
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
- Crested Guan – Penelope purpurascens; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Gray-headed Chachalaca – Ortalis cinereiceps; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Black Guan – Chamaepetes unicolor; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Black-bellied Whistling-Duck – Dendrocygna autumnalis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Common Pauraque – Nyctidromus albicollis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Dusky Nightjar – Antrostomus saturatus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- White-collared Swift – Streptoprocne zonaris; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- 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
- Green Hermit – Phaethornis guy; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Long-billed Hermit – Phaethornis longirostris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Band-tailed Barbthroat – Threnetes ruckeri; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- Bronzy Hermit – Glaucis aeneus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Lesser Violetear – Colibri cyanotus; Varablanca area, 9-Jan
- Veraguan Mango – Anthracothorax veraguensis; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Green Thorntail – Discosura conversii; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- 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
- 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
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Archilochus colubris; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- 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
- Coppery-headed Emerald – Elvira cupreiceps; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Blue-throated Goldentail – Hylocharis eliciae; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- 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-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
- Northern Jacana – Jacana spinosa; Embalse Turrucares, 16-Jan
- American Oystercatcher – Haematoupus palliatus; Dominical, 1-Feb
- Southern Lapwing – Vanellus chilensis; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Killdeer – Charadrius vociferus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 23-Jan
- Black-necked Stilt – Himantopus mexicanus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Sanderling – Calidris alba; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Least Sandpiper – Calidris minutilla Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Semipalmated Sandpiper – Calidris pusilla; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Pectoral Sandpiper – Calidris melanotos; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Ruff – Philomachus pugnax; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Willet – Tringa semipalmata; Caldera, 19-Jan
- Greater Yellowlegs – Tringa melanoleuca; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Lesser Yellowlegs – Tringa flavipes; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Whimbrel – Numenius phaeopus; Caldera, 19-Jan
- 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
- Parasitic Jaeger – Stercorarius parasiticus; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Laughing Gull – Leucophaeus atricilla; Caldera, 19-Jan
- Franklin’s Gull – Leucophaeus pipixcan; Caldera, 19-Jan
- Royal Tern – Thalasseus maximus; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Sandwich Tern – Thalasseus sanvicensis; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Black Tern – Chlidonias niger; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Magnificent Frigatebird – Fregata magnificens; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Brown Pelican – Pelicanus occidentalis; Puntarenas, 19-Jan
- Neotropic Cormorant – Phalacrocorax brasilianus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Brown Booby – Sula leucogaster; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Wood Stork – Mycteria americana; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Anhinga – Anhinga anhinga; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Bare-throated Tiger-Heron – Tigrisoma mexicanum; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- 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
- Green Heron – Butorides virescens; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- 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
- 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
- Double-toothed Kite – Harpagus bidentatus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Swallow-tailed Kite – Elanoides forficatus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Black Hawk-Eagle – Spizaetus tyrannus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Cooper’s Hawk – Accipiter cooperii; San Joaquin de Heredia, 14-Feb
- Plumbeous Kite – Ictinia plumbea; Carara area, 13-Feb
- White Hawk – Pseudastur albicollis; Cinchona, 9-Jan
- Common Black Hawk – Buteogallus anthracinus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Harris’s Hawk – Parabuteo unicinctus; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- 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
- Zone-tailed Hawk – Buteo albonotatus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Red-tailed Hawk – Buteo jamaicensis; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Bare-shanked Screech-Owl – Megascops clarkii; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl – Glaucidium brasilianum; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Spectacled Owl – Pulsatrix perspicillata; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Resplendent Quetzal – Pharomacrus mocinno; Poas area, 23-Jan
- 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
- Collared Trogon – Trogon collaris; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- 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
- Amazon Kingfisher – Chloroceryle amazona; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- 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
- 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
- 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-olive Woodpecker – Colaptes rubiginosus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Hairy Woodpecker – Dryobates villosus; Varablanca, 9-Jan
- Rufous-winged Woodpecker – Piculus simplex; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Streak-crowned Antvireo – Dysithamnus striaticeps; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- White-flanked Antwren – Myrmotherula axillaris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Checker-throated Antwren – Epinecrophylla fulviventris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Chestnut-backed Antbird – Myrmeciza exsul; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Spotted Antbird – Hylophylax naevioides; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Dusky Antbird – Cercomacroides tyrannina; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Silvery-fronted Tapaculo – Scytalopus argentifrons; Varablanca, 9-Jan
- 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
- Cocoa Woodcreeper – Xiphorhynchus susurrans; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- 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
- Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner – Automolus exsertus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- 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
- Long-tailed Manakin – Chiroxiphia linearis; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- White-collared Manakin – Manacus candei; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Masked Tityra – Tityra semifasciata; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Barred Becard – Pachyramphus versicolor; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Rose-throated Becard – Pachyramphus aglaiae; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- White-winged Becard – Pachyramphus polychopterus; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher – Myiobius sulphureigypus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Olive-striped Flycatcher – Mionectes olivaceus; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Ochre-bellied Flycatcher – Mionectes oleagineus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Northern Bentbill – Oncostoma cinereigulare; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Common Tody-Flycatcher – Todirostrum cinereum; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Yellow-margined Flycatcher – Tolmomyias assimilis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Yellow-olive Flycatcher – Tolmomyias sulphurescens; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- 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
- Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet – Tyrannulus elatus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- Paltry Tyrannulet – Zimmerius vilissimus; 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
- 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
- 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
- Streaked Flycatcher – Myiodynastes maculatus; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Piratic Flycatcher – Legatus leucophaius; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Tropical Kingbird – Tyrannus melancholicus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- 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
- Dark Pewee – Contopus lugubris; Cinchona area, 9-Jan
- Ochraceus Pewee – Contopus ochraceus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Tufted Flycatcher – Mitrephanes phaeocercus; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – Empidonax flaviventris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Willow Flycatcher – Empidonax traillii; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Yellowish Flycatcher – Empidonax flavescens; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Black-capped Flycatcher – Empidonax atriceps; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Black Phoebe – Sayornis nigricans; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Rufous-browed Peppershrike – Cychlarhis gujanensis; Providencia area, 18-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
- Brown-capped Vireo – Vireo leucophrys; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Brown Jay – Psilorhinus morio; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- White-throated Magpie-Jay – Calocitta formosa; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- 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
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow – Stelgidopteryx serripennis; Tarcoles, 1-Feb
- Southern Rough-winged Swallow – Stelgidopteryx ruficollis; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- House Wren – Troglodytes aedon; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Ochraceous Wren – Troglodytes ochraceus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- 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
- Rufous-breasted Wren – Pheugopedius rutilus; Carara area, 13-Feb
- 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
- 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
- Sooty Thrush – Turdus nigriscens; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Mountain Thrush – Turdus plebejus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- White-throated Thrush – Turdus assimilis; Cinchona, 6-Feb
- Clay-colored Thrush – Turdus grayi; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Tropical Mockingbird – Mimus gilvus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 15-Jan
- Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatcher – Phainoptila melanoxantha; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher – Ptiliogonys caudatus ; Poas area, 23-Jan
- 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
- Olive-backed Euphonia – Euphonia gouldi; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Yellow-throated Euphonia – Euphonia hirundinacea; San Joaquin de Heredia, 4-Jan
- Thick-billed Euphonia – Euphonia laniirostris; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- 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
- Large-footed Finch – Pezopetes capitalis ; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Chestnut-capped Brushfinch – Arremons brunneinucha; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Common Chlorospingus – Chlorospingus flavopectus; Cinchona area, 9-Jan
- Sooty-capped Chlorospingus – Chloropsingus pileatus; Poas area, 23-Jan
- White-eared Ground-Sparrow – Melozone leucotis; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Black-striped Sparrow – Arremonops conirostris; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- 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
- Grasshopper Sparrow – Ammodramus savannarum; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Wrenthrush – Zeledonia coronata; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Yellow-billed Cacique – Ablycercus holosericeus; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- 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
- 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
- Great-tailed Grackle – Quiscalus mexicanus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Louisiana Waterthrush – Parkesia motacilla; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Northern Waterthrush – Parkesia noveboracensis; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Golden-winged Warbler – Vermivora chrysoptera; Poas area, 27-Jan
- 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
- Yellow Warbler – Setophaga petechia; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Chestnut-sided Warbler – Setophaga pensylvanica; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- American Redstart – Setophaga ruticilla; San Joaquin de Heredia, 21-Feb
- Tropical Parula – Setophaga pitiayumi; Cinchona area, 9-Jan
- 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
- Costa Rican Warbler – Basileuturus melanotisr; Poas area, 27-Jan
- Wilson’s Warbler – Cardellina pusilla; Poas area, 23-Jan
- Flame-colored Tanager – Piranga bidentata; Poas area, 27-Jan
- White-winged Tanager – Piranga leucoptera; Providencia area, 18-Feb
- Western Tanager – Piranga ludovociana; Guacalillo, 30-Jan
- Summer Tanager – Piranga rubra; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Red-crowned Ant-Tanager – Habia rubica; San Joaquin de Heredia, 27-Jan
- 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
- Painted Bunting – Passerina ciris; Raptor Ridge; San Joaquin de Heredia, 10-Jan
- Dickcissel – Spiza americana; Ceiba de Orotina, 19-Jan
- Golden-hooded Tanager – Stilpnia larvata; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- 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
- Blue-gray Tanager – Thraupis episcopus; San Joaquin de Heredia, 1-Jan
- Palm Tanager – Thraupis palmarum; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- White-shouldered Tanager – Tachyphonus luctuosus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Scarlet-rumped Tanager – Ramphocelus passerinii; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Crimson-collared Tanager – Ramphocelus sanguinolentus; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- 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
- Thick-billed Seed-Finch – Sporphila funerea; Ciudad Neily area, 3-Feb
- Variable Seedeater – Sporophila corvina; Tirimbina, 9-Jan
- Morelet’s Seedeater – Sporophila morelleti; La Selva area, 9-Jan
- 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
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.