Bird studies in Guatemala by Knut Eiserman and Claudia Avendaño of CAYAYA BIRDING

Knut Eisermann and Claudia Avendaño have been contributing numerous publications to the ornithology of Guatemala since more than 20 years. Most of their studies were published under the umbrella of PROEVAL RAXMU Bird Monitoring Program. Their research focuses on studies of birds of Middle America, especially Guatemala. It includes evaluations of local avifaunas, natural history of selected bird species, status evaluations of threatened species, and the identification of critical areas for bird conservation. The results of their studies provide valuable information for conservation stake holders.

Principal achievements of our research

Bird distribution and local avifaunas

• Birds of Guatemala (Eisermann & Avendaño 2006, 2007, 2018). more
• Distribution and conservation of owls (Strigiformes) in Guatemala. more
• Avifauna of the Cerro El Amay Important Bird Area (IBA GT006). more
• Shorebirds of the Atlantic coast of Guatemala (Eisermann 2009).
• Avifauna of the cloud forest of Montaña Caquipec, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala (Eisermann & Schulz 2002, 2005).
• Several small contributions about the distribution of birds in Guatemala, including hawk migration (Heinrichs et al. 2006), noteworthy records in Alta Verapaz (Eisermann 2005b), American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos in the interior of Guatemala (Eisermann & Avendaño 2004), noteworthy records in the Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge (Eisermann 2003c).
• Knut Eisermann compiled noteworthy bird records in Guatemala for the Central America secion in the journal North American Birds from 2004 to 2015, and evaluated data submitted to eBird Guatemala from 2008 to 2015.

Natural history of bird species in Guatemala

• Vocalizations of Guatemalan Pygmy Owl Glaucidium cobanense (Eisermann & Howell 2011; Howell & Eisermann 2011). more
• Vocalizations of Unspotted Saw-whet Owl Aegolius ridgwayi (Eisermann 2013). more

• Natural history of Highland Guan (Eisermann et al. 2006, Eisermann 2012). more

• Natural history of Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno (Eisermann 2013; Schulz & Eisermann 2012). more

• First nesting record of Flammulated Owl Psiloscops flammeolus in Guatemala (Eisermann et al. 2017). more

• Nesting of Horned Guan at Atitlán volcano (Eisermann et al. 2007).
• Distribution, nesting ecology, juvenile plumage, and vocalizations of Azure-rumped Tanager (Eisermann et al. 2011a, b, c). more

• Nesting evidence, density and vocalisations in a resident population of Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis wetmorei in Guatemala (Eisermann et al. 2017). more

• Noteworthy nesting records of several species, including Azure-hooded Jay Cyanolyca cucullata in Guatemala (Eisermann & Brooks 2006).
• Coloration anomaly of Collared Trogon Trogon collaris (Eisermann & Omland 2007).
• Altitudinal migration of Slate-colored Solitaire Myadestes unicolor and Common Chlorospingus Chlorospingus ophthalmicus (Eisermann 2005).
• Foliage-bathing of Orange-breasted Falcon Falco deiroleucus (Eisermann 2005a).

Contributions to the taxonomy of birds in Guatemala

• An ananlysis of vocalizations of Guatemalan Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium cobanense (highlands of northern Central America south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec) supports proposals for specific separation from Mountain Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma), which occurs in the Mexican highlands north of the isthmus of Tehuantepec (Eisermann & Howell 2011; Howell & Eisermann 2011). more
• An analysis of morphologic data (width and length of uppertail coverts) supports earlier proposals to separate Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno mocinno) from Costa Rican Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno costaricensis). more

Status evaluations of threatened bird species in Guatemala

• Population status evaluation of Bearded Screech-Owl Megascops barbarus, leading to an upgrade from Near Threatened to Vulnerable in the IUCN/BirdLife Red List of globally threatened species in 2012.
• Conservation status evaluation of Azure-rumped Tanager Tangara cabanisi in Guatemala (Eisermann 2011a, b; Eisermann et al. 2011a, b). more
• Conservation status evaluation of Ocellated Quail (Cyrtonyx ocellatus) (Eitniear & Eisermann 2009).

• Population status of Yellow-headed Parrot Amazona oratrix on the Atlantic coast of Guatemala (Eisermann 2003a).
• Conservation status evaluation of Highland Guan Penelopina nigra (Eisermann et al. 2006)
• Population status of Great Curassow Crax rubra in Punta de Manabique, Izabal, Guatemala (Eisermann 2004)
• Contributions to the Red List evaluations of BirdLife International of Highland Guan, Horned Guan Oreophasis derbianus, Ocellated Quail, Yellow-headed Parrot, Keel-billed Motmot Electron carinatum, Pink-headed Warbler Cerdellina versicolor, Azure-rumped Tanager, Bearded Screech-Owl, and others.

Identification of critical areas for nature conservation

• We lead the identification of Important Bird Areas in Guatemala under the roof of BirdLife International and Sociedad Guatemalteca de Ornitología (Eisermann, 2007a, b; Eisermann & Avendaño 2009a, b, c). more

Our publications

• |Journals|
• |Books|
• |Popular scientific|
• |Online|

Publications in journals

• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2018) An update on the inventory, distribution and residency status of bird species in Guatemala. Bulletin British Ornithologists' Club 138: 148-229.
• Matías, E. & K. Eisermann (2018) First record of Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus in Central America. Bulletin British Ornithologists' Club 138: 383-385.
• Eisermann, K., C. Avendaño & E. Matías (2017) Nesting evidence, density and vocalisations in a resident population of Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis wetmorei in Guatemala. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 137: 37-45.
• Eisermann, K., E. Matías & C. Avendaño (2017) Primer registro de anidación de Psiloscops flammeolus en Guatemala. Cotinga 39: 53-59.
• Eisermann, K. (2017) A new locality and elevational range extension for Rhinophrynus dorsalis Duméril & Bibron, 1841 (Anura: Rhinophrynidae), and a noteworthy record for Hypopachus variolosus (Cope, 1866) (Anura: Microhylidae) in Guatemala. Mesoamerican Herpetology 4: 688-692.
• Schulz, U. & K. Eisermann (2017) Morphometric differentiation between subspecies of Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno mocinno and P. m. costaricensis) based on male uppertail-coverts. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 137: 287-291.
• Eisermann, K. & M. Acevedo (2016) A new locality for the Endangered Abronia gaiophantasma Campbell and Frost, 1993 (Squamata: Anguidae) in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, with notes on morphology. Mesoamerican Herpetology 3: 1085-1089.
• Eisermann, K., C. Avendaño, E. Matías & M. Acevedo (2016) Elevational range extension and a new habitat for Thamnophis fulvus (Bocourt, 1893) (Squamata: Natricidae). Mesoamerican Herpetology 3: 1094-1097.
• Eisermann, K. (2013) Vocal field marks of Unspotted Saw-whet Owl and Guatemalan Pygmy-Owl. Neotropical Birding 13: 8-13.
• Eisermann, K., C. Avendaño & P. Tanimoto (2013). Birds of the Cerro El Amay Important Bird Area, Quiché, Guatemala. Cotinga 35: 81-93.
• Eisermann, K. (2013) Noteworthy nesting record and unusual bill coloration of Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno. Cotinga 35: 76-80.
• Enríquez, P. L., K. Eisermann & H. Mikkola (2012) Los búhos de México y Centroamérica: necesidades en investigación y conservación. Ornitología Neotropical 23, Suppl.: 247-260.
• Schulz, U. & K. Eisermann (2012) Morphologische Unterscheidung von Guatemala-Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno und Costa-Rica-Quetzal P. costaricensis anhand der Schmuckfedern. Ornithologischer Anzeiger 51: 70-74.
• Eisermann, K. & S. N. G. Howell (2011). Vocalizations of the Guatemalan Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium cobanense). Journal of Raptor Research 45: 304-314.
• Eisermann, K., S. Arbeiter, G. López, C. Avendaño & J. d. León Lux (2011a) Distribution, habitat use, and implications for the conservation of the globally threatened Azure-rumped Tanager Tangara cabanisi in Guatemala. Bird Conservation International 21: 423-437.
• Eisermann, K., S. Arbeiter, G. López, C. Avendaño, J. de León Lux, A. Burge, A. de León Lux & E. Buchán (2011b). Nesting ecology of the Endangered Azure-rumped Tanager (Tangara cabanisi) in Guatemala. Ornitología Neotropical 22: 39-57.
• Eisermann, K., G. López, J. Berry, J. de León Lux & A. Burge (2011c) Vocalisations and juvenile plumage of the Azure-rumped Tanager. Cotinga 33: 23-26.
• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2009b) Conservation priority-setting in Guatemala through the identification of Important Bird Areas. Proceedings of the Fourth International Partners in Flight Conference, Tundra to Tropics: 315-327.
• Eitniear, J. C. & K. Eisermann (2009) Status and recent sightings of Ocellated Quail. International Journal of Galliformes Conservation 1: 85-93.
• Eisermann, K. (2009) Abundance of shorebirds on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. Waterbirds 32: 337-344.
• Eisermann, K. & K. Omland (2007) Coloration anomaly of a male Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris). Acta Zoológica Mexicana (n.s.) 23(2): 197-200.
• Eisermann, K., A. Burge & G. López (2007) Nesting records of Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus) on Atitlán volcano, Guatemala. Bulletin of the IUCN / BIRDLIFE / WPA Cracid Specialist Group 23: 13-24.
  
• Eisermann, K. & D. M. Brooks (2006) Unusual and noteworthy nesting records for Guatemala. Cotinga 26: 48-51.
• Grijalva, B. & K. Eisermann (2006) Observación de un inmaduro de Morphnus guianensis en Tikal, Petén, Guatemala. Pato-Poc 3: 26-29.
• Heinrichs, N., K. Eisermann & C. Avendaño (2006) Conteo de aves rapaces migratorias en la vertiente pacífica de Guatemala en octubre y noviembre 2005. Pato-Poc 3: 10-17.
• Eisermann, K. (2005a) An observation of foliage-bathing by an Orange-breasted Falcon (Falco deiroleucus) in Tikal, Guatemala. Wilson Bulletin 117: 415-418.
• Eisermann, K. (2005b) Noteworthy bird observations in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 125: 3-11.
• Eisermann, K. & U. Schulz (2005) Birds of a high-altitude cloud forest in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Revista de Biología Tropical 53: 577-594.
• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2004) American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos in interior Guatemala. Cotinga 22: 98-99.
• Eisermann, K. (2004): Status of Great Curassow (Crax rubra) in Punta de Manabique, Guatemala: habitat, population size and human impact. Bulletin of the IUCN / BIRDLIFE / WPA Cracid Specialist Group 18: 11-15.
• Eisermann, K. (2003a): Status and conservation of the Yellow-headed Parrot Amazona oratrix "guatemalensis" on the Atlantic coast of Guatemala. Bird Conservation International 13: 359-364.
• Eisermann, K. (2003c): First records of the White-crowned Pigeon (Columba leucocephala), the Rufous-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides axillaris), and the Snowy Cotinga (Carpodectes nitidus) for Guatemala. Ornitología Neotropical 14: 127-128.
• Eisermann, K. & U. Schulz (2002) Ermittlung von Vogel-Zielarten für ein Regenwaldschutzprojekt. (Bird target species for a rain forest conservation project.) Beiträge für Forstwirtschaft und Landschaftsökologie 36: 14-17.
• Schulz, U. & K. Eisermann (2001) Significant Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno population found in an unprotected forest in Guatemala. Cotinga 15: 4.

Books and book chapters

• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2017) The owls of Guatemala. 447-515 in P. L. Enríquez (ed.) Neotropical owls: diversity and conservation. Springer, Cham, Switzerland.
• Enríquez, P. L., K. Eisermann, H. Mikkola & J. C. Motta-Junior (2017) A review of the systematics of Neotropical owls (Strigiformes). 7-19 in P. L. Enríquez (ed.) Neotropical owls: diversity and conservation. Springer, Cham, Switzerland.
• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2015) Los búhos de Guatemala. 381-434 in P. L. Enríquez (ed.) Los búhos neotropicales: diversidad y conservación. ECOSUR, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México.
• Enríquez, P. L., K. Eisermann, J. C. Motta-Junior & H. Mikkola (2015) Una revisión de la taxonomía y sistemática de los búhos neotropicales. 29-38 in P. L. Enríquez (ed.) Los búhos neotropicales: diversidad y conservación. ECOSUR, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México.
• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2009a) Guatemala. Pp. 235-242 In: C. Devenish, D. F. Diaz Fernández, R. P. Clay, I. Davidson & I. Y. Zabala (eds.) Important Bird Areas Americas, priority sites for biodiversity conservation. BirdLife Conservation Series 16. Birdlife International, Quito, Ecuador.
• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2007) Lista comentada de las aves de Guatemala - Annotated checklist of the birds of Guatemala. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain.
• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2006) Diversidad de aves en Guatemala, con una lista bibliográfica. Pp. 525-623 In: E. Cano (ed.) Biodiversidad de Guatemala, Vol. 1. Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala.
• Eisermann, K., N. Herrera & O. Komar (2006) Highland Guan (Penelopina nigra). Pp. 85-90 In: D. M. Brooks (ed.) Conserving Cracids: the most threatened family of birds in the Americas. Miscellaneous Publications of the Houston Museum of Natural Science 6.

Popular scientific publications

• Eisermann, K. (2011) Azure-rumped Tanager Tangara cabanisi: from ornithological enigma to conservation flagship. Neotropical Birding 9: 44-50.
• Howell, S. N. G. & K. Eisermann (2011) Guatemalan Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium cobanense is a good species. Neotropical Birding 9: 74-76.
• Eisermann, K. (2011) Citizen science in the ornithology of a developing country: Christmas Bird Counts in Guatemala. Birding 43: 38-47.
• Eisermann, K. (2010) Citizen Science: Bestandserfassungen in Guatemala. Falke 57: 202-207.
• Eisermann, K. & C. Avendaño (2009c) Important Bird Areas of the Neotropics: Guatemala. Neotropical Birding 5: 4-11.
• Eisermann, K. (2008) Zerstörung der Natur aufhalten - nicht nur vor der eigenen Haustür: NABU-Regionalverband Erzgebirge unterstützt Schutz des Nebelwaldes in den Yalijux Bergen. NABU-Report Sachsen 2008: 35-36.
• Eisermann, K. (2007a) Important Bird Areas in Guatemala. Winging It 19, no.5: 11.
• Eisermann, K. (2007b) Vogelreichtum in Guatemala: endemische Arten, IBAs und nachhaltige Bewirtschaftung. Falke 54: 385-391.
• Eisermann, K. (2005) Bericht über das Vogelmonitoring in Guatemala. Rundschreiben des Vereins Sächsischer Ornithologen 24: 15-17.
• Eisermann, K. (2003) Vom Aussterben bedroht: Die Große Gelbkopfamazone in Guatemala. Gefiederte Welt 127: 206-207.
• Schulz, U. & K. Eisermann (2001) Kolibri-Beobachtungen in einer Nebelwaldregion Guatemalas. Gefiederte Welt 125: 340-342.

Online publications

• Eisermann, K. (2012) Highland Guan (Penelopina nigra), Neotropical Birds Online (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. Online: http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=80391
• Eisermann, K. (2011) Azure-rumped Tanager (Tangara cabanisi), Neotropical Birds Online (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. Online: http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=607116
• Eisermann, K. (2020). Azure-rumped Tanager (Poecilostreptus cabanisi), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.azrtan1.01
• Eisermann, K. (2020). Highland Guan (Penelopina nigra), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.higgua1.01