panama darien: harpy eagle birding tour
TRANSCRIPT
PANAMA DARIEN: Harpy Eagle Birding TourTrip Report
Panama is a biodiversity hotspot, home to the largest number of birds of any country in Central America. Smaller than South Carolina, it has over a thousand recorded species of birds, hundreds of Neotropical mammals, reptiles, and other wildlife. This astonishing diversity is easily accessible, making it possible to attain a long list of birds in a relatively short period of time. For these reasons, Panama is one of the top birding and wildlife destinations in the world.
This 8-day birding and wildlife tour explored the birds of the central and eastern regions of the country, from the banks of the Panama Canal to the vast and biodiverse Darien province, where many regional specialties are found. This tour focused on seeing Panama’s fantastic birdlife, as well as mammals, butterflies, dragonflies and other creatures that crossed our path. We recorded 229 species of birds and encountered some fantastic mammals and other wildlife. Some of the highlights included Streak-chested Antpitta, Blue Cotinga, Sapayoa, Spot-crowned Barbet, and Harpy Eagle.
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June 11-18, 2021
By Edwin Campbell and Jenn Sinasac
A Bicolored Antbird, one of the several species of antbirds we encountered on Pipeline Road
Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
Local guides: Jenn Sinasac and Edwin Campbell
Highlights of the trip1. Definitely having seen a 19-month-old juvenile Harpy Eagle after an hour of walking and 15
minutes of waiting.
2. Being just meters from a singing Streak-chested Antpitta on Pipeline Road, and later having to walk away from it as it continued to seemingly follow us down the trail!
3. Spotting two male Blue Cotingas from the tower at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center.
4. After starting very late with a light drizzle, we saw a pair of Sapayoa.
5. Having increased our list on the last day, despite being in the middle of Panama City (Costa del Este) with birds like Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Yellow Warbler (Mangrove), and Wood Stork.
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Sapayoa, a mega highlight from Nusagandi
Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
Detailed Trip ReportDay 1: June 11 – Start of the Tour: Arrival in Panama
The tour started by meeting at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City on a humid, hot and sunny afternoon. We left the airport and everyone was excited to be back in Panama! We drove across the city through the towering skyscrapers and soon we were arriving at our destination for the next two days: the Summit Rainforest Resort on route to Gamboa. Today’s rains left the grounds of the hotel very lush and damp, but the rain let up for some afternoon birding. Our first sighting was several Geoffroy’s Tamarins coming to the fruit feeders next to the hotel. We walked down the short path to the golf greens, where bird activity was booming. Fruiting trees had Red-legged Honeycreepers, Blue-gray, Palm, Golden-hooded, and Crimson-backed tanagers, Golden-fronted Greenlet, Greenish Elaenia, Lance-tailed Manakin, and Thick-billed Euphonias foraging among the tree crowns. In the open areas we encountered Tropical Kingbird, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Clay-colored Thrush, Ruddy Ground Dove, Southern Lapwing, Collared Aracari, and more. The resident Bat Falcon was seen flying as well as perched on the top of the hotel. As dusk approached, we called it a day, and prepared for the next days of birding to come.
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Geoffroy’s Tamarins visited the feeders at the Summit Rainforest Resort
Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
Day 2: June 12 – Pipeline Road
We met at the hotel after breakfast and headed to our morning birding destination: the world famous Pipeline Road! Our morning started out fantastic, as I quickly located a roosting Great Potoo near the entrance of the road. Soon after, Audrey spotted a great bird, a Rufous Mourner perched in the open over the road - an uncommon sighting in this part of Pipeline! Our eyes were looking all over, up and down, side to side as we spotted butterflies, treehoppers, leafhoppers and more. Elliot spotted a Slaty-tailed Trogon, Black-breasted Puffbird, and a tiny Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant! Two Dusky Antbirds were foraging near the trailside. Mixed feeding flocks of Lesser Greenlets and Blue Dacnis were up high, but the activity continued at all levels. We ended up spending most of the morning just in this first stretch of the road. Carrying on as midday approached, we found Fasciated Antshrike, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Red-capped Manakin, Olivaceous Flatbill, and a pair of Black-throated Trogons. Hummingbirds we encountered along the road included Long-billed and Stripe-throated hermits, and Crowned Woodnymph. In addition to what we saw, we heard many other species deep in the forest. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the hotel for lunch.
This afternoon, while the others enjoyed some pool time at the hotel, Bill and I headed back to Pipeline Road in search of some more target species. A short stop at the Ammo Dump Ponds along the way was productive, and within moments we had a growing list of four Rufescent Tiger-Herons, numerous Wattled Jacanas, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Orange-chinned Parakeets, Mangrove Swallows, and others. Other highlights at this stop included a Bat Falcon hunting on the wing, a graceful Snail Kite over the canal, a Great Black Hawk perched at the far end of the wetland, and two Ruddy-breasted Seedeaters on the fence. White-throated Crakes were calling but did not make an appearance at this time.
We carried on to Pipeline Road where we walked from Juan Grande Bridge deeper into Soberania National Park. Soon we came across a Green Kingfisher hunting at the water’s edge, and as we walked along the trail, a Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher was perched in the understory. Other birds we saw this afternoon included Purple-crowned Fairy, Gray-chested Dove, Plain Xenops, Golden-collared Manakin, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Fulvous-vented Euphonia, and Gray-headed Tanager. The highlight of the afternoon, though, was a Streak-chested Antpitta that approached closely, singing and puffing out its feathers. It posed well for photos, and stayed with us for quite some time. Walking away from an antpitta at trailside was not easy! But we were quite happy with the sighting, and headed back to the van. A final stop at the Ammo Dump Ponds turned up a few Purple Gallinules and a cacophony of Red-lored Parrots preparing to roost. While we heard both White-throated and Yellow-breasted crakes, not a single one came out from the grasses into view.
Day 3: June 13 – Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
We started our day bright and early! Everyone was eager to visit the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center and enjoy the attractions this facility offers. As we walked along the road from the entrance, we came across Blue-crowned Manakins and Bicolored Antbirds. We were hoping for a tamandua (anteater), but instead spotted Mantled Howlers in the tree crowns and Central American Agoutis foraging on the ground. Our first stop was at the tower, and as we climbed the winding staircase into the canopy, we spotted several Lesser White-lined Bats, some even carrying babies, hanging from the tower structure. We snapped some photos, and luckily, did not drop our phones to the forest floor way below! At the top we scanned the canopy for activity. It
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Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
wasn’t too long before not one but TWO male Blue Cotingas were spotted by our keen-eyed group! Although they were at a distance and not ideal for photos, they were still quite a sight. The butterfly activity was fantastic in the canopy, and several species of interest included Straight-lined Theope, Banded Longwing, Blue-gray Lasaia, Dyson’s Metalmark, a species of kite swallowtail, and much more.
Back down at ground level, we took a short walk to the lake, admiring insects and fungi we found along the way. In particular, a showy moth and a fuzzy yet threatening-looking caterpillar caught our attention. The tranquil lake broke up the walk nicely, and we spotted some Smooth-billed Anis here. A Golden-hooded Manakin, a Black-bellied Wren, and a Black-tailed Trogon made appearances along the trail as we headed back to enjoy the hummingbirds. We were also able to get our eyes on a tiny Moustached Antwren! Long-billed Hermits lekked in the understory, and Elliot’s keen eyes spotted them quickly. On the veranda, we enjoyed a flurry of hummingbirds. Blue-chested, Violet-bellied, and Rufous-tailed hummingbirds, as well as White-necked Jacobins, Crowned Woodnymphs, and Long-billed Hermits were busy feeding at the feeders. Elliot particularly enjoyed taking some slow-motion videos of the hummers, in which they still looked to be moving fairly fast!
As mid-day approached we headed back to the van, but some late-morning activity stopped us along the way. A small mixed flock of Dot-winged Antwrens, Black-crowned Antshrikes, a Plain Xenops and a stunning male Slate-colored Grosbeak popped into view, flying over and in close
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Long-billed Hermit at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
range for great photos. Back at the van, we grabbed a snack and headed back to the hotel for lunch.
As lunch ended and our plan for pool time and birding was just about to happen, the skies opened up and a major thunderstorm hit the area, unfortunately cancelling our afternoon activities. But, the thunder and lightening were impressive, and there’s nothing quite like a tropical thunderstorm to remind us that we’re in the rainforest! This afternoon we all met with Edwin, and set our plans for the days to come in eastern Panama.
Day 4: June 14 – Nusagandi and Torti
Although our destination was quite distant, we did not leave very early from our hotel. When we arrived at the road to Guna Yala, we made a few stops to stretch our legs and to search for wildlife. This allowed us to see a troop of Geoffroy's Tamarins and some nice birds including Yellow-faced Grassquit, Smooth-billed Ani, and Tawny-crested Tanager. With a slight drizzle, we started our hike at the Ibe Igar Trail. In the forest of Nusagandi, we found several birds such as Chestnut-backed Antbird, Tawny-capped Euphonia, Shining Honeycreeper, and above all, the frosting on the cake was a pair of Sapayoa. After the hike and lunch, we continued to explore the road, getting new species for our trip like Swallow-tailed Kite, Plumbeous Kite, King Vulture, Garden Emerald, and Sulphur-rumped Tanager. We continued our way to the east of Panama, to Torti, where we spent the night.
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The Chestnut-backed Antbird was one of our encounters at Nusagandi
Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
Day 5 - June 15 - San Francisco Reserve
While we had breakfast we took advantage of the hummingbird feeders to add a few birds to our list. Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Black-throated Mango were some of the additions. Then, we headed to the San Francisco Nature Reserve, where we were able to get several of the birds that we were looking for including Royal Flycatcher and Red-breasted Meadowlark. We also heard the Black-crowned Antpitta, but it was not very cooperative in showing itself. After the reserve, we continued on our way to Darién. Our first stop in this province was at Sanson Abajo. Among the new species observed, we can mention Spot-crowned Barbet, Pied Puffbird, and Black-chested Jay.
Day 6: June 16 – Harpy Eagle visit & Chucunaque River
The big day had arrived, and we had to wake up early. At 5 am we were on route to Yaviza, the end of the Pan-American Highway. While we were having breakfast in that little town, we heard a pair of Bicolored Wrens singing. After a short ride along the Chucunaque River in a dug-out canoe, we began our walk at the Gonzalez family finca (farm). For 45 minutes we walked between pastures and forests, and found several of our sarges including Black Oropendola and Yellow-breasted Flycatcher. When arrived at the Harpy Eagle nest, we waited for our target to be located. Luckily, we did not have to wait long. We received a call from Mariano, an owner of the property, to let us know that the juvenile Harpy Eagle had been spotted. Only a short distance through the forest separated us from the eagle. We walked fast, nearly running, down the trail to achieve our main goal. After so many emotions and a good view of the 19-month-old eagle, we headed back downstream on the Chucunaque River. We saw several birds along the river including some great
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A 19-month old Harpy Eagle - what an exciting experience!
Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
raptors such as Black-collared Hawk and Common Black Hawk, as well as Mangrove Swallow and Greater Ani, just to mention a few. After our rice and beans meals in the canoe on the banks of the river, we returned to Metetí for a well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, we visit El Salto Road getting a few new species for our trip including Black-tailed Trogon, Crested Oropendola, and Yellow-backed Oriole.
Day 7: June 17 – Embera community of Nuevo Vigia
We once again took a boat ride on the Chucunaque and Turquesa rivers to reach the Embera community of Nuevo Vigia. During our ride, we were able to observe new species associated with riverbanks such as Amazon Kingfisher, Capped Heron, and Cocoi Heron. In the community, we tried to search for the Dusky-backed Jacamar, but had no luck. But, we did find one of the specialties of Darien, the One-colored Becard. In the afternoon, we drove back to Torti and visited the Torti River adding new birds to our trip including Whooping Motmot, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, and Yellow-margined Flycatcher. We spent our last night of the tour at Avicar Hotel in Torti.
Day 8: June 18 – Torti & Return to Panama City
Before breakfast, Bill and I went to Torti River for our last birding in eastern Panama. The three hours of birding we did this morning was very productive. We had heard the White-bellied Antbird in various locations over the previous days; but today we were fortunate to see it very well. A male Pacific Antwren was also one of the birds that we saw very well. Actually, it was also a new bird for our trip! We also spotted Yellow Tyrannulet, Crane Hawk, and Pearl Kite. The kite was spotted by Bill in the distance! After breakfast, we started driving back to Panama City. When we got to Bayano bridge we made a quick stop for some birding. Here we were able to see Ringed Kingfisher, Bat Falcon and the target for this spot, the Jet Antbird. Back in Panama City, we went to Costa del Este to get the required covid test. While we were waiting for the results, we took advantage and visited the mudflats and mangroves of Costa del Este. We spotted several birds specific to these habitats including Black-bellied Plover, Whimbrel, Wood Stork, White Ibis and Straight-billed Woodcreeper. Once our waiting time was over, we ended our birding tour by collecting the test results (all negatives!) and dropped off everyone at the hotel.
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Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
Wildlife Observation ListBirdsNomenclature and taxonomy follows Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019.
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
1 Great Tinamou Tinamus major 2 heard at Pipeline Road; 1 heard at Harpy Eagle trail
2 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalisSeveral seen at Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 bird seen at Harpy Eagle trail; 2 at Torti River
3 Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Three individuals flying over Torti River
4 Gray-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereicepsSome birds heard at Garduk Lodge (Nusagandi Reserve); 3 birds at El Salto Road
5 Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensisCommon in lowlands around Gamboa area; 2 at Turquesa River
6 Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris Two birds seen at Garduk Lodge (Nusagandi Reserve)
7 Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Common in lowlands
8 White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Common throughout
9 Gray-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii 2 birds seen on Pipeline Road
10 Greater Ani Crotophaga majorOver 20 individual seen at Chucunaque and Turquesa rivers
11 Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
A few individuals seen at Ammo Dump Ponds; 2 birds seen at lake at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; few birds at Nusagandi Reserve; 5 at Harpy Eagle trail; 4 at Torti River
12 Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia
1 birds seen at San Francisco Reserve; 1 at Torti River; and two individuals heard at Harpy Eagle trail; 1 heard at Chucunaque River
13 Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
1 heard at Summit Rainforest Resort; 1 at Nusagandi Reserve; 2 at El Salto Road; 1 at Torti
14 Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis One bird seen at Pipeline Road
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Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
15 Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensisSeveral individuals seen flying from tower at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
16 White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora 2 birds seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
17 Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus One bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
18 Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris
1 seen at Pipeline Road; several heard and seen at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
19 Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis 1 seen at Pipeline Road
20 Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti 1 seen at Pipeline Road
21 Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombiana2 individuals at Pipeline Road; 1 at feeders at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
22 Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis
Several birds observed in the hummingbirds feeders of Avicar Hotel (Torti); 1 at Sanson Abajo (Darien)
23 Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostrisOne bird seen at Sanson Abajo (Darien); 1 bird at Turquesa River
24 Garden Emerald Chlorostilbon assimilis One bird seen at Nusagandi Reserve
25 Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvieriiOne bird seen at San Francisco Reserve; a few birds at Avicar Hotel (Torti)
26 White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii One bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
27 Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis
3 individuals seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 2 birds at Harpy Eagle trail; 3 at El Salto Road
28 Snowy-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia edward
A few birds seen in the hummingbird feeders of Avicar Hotel (Torti); 1 at San Francisco Reserve
29 Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; a few birds at Avicar Hotel (Torti); 1 at Torti River
30 Sapphire-throated Hummingbird Lepidopyga coeruleogularis
Several birds seen in the hummingbirds feeders of Avicar Hotel; 1 at El Salto Road
31 Violet-bellied Hummingbird Damophila julie1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 at El Salto Road
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
32 Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus 3 seen at Ammo Dump Ponds
33 Yellow-breasted Crake Hapalocrex flaviventer 1 heard calling at Ammo Dump Ponds
34 White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis
Few individuals heard at Ammo Dump Ponds and the lake at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
35 Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Common on grounds of Summit Rainforest Resort; 2 birds at Turquesa River; 4 at Torti River
36 Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 2 birds seen at Costa del Este
37 Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Several individuals seen at Ammo Dump Ponds
38 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 3 seen at Costa del Este
39 Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus 2 birds seen at Costa del Este
40 Willet Tringa semipalmata 5 birds seen at Costa del Este
41 Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla 10 birds seen at Costa del Este
42 Wood Stork Mycteria americana 3 birds seen at Costa del Este
43 Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificensSeen regularly over Panama Canal at Gamboa; Over 20 birds seen at Costa del Este
44 Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
One seen flying over at the road to Nusagandi; 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 at Turquesa River; 1 at Bayano bridge
45 Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
1 seen at Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 seen flying from tower at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 at Chucunaque River (Yaviza town); 8 at Turquesa River; 6 at Bayano bridge; over 50 birds at Cost del Este
46 Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Over 50 birds seen at Costa del Este
47 Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Several individuals at Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 at Summit Rainforest Resort; 1 at Turquesa River
48 Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi One bird seen at Chucunaque River
49 Great Egret Ardea alba4 birds seen at Turquesa River; 1 at Torti River; 15 birds at Costa del Este
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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50 Snowy Egret Egretta thula 1 bird seen at Chucunaque River
51 Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea 1 bird seen at Costa del Este
52 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Two birds seen flying over Torti; 2 birds at San Francisco Reserve; 1 at Chucunaque River; 3 at Turquesa River; 4 at Torti River
53 Green Heron Butorides virescens 1 bird seen at Turquesa River; 1 bird at Torti River
54 Striated Heron Butorides striata 1 seen at Ammo Dump Ponds
55 Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus 1 bird see at Chucunaque River
56 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea 10 birds seen at Costa del Este
57 White Ibis Eudocimus albus 3 birds seen at Costa del Este
58 King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa1 bird were seen flying over at the road to Nusagandi Reserve
59 Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common throughout
60 Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common throughout
61 Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii 1 bird seen at Torti River
62 Gray-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis 1 bird seen at the road to Nusagandi Reserve
63 Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Several birds flying over at Nusagandi Reserve
64 Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja A 19-month old immature seen in Darien
65 Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis 2 individuals seen at Chucunaque River
66 Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis
1 seen flying over the Canal at the Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 at lake at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
67 Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea
Several individuals were seen flying over Nusagandi Reserve; 2 birds seen at Harpy Eagle trail
68 Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens 1 bird flying over Torti River
69 Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus 5 birds seen at Chucunaque River
70 Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis 1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
71 Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga 1 seen at Ammo Dump Ponds
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
72 Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris2 birds seen at Harpy Eagle trail; 1 at Chucunaque River; 1 at El Salto Road
73 Gray-lined Hawk Buteo nitidus1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve; 1 at Chucunaque River
74 Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena 2 birds seen at Pipeline Road
75 Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus
1 heard at Pipeline Road; 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 seen at El Salto Road
76 Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus
2 birds seen at Pipeline Road (male and female); 1 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
77 Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens2 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 6 birds seen at Torti River
78 Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum 2 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
79 Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata1 bird seen at Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 at Torti River; 1 at Bayano bridge
80 Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona 2 birds seen at Turquesa River
81 Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
1 bird at Juan Grande Bridge along Pipeline Road; 1 bird at Turquesa River; 1 at Torti River
82 Black-breasted Puffbird Notharchus pectoralis 1 bird seen at Pipeline Road
83 Pied Puffbird Notharchus tectus 1 bird seen at Sanson Abajo (Darien)
84 Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda1 bird heard at Chucunaque River; 1 heard at Turquesa River
85 Spot-crowned Barbet Capito maculicoronatus One bird seen at Sanson Abajo (Darien)
86 Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus
Small group seen at Summit Rainforest Resort; a few birds heard at San Francisco Reserve; a few birds heard at Harpy Eagle trail; 2 at El Salto Road; 3 at Turquesa River
87 Yellow-throated Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus
Few individuals heard at Pipeline Road and Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 3 individuals at Ibe Igar trail in Nusagandi Reserve
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
88 Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus1 heard at Pipeline Road; 2 heard at San Francisco Reserve
89 Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve; 1 at Sanson Abajo (Darien)
90 Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pulcherani 1 seen at Pipeline Road; 1 at Harpy Eagle trail
91 Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus Common throughout
92 Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus 1 heard at Summit Rainforest Resort; 1 at Harpy Eagle trail
93 Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus 2 bird heard at Turquesa River
94 Golden-green Woodpecker Piculus chrysochloros 1 bird heard at Harpy Eagle trail
95 Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula1 bird nesting at the hotel in Meteti; 2 birds heard at Turquesa River
96 Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachimaSeveral seen at Summit Rainforest Resort, around Gamboa, 2 at Torti River
97 Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans 1 heard at Sanson Abajo; 1 seen at Harpy Eagle trail
98 American Kestrel Falco sparverius A pair seen at Sanson Abajo
99 Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis
1 resident individual seen at Summit Rainforest Resort; 1 at Ammo Dump Ponds; 2 at Bayano bridge
100 Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis Common throughout
101 Blue-headed Parrot Pionus monstruös2 individuals seen at Pipeline Road; 8 at Turquesa River; 15 at Torti River
102 Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis
Large group (100+) preparing to roost at Ammo Dump Ponds; 2 birds seen at Ice Igar Trail (Nusagandi Reserve); 4 bird at Avicar Hotel (Torti); 1 at Sanson Abajo; Over 10 birds at Harpy Eagle trail; 3 at El Salto Road; 8 at Torti River
103 Mealy Parrot Amazona farinosaApproximately 10 individuals seen at Pipeline Road; 1 at El Salto Road
104 Sapayoa Sapayoa aenigma A pair seen at Ibe Igar trail (Nusagandi Reserve)
105 Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus 1 at Pipeline Road
106 Great Antshrike Taraba major Three birds heard at Torti River
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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Panama Darien: Harpy Eagle Birding Tour 2021 - Trip Report
107 Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus 4 seen at Torti River; 1 at Bayano bridge
108 Black-crowned Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha
1 heard at Pipeline Road; 2 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 heard at San Francisco Reserve; 2 heard at Harpy Eagle trail
109 Black Antshrike Thamnophilus nigriceps 1 heard at El Salto Road
110 Moustached Antwren Myrmotherula ignota 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
111 Pacific Antwren Myrmotherula pacifica 1 male seen at Torti River
112 White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris 1 male seen at San Francisco Reserve
113 Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensisFew individuals seen at Pipeline Road and Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
114 Dusky Antbird Cercomacroides tyrannina2 birds seen at Pipeline Road; 1 bird heard at Harpy Eagle place
115 Jet Antbird Cercomacra nigricans 2 birds at Bayano bridge
116 White-bellied Antbird Myrmeciza longipes
1 bird heard at San Francisco Reserve, 2 heard at Sanson Abajo; 1 heard at Nuevo Vigia community; 1 seen at Torti River
117 Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul
Few individuals heard at Pipeline Road and Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 3 birds seen at Ibe Igar Trail (Nusagandi Reserve); 3 birds heard at San Francisco Reserve; few birds heard at Harpy Eagle trail
118 Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys bicolor 4 individuals seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
119 Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevioides 1 bird seen at Pipeline Road, others heard
120 Black-crowned Antpitta Pittasoma michleri 1 bird heard at San Francisco Reserve
121 Streak-chested Antpitta Hylopezus perspicillatus
1 bird seen very well, and another heard, at Pipeline Road; 1 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
122 Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis
1 heard at Pipeline Road; 1 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 heard at San Francisco Reserve; 1 heard at Harpy Eagle trail; 1 heard at El Salto Road
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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123 Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans
1 seen and few individuals heard at Pipeline Road; 2 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 heard at San Francisco Reserve; 1 at El Salto Road; 1 at Torti River
124 Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus 2 heard at Pipeline Road
125 Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus 1 bird seen at Costa del Este
126 Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Two birds seen at Torti River
127 Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
1 seen at Pipeline Road; 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 seen at Nusagandi Reserve
128 Lance-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia lanceolata 1 female at Summit Rainforest Resort
129 Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronata 2 birds seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
130 Golden-collared Manakin Manacus vitellinus
1 seen at Pipeline Road; 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, a few birds heard at San Francisco Reserve
131 Red-capped Manakin Ceratopipra mentalis
2 females (or young males) seen at Pipeline Road; 2 at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; Several birds heard at Ibe Igar trail
132 Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata
Several seen and others heard at Pipeline Road; 2 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 heard at Harpy Eagle trail
133 Blue Cotinga Cotinga nattereri
2 males seen from the tower at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 female at El Salto Road
134 Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor 1 seen at El Salto Road; 2 birds seen at Torti River
135 Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata 1 at Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 at Harpy Eagle trail
136 Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus2 birds seen at San Francisco Reserve; 1 seen at Sanson Abajo; 1 at Turquesa River
137 White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus 1 male seen at Sanson Abajo; 1 at Turquesa River
138 One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous A pair seen at Nuevo Vigia community
139 Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus 1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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140 Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus 1 seen at Pipeline Road
141 Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
142 Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus 2 seen at Pipeline Road
143 Southern Bentbill Oncostoma olivaceumFew individuals heard at Pipeline Road and Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
144 Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
1 seen at Summit Rainforest Resort; 1 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 at San Francisco Reserve; 1 at Torti River; 5 at Torti River; 1 at Costa del Este
145 Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps2 birds heard at Peñitas community (Chucunaque River); 1 heard at Torti River
146 Olivaceous Flatbill Rhynchocyclus olivaceus 2 individuals at Pipeline Road, one attending a nest
147 Yellow-margined Flycatcher Tolmomyias assimilis 2 birds seen at Torti River
148 Yellow-breasted Flycatcher Tolmomyias flaviventris A few birds heard at Harpy Eagle trail
149 Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola A pair seen at Torti River
150 Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus
Heard at Summit Rainforest Resort and Pipeline Road; 1 heard at San Francisco Reserve; 2 at Harpy Eagle trail; 1 at Chucunaque River; 2 at Torti River; 2 at Avicar Hotel (Torti)
151 Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata 1 at Summit Rainforest Resort
152 Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve; 2 seen at Sanson Abajo; 1 at Torti River; 3 at Torti River
153 Mistletoe Tyrannulet Zimmerius parvus3 birds seen at Nusagandi Reserve; 2 bird heard at San Francisco Reserve
154 Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus 1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
155 Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus 1 bird heard at San Francisco Reserve
156 Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra 1 bird seen at Pipeline Road
157 Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
4 seen at Pipeline Road; 1 heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 at Torti River
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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158 Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
1 heard at Pipeline Road; 1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve; 2 at Torti River; 1 at Costa del Este
159 Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
4 at Summit Rainforest Resort; 1 seen at Chucunaque River; 1 at Avicar Hotel (Torti)
160 Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis1 at Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 at Torti; 3 at Turquesa River; 1 at Avicar Hotel (Torti)
161 Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Common throughout
162 Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus
Few seen at Summit Rainforest Resort; 1 seen at Garden Lodge; 2 birds seen at Sanson Abajo; 2 at Harpy Eagle trail; 2 at El Salto Road; 6 at Torti River; 1 at Bayano bridge
163 Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius
1 bird heard at San Francisco Reserve; 1 seen at Sanson Abajo; 4 birds at Chucunaque River; 1 at El Salto; 1 at Turquesa River; 1 at Torit River
164 Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common throughout
165 Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana 1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
166 Scrub Greenlet Hylophilus flavipes 2 birds at Torti River; 1 at Costa del Este
167 Green Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius pulchellus1 heard at Pipeline Road; 2 individuals heard at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
168 Lesser Greenlet Pachysylvia decurtataFew birds at Pipeline Road and Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
169 Golden-fronted Greenlet Pachysylvia aurantiifrons 2 at Summit Rainforest Resort
170 Black-chested Jay Cyanocorax affinis3 birds seen at Sanson Abajo; 2 at Harpy Eagle trail; 3 at El Salto Road; 3 at Torti River
171 Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis 10 seen at Torti River
172 Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Common throughout
173 Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea
Several individuals seen at Ammo Dump Ponds; Over 25 birds at Chucunaque River; Over 25 birds seen at Turquesa River
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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174 Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea1 heard at Pipeline Road; 1 seen at Sanson Abajo; 2 at Torti River
175 Scaly-breasted Wren Microcerculus marginatus 1 bird heard at Ibe Igar Trail (Nusagandi Reserve)
176 House Wren Troglodytes aedon Common throughout
177 Bicolored Wren Campylorhynchus griseus 2 birds seen at Yaviza town (Darien)
178 Black-bellied Wren Pheugopedius fasciatoventris
1 heard at Pipeline Road; 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 1 seen at Nusagandi Reserve; 1 at El Salto Road
179 Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus 1 heard at Summit Rainforest Resort
162 Rufous-and-white Wren Thryophilus rufalbus 1 heard at Summit Rainforest Resort
180 Isthmian Wren Cantorchilus elutus1 bird heard at San Francisco Reserve; 1 at Torti River; 1 at Bayano bridge
181 Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus1 bird heard at Pipeline Road; 2 birds seen at San Francisco Reserve
182 Buff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis 2 birds seen at Torti River
183 Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus Common throughout
184 Clay-colored Thrush Turdus graai Common throughout
185 House Sparrow Passer domesticus3 birds seen at Yaviza town (Darien); several birds at Avicar Hotel (Torti)
186 Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla 1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve; 3 at Torti River
187 Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Common throughout
188 Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa 2 birds seen at Pipeline Road
189 Tawny-capped Euphonia Euphonia anneae 1 male seen at Nusagandi Reserve
190 Rosy Thrush-Tanager Rhodinocichla rosea 1 bird heard at San Francisco Reserve
191 Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris 1 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
192 Red-breasted Meadowlark Leistes militaris 3 birds seen at San Francisco Reserve
193 Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus 3 birds seen at El Salto Road; 5 at Torti River
194 Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri 5 seen at El Salto Road
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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195 Black Oropendola Psarocolius guatimozinus 3 birds seen at Harpy Eagle trail
196 Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus uropygialis
2 individuals at Pipeline Road; 3 at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; several indivudual heard at Nusagandi Reserve
197 Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela 3 individuals seen at Pipeline Road
198 Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater 1 heard at Pipeline Road; 1 seen at El Salto Road
199 Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis1 bird seen at Torti; 1 at San Francisco Reserve; 2 at Harpy Eagle trail; 1 at Torti River
200 Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Common throughout
201 Carib Grackle Quiscalus lugubris 2 birds at Bellagio Hotel; 5 birds seen at Torti River
202 Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia 2 birds seen at Costa del Este
203 Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda 2 bird seen at San Francisco Reserve
204 Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava 1 female seen at Nusagandi Reserve
205 Red-throated Ant-Tanager Había fuscicauda 1 heard at Summit Rainforest Resort
206 Gray-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata 3 birds seen at Pipeline Road
207 White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus 1 bird seen at El Salto Road
208 Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii Several birds seen at Nusagandi Reserve
209 Flame-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus 3 birds seen at Turquesa River
210 Crimson-backed Tanager Ramphocelus dimidiatus Common throughout
211 Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus Very common, seen every day of the tour
212 Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Common throughout
213 Golden-hooded Tanager Stilpnia larvata
4 at Summit Rainforest Resort; 2 at Nusagandi Reserve; 2 at San Francisco Reserve; 2 at Nuevo Vigia community
214 Plain-colored Tanager Tangara inornata
2 birds seen at Nusagandi Reserve; 3 at San Francisco Reserve; 4 at Sanson Abajo; 3 at Torti River
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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215 Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
Several seen at Pipeline Road; 2 at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; 2 seen at Nusagandi Reserve; 2 at San Francisco Reserve
216 Shining Honeycreeper Cyanerpes lucidus 1 bird seen at Ibe Igar trail (Nusagandi Reserve)
217 Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus Several individuals at Summit Rainforest Resort
218 Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza 1 bird seen at Ibe Igar trail (Nusagandi Reserve)
219 Sulphur-rumped Tanager Heterospingus rubrifrons 2 birds seen at Nusagandi Reserve
220 Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola 3 at Summit Rainforest Resort
221 Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
1 seen at Ammo Dump Ponds; Over 10 birds at San Francisco Reserve; 3 at Harpy Eagle trail; 4 at Bayano bridge
222 Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta 2 seen at Ammo Dump Ponds
223 Thick-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila funerea 1 bird seen at Garduk Lodge; 1 at Harpy Eagle trail
224 Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina
1 at Ammo Dump Ponds; 1 at Nusagandi Reserve; 2 at San Francisco Reserve; 2 at Torti River; 2 birds at Bayano bridge
225 Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis 1 bird seen at Bayano bridge
226 Bananaquit Coereba flaveola4 birds seen at San Francisco Reserve; 3 at El Salto Road; 2 at Torti River
227 Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus Few birds seen at Nusagandi Reserve
228 Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus 1 bird seen at Bayano bridge
229 Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus 1 seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
Common Name Scientific Name Notes
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Mammals
1 Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth Bradypus variegatura One seen at Chucunaque River
2 Geoffroy’s Tamarin Sanguinus geoffroyiSeveral seen at the feeders at Summit Rainforest Resort; one troop seen at Nusagandi Reserve
3 White-faced Capuchin Cebus imitator One troop seen at Ibe Igar trail (Nusagandi Reserve)
4 Mantled Howler Alouatta palliata
Several seen at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; one troop at Nusagandi Reserve; 1 at El Salto Road
5 Panamanian Night Monkey Aotus zonalis 2 seen at Summit Rainforest Resort
6 Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata 1 seen at Pipeline Road
7 Lesser White-lined Bat Saccopteryx leptura Few seen on tower at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
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