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Trip Reports & Bird Lists
by Canopy Tower Guests

bird watching at Panama's Canopy Tower
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August 28 - September 5, 2004

CANOPY TOWER TRIP REPORT

by Mark Suomala, Tour Organizer, Guide, and Naturalist
Principal Guide for our group: Carlos Bethancourt (thanks also to José)

Our group tour followed the standard Green Season Package itinerary (as listed on the Canopy Tower website) for Sunday through Thursday, although the days weren't followed in the exact order of the itinerary. On Friday, instead of revisiting a location that we had already been to, we opted to take the Achiote Road tour even though it was not part of the regular package. There was an extra charge for this day, but it was well worth it, as we saw 124 species! On Saturday, which was originally scheduled to be our departure day, we were unable to depart because of flight cancellations due to Hurricane Frances (poor, poor us!). Fortunately, the Canopy Tower was able to accommodate us for this additional night, and during our extra day we took a special trip to El Valle, where Sr. Raul Arias de Para at his home graciously hosted us. We also took a birding walk with a guide named Danilo Rodriguez in the surrounding foothills, and were shown the sight of the future El Valle birding lodge. During our weeklong tour, we recorded a total of species of 265 bird species, of which 13 were "heard only" (as noted below).

Birds

1. Great Tinamou Tinamus major
Heard only - around the Canopy Tower, and Pipeline Road.
2. Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui
Heard only along the Pipeline Road, and Achiote Road.
3. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
One seen in Gatun Lake.
4. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
Several flocks seen flying near the canal. One seen perched near Gamboa Resort.
5. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Several birds seen near the Gatun Dam.
6. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
Seen along the Chagres River.
7. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
Seen regularly near or over the Canal.
8. Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Adult and immature birds seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds.
9. Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Seen on Chagres River.
10. Great Egret Ardea alba
Several seen in appropriate habitat.
11. Snowy Egret Egretta thula
One bird seen near Gatun Dam.
12. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Several adult and immature plumaged birds seen at various sites.
13. Tricolored Heron Hydranassa tricolor
One bird seen near Gatun Dam.
14. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Several seen.
15. Green Heron Butorides virescens
Several seen at wetland sites.
16. Striated Heron Butorides striatus
Several seen at wetland sites.
17. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea
One distant scope view at the old French Canal.
18. Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
Several seen at Summit Ponds.
19. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Large numbers seen every day. Ubiquitous.
20. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Good numbers seen every day.
21. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
Single birds seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on two different days.
22. Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
One seen at Summit Ponds.
23. Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Single birds recorded on two dates over the Canal.
24. Gray-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis
Seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on one day.
25. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Seen on several days from the Canopy Tower, and also at Achiote Road.
26. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus
An excellent scope-view of a perched bird at the beginning of the Plantation Trail, and also seen two other times.
27. Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis
Several migrating flocks of one-hundred plus birds seen during one short period after lunch on the Canopy Tower observation deck.
28. Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea
Several migrating flocks of one-hundred plus birds seen during one short period after lunch on the Canopy Tower observation deck. Several individuals seen elsewhere.
29. Tiny Hawk Accipter supercilliosus
Single bird seen perched on bare branch near start of Plantation Trail.
30. Semiplumbeous Hawk Leucopternis semiplumbea
Seen briefly by a few on Achiote Road.
31. White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis
Seen perched on a tree from the Canopy Tower observation deck on two different days.
32. Great Black-Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga
One bird being chased by a Bat Falcon near Old Gamboa Road. Adult and immature birds seen perched near Gatun Dam.
33. Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Excellent scope view of bird perched in tree on foothill walk in El Valle.
34. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
Single light-morph birds seen soaring near the Canopy Tower on two separate days.
35. Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus
Seen soaring near the Canopy Tower observation deck on our first full day.
Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja
Technically, not countable, but who could forget this pair of incredible birds seen at the Summit Gardens Zoo?! Hopefully they will continue to produce offspring for future release into the wild.
36. Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus
Seen perched on a snag using a scope on the Canopy Tower observation deck.
37. Crested Caracara Polyborus plancus
Two seen briefly flying over the Summit Gardens entrance.
38. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
Several birds seen on several days near the Canal.
39. Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus
Heard on Pipeline Road for quite a long time. Unable to see, despite a good effort.
40. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis
One bird seen chasing a Great Black Hawk near Gamboa. Two seen interacting and flying about at El Valle foothills. Excellent scope view of perched bird.
41. Gray-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps
Several seen briefly at the Canal crossing.
42. White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis
Several seen and heard, including chicks, at the Ammo Dump Ponds. Also heard and seen on Achiote Road
43. Gray-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea
Three birds seen crossing Achiote Road.
44. Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinica
One bird seen on the Chagres River, and one seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds
45. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Several seen along the Chagres River.
46. Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Several seen at the Gamboa Resort area and several near Gatun Lake.
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
47. Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana
We saw many of these, mostly at the Chagres River and Ammo Dump Ponds.
48. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Several seen in fields near Colon.
49. Spotted Sandpiper Actitus macularia
A few seen at scattered wetland locations.
50. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Several seen in fields near Colon.
51. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
One seen on the Canal.
52. Royal Tern Sterna maxima
One seen near Gatun Dam.
53. Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Several birds seen in urban areas.
54. Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis
Seen nearly daily. Often visible from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
55. Scaled Pigeon Columba speciosa
Seen on a few days, sometimes from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
56. Short-billed Pigeon Columba nigrirostris
Two seen performing mutual-grooming on Achiote Road.
57. Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti
Very common. Seen almost daily.
58. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
A few seen and heard. Ammo Dump Ponds was a good location to see one.
59. Gray-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii
Single birds flushed on Plantation Trail and Achiote Road.
60. Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis
Many flocks seen in many locations. Noisy and fun to see!
61. Brown-hooded Parrot Pionopsitta haematotis
Seen on departure morning from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
62. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
Seen on several days and at several locations. Only a few seen at a time. Sometimes feeding in the same trees with other parrot species.
63. Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis
Easily seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. "Cracker-jack" call is distinctive.
64. Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa
Visible from the Canopy Tower observation deck, but less common than the Red-lored.
65. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Seen almost every day, including a few times from the Canopy Tower.
66. Greater Ani Crotophaga major
Seen at Summit Ponds and near old French Canal site.
67. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Numerous sightings including many near Gatun Dam on road to Achiote.
68. Vermiculated Screech-Owl
Two birds heard calling in the vicinity of the Lodge.
69. Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata
A pair seen on Old Gamboa Road. A single bird seen on Achiote Road. Daylight sightings of these beautiful birds!
70. Mottled Owl Ciccaba virgata
One bird heard briefly, during night, at Canopy Tower.
71. Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
Several seen migrating over the observation deck on consecutive days.
72. Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
A few birds seen during the night-outing on Old Gamboa Roads.
73. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Large swift easily seen near Gatun Dam during our trip to Achiote.
74. Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura
Small numbers seen on several days from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
75. Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicauda
Small numbers seen on several days from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
76. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis
Small numbers seen on several days from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
77. Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsuta
One bird seen well on Achiote Road.
78. Long-tailed Hermit Phaethornis superciliosus
Seen several times at the Lodge feeders, and once on Pipeline Road.
79. Little Hermit Phaethornis longuemareus
Fleeting glimpses along Pipeline Road, Plantation Trail, and Old Gamboa Road.
80. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.
81. Garden Emerald Chlorostilbon assimilis
Several seen in El Valle in private garden.
82. Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
Seen on Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.
83. Violet-bellied Hummingbird Damophila julie
Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.
84. Sapphire-throated Hummingbird Lepidopyga coeruleogularis
Seen by only a few of our group while in El Valle.
85. Blue-throated Goldentail Hylocharis eliciae
Seen once at photo-stop overlook on road to El Valle.
86. Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis
Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.
87. Snowy-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia edward
Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.
88. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
Seen at several locations. Best view near the start of Pipeline Road.
89. White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffoni
Seen almost daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.
90. Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
Seen at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.
91. Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris
Seen by only a few of our group while in El Valle.
92. White-tailed Trogon Trogon viridis
Seen several times including on Pipeline Road and Achiote Road.
93. Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus
Seen from Canopy Tower observation deck and at several other locations.
94. Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus
Seen on Semaphore Hill Road near tower on our departure day.
95. Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus
A difficult view of one near Achiote Road. Not seen by all.
96. Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena
Seen from Canopy Tower observation deck and at several other locations.
97. Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota
Several birds seen on Old Gamboa Road.
98. Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii
Seen on Semaphore Hill Road, Plantation Trail, and at El Valle.
99. Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum
Several sightings on Semaphore Hill Road, including two seen frequenting apparent nest-hole area. Also seen on Pipeline Road.
100. Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Seen twice at Summit Ponds, and once at Chagres River.
101. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
One seen at Summit Ponds.
102. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
One seen at Summit Ponds and one at stream-crossing on Achiote Road.
103. White-necked Puffbird Notharchus macrorhynchus
One seen on Achiote Road.
104. Black-breasted Puffbird Notharchus pectoralis
Several were easily seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on our first day. A few additional sightings were had from the Canopy Tower area
105. Pied Puffbird Notharchus tectus
One seen near town center in Achiote.
106. White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis
Several seen on the Plantation Trail at the ant swarm. One seen on Achiote Road.
107. Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus
Often seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. Several seen at other locations.
108. Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus
Often seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. Often seen at other locations.
109. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii
Often seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. Often seen at other locations.
110. Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani
Seen at several locations.
111. Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus
A few individuals seen at most locations.
112. Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus
Seen well on Achiote Road. A few other scattered sightings.
113. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
Only a few scattered sightings, but very rewarding to see!
114. Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos
Only a few scattered sightings, but very rewarding to see!
115. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
Several seen in forest areas.
116. Scaly-throated Leaftosser Sclererus guatemalensis
One heard calling only once on Pipeline Road.
117. Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Three birds each seen along the Plantation Trail and Pipeline Road.
118. Northern Barred-Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae
Seen on Plantation Trail at the ant swarm area.
119. Cocoa [Buff-throated] Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans
Seen near Canopy Tower, Achiote Road, and El Valle.
120. Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus
Seen on Pipeline Road. Difficult to see at first, but persistence paid off!
121. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
One seen at Summit Botanical Gardens grounds.
122. Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus
Seen on Plantation Trail, Semaphore Hill Road, and Old Gamboa Road. "Heard only" bird on Achiote Road.
123. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus
Seen on Old Gamboa Road and at El Valle.
124. Great Antshrike Taraba major
Heard on Achiote Road.
125. Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha
Commonly heard and seen almost daily.
126. Pygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura
Heard on Pipeline Road. Singing from high in the canopy.
127. Checker-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris
Several birds seen along the Plantation Trail and Pipeline Road.
128. White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris
Several birds seen along the Plantation Trail.
129. Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis
Seen along the Pipeline Road, the Plantation Trail, and Semaphore Hill Road.
130. Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina
Seen along the Pipeline Road, the Plantation Trail, and Semaphore Hill Road.
131. Jet Antbird Cercomacra nigricans
Great eye-level looks on Old Gamboa Road.
132. White-bellied Antbird Myrmeciza longipes
Mostly heard only birds, bit one seen on Old Gamboa Road.
133. Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul
Seen along the Pipeline Road, and the Plantation Trail.
134. Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevioides
Seen along Semaphore Hill Road, Pipeline Road and the Plantation Trail.
135. Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis
Seen along Semaphore Hill Road, Pipeline Road and the Plantation Trail.
136. Ocellated Antbird Phaenostictus mcleannani
Seen along Semaphore Hill Road, and Pipeline Road. Great views of multiple birds at the Plantation Trail ant swarm.
137. Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis
Heard regularly from several forest locations. Seen on Semaphore Hill Road.
138. Streak-chested (Spectacled) Antpitta Hylopezus perspicillatus
Three birds were heard calling from one area along Pipeline Road. We got great scope looks at one!
139. Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillum
Seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on our departure day.
140. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum
Seen along the Old Gamboa Road.
141. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus
Seen near Gamboa, Pipeline Road, and Atioche.
142. Forest Elaenia Myiopagis gaimardii
Seen on Old Gamboa Road and Pipeline Road.
143. Gray Elaenia Myiopagis caniceps
One seen on Pipeline Road.
144. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata
One bird seen along the Old Gamboa Road.
145. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
Seen on Pipeline Road, Summit Ponds and El Valle.
146. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleaginea
Seen on Semaphore Hill Road and Old Gamboa Road.
147. Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola
One seen on Achiote Road.
148. Yellow-green Tyrannulet Phylloscates flavovirens
One seen in Chagres River area.
149. Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus
At least one seen near the Canopy Tower.
150. Southern Bentbill Oncostoma olivaceum
Several seen on Pipeline, and Plantation Trail. Heard on Old Gamboa Road.
151. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinerium
Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Achiote Road.
152. Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps
Seen in Canopy Tower area, and at El Valle.
153. Brownish Twistwing Cnipodectes subbrunneus
Seen very briefly on Pipeline Road. Elusive.
154. Olivaceous Flatbill Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
Seen on the Plantation Trail, and near the Canopy Tower.
155. Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulohurescens
Seen only in the Old Gamboa Road area.
156. Yellow-margined Flycatcher Tolmomyias assimilis
Seen only in the Old Gamboa Road area.
157. Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus
A "heard only" bird on the Plantation Trail.
158. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus
Excellent views of several on Pipeline Raod.
159. Black-tailed Flycatcher Myiobius atricaudus
Single birds seen briefly along the Old Gamboa and Pipeline Roads.
160. Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
One seen perched along the Achiote Road.
161. Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens
Seen at the Botanical Gardens and Achiote Road.
162. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus
Several seen along the Achiote Road.
163. Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus
Seen and heard near the Canopy Tower and Pipeline Road.
164. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Seen on Old Gamboa Road.
165. Panama Flycatcher Myiarchus panamensis
Seen well on Old Gamboa Road. Also on Pipeline Road.
166. Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor
Seen on Pipeline Road and Old Gamboa Raod.
167. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.
168. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
Seen at the Botanical Gardens and Achiote Road.
169. Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis
A color-banded bird seen at Summit Ponds was the highlight. Also seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Achiote Road.
170. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.
171. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus
Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and El Valle.
172. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris
Seen on Old Gamboa Road and El Valle.
173. Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius
One seen near the old French Canal.
174. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Seen often in appropriate habitat.
175. Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
A flock seen at the Botanical Gardens, and one or two elsewhere.
176. Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana
One seen at Gamboa Resort. Also seen on Pipeline Road, and on drive to El Valle.
177. Thrush-like Schiffornis Schiffornis turdinus
A single bird heard singing along Pipeline Road.
178. Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
A lucky find on Achiote Road.
179. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
Seen on Pipeline Road and Achiote Road.
180. Blue Cotinga Cotinga nattererii
Observed in the early mornings from the observation deck. Also seen on Achiote Road.
181. Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata
Seen at the base of Semaphore Hill Road, on Pipeline Road, and on Achiote Road.
182. Golden-collared Manakin Manacus vitellinus
Several females seen on Old Gamboa Road, and Pipeline Road.
183. White-ruffed Manakin Corapipo altera
Female bird seen on foothills walk in El Valle.
184. Lance-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia lanceolata
Heard only bird on Old Gamboa Road.
185. Blue-crowned Manakin Pipra coronata
Females seen on Pipeline Road, Plantation Trail, and Semaphore Hill Road.
186. Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis
Several females seen on Old Gamboa Road, and Pipeline Road.
187. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
A few scattered migrants already present! Silent?!!!
188. Scrub Greenlet Verdillo flavipes
Seen on Old Gamboa Road.
189. Golden-fronted Greenlet Hylophilus aurantiifrons
Seen on Old Gamboa Road.
190. Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
Seen at Canopy Tower, and also seen on Old Gamboa Road.
191. Green Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius pulchellus
Several seen at Canopy Tower. Also seen on Old Gamboa Road.
192. Purple Martin Progne subis
One bird seen at the Summit Ponds. Not seen by all.
193. Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
A common and widespread species seen daily.
194. Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea
A common swallow around the Canal area.
195. White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis
Several seen at El Valle. At least one even seen perched!
196. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Small numbers recorded daily.
197. Bank Swallow (Sand Martin) Riparia riparia
Seen briefly by one participant.
198. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Recorded virtually daily mainly in lowland non-forested areas.
199. Black-chested Jay Cyanocorax affinis
A tantalizing view of one near the ant swarm on Plantation Trail was finally satisfied by several approaching us on Pipeline Road. Later seen on Achiote Road.
200. Black-bellied Wren Thryothorus fasciatoventris
Heard on Semaphore Hill Road and Pipeline Road. Seen on Achiote Road.
201. Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus
Several birds seen well on Pipeline Road. Heard on Achiote Road.
202. Rufous-breasted Wren Thryothorus rutilus
Seen by only a few on Old Gamboa Road.
203. Buff-breasted Wren Thryothorus leucotis
Highlight was a color-banded bird seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds area. Also seen on Pipeline Road. Heard on Achiote Road.
204. Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus
Seen on Achiote Road, and El Vialle. Heard on Pipeline Road.
205. House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Seen near Gamboa Resort, Achiote Road, and El Vialle.
206. White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta
Seen on Plantation Trail. Heard on Achiote Road.
207. Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
One seen on foothills walk in El Valle.
208. Song Wren Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus
Heard only bird on Achiote Road.
209. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus
Seen on Semaphore Hill Road and Old Gamboa Road.
210. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea
Seen on Semaphore Hill Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Achiote Road
211. Clay-colored Robin Turdus grayi
Single birds seen in several locations.
212. Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus
Several seen in the village of Gamboa.
213. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia
Seen on Achiote Road.
214. Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca
One seen from the Canopy Tower, and one seen in El Valle.
(NO!) Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea
Originally thought we saw one at El Valle. After review, decided it was a first fall female Blackburnian Warbler.
215. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia
Seen from the Canopy Tower and at El Vialle.
216. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
Seen at the Canopy Tower, and Old Gamboa Road.
217. Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons
Seen well on foothills walk in El Vialle.
218. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
Seen on Achiote Road and on foothills walk in El Vialle.
219. Rosy Thrush-Tanager Rhodinocichla rosea
A fantastic series of views of a male singing near the start of Pipeline Road. The female was perched two-feet below him and not seen by all.
220. Gray-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata
Seen well on Plantation Trail. Heard on Old Gamboa Road.
221. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus
Seen in many forested locations.
222. Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii
Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle.
223. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus
Seen on Achiote Road and at El Valle.
224. Red-throated Ant-Tanager Habia fuscicauda
Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Plantation Trail.
225. Crimson-backed Tanager Ramphocelus dimidiatus
Seen on Semaphore Hill Road, Pipeline Road, and Old Gamboa Road.
226. Flame-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus
The bright yellow rump on this bird contrasts dramatically with its black body. Seen on Pipeline Road, Gamboa Resort, Achiote Road, and El Valle.
227. Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Fairly common and widespread. Seen almost daily.
228. Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Seen daily on the Canopy Tower observation deck and at many other locations.
229. Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla
Seen on the Plantation Trail, Old Gamboa Road, and at El Valle.
230. Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
This was the commonest Euphonia, with sightings on the Plantation Trail, Old Gamboa Road, Gamboa Resort, Achiote Road, and at El Valle.
231. Tawny-capped Euphonia Euphonia anneae
This species was only seen in El Valle.
232. Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa
Nice views of this species were had on Achiote Road.
233. Plain-colored Tanager Tangara inornata
Seen almost daily. Best views from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
234. Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala
Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle.
235. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola
Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle. What colors!
236. Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata
A good-sized flock was seen in the Old Gamboa Road area, near the railroad crossing. Also seen on Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and at El Valle.
237. Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta
Two seen on the foothills walk in El Valle, hidden in the leaves.
238. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
Seen on Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and in the Old Gamboa area. Beautiful!
239. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza
Seen regularly from the Canopy Tower observation deck.
240. Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus
Single birds seen on Pipeline Road, and Old Gamboa Road.
241. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Easily seen in disturbed and open country areas such as around the Ammo Dump Ponds.
242. Variable Seedeater Sporophila americanatorqueola
Easily seen in disturbed and open country areas such as around the Ammo Dump Ponds.
243. Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis
Seen at beginning of Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and in Ammo Dump Ponds area.
244. Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta
One beautiful bird seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds area.
245. Thick-billed (Lesser) Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis
One seen by a few participants on Achiote Road.
246. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea
Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle.
247. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola
Seen near the Panama Canal, while waiting to cross. Opportunistic birding!
248. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris
Seen very well on the Plantation Trail. Who says sparrows are dull?
249. Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris
Three birds recorded on the road-side edge at Chagres River and three more along the Old Gamboa Road.
250. Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus
Seen on Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.
251. Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
Seen at Ammo Dump Ponds, on Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.
252. Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps
Several seen on Achiote Road.
253. Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus
A "heard only" bird on Semaphore Hill Road.
254. Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides
Seen well on Pipeline Road with a few scattered sightings elsewhere.
255. Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
One seen in fields near Gatun Dam.
256. Great-tailed Grackle Cassidix mexicanus
Fairly common around the Ammo Dump Ponds and Old Gamboa Rd.
257. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Several seen near private feeders at Gamboa Resort.
258. Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius
One seen on Achiote Road.
259. Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater
First seen in Old Gamboa area, and then along Achiote Road, and in El Valle.
260. Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas
Several beautiful birds seen on Achiote Road.
261. Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus
Seen on Achiote Road, and also on the foothills walk in El Valle.
262. Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus uropygialis
Seen almost every morning from the Canopy Tower observation deck. One youngster was being fed regularly. Seen in several other locations.
263. Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela
Seen on Old Gamboa Road.
264. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus
Several seen high in a tree on Achiote Road.
265. House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Seen in Panama City on departure day.

Mammals

  • Mantled Howler Monkey Alouetta palliata
  • White-faced Capuchin Cebus capucinus
  • Geoffroy's Tamarin Leontocebus goeffroyi
  • Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmani
  • Three-toed Sloth Bradypus varigatus
  • White-nosed Coati Nasua narica
  • White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
  • Varigated Squirrel Sciurus varigatoides
  • Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis
  • Capybara Hydrochoerus hydochaeris
  • Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata
  • Brazilian Forest Rabbit Sylvilagus brasiliensis
  • Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus
  • Central American Wooly Opossum Caluromys derbianus
A number of bats were seen, including what appeared to be fruit bats, but not identified.

Amphibians and Reptiles

  • (Hourglass?) Tree Frog
  • Toad spp.
  • South American Bullfrog
  • Basilisk Lizard Basiliscus basiliscus
  • Whiptail spp.
  • Ground Anole Anolis humilis
  • Gecko spp.
  • Green Iguana Iguana iguana
  • Black River Turtle
  • Yellow Tiger Snake
  • Boa Constrictor Boa Constrictor
  • Brown Vine Snake Oxybelis aeneus

Insects

  • Leaf-Cutter Ants (Atta species)
  • Army Ants (Eciton species)
  • Helicopter Damselfly
  • Walking Stick

Butterflies (Genus only)

  • Morpho (2-3 varieties)
  • Hamadryas
  • Callicorelyca
  • Philaethriadido
  • Papilio
  • Heliconia
  • Caligo

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