2021 is already well underway, are you birding? I hope so because watching a flock of redpolls bound through wintery airs that echo with the calls of crows is nature connection magic. Tracking the soaring of a Bateleur in hot African skies is a lifetime gift. Watching Baltimore Orioles consort with Blue-gray Tanagers as Great Kiskadees throw down their wings and yell is the perfect start to any day.
I saw some of that avian action this morning.
During anxious times, birding is therapeutic, it brings us back to center, can wipe away the worries and act as a source of mental fortitude. Watch some birds today and see where it takes you. Watch some birds all year long and enjoy the journey, keep a list. I follow the year list birding tradition. I’m not sure when it started, who ever kept the first list, but it gives me something to strive for, facilitates noting each special moment like when I saw that first Painted Bunting of 2021.
I saw a male just out back this very morning. It flew to some bare branches near a Yellow-throated Euphonia and a pair of Blue Grosbeaks.
I can also note my first White-fronted Nunbird, I had a few at Tirimbina Reserve just the other day.
Although I would love to see some birds elsewhere, even if I don’t, my year list will make for some fun documentation. After all, Costa Rica is no small player on the world birding stage. We have nearly 930 species on the official list and with some effort, 700 in a year is a feasible goal. Here I go, I hope you also surpass your birding goals in 2021.
- Great Tinamou – Tinamus major; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Little Tinamou – Crypturellus soui; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Thicket Tinamou – Crypturellus cinnamomeus; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Slaty-breasted Tinamou – Crypturellus boucardi; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Great Curassow – Crax rubra; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Crested Guan – Penelope purpurascens; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Gray-headed Chachalaca – Ortalis cinereiceps; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Plain Chachalaca – Ortalis vetula; Cabuya, 2-Nov
- Black Guan – Chamaepetes unicolor; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Greater White-fronted Goose – Anser albifrons; Las Trancas, 10-December
- Black-bellied Whistling-Duck – Dendrocygna autumnalis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Fulvous Whistling-Duck – Dendrocygna bicolor; El Viejo Wetlands, 23-Dec
- Muscovy Duck – Cairina moschata; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- American Wigeon – Mareca americana; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Blue-winged Teal – Anas discors; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- Cinnamon Teal – Anas cyanoptera; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- White-cheeked Pintail – Anas bahamensis; Punta Morales, 3-Nov
- Northern Pintail – Anas acuta; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Northern Shoveler – Spatula clypeata; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Lesser Scaup – Aythya affinis; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Buffy-crowned Wood-Partridge – Dendrortyx leucophrys; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Spotted Wood-Quail – Odontophorus guttatus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Crested Bobwhite – Colinus cristatus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Least Grebe – Tachybaptus dominicus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Rock Pigeon – Columba livia; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Band-tailed Pigeon – Patagioenas fasciata; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Red-billed Pigeon – Patagioenas flavirostris; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Pale-vented Pigeon – Patagioeanas cayannensis; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Scaled Pigeon – Patagioenas speciosa; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Ruddy Pigeon – Patagioenas subvinacea; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Short-billed Pigeon – Patagioenas nigrirostris; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Inca Dove – Columbina inca; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Plain-breasted Ground-Dove – Columbina minuta; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Common Ground-Dove – Columbina passerina; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Ruddy Ground-Dove – Columbina talpacoti; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Blue Ground-Dove – Claravis pretiosa; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Maroon-chested Ground-Dove – Claravis mondetoura; Nochebuena Restaurant trails, 25-June
- Ruddy Quail-Dove – Geotrygon montana; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Chiriqui Quail-Dove – Zentrygon chiriquiensis; Valle Quetzales, 2-March
- Purplish-backed Quail-Dove – Zentrygon lawrencii; Pocosol Research Station, 27-July
- Buff-fronted Quail-Dove – Zentrygon costaricensis; Poas area, 27-Jan
- White-tipped Dove – Leptotila verreauxi; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Gray-chested Dove – Leptotila cassinii; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Gray-headed Dove – Leptotila plumbeiceps; Malpais, 19-April
- White-winged Dove – Zenaida asiatica; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Mourning Dove – Zenaida macrora; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Mangrove Cuckoo – Coccyzus minor; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo – Coccyzus americanus; San Miguel de Turrucares, 26-Sep
- Squirrel Cuckoo – Piaya cayana; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Groove-billed Ani – Crotophaga sulcirostris; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Smooth-billed Ani – Crotopgaha ani; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Striped Cuckoo – Tapera naevia; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Lesser Ground-Cuckoo – Morrococcyx erythropygus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Great Potoo – Nyctibius grandis; Union de Guapiles, 15-March
- Northern Potoo – Nyctibius jamaicensis; Malpais, 19-April
- Short-tailed Nighthawk – Lurocalis semitorquatus; Tortuguero National Park area, 14-April
- Common Nighthawk – Chordeilis minor; Tortuguero National Park area, 14-April
- Lesser Nighthawk – Chordeilis acutipennis; Manzanillo, 9-Oct
- Common Pauraque – Nyctidromus albicollis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Dusky Nightjar – Antrostomus saturatus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Black Swift – Cypseloides niger; Pozo Azul, 28-March
- Spot-fronted Swift – Cypseloides cherriei; Malpais, 19-April
- White-chinned Swift – Cypseloides cryptus; Bosque de Nino, 6-March
- White-collared Swift – Streptoprocne zonaris; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Chestnut-collared Swift – Streptoprocne rutila; Bosque de Nino, 6-March
- Chimney Swift – Chaetura pelagica; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Vaux’s Swift – Chaetura vauxi; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Gray-rumped Swift – Chaetura cinereiventris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Costa Rican Swift – Chaetura fumosa; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift – Panyptila cayannensis; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- White-necked Jacobin – Florisuga mellivora; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- White-tipped Sicklebill – Eutoceres aquila; Quebrada Gonzalez, 3-August
- Green Hermit – Phaethornis guy; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Long-billed Hermit – Phaethornis longirostris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Stripe-throated Hermit – Phaethornis striigularis; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Band-tailed Barbthroat – Threnetes ruckeri; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Bronzy Hermit – Glaucis aeneus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Green-fronted Lancebill – Doryfera ludovicae, San Luis Canopy, 12-Sep
- Lesser Violetear – Colibri cyanotus; Varablanca area, 9-Jan
- Brown Violetear – Colibri delphinae; Cinchona, 17-May
- Veraguan Mango – Anthracothorax veraguensis; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Green-breasted Mango – Anthracothorax prevostii; Pozo Azul, 28-March
- Purple-crowned Fairy – Heliothryx barroti; Pocosol Research Station, 27-July
- Green Thorntail – Discosura conversii; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Black-crested Coquette – Lophornis helenae; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Violet-headed Hummingbird – Klais guimeti; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer – Chalybura urochrysia; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Scaly-breasted Hummingbird – Phaeochroa cuvierii; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Green-crowned Brilliant – Heliodoxa jacula; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Talamanca Hummingbird – Eugenes spectabilis; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Plain-capped Starthroat – Heliomaster constantii; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Long-billed Starthroat – Heliomaster longrostris, Union de Guapiles, 12-Sep
- Crowned Woodnymph – Thalurania colombica; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Fiery-throated Hummingbird – Panterpe insignis; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Violet Sabrewing – Campylopterus hemileucurus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Purple-throated Mountain-gem – Lampornis calolaemus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- White-throated Mountain-gem – Lampornis castaneoventris; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- White-bellied Mountain-gem – Lampornis hemileucus; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Stripe-tailed Hummingbird – Eupherusa eximia; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Black-bellied Hummingbird – Eupherusa nigriventris; Cinchona, 17-May
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Archilochus colubris; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- Mangrove Hummingbird – Amazilia boucardi; Mata de Limon, 6-August
- Snowy-bellied Hummingbird – Amazilia edward; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Blue-vented Hummingbird – Amazilia hoffmanni; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Rufous-tailed Hummingbird – Amazilia tzacatl; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Charming Hummingbird – Amazilia decora; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Blue-chested Hummingbird – Amazilia amabilis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Cinnamon Hummingbird – Amazilia rutila; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Sapphire-throated Hummingbird – Lepidoyga coeruleogularis; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Snowcap – Microchera albocoronata; El Copal, 29-July
- Coppery-headed Emerald – Elvira cupreiceps; Poas area, 23-Jan
- White-tailed Emerald – Elvira cupreiceps; Bosque Tolomuco, 27-Dec
- Blue-throated Goldentail – Hylocharis eliciae; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Canivet’s Emerald – Chlorostilbon canivetii; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Magenta-throated Woodstar – Calliphlox bryantae; Valle Quetzales, 2-March
- Volcano Hummingbird – Selasphorus flammula; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Scintillant Hummingbird – Selasphorus scintilla; Poas area, 27-Jan
- White-throated Crake – Laterallus albigularis; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Gray-breasted Crake – Laterallus exilis; Tortuguero National Park area, 8-April
- Paint-billed Crake – Neocrez erythrops; Jaco wetlands, 8-May
- Uniform Crake – Amaurolimnas concolor; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Spotted Rail – Pardirallus maculatus; Las Trancas, 11-December
- Sora – Porzana carolina; Las Trancas, 22-Dec
- Rufous-necked Wood-Rail – Aramides axillaris; Malpais, 19-April
- Russet-naped Wood-Rail – Aramides albiventris; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Gray-cowled Wood-Rail – Aramides cajaneus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Purple Gallinule – Porphyrio martinicus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Common Gallinule – Crypturellus soui; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- American Coot – Fulica americana; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Limpkin – Aramus guarauna; Bagaces, 11-December
- Northern Jacana – Jacana spinosa; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- Sungrebe – Heliornis fulica; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Double-striped Thick-Knee – Burhinus bistriatus; Ceiba de Orotina, 21-March
- American Oystercatcher – Haematoupus palliatus; Dominical, 1-Feb
- Southern Lapwing – Vanellus chilensis; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Black-bellied Plover– Charadrius squatarola; Punta Morales, 8-May
- Collared Plover – Charadrius collaris; Punta Morales, 16-Oct
- Wilson’s Plover – Charadrius wilsonia; Punta Morales, 23-March
- Semipalmated Plover– Charadrius semipalmatus; Punta Morales, 23-March
- Killdeer – Charadrius vociferus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 23-Jan
- Black-necked Stilt – Himantopus mexicanus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Upland Sandpiper – Bartramia longicauda, Airport, 3-Sep
- Ruddy Turnstone – Arenaria interpres; Malpais, 19-April
- Sanderling – Calidris alba; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Least Sandpiper – Calidris minutilla Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Semipalmated Sandpiper – Calidris pusilla; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Western Sandpiper – Calidris mauri; Punta Morales, 23-March
- Baird’s Sandpiper – Calidris bairdii; Juan Santamaria Airport area, 1-Oct
- Pectoral Sandpiper – Calidris melanotos; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper – Calidris subruficollis; Juan Santamaria Airport area, 2-Oct
- Ruff – Philomachus pugnax; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Stilt Sandpiper – Calidris himantopus; Punta Morales, 8-May
- Surfbird – Calidris virgata; Punta Morales, 28-August
- Wandering Tattler – Tringa incana; Malpais, 19-April
- Wilsons’ Snipe – Gallinago delicata; Las Trancas, 11-December
- Willet – Tringa semipalmata; Caldera, 19-Jan
- Greater Yellowlegs – Tringa melanoleuca; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Lesser Yellowlegs – Tringa flavipes; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Solitary Sandpiper – Bartramia longicauda, Airport, 3-Sep
- Whimbrel – Numenius phaeopus; Caldera, 19-Jan
- Long-billed Curlew – Numenius americanus; Punta Morales, 23-March
- Marbled Godwit – Limosa fedoa; Punta Morales, 23-March
- Short-billed Dowitcher – Limnodromus griseus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Long-billed Dowitcher – Limnodromus scolopaceus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Spotted Sandpiper – Actitis macularius; Dominical, 1-Feb
- Red-necked Phalarope – Phalaropus lobatus; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Pomarine Jaeger – Stercorarius pomarinus; Tortuguero National Park area, 15-April
- Parasitic Jaeger – Stercorarius parasiticus; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Long-tailed Jaeger – Stercorarius longicaudus; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Sabine’s Gull – Xema sabini; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Laughing Gull – Leucophaeus atricilla; Caldera, 19-Jan
- Franklin’s Gull – Leucophaeus pipixcan; Caldera, 19-Jan
- Western Gull – Larus occidentalis; Puntarenas, 3-Nov
- Caspian Tern – Hydroprogne caspia; Chomes, 23-Dec
- Royal Tern – Thalasseus maximus; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Elegant Tern – Thalasseus elegans; Puntarenas, 2-Nov
- Sandwich Tern – Thalasseus sanvicensis; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Black Tern – Chlidonias niger; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Brown Noddy – Anous stolidus; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- WHITE TERN – GYGIS ALBA; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Sooty Tern – Onychoprion fuscatus; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Bridled Tern – Onychoprion anaethetus; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Forster’s Tern – Sterna forsteri; Chomes, 23-Dec
- Common Tern – Sterna hirundo; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Arctic Tern – Sterna paradisaea; Malpais pelagic, 20-Apri
- Black Skimmer – Rhynchops niger; Punta Morales, 8-May
- Sunbittern – Europyga helias; Rinconcito, 3-March
- Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel – Oceanodroma tethys; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Black Storm-Petrel – Oceanodroma melania; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Least Storm-Petrel – Oceanodroma microsoma; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Wedge-tailed Shearwater – Ardenna pacifica; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Pink-footed Shearwater – Ardenna creatopus; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Galapagos Shearwater – Puffinus subalaris ; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Magnificent Frigatebird – Fregata magnificens; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Brown Pelican – Pelicanus occidentalis; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Neotropic Cormorant – Phalacrocorax brasilianus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Masked Booby – Sula dactylatra ; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Brown Booby – Sula leucogaster; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Red-footed Booby – Sula sula ; Malpais pelagic, 20-April
- Wood Stork – Mycteria americana; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Jabiru – Jabiru mycteria; Jaco, 6-August
- Anhinga – Anhinga anhinga; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Rufescent Tiger-Heron – Tigrisoma lineatum; Sarapiqui, 6-Dec
- Bare-throated Tiger-Heron – Tigrisoma mexicanum; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Fasciated Tiger-Heron – Tigrisoma fasciatum; Aguas Zarcas, 3-April
- Great Egret – Ardea alba; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Great Blue Heron – Ardea herodias; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Little Blue Heron – Egretta caerulea; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Snowy Egret – Egretta thula; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Tricolored Heron – Egretta tricolor; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Reddish Egret – Egretta rufescens; Tarcoles, 1-Feb
- Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Least Bittern – Ixobrychus exilis; near Jaco, 4-April
- Green Heron – Butorides virescens; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Agami Heron – Agamia agami; Centro Manu, 22-Oct
- Black-crowned Night-Heron – Nycticorax nycticorax; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Yellow-crowned Night-Heron – Nictanassa violacea; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- Boat-billed Heron – Cochlearius cochlearius; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- White Ibis – Endocimus albus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Green Ibis – Mesembrinibis cayannensis; Tortuguero National Park area, 14-April
- Glossy Ibis – Plegadis falcinellus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Roseate Spoonbill – Platea ajaja; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Black Vulture – Coragyps atrata; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Turkey Vulture – Cathartes aura; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture – Cathartes burrovianus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- King Vulture – Sarcoramphus papa; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Osprey – Pandeon haeliatus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Pearl Kite – Gampsonyx swainsonii; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- White-tailed Kite – Elanus leucurus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Gray-headed Kite – Leptodon cayanensis; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Double-toothed Kite – Harpagus bidentatus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Swallow-tailed Kite – Elanoides forficatus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Hook-billed Kite – Chondrohierax uncinatus; Sarapiqui, 6-Dec
- Black Hawk-Eagle – Spizaetus tyrannus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Ornate Hawk-Eagle – Spizaetus ornatus; Valle Quetzales, 2-March
- Bicolored Hawk – Accipiter bicolor; Pocosol Research Station, 26-July
- Cooper’s Hawk – Accipiter cooperii; San Joaquin de Heredia, 14-Feb
- Tiny Hawk – Accipiter superciliosus; Rincon de Osa, 29-Dec
- Mississippi Kite – Ictinia mississippiensis; Tortuguero National Park area, 14-April
- Plumbeous Kite – Ictinia plumbea; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Snail Kite – Rhostrhamus sociabilis; Las Trancas, 11-December
- Crane Hawk – Geranospiza caerulescens; Guanacaste, 26-Feb
- White Hawk – Pseudastur albicollis; Cinchona, 9-Jan
- Savanna Hawk – Buteogallus meridionalis; Ciudad Neily, 28-Dec
- Common Black Hawk – Buteogallus anthracinus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Barred Hawk – Morphnarchus princeps; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Harris’s Hawk – Parabuteo unicinctus; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Semiplumbeous Hawk – Leucopternis semiplumbeous; Manuel Brenes Road, 12-Sep
- Roadside Hawk – Rupornis magnirostris; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Gray-lined Hawk – Buteo nitidus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Gray Hawk – Buteo plagiatus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Broad-winged Hawk – Buteo platypterus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Short-tailed Hawk – Buteo brachyurus; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Swainson’s Hawk – Buteo swainsoni; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- White-tailed Hawk – Geranoaetus albicaudatus; near Liberia, 23-March
- Zone-tailed Hawk – Buteo albonotatus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Red-tailed Hawk – Buteo jamaicensis; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Pacific Screech-Owl – Megascops cooperi; Malpais, 19-April
- Middle American Screech-Owl – Megascops guatemalae; Malpais, 19-April
- Bare-shanked Screech-Owl – Megascops clarkii; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Crested Owl – Lophostrix cristata; Pocosol Research Station, 27-July
- Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl – Glaucidium costaricanum; Nochebuena Restaurant trails, 25-June
- Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl – Glaucidium brasilianum; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Central American Pygmy-Owl – Glaucidium griseiceps; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Black-and-white Owl – Ciccaba nigrolineata; Pocosol Research Station, 27-July
- Mottled Owl – Ciccaba virgata; San Joaquin de Heredia, 17-Sep
- Spectacled Owl – Pulsatrix perspicillata; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Striped Owl – Asio clamator; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Unspotted Saw-whet Owl – Aegolius ridgwayi; Irazu Volcano, 29-July
- Resplendent Quetzal – Pharomacrus mocinno; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Lattice-tailed Trogon – Trogon clathratus; Manuel Brenes Road, 25-July
- Slaty-tailed Trogon – Trogon massena; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Black-throated Trogon – Trogon rufus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Gartered Trogon – Trogon caligatus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Black-headed Trogon – Trogon melanocephalus; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Elegant Trogon – Trogon elegans; Malpais, 19-April
- Collared Trogon – Trogon collaris; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Tody Motmot – Hylomanes momotula; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Rufous Motmot – Baryphthengus martii; Sarapiqui, 16-May
- Keel-billed Motmot – Electron carinatum; Sarapiqui, 6-Dec
- Broad-billed Motmot – Electron platyrhynchum; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Lesson’s Motmot – Momotus lessonnii; Alajuela, 23-Jan
- Turquoise-browed Motmot – Eumomota superciliosa; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Ringed Kingfisher – Megaceryle torquata; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Belted Kingfisher – Megaceryle alcyon; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Amazon Kingfisher – Chloroceryle amazona; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Green Kingfisher – Chloroceryle americana; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher – Chloroceryle inda; Manzanillo, 9-Oct
- American Pygmy-Kingfisher – Chloroceryle aenea; Manzanillo, 9-Oct
- White-necked Puffbird – Notharchus hyperrhynchus; Tortuguero National Park area, 6-April
- Pied Puffbird – Notharchustectus; Tortuguero National Park area, 6-April
- White-whiskered Puffbird – Malacoptila panamensis; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- White-fronted Nunbird – Monasa morphoeus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Rufous-tailed Jacamar – Galbula ruficauda; La Selva, 9-Jan
- Prong-billed Barbet – Semnornis frantzii; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Red-headed Barbet – Eubucco bourcierii; Quebrada Gonzalez, 3-August
- Keel-billed Toucan – Ramphastos sulfuratus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Yellow-throated Toucan – Ramphastos ambiguus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Collared Aracari – Pteroglossus torquatus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Fiery-billed Aracari – Pteroglossosus frantzii; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Northern Emerald Toucanet – Aulacorhynchus prasinus; Alto Palomo, 6-Feb
- Olivaceous Piculet – Picumnus olivaceus; La Gamba, 30-Dec
- Acorn Woodpecker – Melanerpes formicivorus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Hoffmann’s Woodpecker – Melanerpes hoffmannii; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Red-crowned Woodpecker – Melanerpes rubricapillus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Black-cheeked Woodpecker – Melanerpes pucherani; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Golden-naped Woodpecker – Melanerpes chrysauchen; Mirador de Osa, 28-Dec
- Golden-olive Woodpecker – Colaptes rubiginosus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Hairy Woodpecker – Dryobates villosus; Varablanca, 9-Jan
- Smoky-brown Woodpecker – Dryobates fumigatus; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Red-rumped Woodpecker – Dryobates kirkii; Ciudad Neily, 28-Dec
- Rufous-winged Woodpecker – Piculus simplex; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Cinnamon Woodpecker – Celeus loricatus; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Chestnut-colored Woodpecker – Celeus castaneus; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Lineated Woodpecker – Dryocopus lineatus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Pale-billed Woodpecker – Campephilus guatemalensis; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Laughing Falcon – Herpetotheres cachinnans; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Crested Caracara – Caracara cheriway; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Yellow-headed Caracara – Milvago chimachima; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Barred Forest-Falcon – Micrastur ruficollis; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Collared Forest-Falcon – Micrastur semitorquatus; Tarcoles, 3-Feb
- Bat Falcon – Falco rufigularis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- American Kestrel – Falco sparverius; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Merlin – Falco columbarius; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Peregrine Falcon – Falco peregrinus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 15-Jan
- Sulphur-winged Parakeet – Pyrrhura hoffmanni; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Olive-throated Parakeet – Eupsittula nana; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Orange-fronted Parakeet – Eupsittula canicularis; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Brown-throated Parakeet – Eupsittula pertinax; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Scarlet Macaw – Ara macao; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Great Green Macaw – Ara ambiguus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Crimson-fronted Parakeet – Psittacara finschi; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Barred Parakeet – Bolborhynchus lineola; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Orange-chinned Parakeet – Brotogeris jugularis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Brown-hooded Parrot – Pyrilia haematotis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- White-crowned Parrot – Pionus senilis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Blue-headed Parrot – Pionus menstruus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Red-fronted Parrotlet – Toiuit costaricensis; Pocosol Research Station, 26-July
- White-fronted Parrot – Amazona albifrons; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Red-lored Parrot – Amazona autumnalis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Mealy Parrot – Amazona farinosa; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Yellow-naped Parrot – Amazona auropalliata; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Russet Antshrike – Thamnistes anabatinus; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Fasciated Antshrike – Cymbilaimus lineatus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Great Antshrike – Taraba major; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Black-crowned Antshrike – Thamnophilus atrinucha; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Black-hooded Antshrike – Thamnophilus bridgesi; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Barred Antshrike – Thamnophilus doliatus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Plain Antvireo – Dysithamnus mentalis; Pocosol Research Station, 26-July
- Streak-crowned Antvireo – Dysithamnus striaticeps; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Dot-winged Antwren – Microrhopias quixensis; Centro Manu, 21-Nov
- White-flanked Antwren – Myrmotherula axillaris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Slaty Antwren – Myrmotherula schisticolor; Mi Cafecito, 16-May
- Checker-throated Antwren – Epinecrophylla fulviventris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Dull-mantled Antbird – Myrmeciza laemosticta; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Chestnut-backed Antbird – Myrmeciza exsul; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Zeledon’s Antbird – Myrmeciza zeledoni; Socorro, 16-May
- Bare-crowned Antbird – Gymnocichla nudiceps; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Spotted Antbird – Hylophylax naevioides; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Bicolored Antbird – Gymnopythis bicolor; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Ocellated Antbird – Phaenostictus mcleannani; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Dusky Antbird – Cercomacroides tyrannina; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Streak-chested Antpitta – Hylopezus perspicillatus; Quebrada Gonzalez, 3-August
- Thicket Antpitta – Hylopezus dives; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Black-headed Antthrush – Formicarius nigricapillus; Pocosol Research Station, 26-July
- Black-faced Antthrush – Formicarius analis; Carara, 8-May
- Silvery-fronted Tapaculo – Scytalopus argentifrons; Varablanca, 9-Jan
- Tawny-throated Leaftosser – Sclerurus mexicanus; above La Paz Waterfall Gardens, 20-June
- Scaly-throated Leaftosser – Sclererus guatimalensis; Pocosol Research Station, 27-July
- Plain Xenops – Xenops minutus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Spotted Barbtail – Premnoplex brunnescens; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Wedge-billed Woodcreeper – Glyphorynchus spirurus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Olivaceous Woodcreeper – Sittasomus griseicapillus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Northern Barred-Woodcreeper – Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Ruddy Woodcreeper – Dendrocincla homochroa; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Plain-brown Woodcreeper – Dendrocincla fuliginosa; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Tawny-winged Woodcreeper – Dendrocimcla anabatina; Mirador de Osa, 30-Dec
- Black-striped Woodcreeper – Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Cocoa Woodcreeper – Xiphorhynchus susurrans; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Ivory-billed Woodcreeper– Xiphorhynchus flavigaster; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Spotted Woodcreeper – Xiphorhynchus erthropygius; Valle Quetzales, 2-March
- Streak-headed Woodcreeper – Lepidocolaptes souleyetii; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Spot-crowned Woodcreeper – Lepidocolaptes affinis; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Buffy Tuftedcheek – Pseudocolaptes lawrencii; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Streak-breasted Treehunter – Thripadectes rufobrunneus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner – Automolus ochrolaemus; Sarapiqui, 16-May
- Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner – Automolus exsertus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Striped Woodhaunter – Automolus subulatus; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Lineated Foliage-gleaner – Syndactyla subalaris; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Ruddy Treerunner – Margarornis rubiginosus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Red-faced Spinetail – Cranioleuca erythrops; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Pale-breasted Spinetail – Synallaxis albescens; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Slaty Spinetail – Synallaxis brachyura; Tortuguero National Park area, 14-April
- Long-tailed Manakin – Chiroxiphia linearis; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- White-ruffed Manakin – Corapipo altera; Pocosol Research Station, 25-July
- White-collared Manakin – Manacus candei; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Orange-collared Manakin– Manacus aurantiachus; Ciudad Neily, 28-Dec
- White-crowned Manakin – Dixiphia pipra; El Copal, 30-July
- Blue-crowned Manakin – Lepidothrix coronata; Carara National Park, 23-Oct
- Red-capped Manakin – Ceratopipra mentalis; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Bare-necked Umbrellabird – Cephalopterus gabricollis; Centro Manu, 22-Oct
- Purple-throated Fruitcrow – Querula purpurata; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Turquoise Cotinga – Cotinga ridgwayi; Rincon de Osa, 29-Dec
- Yellow-billed Cotinga – Carpodectes antoniae; Rincon de Osa, 29-Dec
- Snowy Cotinga – Carpodectes nitidus; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Three-wattled Bellbird – Procnias tricarunculatus; Road to Manuel Brenes, 25-July
- Rufous Piha – Lipaugus unirufus; Centro Manu, 22-Oct
- Northern Schiffornis – Schiffornis veraepacis; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Black-crowned Tityra – Tityra inquisitor; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Masked Tityra – Tityra semifasciata; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Cinnamon Becard – Pachyramphus cinnamomeus; Pozo Azul, 28-March
- Barred Becard – Pachyramphus versicolor; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Rose-throated Becard – Pachyramphus aglaiae; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Black-and-white Becard – Pachyramphus albogriseus; San Rafael de Varablanca, 26-Dec
- White-winged Becard – Pachyramphus polychopterus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Royal Flycatcher – Onychorhynchus coronatus; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher – Myiobius sulphureigypus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher – Terenotriccus erythrurus; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Stub-tailed Spadebill – Platyrinchus cancrominus; Valle Quetzales, 2-March
- Olive-striped Flycatcher – Mionectes olivaceus; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Ochre-bellied Flycatcher – Mionectes oleagineus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Slaty-capped Flycatcher – Leptopogon superciliaris; Road to Manuel Brenes, 25-July
- Rufous-browed Tyrannulet – Phylloscartes superciliaris; Road to Manuel Brenes, 25-July
- Torrent Tyrannulet – Serpophaga cinerea; Pocosol Research Station, 25-July
- Rough-legged (White-fronted) Tyrannulet – Phyllomyias burmeisteri; Irazu Volcano, 30-July
- Northern Bentbill – Oncostoma cinereigulare; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher – Poecilotriccus sylvia; Malpais, 19-April
- Common Tody-Flycatcher – Todirostrum cinereum; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher – Todirostrum nigriceps; Union de Guapiles, 15-March
- Yellow-margined Flycatcher – Tolmomyias assimilis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Yellow-olive Flycatcher – Tolmomyias sulphurescens; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Eye-ringed Flatbill – Rhynchocyclus brevirostris; near Jaco, 4-April
- Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant – Lophotriccus pileatus; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant – Myiornis atricapillus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet – Camptostoma imberbe; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet – Camptostoma obsoletum; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Brown-capped Tyrannulet – Ornithion brunneicapillus; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet – Ornithion semiflavum; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet – Tyrannulus elatus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Mistletoe Tyrannulet – Zimmerius parvus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Yellow Tyrannulet – Capsiempis flaveola; Jaco area, 20-Jan
- Greenish Elaenia – Myiopagis viridicata; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Yellow-bellied Elaenia – Elaenia flavigaster; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Lesser Elaenia – Elaenia chiriquensis; Bosque de Nino, 6-March
- Mountain Elaenia – Elaenia frantzii; Varablanca area, 9-Jan
- Bright-rumped Attila – Attila spadiceus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Rufous Mourner – Rhytipterna holerythra; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Dusky-capped Flycatcher – Myiarchus tuberculifer; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Great Crested Flycatcher – Myiarchus crinitus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Nutting’s Flycatcher – Myiarchus nuttingi; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Brown-crested Flyctcher – Myiarchus tyrannulus; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Panama Flycatcher – Myiarchus panamensis; Punta Morales, 23-March
- Great Kiskadee – Pitangus sulphuratus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Boat-billed Flycatcher – Megarynchus pitangua; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Gray-capped Flycatcher – Myiozetetes granadensis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Social Flycatcher – Myiozetetes similis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Rusty-margined Flycatcher – Myiozetetes cayanensis; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- White-ringed Flycatcher – Conopius albovittatus; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Golden-bellied Flycatcher – Myiodynastes hemichrysus; Braulio Carillo, 15-March
- Streaked Flycatcher – Myiodynastes maculatus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher – Myiodynastes luteiventris; Valle Quetzales, 2-March
- Piratic Flycatcher – Legatus leucophaius; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Gray Kingbird – Tyrannus dominicensis; Manzanillo, 9-Oct
- Tropical Kingbird – Tyrannus melancholicus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Eastern Kingbird – Tyrannus tyrannus; Pozo Azul, 28-March
- Western Kingbird – Tyrannus verticalis; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher – Tyrannus forficatus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Fork-tailed Flycatcher – Tyrannus savana; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Tropical Pewee – Contopus cinereus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Western Wood-Pewee – Contopus sordidulus; Barva, 21-April
- Eastern Wood-Pewee – Contopus virens; Barva, 21-April
- Dark Pewee – Contopus lugubris; Cinchona area, 9-Jan
- Ochraceous Pewee – Contopus ochraceus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Olive-sided Flycatcher – Contopus cooperi; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Tufted Flycatcher – Mitrephanes phaeocercus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Tawny-chested Flycatcher – Aphanotriccus capitalis; El Copal, 29-July
- Least Flycatcher – Empidonax minimus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 7-Oct
- Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – Empidonax flaviventris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Willow Flycatcher – Empidonax traillii; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Alder Flycatcher – Empidonax alnorum; San Joaquin de Heredia, 7-May
- White-throated Flycatcher – Empidonax albigularis; San Miguel Lagoon, 3-Dec
- Acadian Flycatcher – Empidonax virescens; San Joaquin de Heredia, 26-Sep
- Yellowish Flycatcher – Empidonax flavescens; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Black-capped Flycatcher – Empidonax atriceps; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Black Phoebe – Sayornis nigricans; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Northern Scrub Flycatcher – Sublegatis arenarum; Punta Morales, 2-March
- Long-tailed Tyrant – Colonia colonus; Sarapiqui, 28-July
- Green Shrike-Vireo – Vireolanius pulchellus; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Rufous-browed Peppershrike – Cychlarhis gujanensis; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Tawny-crowned Greenlet – Tunchiornis ochraceiceps; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Scrub Greenlet – Hylophilus flavipes; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Lesser Greenlet – Pachysylvia decurtatus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Yellow-throated Vireo – Vireo flavifrons; San Joaquin de Heredia, 4-Jan
- Yellow-winged Vireo – Vireo carmoli; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Philadelphia Vireo – Vireo philadelphicus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 4-Jan
- Mangrove Vireo – Vireo pallens; Punta Morales, 23-March
- Yellow-green Vireo – Vireo flavoviridis; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Red-eyed Vireo – Vireo olivaceus; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Brown-capped Vireo – Vireo leucophrys; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Azure-hooded Jay – Cyanolyca cucullata; La Paz de San Ramon, 24-July
- Brown Jay – Psilorhinus morio; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- White-throated Magpie-Jay – Calocitta formosa; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Purple Martin – Progne subis; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Gray-breasted Martin – Progne chalybea; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Blue-and-white Swallow – Pygochelidon cyanoleuca; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Mangrove Swallow – Tachycineta albilinea; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Barn Swallow – Riparia riparia, Villa Flores, 14-Sep
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow – Stelgidopteryx serripennis; Tarcoles, 1-Feb
- Southern Rough-winged Swallow – Stelgidopteryx ruficollis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Violet-green Swallow – Tachycineta thalissina; Bosque de Nino, 6-March
- Cliff Swallow – Petrochelidon pyrrhonota; Playa Hermosa, 28-Feb
- Cave Swallow – Petrochelidon fulva; Ceiba de Orotina, 16-Oct
- Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Grass Wren – Cistothorus platensis; Coris, 28-Dec
- House Wren – Troglodytes aedon; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Ochraceous Wren – Troglodytes ochraceus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Nightingale Wren – Microcerculus philomela; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Scaly-breasted Wren – Microcrculus marginatus; El Copal, 29-July
- Band-backed Wren – Campylorhynchus zonatus; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Rufous-naped Wren – Campylorhynchus rufinucha; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Stripe-breasted Wren – Thryophilus pleurostictus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Canebrake Wren – Cantorchilus zeledoni; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Cabanis’s Wren – Cantorchilus modestus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Isthmian Wren – Cantorchilus elutus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Riverside Wren – Cantorchilus semibadius; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Bay Wren – Cantorchilus nigricapillus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Black-bellied Wren – Pheugopedius fachiatoventris; Ciudad Neily, 28-Dec
- Black-throated Wren – Pheugopedius atrogularis; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Rufous-breasted Wren – Pheugopedius rutilus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Spot-breasted Wren – Pheugopedius maculipectus; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Banded Wren – Thryothorus pleurostictus; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Rufous-and-white Wren – Thryothorus rufalbus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- White-breasted Wood-Wren – Henicorhina leucosticta; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Gray-breasted Wood-Wren – Henicorhina leucophyrs; Varablanca area, 9-Jan
- Timberline Wren – Thryorchilus browni; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Song Wren – Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Tawny-faced Gnatwren – Microbates cinereriventris; Road to Manuel Brenes, 25-July
- Long-billed Gnatwren – Ramphocaenus melanurus; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- White-lored Gnatcatcher – Polioptila albiloris; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Tropical Gnatcatcher – Polioptila plumbea; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- American Dipper – Cinclus mexicanus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Black-faced Solitaire – Myadestes melanops; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush – Catharus fuscater; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush – Catharus gracilirostris; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush – Catharus frantzii; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush – Catharus aurantiirostris; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush – Catharus mexicanus; near Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Swainson’s Thrush – Catharus ustulatus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Gray-cheeked Thrush – Catharus minimus; San Joaquin de Flores, 13-Oct
- Veery – Catharus fuscenscens; San Joaquin de Flores, 10-Oct
- Wood Thrush – Hylocichla mustelina; Cops Place, 22-Oct
- Sooty Thrush – Turdus nigriscens; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Mountain Thrush – Turdus plebejus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- White-throated Thrush – Turdus assimilis; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Pale-vented Thrush – Turdus obsoletus; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Clay-colored Thrush – Turdus grayi; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Tropical Mockingbird – Mimus gilvus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 15-Jan
- Cedar Waxwing – Bombycilla cedrorum; Barva, 21-April
- Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatcher – Phainoptila melanoxantha; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher – Ptiliogonys caudatus ; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Tricolored Munia – Lonchura malacca; Las Trancas, 10-December
- House Sparrow – Passer domesticus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Golden-browed Chlorophonia – Chlorophonia callophrys; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Elegant Euphonia – Euphonia elegantissima; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Scrub Euphonia – Euphonia affinis; La Garita, 16-Jan
- Yellow-crowned Euphonia – Euphonia luteicapilla; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Tawny-capped Euphonia – Euphonia anneae; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Olive-backed Euphonia – Euphonia gouldi; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Spot-crowned Euphonia – Euphonia ; Rincon de Osa, 29-Dec
- Yellow-throated Euphonia – Euphonia hirundinacea; San Joaquin de Heredia, 4-Jan
- Thick-billed Euphonia – Euphonia laniirostris; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- White-vented Euphonia – Euphonia minuta; El Copal, 29-July
- Yellow-bellied Siskin – Spinus xanthogastrus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Lesser Goldfinch – Spinus psaltria; San Joaquin de Heredia, 17-Jan
- Yellow-thighed Brushfinch – Atlapetes tibialis; Poas area, 23-Jan
- White-naped Brushfinch – Atlapetes albinucha; Poas area, 16-August
- Large-footed Finch – Pezopetes capitalis ; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Chestnut-capped Brushfinch – Arremons brunneinucha; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Volcano Junco – Junco vulcani; Irazu, 25-June
- Common Chlorospingus – Chlorospingus flavopectus; Cinchona area, 9-Jan
- Sooty-capped Chlorospingus – Chloropsingus pileatus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Ashy-throated Chlorospingus – Chlorospingus canigularis; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Cabanis’s Ground-Sparrow – Melozone cabanisi; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-April
- White-eared Ground-Sparrow – Melozone leucotis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Black-striped Sparrow – Arremonops conirostris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Olive Sparrow – Arremonops rufivirgatus; El Rodeo, 1-April
- Orange-billed Sparrow – Arremon aurantiirostris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Sooty-faced Finch – Arremon crassirostris; Braulio Carrillo, 5-March
- Stripe-headed Sparrow – Peucaea ruficauda; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Rufous-collared Sparrow – Zonotrichia capensis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Lark Sparrow – Chondestes grammacus; Bagaces, 10-December
- Grasshopper Sparrow – Ammodramus savannarum; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Wrenthrush – Zeledonia coronata; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Yellow-breasted Chat – Icteria virens; Ciudad Neily, 28-Dec
- Yellow-billed Cacique – Ablycercus holosericeus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Scarlet-rumped Cacique – Cacicus uropygialis; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Eastern Meadowlark – Sturnella magna; San Joaquin de Heredia, 4-Jan
- Red-breasted Meadowlark – Sturnella militaris; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Chestnut-headed Oropendola – Psarcolius wagleri; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Crested Oropendola – Psarcolius decumanus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Montezuma Oropendola – Psarcolius Oropendola; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Yellow-tailed Oriole – Icterus mesomelas; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Streak-backed Oriole – Icterus pustulatus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Black-cowled Oriole – Icterus prosthemelas; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Orchard Oriole – Icterus spurius; San Joaquin de Heredia, 15-Jan
- Baltimore Oriole – Icterus galbula; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Red-winged Blackbird – Agelaius phoeniceus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Shiny Cowbird – Molothrus bonariensis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Bronzed Cowbird – Molothrus aeneus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Giant Cowbird – Molothrus oryzivorus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Melodious Blackbird – Dives dives; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Nicaraguan Grackle – Quiscalus nicaraguensis; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Great-tailed Grackle – Quiscalus mexicanus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Ovenbird – Seirus aurocapilla; Bosque de Nino, 6-March
- Louisiana Waterthrush – Parkesia motacilla; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Northern Waterthrush – Parkesia noveboracensis; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Blue-winged Warbler – Vermivora cyanoptera; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Golden-winged Warbler – Vermivora chrysoptera; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Worm-eating Warbler– Helmitheros vermivorum; Rincon de la Vieja, 28-Feb
- Black-and-white Warbler – Mniotilta varia; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Tennessee Warbler – Leiothlypis peregrina; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Prothonotary Warbler – Protonotaria citrea; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Flame-throated Warbler – Oreothlypis gutturalis; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Gray-crowned Yellowthroat – Geothlypis poliocephala; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Mourning Warbler – Geothlypis philadelphia; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Kentucky Warbler – Geothlypis formosa; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Olive-crowned Yellowthroat – Geothlypis semiflava; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Yellow Warbler – Setophaga petechia; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Chestnut-sided Warbler – Setophaga pensylvanica; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Hooded Warbler – Setophaga citrina; Cano Negro, 4-Dec
- Blackpoll Warbler – Setophaga striata; Hotel Buena Vista, 21-April
- American Redstart – Setophaga ruticilla; San Joaquin de Heredia, 21-Feb
- Bay-breasted Warbler – Setophaga castanea; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Cerulean Warbler – Setophaga cerulea; San Joaquin de Heredia, 17-Sep
- Tropical Parula – Setophaga pitiayumi; Cinchona area, 9-Jan
- Townsend’s Warbler – Setophaga townsendi; Bosque de Nino, 6-March
- Black-throated Green Warbler – Setophaga virens; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Blackburnian Warbler – Setophaga fusca; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Slate-throated Redstart – Myioborus miniatus; Varablanca, 9-Jan
- Collared Redstart – Myioborus torquatus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Buff-rumped Warbler – Myiothlypis fulvicauda; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Black-cheeked Warbler – Basileuterus melanogenys; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Rufous-capped Warbler – Basileuterus rufifrons; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Golden-crowned Warbler – Basileuturus culicivorus; Rincon de la Vieja, 27-Feb
- Costa Rican Warbler – Basileuturus melanotisr; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Canada Warbler – Cardellina canadensis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 16-Sep
- Wilson’s Warbler – Cardellina pusilla; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Dusky-faced Tanager – Mitrospingus cassinii; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Flame-colored Tanager – Piranga bidentata; Poas area, 27-Jan
- White-winged Tanager – Piranga leucoptera; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Hepatic Tanager – Piranga flava; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Western Tanager – Piranga ludovociana; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Scarlet Tanager – Piranga olivacea; Pozo Azul, 28-March
- Summer Tanager – Piranga rubra; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Red-crowned Ant-Tanager – Habia rubica; San Joaquin de Heredia, 27-Jan
- Red-throated Ant-Tanager – Habia fuscicauda; Rio Negro area northern flank Rincon de la Vieja, 24-March
- Carmiol’s Tanager – Chlorothraupi carmioli; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Black-faced Grosbeak – Caryothraustes poliogaster; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak – Pheucticus ludovicianus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 10-Jan
- Black-thighed Grosbeak – Pheucticus tibialis; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Blue-black Grosbeak – Cyanocompsa cyanoides; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Blue Grosbeak – Passerina caerulea; San Joaquin de Heredia, 10-Jan
- Indigo Bunting – Passerina cyanea; near Jaco, 4-April
- Painted Bunting – Passerina ciris; Raptor Ridge; San Joaquin de Heredia, 10-Jan
- Dickcissel – Spiza americana; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Blue-and-gold Tanager – Bangsia arcaei; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Speckled Tanager – Tanagara guttata; Road to Manuel Brenes, 25-July
- Golden-hooded Tanager – Stilpnia larvata; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Emerald Tanager – Tangara florida; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Bay-headed Tanager – Tangara gyrola; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Spangle-cheeked Tanager – Tangara dowii; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Silver-throated Tanager – Tangara icterocephala; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Plain-colored Tanager – Tangara inornata; Tortuguero National Park area, 7-April
- Black-and-yellow Tanager – Chrysothlypis chrysomelas; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Blue-gray Tanager – Thraupis episcopus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Palm Tanager – Thraupis palmarum; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- White-lined Tanager – Tachyphonus rufus; Sarapiqui, 17-May
- Tawny-crested Tanager – Tachyphonus delattrii; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- White-shouldered Tanager – Tachyphonus luctuosus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- White-throated Shrike-Tanager – Lanio leucothorax; Quebrada Gonzalez, 15-March
- Scarlet-rumped Tanager – Ramphocelus passerinii; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Crimson-collared Tanager – Ramphocelus sanguinolentus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Gray-headed Tanager – Eucometis penicillata; Rincon de la Vieja, 28-Feb
- Blue-black Grassquit – Volatinia jacarina; San Joaquin de Heredia, 10-Jan
- Slaty Flowerpiercer – Diglossa plumbea; Varablanca area, 9-Jan
- Green Honeycreeper – Chlorophanes spiza; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Shining Honeycreeper – Cyanerpes lucidus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Red-legged Honeycreeper – Cyanerpes cyaneus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Blue Dacnis – Dacnis cayana; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Scarlet-thighed Dacnis – Dacnis venusta; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Bananaquit – Coereba flaveola; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Peg-billed Finch – Ancathidops bairdi; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Yellow-faced Grassquit – Tiaris olvaceus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 10-Jan
- Nicaraguan Seed-Finch – Sporophila nuttingi; La Selva area, 20-June
- Thick-billed Seed-Finch – Sporophila funerea; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Variable Seedeater – Sporophila corvina; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Morelet’s Seedeater – Sporophila morelleti; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Yellow-bellied Seedeater – Sporophila nigricollis; near San Joaquin de Heredia, 3-August
- Slate-colored Seedeater – Sporophila schistacea; near Jaco, 4-April
- Slate-colored Grosbeak – Saltator grossus; Sarapiqui, 28-July
- Black-headed Saltator – Saltator atriceps; Santa Barbara area, 15-Feb
- Buff-throated Saltator – Saltator maximus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Grayish Saltator – Saltator coerulescens; San Joaquin de Heredia, 10-Jan
- Streaked Saltator – Saltator striatipectus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
Patrick O'Donnell became a birder at the age of 7 after seeing books about birds in the Niagara Falls, New York public library. Although watching thousands of gulls in the Niagara Gorge was sublime, more bird species (and warmer weather) eventually brought him to Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and other very birdy tropical places. A biologist by training, he has worked on bird-related projects in Colorado, Washington, Peru, and other locales, and has guided birders in Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. These days, he lives in Costa Rica where he juggles guiding, freelance writing, developing bird apps for Costa Rica and Panama, posting on his Costa Rica birding blog, and discussing dinosaurs with his young daughter.
That’s quite a list, Pat, I’m more than a little jealous! Just for fun, I found there are 25 on there that I’ve never seen, and 31 others that I have, but not in Costa Rica (25 of those, in Panama). That just means I have to come back!
@MaryAnn Good- Yes, great reasons to come back!
37 species on that list would NOT be lifers. I really should be booking flights instead of commenting here.