing male in open field habitat nearAguacate.

(Wilsonia citrina) (Basileuterus culicivorus) – Several responded nicely to playback at Caracol.

(Basileuterus rufifrons) – Just in time we saw an individual before leaving the MPR.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Eucometis penicillata) – Lety tried to get us on to the bird she found with the Army Ant

swarm but it melted into the forest quickly. (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) – Seen and banded at Blackrock - a spectacular

bird with a spectacular nip! (Thraupis episcopus)

(Thraupis abbas) (Tangara larvata) – Our guide Elvis put us on to a pair at Caracol during lunch.

(Cyanerpes cyaneus) – The viewing of this species doesn't get any better than this -eye level feeding on melastome berries day in and out.

(Saltator coerulescens) – Several good looks at Blackrock.

CLAY-COLORED THRUSH

GRAY CATBIRDTROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD

BLUE-WINGED WARBLERTENNESSEE WARBLER

YELLOW WARBLER

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER

MAGNOLIA WARBLER

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER

GRACE'S WARBLER

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER

AMERICAN REDSTARTWORM-EATING WARBLER

OVENBIRD

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH

KENTUCKY WARBLERCOMMON YELLOWTHROATGRAY-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT

HOODED WARBLERGOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLERRUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER

GRAY-HEADED TANAGER

CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER

BLUE-GRAY TANAGERYELLOW-WINGED TANAGERGOLDEN-HOODED TANAGERRED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER

GRAYISH SALTATOR


(Saltator maximus) – One heard at the MPR entrance. [*] (Saltator atriceps) – Widespread and seen repeatedly during the week.

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Volatinia jacarina) – Common roadside bird.

(Sporophila torqueola) – Common. (Tiaris olivaceus) – Common and cute!

(Arremonops chloronotus) – This species is more common than assumed once you putsome mist nets up!

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) (Piranga flava) – A nice pair on the MPR at Rio on Pools. (Piranga rubra) – Regularly seen at Blackrock.

(Habia fuscicauda) – This noisy understory bird was caught in the nets and alsoobserved attending the ant swarm.

(Caryothraustes poliogaster) – This forest bird was encountered in small groups a coupleof times.

(Granatellus sallaei) – Hurray!!! A wonderful pair at the MPR entrance and another atBlackrock across the river. This can be a tough bird outside of the Yucutan.

(Cyanocompsa cyanoides) – Otherwise known as the Belizian Vice-grip Finch. The malesare very attractive but boy can they bite!

(Cyanocompsa parellina) – A smart-looking bird that we saw a few times during the week. (Passerina caerulea) – A male on the afternoon hike up to the Summit. (Passerina cyanea) – Common.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) (Sturnella magna) – A number in the agricultural lands we visited. (Dives dives)

(Quiscalus mexicanus) (Molothrus aeneus) – Small numbers around Blackrock and agricultural areas.

(Molothrus oryzivorus) – A female slipped into the oropendola colony at Caracol. (Icterus prosthemelas) – A resident pair at Blackrock gave great views.

(Icterus spurius) – These interesting birds would slip by in a large group, sporting red faces dustedwith pollen, then quickly disappear.

(Icterus galbula) – Common. (Amblycercus holosericeus) – A noisy bird approached the group that hiked to the

Summit. (Psarocolius montezuma) – A true indication of tropical climes, we sat and enjoyed the

show at the colony in Caracol.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Euphonia affinis) – A pair frequented the melastome off the verandah at Blackrock.

(Euphonia hirundinacea) – Widespread and seen daily. (Euphonia gouldi) – Another frequent visitor to the melastome off the verandah.

MAMMALS (Saccopteryx bilineata) – We saw an individual flying in mid afternoon at El Pilar that

perched on a treetrunk. (Alouatta pigra) – Heard daily at Blackrock but they never approached the Lodge

grounds close enough to see. [*] (Sciurus deppei)

(Coendou mexicanus) – A really cute beast that posed in a tree crotch at the MPR. (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) – One on the open fields near Spanish Lookout.

BUFF-THROATED SALTATORBLACK-HEADED SALTATOR

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUITWHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATERYELLOW-FACED GRASSQUITGREEN-BACKED SPARROW

HEPATIC TANAGERSUMMER TANAGERRED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER

BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK

GRAY-THROATED CHAT

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK

BLUE BUNTINGBLUE GROSBEAKINDIGO BUNTING

EASTERN MEADOWLARKMELODIOUS BLACKBIRDGREAT-TAILED GRACKLEBRONZED COWBIRDGIANT COWBIRDBLACK-COWLED ORIOLEORCHARD ORIOLE

BALTIMORE ORIOLEYELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE

MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA

SCRUB EUPHONIAYELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIAOLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA

GREATER WHITE-LINED BAT

YUCATAN HOWLER MONKEY

DEPPE'S SQUIRRELMEXICAN HAIRY PORCUPINEGRAY FOX


(Nasua narica) – A small troop at Aguacate.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 212 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa

WHITE-NOSED COATI


please note: we have revised our belize itinerary for 2015

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