Trip Report: Customized Guatemala Birding Loop (5-22 February 2005)

by Kirsten Geertz-Hansen

Participants from Denmark: Kirsten Geertz-Hansen, Erik A. Christiansen, Kirsten Hjortshoej, Bent Hjortshoej, Rita Christensen, Ejgil Skiffard.

Tour leaders in Guatemala: 5-22 Feb. Knut Eisermann and 19-22 Feb. also Claudia Avendaño.

We had found Cayaya Birding on the Internet, and it turned out that we had made a very good choice. We are 6 friends, some of us birders, and all of us nature lovers. We wanted to combine nature observations with the adventure of the Maya culture. Already during the preparation of the trip, Cayaya Birding rendered all kind of service and advice.

5 February 2005

Arrival in Guatemala City from Denmark via Madrid. We were met by Knut, who took us to Hotel Casa Santa Clara, a very nice small hotel in Zone 10.

Volcano Fuego
Fuego volcano.
© Knut Eisermann.

6 February 2005

After breakfast our microbus arrived at 8 am. Before leaving, we just spotted a few birds opposite our hotel, like Gray Silky Flycatcher, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and then of course the Great-tailed Grackles, which are everywhere with all their funny sounds. We went to Parque Central where people were coming in for the Sunday market. We enjoyed seeing the beautiful textiles the women exposed, and we saw the memorial for all the people who had been killed just some few years ago. Coming from a peaceful country like Denmark, it is hard to believe all the cruelties the people in Guatemala had to go through.

We left the city and passed the fantastic landscapes with several volcanos, of which Fuego had eruptions every now and then. Whereas standing in the open and looking at this volcano, several swifts were in the air. We had White-collared Swift, Black Swift as well as Vaux’s Swift. From the bus we also frequently saw the common Black and Turkey Vultures in the air, and once we saw a Crested Caracara passing by.

After a couple of hours we reached Los Tarrales Reserve on the south side of the Atitlan Volcano. The farm has a delightful situation in the landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains. 73 families are living in cottages around the centre, working in the coffee plantation and with ornamental plants and some of them are educated to be guides for tourists or birders. It was a small society apart, which seemed to radiate harmony and kindness. The forest and the plantations were full of birds. At the entrance we first saw the fine big White-throated Magpie Jay. Flocks of Pacific Parakeets and Orange-fronted Parakeets passed between the trees, Clay-coloured Robin searched the garden floor. We went a little around and had a stop at a very beautiful orange-blooming tree. This tree attracted many birds, e.g. Red-legged Honey Creeper, Melodious Blackbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole and Green-breasted Mango. In the next tree we observed a Gray Hawk. During some few hours we had observed 35 species and without mentioning all, we could point out the Masked Titara, Squirrel Cuckoo, Long-billed Starthroat, Spot-breasted Oriole, Altmira Oriole, Blue-Crowned Motmot, Tropical Kingbird and Collared Aracari. We were also informed about the beautiful plants and flowers and about this cultivation, sale and export.

Lesser Nighthawk
Lesser Nighthawk. Photo/© Knut Eisermann.

7 February 2005

Coffee at 5.30 and off we went in 2 cars up the mountain from 760 m to 1400 m altitude. The sunrise was unforgettable with the orange-turquoise sky as back cloth for the smoking volcano, and the trees teeming with small birds, especially a great number of Red-legged Honeycreepers. Knut knew all the calls and could tell us when the Highland Guan and many others were calling. We walked slowly downhill, trying to see all the lively small birds like Wilsons Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, White-winged Tanager, Northern Bentbill, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet and so on. Along the trail an Emerald Toucanet was moving in the foliage. At about 11 am a truck picked us up to go back to the house for lunch. In the afternoon, the 21-year old guide Josué from the Los Tarrales Reserve made us a fine presentation of the coffee production, although this is slowed down at the moment.

8 February 2005

We had another early morning walk, observing more birds. We enjoyed the beauty and great variety of the forest. From this walk, we would point out the Long-tailed Manakin, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher, Rose-throated Becard, Barred Antshrike, and many hummingbirds: Cinnamon , Berrilene , Ruby-Throated and Blue-tailed Hummingbird. When we came back and were seated for lunch, a Bat Falcon also took a seat, although outside on the antenna, absolutely photogenic. It was time to leave. Our total list for Los Tarrales (birds seen and heard) amounted to 105 species!

Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan.
© Knut Eisermann.

The Atitlan Lake was our next destination. From a high view-point we had the first sight of this famous lake in sunshine. At this level a Red-tailed Hawk as well a White-breasted Hawk were passing by. Then we went down to Panajachel to stay at "Cacique Inn" for the next 3 nights. From the balcony at the rooms we had good opportunity to watch birds such as Social Flycatcher, Gray Silky Flycatcher, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-headed Siskin, Azure-Crowned Hummingbird, and Tropical Mockingbird.

9 February 2005

Knut had arranged for a small boat for us to go across Lake Atitlan to Santiago. From the boat we saw Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Least Grebe, Great Egret, Green Heron, American Coot, Spotted Sandpiper and Laughing Gull. The great attraction in the town is the visit to the Tzutuhil Indian house, where Maximon is worshipped. A very exotic ceremony to see for us. Although many tourists come to this town, it seemed to be quite genuine how they stick to their old traditions and clothing.

In the afternoon, we had a walk to the nature reserve in the hills above the hotel. Here we saw our first Spider Monkeys, and some of the birds were White-eared Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Chestnut-browed Peppershrike and Northern Flicker.

10 February 2005

This day was reserved for Chichicastenango, as we had all wanted to see this great and colorful market. It gave us a wonderful impression of the local people, their handicraft and products, as well as the surviving Indian spirituality. But birding was not on the program that day.

Rufous-collared Robin
Rufous-collared Robin.
© Knut Eisermann.

11 February 2005

We headed back towards Guatemala City, with several stops. We went to see an exhibition of orchids in Antiqua, shown just that day, after which we went to a pine and oak forest in the highland with interesting birds like Pink-headed Warbler, Painted Redstart and Slate-throated Redstart. Ejgil, who is especially interested in Fuchsia, found a small wild Fuchsia bush with flowers. The next stop was at the ruins of Iximché, the main site for the Cakchiquel Maya people from about 1470. Around the site we saw various birds, and enjoyed a group of Rufous-collared Robins in some rufous colored bushes. In an old tree we found hundreds of holes in which Acorn Woodpeckers had made themselves a large store of acorns. In the evening, in Guatemala City, we met Claudia for the first time and had a nice dinner together entertained by several groups of musicians.

12 February 2005

We left the hotel very early to catch a plane to St. Elena airport in Petén. From the airport, we went to the nearby town of Flores to have breakfast and look at the picturesque town as well as the surrounding lake. Both Ringed and Belted Kingfisher were perching on the wires, and on the lake a Pied-billed Grebe was swimming. The microbus continued to Yaxhá, a couple of hours from Flores. We were lodged in "El Sombrero", a wonderful place at the Yaxhá Lagoon. Yaxhá is an archaeological Maya site less known than Tikal, and we did not see many tourists. The lodge has been used by archaeologists during many years, and consists of some thatched cottages in the forest close to the lake. Outside our cottage we had a pair of White-collared Seedeaters, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird as well as Wedge-tailed Sabrewing. A pick-up was bringing us up to the part of the forest with the excavated pyramids. The Mexican Howler Monkeys are very active, several groups are giving deafening concerts. We mount the highest pyramid with a breathtaking view over the lagoon and to other pyramids. Now the howlers are below us. The most impressive sight is a King Vulture, really majestic as it sails across the blue sky in dazzling sunlight. Down again we observe a Pale-billed Woodpecker entering a nest hole.

Slaty-tailed Trogon.
Slaty-tailed Trogon.
© Knut Eisermann.

13 February 2005

At early dawn, we went out by boat to approach the pyramids from another angle. When landing, we hear that we are laughed at. It is the Laughing Falcon in a very cheerful mood. We also hear a froglike voice, which turned out to come from the Keel-billed Toucan, and what a bird to look at! Many steps brought us up to the site, and we had our breakfast on the pyramid top to enjoy the morning light and all the birds. The parrots were leaving the treetops, the Mealy Parrots are especially noisy. At the foot of the pyramid, Slaty-tailed and Black-headed Trogons got their breakfast too, they fed on fruit of palm trees, and posed willingly before our cameras.

In the afternoon, we sailed on the lake again. On the shores we saw Killdeers, Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper. Also Neotropic Cormorant, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron and Tricolored Heron were represented. After sunset, we tried to find crocodiles by torch light. The crocodiles seemed to be few and difficult to find, and in spite of the crocodile skulls at the lodge and the horror stories, we did not feel that we were in any danger.

Dawn over the canopy in Yaxhá.
Dawn over the canopy in Yaxhá.
© Knut Eisermann.

14 February 2005

Another morning enjoying our breakfast on the pyramid. The owner of the lodge, Gabriella, met us there and explained to us about the excavations which she has followed closely. We could only try to imagine how life has been here many centuries ago. Between Yaxhá and Tikal, 28 sites have been found. Around us are many overgrown cone-shaped hills: Mayan buildings which have never been excavated. The forest has taken them back. We were standing in a huge forested area, almost unpopulated by humans. No wonder there are so many birds.

In the afternoon we drove to Tikal. At the entrance we were met by a Great Curassow, which was making quite a display at the roadside. We were put up at the Jaguar Inn, in front of which we were also welcomed by an Ocellated Turkey. These turkeys are nearly tame in Tikal, although they are actually wild birds. As hunting is forbidden in the National Park, some birds and also mammals can be observed quite closely, and we saw also Coaties and Agouties several times. Some of the group had energy to take an evening walk, whereas some of us were relaxing.

Orange-breasted Falcon
Orange-breasted Falcon.
© Knut Eisermann.

15 February 2005

We left our lodge in darkness, and as soon as we could see dimly, Knut discovered a Northern Tamandua (anteater) in a tree. This was really great to see, especially when it slided forward on its belly down the trunk. On the ground, Wood Thrushes were running, and suddenly the forest opened up. In the first daylight we had Temple I before us, and when approaching we then saw the whole group of palaces and pyramids. It impressed us strongly. Knut told us the facts and the theories, although the birds tried to disturb. A tall tree is full of big hanging nests made by the Montezuma Oropendula, and they were also around, clucking and gurgling and rolling forwards with the yellow tail in the air. Also various parrots were in the trees, e.g. Red-lored Parrots and Aztec Parakeet. Many Collared Aracaris flocked together. Also White-crowned , White-fronted , Brown-hooded Parrot came on the list. At one of the temples, the rare Orange-breasted Falcon was sitting in a tree. At an open space in the forest we further saw such beautiful birds as Red-capped Manakin and Royal Flycatcher. Ovenbird and Kentucky Warbler were seen very well. A pair of Chestnut-colored Woodpeckers chased loudly around, very fine to see with their raised yellow crests.

Limpkin
Limpkin.
© Knut Eisermann.

In the afternoon we visited the museum and ended at the ponds nearby. Rita was not delighted with the two crocodiles floating in the surface. On the other hand, the birdlife was really fascinating. On the floating vegetation we saw the Northern Jacana with quite different looking immatures, Limkin, Purple Gallinule, Gray-necked Wood-Rail came all quite so close that we could see every feather and admire their fine colors. Northern Water Thrush was also present, Keel-billed Toucan and Montezuma Oropendula visited the trees at the pond. A pair of Great Currasows turned up under some trees and just before darkness, a great number of Black Vultures assembled in a big tree near the lodge.

16 February 2005

The morning was misty and the birds appeared softly in the grey. In this light we saw a Plain Chachalaca, a Blue-crowned Motmot and Black-headed Trogon. Great Tinamou was heard. We climbed Temple IV and the Brown Jays looked interested at our cinnamon bread. Out in the haze were two Orange-breasted Falcons sitting. Knut had brought a big microphone and recorded their calls. In the forest we spotted various woodcreepers and tyrannts, I must refer to the list, there were just so many. Later the sun came through and a Gray Fox passed by at the edge of the forest. Back at the lodge there was a wonderful Violacious Trogon on a branch just above us. It looked curiously at us, but remained sitting, just turning round now and then to show the yellow front side as well as the shiny back. We went out again for a late walk, where we found a Bat Falcon at Tempe VI, and obviously it was nesting inside the temple wall.

17 February 2005

This morning we were walking outside the park, starting also with some mist and a great chorus of Plain Chachalacas. There was a Thicket Tinamou in the bushes. During our walk we had Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Purple-crowned Fairy, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Barred Antshrike, White-winged Becard, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, White-eyed and Mangrove Vireo and a lot of other small birds. The area we visited had some new trails, we could follow, and along the trail many trees had signboards with name and information. It was very interesting. This part of the forest was more wet, swampy and jungle-like. A platform was placed in a tall tree, and we could enter the platform by climbing several ladders and get a fine view to the remote pyramids. Closer to us was a beautiful Roadside Hawk perching in a treetop. Keel-billed Toucan was also seen in the canopy. We were very amused when we came across some Spider Monkeys. One of them was very aggressive. It did not accept our presence, and it was shaking the branches, screaming, trying to pee on us, and at last it put out its tongue at us. We came back for lunch, the last bird before we left Tikal was a Groove-billed Ani sitting on the grass when we waited for our microbus to take us to the airport.

Back in Guatemala City we went directly out to Antiqua. We arrived late and came to our home for the next two days, Hotel San Jorge, a very charming place with rooms around a patio with many flowers and a fountain. We tried some local dishes at a restaurant and learnt "Sin comer y beber no hay placer".

18 February 2005

Breakfast in the patio where a flock of Cedar Waxwing came by. Then by car up in the Cloud Forest above Antiqua at 2500 m altitude. There was a wonderful view to the volcanoes, and we went into a forest with birds of the highland. Very beautiful was a pair of Blue-hooded Euphonia, also Hooded Grosbeak, Black-and-White Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Collared Trogon, Rufous-browed and Spotted Woodcreepers, Western Tanager, Great Peewee, Bushtit, to mention some. We saw some Black-capped Swallows with nesting holes.

In the afternoon we looked at the beautiful town of Antiqua and at their handicraft markets. From the church came a procession with school girls. In the everning Claudia arrived and we had a very good dinner together.

19 February 2005

Two birthdays on the same day. That was celebrated in the Danish way. We had a nice morning in the patio, and left when everybody had finished their business with bank, post office etc. Now Claudia was with us too. A little outside Antiqua we visited a Macadamia eco-plantation. We did not know these delicious nuts, which they sell with and without chocolate coating. In the plantation, there were some Bushy-crested Jays. We were heading for the Pacific Coast, and came from the highland to a savannah-like landscape. Many Black and Turkey Vultures as well as Barn Swallows along the road. After Puerto San José the roads are narrower, and we have to pass a river on a ferry. At long last we reached our hotel - it was very hot. We got installed in various cottages, and the Pacific Ocean was just outside with big waves, and Brown Pelicans flying just above the waves. A few Magnificent Frigatebirds and a Brown Booby were observed.

We had a walk in the hinterland - a small dirty dry forest with much scrap and 1000 moscitoes, but still it was possible to find new birds, such as Turquoise-browed Motmot, Inca Dove and Stripe-headed Sparrow. A Ferruginous Pygmy Owl was whistling nearby. Also Rose-throated Becard was seen.

Rufous-naped Wren
Rufous-naped Wren.
© Knut Eisermann.

20 February 2005

We got up early (4.30 am) and walked down to "Montericco Harbour" where a boat was waiting for us to take us on a wonderful trip to a lagoon. In the early dawn many Lesser Nighthawks, Black-capped Night-Herons and Boat-billed Herons were flying across the water. It was clearing up and we saw hundreds of White Pelicans, many Caspian Terns and Royal Terns, several flocks of Black Skimmer, Gull-billed Tern was also seen, Osprey, about 10 Anhingas, 7-8 Wood Storks, Least Bittern, all the Herons and Egrets, including Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Red-winged Blackbirds in swarms. Blue-winged Teal, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher are also worth to mention, and the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture. The most impressive was the concentration of white egrets in the bottom of the Lagoon. There were thousands of Great and Snowy Egrets standing "shoulder to shoulder". Unforgettable.

In the afternoon we passed a pair of Rufous-naped Wrens constructing a nest, when we were on our way to the conservation centre for crocodiles, iguanas and sea turtles. At sunset time, we participated in the turtle race. Turtle babies, hatched under the protection of the centre, were set out, everybody payed for a small turtle. The first little turtle reaching the sea has won, and the sponsor got a dinner. Many people came and thereby supported the project. The turtles get a chance to survive. The local people used to eat the eggs, now they deliver 20% to the centre.

21 Februry 2005

Again a boat trip from early morning, but this time in the mangrove part with narrow passages with the foliage closing above our heads and the trees standing on stilts. Many of the birds were the same as the day before, but not in the same numbers. However, this mangrove was more suitable for the kingfishers, and we saw Belted, Ringed, Green and Pygmy Kingfisher. A Black Hawk was also sitting in the mangrove. We came to a small island, where a family was living and producing salt, which they extract from the earth when the water disappears. We see their production method, which is primitive, and we wonder how they can live on that. They get 25 tons of salt in a year, and of course they can also catch fish in the waters. On the island, we see a Lesser Nighthawk sitting in a tree, and a flock of Least Sandpipers is foraging in the bay.

After lunch, we drove back to Guatemala City. This was our last day in Guatemala, and we had a wonderful Farewell Dinner in the City.

22 February 2005

Bent and Kirsten H. flew to Mexico, whereas Erik, Kirsten G., Ejgil and Rita were picked up by a car from El Salvador, where they spent some days. The Guatemala tour had come to an end. Thanks to our wonderful guides Knut and Claudia, it has been a great success. No bird ever escaped without being identified by them. At the beginning of the tour, we asked Knut how many birds he expected us to find. He said up to 300 if we were very lucky. So we have been very lucky, as the list of birds - seen and heard - was well above this magic figure. We thank you not only for all the birds, but also for your pleasant company. It has been a very eventful and happy tour!

Kirsten Geertz-Hansen, Farum, Denmark

List of bird species which were observed during this tour.

Species nomenclature according to AOU (1998) and supplements.

  1. Great Tinamou Tinamus major
  2. Thicket Tinamou Crypturellus cinnamomeus
  3. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
  4. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
  5. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
  6. Plain Chachalaca Ortalis vetula
  7. White-bellied Chachalaca Ortalis leucogastra
  8. Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens
  9. Highland Guan Penelopina nigra
  10. Great Curassow Crax rubra
  11. Ocellated Turkey Meleagris ocellata
  12. Spotted Wood-Quail Odontophorus guttatus
  13. Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus
  14. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
  15. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
  16. American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
  17. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
  18. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
  19. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
  20. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
  21. Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
  22. Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum
  23. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
  24. Great Egret Ardea alba
  25. Snowy Egret Egretta thula
  26. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
  27. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
  28. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
  29. Green Heron Butorides virescens
  30. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
  31. Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
  32. White Ibis Eudocimus albus
  33. Wood Stork Mycteria americana
  34. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
  35. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
  36. Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus
  37. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
  38. Osprey Pandion haliaetus
  39. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
  40. Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
  41. Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
  42. Gray Hawk Asturina nitida
  43. Common Black-Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus
  44. Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
  45. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
  46. Barred Forest-Falcon Micrastur ruficollis
  47. Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus
  48. Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
  49. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans
  50. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis
  51. Orange-breasted Falcon Falco deiroleucus
  52. Ruddy Crake Laterallus ruber
  53. Gray-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea
  54. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica
  55. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
  56. American Coot Fulica americana
  57. Limpkin Aramus guarauna
  58. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
  59. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
  60. Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa
  61. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
  62. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius
  63. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
  64. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
  65. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
  66. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
  67. Royal Tern Sterna maxima
  68. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
  69. Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
  70. Rock Pigeon Columba livia
  71. Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa
  72. Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris
  73. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
  74. Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris
  75. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica
  76. Inca Dove Columbina inca
  77. Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti
  78. Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa
  79. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
  80. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana
  81. Pacific Parakeet Aratinga strenua
  82. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana
  83. Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis
  84. Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis
  85. Brown-hooded Parrot Pionopsitta haematotis
  86. White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis
  87. White-fronted Parrot Amazona albifrons
  88. Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis
  89. Mealy Parrot Amazona farinosa
  90. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
  91. Pheasant Cuckoo Dromococcyx phasianellus
  92. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
  93. Vermiculated Screech-Owl Megascops guatemalae
  94. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
  95. Mottled Owl Ciccaba virgata
  96. Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis
  97. Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
  98. Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus
  99. Black Swift Cypseloides niger
  100. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
  101. Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi
  102. Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris
  103. Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis
  104. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii
  105. Wedge-tailed Sabrewing Campylopterus curvipennis
  106. Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
  107. Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii
  108. White-eared Hummingbird Hylocharis leucotis
  109. White-bellied Emerald Amazilia candida
  110. Azure-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia cyanocephala
  111. Berylline Hummingbird Amazilia beryllina
  112. Blue-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia cyanura
  113. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
  114. Buff-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia yucatanensis
  115. Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila
  116. Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens
  117. Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
  118. Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii
  119. Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris
  120. Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus
  121. Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus
  122. Mountain Trogon Trogon mexicanus
  123. Collared Trogon Trogon collaris
  124. Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena
  125. Tody Motmot Hylomanes momotula
  126. Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota
  127. Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa
  128. Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquatus
  129. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
  130. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
  131. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
  132. American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea
  133. Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
  134. Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus
  135. Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus
  136. Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus
  137. Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus
  138. Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus
  139. Golden-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes aurifrons
  140. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
  141. Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
  142. Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus
  143. Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
  144. Chestnut-colored Woodpecker Celeus castaneus
  145. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
  146. Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis
  147. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
  148. Scaly-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus guatemalensis
  149. Tawny-winged Woodcreeper Dendrocincla anabatina
  150. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
  151. Northern Barred-Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae
  152. Ivory-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus flavigaster
  153. Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis
  154. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus
  155. Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis
  156. Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet Ornithion semiflavum
  157. Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe
  158. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata
  159. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
  160. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus
  161. Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus
  162. Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus
  163. Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare
  164. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
  165. Eye-ringed Flatbill Rhynchocyclus brevirostris
  166. Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens
  167. Stub-tailed Spadebill Platyrinchus cancrominus
  168. Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus
  169. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus
  170. Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher Myiobius sulphureipygius
  171. Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus
  172. Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax
  173. Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus
  174. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris
  175. Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii
  176. Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus
  177. Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii
  178. Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus
  179. Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra
  180. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
  181. Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
  182. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus
  183. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
  184. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
  185. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
  186. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
  187. Couch’s Kingbird Tyrannus couchii
  188. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus
  189. Thrush-like Schiffornis Schiffornis turdina
  190. Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus
  191. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus
  192. Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae
  193. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
  194. Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor
  195. Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis
  196. Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis
  197. White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus
  198. Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens
  199. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons
  200. Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius
  201. Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni
  202. Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
  203. Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps
  204. Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
  205. Green Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius pulchellus
  206. Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
  207. White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa
  208. Brown Jay Cyanocorax morio
  209. Bushy-crested Jay Cyanocorax melanocyaneus
  210. Purple Martin Progne subis
  211. Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
  212. Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea
  213. Black-capped Swallow Notiochelidon pileata
  214. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
  215. Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
  216. Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva
  217. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
  218. Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
  219. Brown Creeper Certhia americana
  220. Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus
  221. Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha
  222. Spot-breasted Wren Thryothorus maculipectus
  223. Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus
  224. House Wren Troglodytes aedon
  225. Rufous-browed Wren Troglodytes rufociliatus
  226. White-bellied Wren Uropsila leucogastra
  227. White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta
  228. Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
  229. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus
  230. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea
  231. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea
  232. Brown-backed Solitaire Myadestes occidentalis
  233. Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris
  234. Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
  235. Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
  236. Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
  237. Clay-colored Robin Turdus grayi
  238. White-throated Robin Turdus assimilis
  239. Rufous-collared Robin Turdus rufitorques
  240. Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
  241. Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus
  242. Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
  243. Gray Silky-flycatcher Ptilogonys cinereus
  244. Olive Warbler Peucedramus taeniatus
  245. Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina
  246. Crescent-chested Warbler Parula superciliosa
  247. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia
  248. Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica
  249. Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia
  250. Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
  251. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens
  252. Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi
  253. Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis
  254. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia
  255. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
  256. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum
  257. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla
  258. Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis
  259. Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla
  260. Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus
  261. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
  262. Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla
  263. Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons
  264. Pink-headed Warbler Ergaticus versicolor
  265. Painted Redstart Myioborus pictus
  266. Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus
  267. Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
  268. Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons
  269. Golden-browed Warbler Basileuterus belli
  270. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
  271. Black-throated Shrike-Tanager Lanio aurantius
  272. Red-crowned Ant-Tanager Habia rubica
  273. Red-throated Ant-Tanager Habia fuscicauda
  274. Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
  275. Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
  276. White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera
  277. Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus
  278. Yellow-winged Tanager Thraupis abbas
  279. Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus
  280. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
  281. White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola
  282. Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Buarremon brunneinucha
  283. Green-backed Sparrow Arremonops chloronotus
  284. White-eared Ground-Sparrow Melozone leucotis
  285. Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
  286. Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
  287. Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
  288. Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps
  289. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
  290. Blue Bunting Cyanocompsa parellina
  291. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea
  292. Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
  293. Melodious Blackbird Dives dives
  294. Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus
  295. Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus
  296. Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius
  297. Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis
  298. Altamira Oriole Icterus gularis
  299. Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula
  300. Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus
  301. Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma
  302. Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis
  303. Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea
  304. Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima
  305. Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi
  306. Black-headed Siskin Carduelis notata
  307. Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria
  308. Hooded Grosbeak Coccothraustes abeillei
  309. House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Comments of the participants

"We were 6 senior Danes, however still quite venturous and with great love for nature, some of us especially keen on birds. We found Cayaya Birding on the internet which we never regretted. We got the most excellent service with regard to planning a trip quite according to our wishes and with their professional advice. More than 300 birds were seen during the 17 days we spent in Guatemala. Knut has a talent for spotting, hearing, and recognizing everything. And for our guidance he was carrying these very heavy field guides all the time, so that he could at once show us in the books the birds in question and point out their characteristics. We learnt a lot, and we loved all the sites on the trip. As an extra service, Claudia joined us during the trip to Monterrico, because of the small boats where we had to split up in two groups. They wanted us to have a guide on each boat - isn't that service ! And it was nice for us to get this opportunity to meet Claudia, who had done so much work for us in planning our trip, not only in Guatemala, but also in El Salvador, where we were going afterwards. The tour with Knut and Claudia was quite exceptional, not only because of their professional competence and their ability to take care of our well-being, but also because of their great sense of humour which meant that we enjoyed their company so much."

Kirsten Geertz-Hansen, Farum, Denmark


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