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Panama Sightings Print E-mail
August 14 to 25, 2004
Panama Sightings
by Fiona Reid,
author of A Field Guide to the Mammals of Central America & Southeast Mexico
   We enjoyed the Canopy Tower rooms and services very much. José Soto was an
excellent guide, and Alexis was not only a good driver but also found us some good
birds. He is also very handy with a machete! Mari-Fe was very helpful and well organised.
I commend you on your good staff and set-up at the Tower.
   I was impressed by the number of mammals that are easily seen from the Tower and on
Semaphore Hill. It was great to look down on sloths and howlers from the top of the Tower!
We especially enjoyed seeing Night Monkeys at their daytime nest, and watching both
Lesser and Greater Fishing Bats foraging together at dusk over Summit Ponds. The
mammal highlight for me was a Rufous Tree Rat, only my second sighting of this species,
and a new mammal for the Semaphore Hill list. The birds were great too, of course, though
we were sorry not to see Blue Cotinga from the Tower. We will have to come back during
dry season.
    In the end we did take the train back from Achiote Road area, and as you said it was a
beautiful trip and a very well run train that was much enjoyed by all (especially Guy!).
Thank you for the recommendation. We also visited your Crab-eating Raccoons in town
and they were very obliging and easy to see! I loved your property at El Valle, and our
lunch there was definitely the best meal of the trip - delicious!

-- Fiona Reid

Itinerary:

   August 14. Arrived in Panama in early evening, To Canopy Tower for 7 nights.
   August 15. Early a.m. on tower, Walk on Semaphore Hill. Afternoon to Ammo Pond and
Gamboa Marina. Night tour to Gamboa/Summit ponds and area.
   August 16. Pipeline Road. Rain. Afternoon to Summit Ponds and Old Gamboa Road.
Late afternoon walk on Plantation Road.
   August 17. Day trip to El Valle, Cocle Prov. Stopped at causeway in Balboa on return
in late p.m.
Night walk on Plantation Road and Semaphore Hill.
   August 18. Pipeline Road, upper (eastern) section
   August 19. Achiote Road trip, via Gatun Locks, on to Fort Sherman and San Lorenzo
Road. Return by Panama Railroad through Canal.
   August 20. Morning at Metropolitan Natural Park. Heavy rain. Afternoon walk on
Semaphore Hill. Late afternoon to Summit Ponds. Night drive to Paitilla, Panama City.
   August 21. To Cerro Azul and Cerro Jefe, visits to Vistamares Road and Calle Maipo.
Overnight at Birder’s View, Cerro Azul.
   August 22. Morning at Cerro Azul, to Cerro Jefe overlook. Afternoon transfer to Burbayar
(for 3 nights) on Llano-Carti road.
   August 23. Waterfall (IBE) trail in a.m. Xenornis locale in p.m. Night bat netting near lodge.
   August 24. To nearby Xenornis sites in a.m. Secondary forest trail along stream in p.m.
   August 25. To Tocumen Airport via Lake Bayano, plus stop at Cattle Egret colony on
Chepo Road. Afternoon flights out.
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Central Panama Trip Bird List

August 14 to 25, 2004

TINAMIDAE

GREAT TINAMOU Tinamus major -- heard several times. Seen well on Pipeline Road
LITTLE TINAMOU Crypturellus soui -- heard most days, not seen

ANATIDAE

Dendrocygninae
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna autumnalis -- seen in Gamboa, Ammo
Pond. Anatinae
MUSCOVY DUCK Cairina moschata -- seen flying over, near Bayano R. Aug 25

CRACIDAE

GRAY-HEADED CHACHALACA Ortalis [garrula] cinereiceps -- seen on Pipeline and Achiote
Roads

ODONTOPHORIDAE

BLACK-EARED WOOD-QUAIL Odontophorus melanotis -- heard at Cerro Azul
TAWNY-FACED QUAIL Rhynchortyx cinctus -- heard at Cerro Jefe

PODICIPEDIDAE

PIED-BILLED GREBE Podilymbus podiceps -- seen at Gamboa Marina

SULIDAE

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY Sula nebouxii– 40 + seen off shore at Balboa Harbor

PELECANIDAE

BROWN PELICAN Pelecanus occidentalis -- seen several times in Canal area

PHALACROCORACIDAE

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT Phalacrocorax brasilianus -- common in ponds in Canal area

ANHINGIDAE

ANHINGA Anhinga anhinga - seen in Gamboa and at Cattle Egret roost Aug 25

FREGATIDAE

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD Fregata magnificens -- seen near coast in Canal area

ARDEIDAE

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON Tigrisoma lineatum -- adult seen on grass near Ammo Pond
and immature in forest on Pipeline Road
BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON Tigrisoma mexicanum -- seen at Lake Bayano
GREAT EGRET Ardea alba - common
SNOWY EGRET Egretta thula -- seen at Gatun Locks and at Cattle Egret colony
LITTLE BLUE HERON Egretta caerulea -- seen from train in Canal and at Cattle Egret
colony
CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis -- common
GREEN HERON Butorides virescens -- possibly seen from Panama railroad
STRIATED HERON Butorides striata -- seen at Gamboa Marina and at Cattle Egret colony
CAPPED HERON Pilherodius pileatus -- seen by day and at night at Summit Ponds
BOAT-BILLED HERON Cochlearius cochlearius panamensis -- seen by day and at dusk at
Summit Ponds

THRESKIORNITHIDAE

WHITE IBIS Eudocimus albus -- Seen en route to El Valle

CICONIIDAE

WOOD STORK Mycteria americana -- seen at Cattle Egret colony

CATHARTIDAE

BLACK VULTURE Coragyps atratus -- very common
TURKEY VULTURE Cathartes aura -- very common
KING VULTURE Sarcoramphus papa -- seen at overlook at Cerro Jefe

ACCIPITRIDAE

Pandioninae
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus -- seen en route from El Valle and on return from Achiote road
Accipitrinae
GRAY-HEADED KITE Leptodon cayanensis -- seen at El Valle
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE Elanoides forficatus -- common, several large groups seen
migrating south
PEARL KITE Gampsonyx swainsonii -- one seen near gravel works on Chepo Road on return from Burbayar
WHITE-TAILED KITE Elanus leucurus -- seen in open areas on drives to El Valle and in and
out of Burbayar
SNAIL KITE Rostrhamus sociabilis -- seen at Gamboa Marina and from train in Canal
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE Harpagus bidentatus -- seen well on Pipeline Road and also at
Achiote Road
PLUMBEOUS KITE Ictinia plumbea -- seen at Pipeline and Achiote Roads and at Burbayar.
Migrating flocks moving south
WHITE HAWK Leucopternis albicollis -- seen well at Achiote Road and at Cerro Azul
COMMON BLACK-HAWK Buteogallus anthracinus -- seen en route to Achiote Road
MANGROVE BLACK-HAWK Buteogallus subtilis -- seen at Balboa Harbor
GREAT BLACK-HAWK Buteogallus urubitinga -- seen at Burbayar
SAVANNA HAWK Buteogallus meridionalis -- seen en route to El Valle
ROADSIDE HAWK Buteo magnirostris -- surprisingly few seen, mostly on El Valle trip
SHORT-TAILED HAWK Buteo brachyurus -- seen from Canopy Tower and at Burbayar
ZONE-TAILED HAWK Buteo albonotatus -- seen from Canopy Tower
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE Spizastur melanoleucus -- one soaring, seen from
porch at Birder’s View
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus tyrannus -- one seen perched at Canopy Tower

FALCONIDAE

Micrasturinae
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON Micrastur semitorquatus -- large immature seen on
Semaphore Hill, best views at night with spotlight
Caracarinae
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA Milvago chimachima - common
Falconinae
LAUGHING FALCON Herpetotheres cachinnans -- seen on last day on Chepo Road
BAT FALCON Falco rufigularis -- fairly common

RALLIDAE

WHITE-THROATED CRAKE Laterallus albigularis -- seen (using tape) at Ammo Ponds
PURPLE GALLINULE Porphyrio martinica -- seen at Ammo Ponds and at cattle egret
colony on Chepo Road
COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus -- seen at Gamboa Marina

ARAMIDAE

LIMPKIN Aramus guarauna -- seen at Ammo Ponds and in Chagres lake from train
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CHARADRIIDAE

Vanellinae
SOUTHERN LAPWING Vanellus chilensis [ cayennensis group] -- seen in Gamboa area
Charadriinae
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola -- seen near Fort Sherman
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER Charadrius semipalmatus -- seen near Fort Sherman

JACANIDAE

WATTLED JACANA Jacana jacana -- common. All-dark race in Gamboa area

SCOLOPACIDAE

Scolopacinae
GREATER YELLOWLEGS Tringa melanoleuca -- seen at Cattle Egret colony on Chepo
Road
SPOTTED SANDPIPER Actitis macularius -- seen near Fort Sherman
RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres -- seen at Balboa Harbor

LARIDAE

Larinae
LAUGHING GULL Larus atricilla -- seen at Balboa Harbor
ROYAL TERN Sterna maxima -- seen near Fort Sherman

COLUMBIDAE

ROCK PIGEON Columba livia -- common
PALE-VENTED PIGEON Patagioenas cayennensis - common
SCALED PIGEON Patagioenas speciosa -- seen from Canopy Tower and at Burbayar
SHORT-BILLED PIGEON Patagioenas nigrirostris -- fairly common, seen best at Burbayar
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE Columbina talpacoti - common
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE Leptotila verreauxi -- common. One seen on nest at Bayano Lake,
very prominent blue facial skin
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE Leptotila cassini -- seen well at Metropolitan Park, also on Pipeline
Road

PSITTACIDAE

Arinae
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET Brotogeris jugularis - common
BLUE-FRONTED PARROTLET Touit dilectissimus -- 3 seen flying over at Burbayar
BROWN-HOODED PARROT Pionopsitta haematotis -- seen at Canopy Tower
BLUE-HEADED PARROT Pionus menstruus -- seen at Achiote Road and Metropolitan Park
RED-LORED PARROT Amazona autumnalis - common
MEALY PARROT Amazona farinosa -- common

CUCULIDAE

Coccyzinae
SQUIRREL CUCKOO Piaya cayana -- common
Neomorphinae
STRIPED CUCKOO Tapera naevia -- heard near Lake Bayano
Crotophaginae
GREATER ANI Crotophaga major -- seen at Gamboa Marina and Summit Pond
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI Crotophaga ani -- common

STRIGIDAE

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL Megascops choliba -- seen at Cerro Azul soon after dusk, on
Vistamares Road
VERMICULATED SCREECH-OWL Megascops guatemalae [ vermiculatus group] -- seen on
Semaphore Hill, taped in for good views
CRESTED OWL Lophostrix cristata -- one seen well on night spotlighting trip close to base
of Semaphore Hill
SPECTACLED OWL Pulsatrix perspicillata -- pair seen in late afternoon on Old Gamboa
Road
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL Ciccaba nigrolineata -- one taped in on Semaphore hill --
good views

CAPRIMULGIDAE

Chordeilinae
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK Lurocalis semitorquatus -- seen by some from Canopy Tower
Caprimulginae
COMMON PAURAQUE Nyctidromus albicollis -- fairly common in Canal Area

NYCTIBIIDAE

GREAT POTOO Nyctibius grandis -- one seen at dusk at base of Semaphore Hill, near
Plantation Road
COMMON POTOO Nyctibius griseus -- one on Semaphore Hill, one in Metropolitan Park,
both found by day

APODIDAE

Cypseloidinae
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT Streptoprocne rutila -- seen from Pipeline Road
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT Streptoprocne zonaris -- seen on Achiote Road and at Cerro
Azul Chaeturinae
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT Chaetura brachyura -- seen around Ammo Ponds
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT Chaetura spinicaudus - common
Apodinae
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT Panyptila cayennensis -- seen on Pipeline Road

TROCHILIDAE

Phaethornithinae
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT Glaucis hirsutus -- seen at Burbayar
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT Threnetes ruckeri -- Achiote Road
GREEN HERMIT Phaethornis guy -- seen at Cerro Azul and Burbayar
LONG-BILLED [LONG-TAILED] HERMIT Phaethornis longirostris - common
STRIPE-THROATED [LITTLE] HERMIT Phaethornis striigularis [=¨ adolphi¨ group] -- seen at
Pipeline and Achiote Roads and Burbayar
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL Eutoxeres aquila -- seen in Heliconia patch below Birder’s view
gardens, taped in for excellent views perched and feeding (hanging by large feet)
Trochilinae
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN Florisuga mellivora -- common especially at Canopy Tower
feeders
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD Klais guimeti -- seen at Birder’s View, Cerro Azul
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE Lophornis delattrei -- seen by some of group at Cerro Azul
GARDEN EMERALD Chlorostilbon assimilis -- seen at El Valle
VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH Thalurania colombica - common
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD Damophila julie -- common at Canopy Tower feeders
VIOLET-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD Goldmania violiceps -- seen at Birder’s View, Cerro Azul
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD Amazilia amabilis -- fairly common, Canopy Tower
SNOWY-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD Amazilia edward -- common, Canopy Tower
RUFOUS-TAILED (RIEFFER’S) HUMMINGBIRD Amazilia tzacatl [ tzacatl group] - common
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER Chalybura buffonii -- Canopy Tower and area
BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER Chalybura urochrysia -- one at El Valle feeder, one at
Birder’s View
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT Heliodoxa jacula -- one male at El Valle feeder
(waterfall trail)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY Heliothryx barroti -- in garden at El Valle

TROGONIDAE

Trogoninae
WHITE-TAILED TROGON Trogon viridis -- Seen on Pipeline Road and at Burbayar
VIOLACEOUS TROGON Trogon violaceus [ caligatus group] - common
BLACK-THROATED TROGON Trogon rufus -- fairly common in Canal area
SLATY-TAILED (MASSENA) TROGON Trogon massena [ massena group] -
common

MOMOTIDAE

BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT Momotus momota conexus [ subrufescens group] -- seen at
El Valle
RUFOUS MOTMOT Baryphthengus martii -- common in Canal area
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT Electron platyrhynchum minus [ platyrhynchum group] -- common

ALCEDINIDAE

Cerylinae
RINGED KINGFISHER Ceryle torquatus - seen at Gamboa Marina
AMAZON KINGFISHER Chloroceryle amazona -- Gamboa area
GREEN KINGFISHER Chloroceryle americana -- seen over small stream on San Lorenzo
Road
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BUCCONIDAE

BLACK-BREASTED PUFFBIRD Notharchus pectoralis -- 3-4 seen on Pipeline Road, one
on Achiote Road, one at Burbayar
PIED PUFFBIRD Notharchus tectus -- seen on Achiote Road and at Burbayar
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD Malacoptila panamensis -- Pipeline Road and pair near
nest at Cerro Azul

RAMPHASTIDAE

Ramphastinae
EMERALD TOUCANET Aulacorhynchus prasinus -- one at El Valle
COLLARED ARACARI Pteroglossus torquatus [ torquatus group] -- great views at Canopy
Tower, from above
YELLOW-EARED TOUCANET Selenidera spectabilis -- pair seen well at Cerro Azul,
another pair at Burbayar
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN Ramphastos sulfuratus - common
CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED TOUCAN Ramphastos swainsonii - common

PICIDAE

Picinae
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER Melanerpes pucherani -- common on Caribbean Slope
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER Melanerpes rubricapillus -- common, mainly Pacific Slope
STRIPE-CHEEKED WOODPECKER Piculus callopterus -- male seen well at Cerro Jefe
CINNAMON WOODPECKER Celeus loricatus -- family group seen on Achiote Road
LINEATED WOODPECKER Dryocopus lineatus -- fairly common
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER Campephilus melanoleucos -- Pipeline Road and
Burbayar

FURNARIIDAE

SLATY-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER Philydor fuscipenne erythronotus -- seen low in forest in Burbayar
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER Automolus rubiginosus fumosus -- seen at Burbayar
PLAIN XENOPS Xenops minutus -- seen near Canopy Tower

DENDROCOLAPTIDAE

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER Dendrocincla fuliginosa ridgwayi [ meruloides group] --
seen on Pipeline Road and at Cerro Azul
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER Glyphorynchus spirurus pectoralis (to central)/
pallidulus(east) -- seen on Pipeline Road and at Burbayar
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae -- Pipeline Road
COCOA WOODCREEPER Xiphorhynchus susurrans nanus [ nanus group] - common
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus -- lovely views of a pair
at Birder’s View
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER Lepidocolaptes souleyetii -- seen at Metropolitan Park
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL Campylorhamphus pusillus -- one taped into view at Cerro
Jefe, in low ridgetop forest

THAMNOPHILIDAE

FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE Cymbilaimus lineatus -- male seen on Semaphore Hill, pair
on nest at El Valle
GREAT ANTSHRIKE Taraba major -- seen at El Valle, good views of male and female
BARRED ANTSHRIKE Thamnophilus doliatus [ doliatus group] -- seen near Ammo Ponds
WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE Thamnophilus atrinucha -- very common
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE Thamnistes anabatinus coronatus [ anabatinus group] -- seen at
Cerro Azul
SPOT-CROWNED ANTVIREO Dysithamnus puncticeps -- pairs seen on Pipeline Road and
at Burbayar
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN Myrmotherula fulviventris -- fairly common, Canal area
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN Myrmotherula axillaris albigula -- Pipeline Road
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN Microrhopias quixensis virgatus [ boucardigroup] - common
DUSKY ANTBIRD Cercomacra tyrannina - common
JET ANTBIRD Cercomacra nigricans -- seen on Old Gamboa Road
BARE-CROWNED ANTBIRD Gymnocichla nudiceps -- nice views of male responding to tape
on small trail through heliconias off Achiote Road
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD Myrmeciza longipes -- seen at Metropolitan Park
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD Myrmeciza exsul [ exsul group] - common
DULL-MANTLED ANTBIRD Myrmeciza laemosticta -- seen, briefly at El Valle. Great views
of one at Burbayar
SPOTTED ANTBIRD Hylophylax naevioides -- fairly common in Canal area
BICOLORED ANTBIRD Gymnopithys leucaspis -- seen at ant swarm on Pipeline Road
OCELLATED ANTBIRD Phaenostictus mcleannani -- seen at ant swarm on Pipeline Road
and on Semaphore Hill

FORMICARIIDAE

BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH Formicarius analis [ hoffmanni group] -- seen well on Pipeline
Road and at Cerro Azul
STREAK-CHESTED ANTPITTA Hylopezus perspicillatus -- great views of bird perched on log
on Pipeline Road

TYRANNIDAE

Elaeniinae
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET Ornithion brunneicapillus -- pair seen in forest at Burbayar
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET Camptostoma obsoletum -- Pipeline Road
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET Tyrannulus elatus -- seen at Metropolitan Park, heard
elsewhere
FOREST ELAENIA Myiopagis gaimardii - seen at Metropolitan Park
GREENISH ELAENIA Myiopagis viridicata - seen at Metropolitan Park
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA Elaenia flavogaster - seen at Metropolitan Park and El Valle
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER Mionectes olivaceus -- seen at El Valle and Burbayar
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER Mionectes oleagineus - seen at Metropolitan Park and
Burbayar
PALTRY TYRANNULET Zimmerius vilissimus [ parvus group] -- Cerro Azul
Platyrinchinae
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT Lophotriccus pileatus -- Cerro Azul
SOUTHERN BENTBILL Oncostoma olivaceum - common
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER Todirostrum cinereum -- Gamboa area
BROWNISH FLYCATCHER Cnipodectes subbrunneus -- Pipeline Road
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER Tolmomyias sulphurescens -- Achiote Road
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL Platyrinchus coronatus -- seen by some of group on
Pipeline road
Fluvicolinae
ROYAL FLYCATCHER Onychorhynchus coronatus [ mexicanus group] -- seen very well
on Pipeline Road
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER Terenotriccus erythrurus -- seen on Semaphore Hill and
at Cerro Azul
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER Myiobius sulphureipygius -- seen in Burbayar forest
BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER Myiobius atricaudus [ atricaudus group] -- on stream on
Pipeline Road
TROPICAL PEWEE Contopus cinereus -- El Valle
PIED WATER-TYRANT Fluvicola pica [ picagroup] -- seen well at Lake Bayano
LONG-TAILED TYRANT Colonia colonus -- seen at Burbayar
Tyranninae
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA Attila spadiceus -- heard various places but not seen
RUFOUS MOURNER Rhytipterna holerythra -- Pipeline Road
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER Myiarchus tuberculifer [ tuberculifer group] -- seen at
Cerro Azul and Burbayar
PANAMA FLYCATCHER Myiarchus panamensis -- seen near Canopy Tower
LESSER KISKADEE Pitangus lector -- 2 at Gamboa Marina, 1 at Summit Ponds
GREAT KISKADEE Pitangus sulphuratus - common
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER Megarhynchus pitangua -- Cerro Azul
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER Myiozetetes cayanensis - common
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER Myiozetetes similis [ similis group] - common
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER -- seen at Fort Sherman
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER Legatus leucophaius -- El Valle area
TROPICAL KINGBIRD Tyrannus melancholicus - abundant
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER Tyrannus savana -- very common
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Genera INCERTAE SEDIS

THRUSH-LIKE SCHIFFORNIS Schiffornis turdina -- heard on Pipeline and Achiote Roads,
not seen
RUFOUS PIHA Lipaugus unirufus -- Burbayar
MASKED TITYRA Tityra semifasciata -- Achiote Road

COTINGIDAE

BLUE COTINGA Cotinga nattererii -- female seen well at Birder’s View; not seen at Canopy
Tower
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW Querula purpurata -- great views at Pipeline Road

PIPRIDAE

GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN Manacus vitellinus -- Pipeline and Achiote Roads
WHITE-RUFFED MANAKIN Corapipo altera -- male seen at Burbayar, on road
LANCE-TAILED MANAKIN Chiroxiphia lanceolata -- nice male seen at Metropolitan Park
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN Pipra coronata -- nice male seen on Pipeline Road, females on
Semaphore Hill and Burbayar
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN Pipra mentalis -- best views of males at Burbayar, females seen
on Pipeline Road

VIREONIDAE

RED-EYED VIREO Vireo olivaceus -- seen near lunch stop at entrance to Cerro Azul
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO Vireo flavoviridis -- El Valle
SCRUB GREENLET Hylophilus flavipes [ viridiflavus group] -- Ammo Ponds
GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET Hylophilus aurantiifrons –Ammo Ponds, with Scrub
Greenlets
LESSER GREENLET Hylophilus decurtatus -- Canal area and Metro Park

CORVIDAE

BLACK-CHESTED JAY Cyanocorax affinis -- group seen at El Valle

HIRUNDINIDAE

Hirundininae
PURPLE MARTIN Progne subis -- fairly common in Canal area
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN Progne chalybea - common
MANGROVE SWALLOW Tachycineta albilinea -- common on Canal
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW Stelgidopteryx ruficollis -- fairly common
in Canal area
CLIFF SWALLOW Petrochelidon pyrrhonota -- some migrants seen at Cerro Azul and
Burbayar
BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica -- seen in migration at all locales

TROGLODYTIDAE

BLACK-BELLIED WREN Thryothorus fasciatoventris -- Pipeline road and Canopy Tower
forests
BAY WREN Thryothorus nigricapillus [ castaneus group] -- unbarred race seen at El Valle,
at Cerro Jefe we had close views of more eastern castaneus race
STRIPE-BREASTED WREN Thryothorus thoracicus -- heard at Burbayar
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN Thryothorus rutilus -- Seen at Metropolitan Park
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN Thryothorus rufalbus - seen at El Valle, on nest
BUFF-BREASTED WREN Thryothorus leucotis -- Semaphore Hill and Pipeline Road
PLAIN WREN Thryothorus modestus [ modestus group] -- Heard at Metro Park
HOUSE WREN Troglodytes aedon [ musculus group] -common
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN Henicorhina leucosticta [ pittieri group] - common
SCALY-BREASTED WREN Microcerculus marginatus [ luscinia group] - heard at El Valle
and Burbayar
SONG WREN Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus -- seen well on Pipeline Road

SYLVIIDAE

Polioptilinae
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN Ramphocaenus melanurus [ rufiventrisgroup] -- fairly common
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER Polioptila plumbea -- Canopy Tower forests, Pipeline Road and
Burbayar

TURDIDAE

CLAY-COLORED ROBIN Turdus grayi -- common
Orange-billed Nightingale-thrush Catharus aurantiirostris -- heard at El Valle

MIMIDAE

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD Mimus gilvus -- fairly common

PARULIDAE

YELLOW WARBLER Dendroica petechia [ aestiva & erithachoridesgroups] -- Metropolitan
Park
CERULEAN WARBLER Dendroica cerulea -- one female seen well at El Valle
AMERICAN REDSTART Setophaga ruticilla -- Cerro Azul
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER Protonotaria citrea - Burbayar
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER Basileuterus rufifrons -- Seen well at El Valle

COEREBIDAE

BANANAQUIT Coereba flaveola -- common
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THRAUPIDAE

TACARCUNA BUSH-TANAGER Chlorospingus tacarcunae -- group seen at Cerro Jefe
BLACK-AND-YELLOW TANAGER Chrysothlypis chrysomelas– seen at Cerro Jefe and
Burbayar
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER Rhodinocichla rosea -- heard but not seen on Old Gamboa Road
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER Mitrospingus cassinii -- seen at Burbayar
OLIVE TANAGER Chlorothraupis carmioli -- seen at Cerro Azul and Burbayar
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER Eucometis penicillata -- seen on Pipeline Road and in Metro
Park
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER Tachyphonus luctuosus -- common in Canal area
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER Tachyphonus delatrii - Burbayar
WHITE-LINED TANAGER Tachyphonus rufus -- seen at El Valle
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER Habia rubica -- seen at El Valle and Metro Park
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER Habia fuscicauda -- Pipeline Road
HEPATIC TANAGER Piranga flava -- Cerro Azul
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER Ramphocelus dimidiatus - common
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER Ramphocelus flammigerus -- El Valle
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER Thraupis episcopus - common
PALM TANAGER Thraupis palmarum -- common at Canopy Tower
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER Tangara inornata -- common at Canopy Tower, seen at
Burbayar
EMERALD TANAGER Tangara florida -- seen at Birder’s View
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER Tangara icterocephala -- El Valle
SPECKLED TANAGER Tangara guttata -- Cerro Azul
BAY-HEADED TANAGER Tangara gyrola -- good views at Birder’s View
RUFOUS-WINGED TANAGER Tangara lavinia -- good views, with above, at Birder’s View
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER Tangara larvata -- fairly common
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS Dacnis venusta -- seen at El Valle, Cerro Azul and Burbayar
BLUE DACNIS Dacnis cayana -- Canal area
GREEN HONEYCREEPER Chlorophanes spiza -- fairly common
SHINING HONEYCREEPER Cyanerpes lucidus -- seen best at Cerro Azul and Burbayar

EMBERIZIDAE

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT Volatinia jacarina - common
VARIABLE SEEDEATER Sporophila americana -- common on Pacific Slope
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER Sporophila minuta -- seen in Canal area
THICK-BILLED (LESSER) SEED-FINCH Oryzoborus funereus -- seen at Cerro Azul and
Burbayar
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT Tiaris olivaceus -- seen at higher elevations and Burbayar
SAFFRON FINCH Sicalis flaveola -- seen well on railroad tracks at Gamboa
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW Arremon aurantiirostris -- seen on Pipeline Road
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW Arremonops conirostris -- fairly common

CARDINALIDAE

STREAKED SALTATOR Saltator striatipectus -- seen at El Valle
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR Saltator maximus - common
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR Saltator atriceps -- seen at El Valle
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK Saltator grossus -- seen on Semaphore Hill and at
Burbayar
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK Cyanocompsa cyanoides -- seen well at Metropolitan Park

ICTERIDAE

RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD Sturnella militaris -- seen in grasslands near Gatun Locks
EASTERN MEADOWLARK Sturnella magna -- seen in grasslands near Gatun Locks
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE Quiscalus mexicanus - common
SHINY COWBIRD Molothrus bonariensis -- fairly common
ORCHARD ORIOLE Icterus spurius -- seen at Metropolitan Park
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE Icterus chrysater -- seen on Achiote Road
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE Icterus mesomelas -- seen on Achiote Road
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE Amblycercus holosericeus -- seen near Fort Sherman
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE Cacicus uropygialis - common
CRESTED OROPENDOLA Psarocolius decumanus -- seen at Achiote Road
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA Psarocolius wagleri -- Seen at El Valle and Achiote
Road

FRINGILLIDAE

Euphoniinae
YELLOW-CROWNED EUPHONIA Euphonia luteicapilla -- seen at Metropolitan Park
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA Euphonia laniirostris -- fairly common
FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA Euphonia fulvicrissa -- seen at Cerro Jefe
TAWNY-CAPPED EUPHONIA Euphonia anneae -- one at Cerro Azul, pair at Burbayar
Carduelinae
LESSER GOLDFINCH Carduelis psaltria -- one seen on wire on Chepo Road
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Amphibians and reptiles seen in Panama

August 14 to 25, 2004

Toads: Bufonidae

Cane (or Marine) Toad, Bufo marinus. Surprisingly few seen, but often heard at night in
Canopy Tower area.
Litter Toad, Bufo haematiticus. Seen on Semaphore Hill, in a range of color phases.

Poison-dart Frogs: Dendrobatidae

Talamanca Rocket Frog, Colostethus talamancae. Seen and heard on the banks of
Pipeline Road, near small seeps.
Green and Black Poison-dart Frog, Dendrobates auratus. Seen and heard (in response
to tape) from forest trail on Achiote Road.
Blue-bellied Poison-dart Frog, Minyobates minutus. Seen at Burbayar, a tiny frog with
golden thighs and a blue and black belly. The literal translation of the Latin name is "Small
Small Walker."

Leptodactylid Frogs: Leptodactylidae

Clay-colored Rain Frog, Eleutherodactylus cerasinus. Seen and captured at Burbayar.
A small frog, mostly dull in color except for a pinkish wash on back, with bright gold upper
iris and dull gold lower iris.
Smoky Jungle Frog, Leptodactylus pentadactylus. Heard at night at Canopy Tower and
Burbayar. Glimpsed on Semaphore Hill at night; also a small individual, probably of this
species, seen on Pipeline Road.
Tungara Frog, Physalaemus pustulosus. Foamy egg masses seen in puddles at almost
all sites. An adult frog seen at Cerro Jefe.

Crocodilians: Alligatoridae

Spectacled Caiman, Caiman crocodilus. Seen at night in Summit Ponds.

Pond Turtles: Emydidae

Common Slider, Trachemys scripta. Seen at Gamboa Marina and at the Cattle Egret
roost on the Pan-American highway.

Mud Turtles: Kinosternidae

Black River Turtle (or White-lipped Mud Turtle), Kinosternon leucostomum. Seen at
Gamboa Marina and from the train in Gatun Lake.

Geckos: Gekkonidae

House Gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus. Common on Canopy Tower.
Iguanas: Iguanidae

Green Iguana, Iguana iguana. Adult females seen in trees at Ammo Pond and on Pipeline
Road. Bright green juvenile seen in low brush along Pipeline Road.
Black Iguana or Ctenosaur, Ctenosaura similis. Seen near Fort Sherman.

Anoles: Polychrotidae

Giant Green Anole, Dactyloa frenata. Seen on the trunk of a large tree in forest on Pipeline
Road. This is a rare, mainly canopy species.
Ground Anole, Norops humilis. Very small anole seen at several locales, caught on forest
trail at Achiote Road. This lizard changed color from pale brown with a dark back pattern, to
all-dark. The color change took place in a few minutes while it was held.

Whip-tailed Lizards: Teiidae

Festive Lizard (or Central American Whip-tail), Ameiva festiva. Seen on Pipeline Road,
Cerro Jefe lookout platform, and at Burbayar.

Snakes: Colubridae

Gray Earth Snake, Geophis brachycephalus. Dead on Achiote Road.
? Bird-eating Snake, Pseutes poecilonotus – the only live snake seen on the trip, seen in
Metropolitan Park, after I pulled on a vine – not seen well by anyone, ID uncertain.
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List of mammals seen in Panama

August 14 to 25, 2004

Opossums - Didelphidae

Common Opossum, Didelphis marsupialis. One seen at night on Semaphore Hill, a second
seen in Paitilla, Panama City, Aug 20, eating cat food outside Raul's apartment building.
Gray Four-eyed Opossum, Philander opossum. One seen in a vine tangle on Plantation
Road, Aug 17.

Sloths - Bradypodidae and Choloepidae

Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Bradypus variegatus. Numerous. Seen on Semaphore
Hill (day and night), Canopy Tower, Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, Metropolitan Park, Cerro
Azul, and Burbayar, Aug 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, and 23.
Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth, Choloepus hoffmanni. Seen on Semaphore Hill, Canopy
Tower,
El Valle, and Pipeline Road., Aug 15, 16, 17, and 18.

Sac-winged Bats - Emballonuridae

Greater White-lined Bat, Saccopteryx bilineata. Bats most likely of this species seen
flying in the early evening on Semaphore Hill and area, Aug 15.
Lesser White-lined Bat, Saccopteryx leptura. One seen roosting on the trunk of a large
tree on Old Gamboa Road, Aug 16.

Fishing Bats - Noctilionidae

Lesser Fishing Bat, Noctilio albiventris. Many (12+) seen hunting over Summit Ponds
at dusk, Aug 20.
Greater Fishing Bat, Noctilio leporinus. Two to four seen hunting at Summit Ponds,
Aug 20. Arrived slightly later than the Lesser Fishing Bats.

Mustached Bats - Mormoopidae

Parnell's Mustached Bat, Pteronotus parnellii. One seen and heard (with detector) on
Semaphore Hill, Aug 15.

Leaf-nosed Bats - Phyllostomidae

Common Big-eared Bat, Micronycteris microtis. 4 seen roosting in a culvert on
Semaphore Hill, Aug 15.
Greater Spear-nosed Bat, Phyllostomus hastatus. One seen night-roosting under
new cabin roof at Burbayar, Aug 22.
Short-tailed Bat, Carollia sp. Seen roosting in a culvert on Semaphore Hill. The most
common Carollia found in culverts is C. perspicillata, but C. brevicauda also use these
roosts.
Silky Short-tailed Bat, Carollia brevicauda. 15 caught at Burbayar over stream at
start of waterfall trail (3 brought to lodge), Aug 23.
Chestnut Short-tailed Bat, Carollia castanea. One caught at Burbayar, Aug 23.
Pygmy Fruit-eating Bat, Artibeus phaeotis. One male seen in a palm leaf tent in
Metropolitan Park Aug 20, and caught by hand. This animal was collared (band # 1223).
Thomas' (or Watson's) Fruit-eating Bat, Artibeus watsoni. About 8 caught in nets at
Burbayar, one brought to lodge, Aug 23. Numerous fishtail palm tents made by these bats
were seen at Burbayar and on Pipeline and Achiote Roads.
Great Fruit-eating Bat, Artibeus lituratus. One caught in a mist net at Burbayar, Aug 23.
Enjoyed some papaya.
Little Yellow-eared Bat, Vampyressa pusilla. One seen in a tent on Pipeline Road,
Aug 16.

Disk-winged Bats - Thyropteridae

Spix's Disk-winged Bat, Thyroptera tricolor. One caught by hand in a young, rolled
Calathea leaf roost on the Coquette trail at Burbayar, Aug 24.

Free-tailed Bats - Molossidae

Little Mastiff Bat, Molossus molossus. These common house bats were seen flying at
dusk near Gamboa and at the Panama railroad station, Aug 19 and 20.

Tamarins - Callitrichidae

Geoffroy's (or Red-crested) Tamarin, Saguinus geoffroyi. Seen at almost all sites
(except Metro Park, where expected!), Aug 15, 19, 21 and 23. Best views at Achiote
Road and in response to tapes at Cerro Azul.

New World Monkeys - Cebidae

Mantled Howler, Alouatta palliata. Groups seen on Semaphore Hill, Pipeline Road,
Achiote Road, Metro park, and Burbayar, Aug 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23. Also heard at
Cerro Azul.
Western Night Monkey, Aotus lemurinus. Two seen in a hollow palm (day nest) on
Plantation
Road, Aug 16.
White-faced Capuchin, Cebus capucinus. One group seen on Achiote Road, Aug 19.

Squirrels - Sciuridae

Western Pygmy Squirrel, Microsciurus mimulus. Seen at Burbayar on the waterfall trail,
Aug 23.
Red-tailed Squirrel, Sciurus granatensis. Seen by some on Pipeline Road, Achiote
Road and Cerro Azul, Aug 18, 19, and 22.
Variegated Squirrel, Sciurus variegatoides. Seen by Marc at El Valle.

Rats and Mice - Muridae

Watson's Climbing Rat, Tylomys watsoni. Seen by Tom on Cerro Jefe, Aug 22.

Hystricomorph Rodents - Hydrochaeridae, Dasyproctidae, and Echimyidae

Capybara, Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris. Seen at Ammo Pond, Aug 15. Central American
Agouti, Dasyprocta punctata. Seen on Semaphore Hill, Pipeline Road and Metro Park
(Aug 15, 16 and 20).
Rufous Tree Rat, Diplomys labilis. One tailless individual seen at night on Semaphore Hill,
Aug 15.

Rabbits - Leporidae

Forest Rabbit, Sylvilagus brasiliensis. Seen at night on Semaphore Hill, Aug 20, and at
Burbayar, Aug 24.

Raccoons and allies - Procyonidae

White-nosed Coati, Nasua narica. One seen asleep on a high branch at the base of
Semaphore Hill, Aug 15, a second seen on Achiote Road, Aug 19.
Crab-eating Raccoon, Procyon cancrivorus. One seen on rocky shore, another at cat food
in Paitilla, Panama City, Aug 20.
Kinkajou, Potos flavus. One seen feeding on banana near dining room of Canopy Tower
Aug 15.

Cats - Felidae

Jaguarundi, Herpailurus yaguarondi. One seen (by some!) crossing Achiote Road.
Aug 19.

lists by Fiona Reid,
author of A Field Guide to the Mammals of Central America & Southeast Mexico
 
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