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. 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!

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.
© 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.

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.
© 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.
© 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.

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.

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.

Great Tinamou Tinamus major
Thicket Tinamou Crypturellus cinnamomeus
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Plain Chachalaca Ortalis vetula
White-bellied Chachalaca Ortalis leucogastra
Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens
Highland Guan Penelopina nigra
Great Curassow Crax rubra
Ocellated Turkey Meleagris ocellata
Spotted Wood-Quail Odontophorus guttatus
Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Green Heron Butorides virescens
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
White Ibis Eudocimus albus
Wood Stork Mycteria americana
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Gray Hawk Asturina nitida
Common Black-Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Barred Forest-Falcon Micrastur ruficollis
Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus
Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans
Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis
Orange-breasted Falcon Falco deiroleucus
Ruddy Crake Laterallus ruber
Gray-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea
Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
American Coot Fulica americana
Limpkin Aramus guarauna
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Royal Tern Sterna maxima
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa
Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris
White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica
Inca Dove Columbina inca
Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti
Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana
Pacific Parakeet Aratinga strenua
Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana
Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis
Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis
Brown-hooded Parrot Pionopsitta haematotis
White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis
White-fronted Parrot Amazona albifrons
Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis
Mealy Parrot Amazona farinosa
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Pheasant Cuckoo Dromococcyx phasianellus
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
Vermiculated Screech-Owl Megascops guatemalae
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
Mottled Owl Ciccaba virgata
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis
Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus
Black Swift Cypseloides niger
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi
Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii
Wedge-tailed Sabrewing Campylopterus curvipennis
Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii
White-eared Hummingbird Hylocharis leucotis
White-bellied Emerald Amazilia candida
Azure-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia cyanocephala
Berylline Hummingbird Amazilia beryllina
Blue-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia cyanura
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
Buff-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia yucatanensis
Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila
Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens
Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris
Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus
Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus
Mountain Trogon Trogon mexicanus
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris
Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena
Tody Motmot Hylomanes momotula
Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota
Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquatus
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea
Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus
Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus
Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus
Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus
Golden-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes aurifrons
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Chestnut-colored Woodpecker Celeus castaneus
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis
Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
Scaly-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus guatemalensis
Tawny-winged Woodcreeper Dendrocincla anabatina
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
Northern Barred-Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus flavigaster
Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis
Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus
Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis
Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet Ornithion semiflavum
Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe
Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus
Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus
Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus
Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
Eye-ringed Flatbill Rhynchocyclus brevirostris
Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens
Stub-tailed Spadebill Platyrinchus cancrominus
Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus
Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher Myiobius sulphureipygius
Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus
Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax
Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris
Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii
Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus
Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus
Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Couch’s Kingbird Tyrannus couchii
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus
Thrush-like Schiffornis Schiffornis turdina
Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus
Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor
Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis
Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis
White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus
Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens
Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons
Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius
Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps
Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
Green Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius pulchellus
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa
Brown Jay Cyanocorax morio
Bushy-crested Jay Cyanocorax melanocyaneus
Purple Martin Progne subis
Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea
Black-capped Swallow Notiochelidon pileata
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus
Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha
Spot-breasted Wren Thryothorus maculipectus
Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Rufous-browed Wren Troglodytes rufociliatus
White-bellied Wren Uropsila leucogastra
White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea
Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea
Brown-backed Solitaire Myadestes occidentalis
Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
Clay-colored Robin Turdus grayi
White-throated Robin Turdus assimilis
Rufous-collared Robin Turdus rufitorques
Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Gray Silky-flycatcher Ptilogonys cinereus
Olive Warbler Peucedramus taeniatus
Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina
Crescent-chested Warbler Parula superciliosa
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica
Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens
Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi
Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla
Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis
Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla
Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla
Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons
Pink-headed Warbler Ergaticus versicolor
Painted Redstart Myioborus pictus
Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus
Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus
Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons
Golden-browed Warbler Basileuterus belli
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
Black-throated Shrike-Tanager Lanio aurantius
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager Habia rubica
Red-throated Ant-Tanager Habia fuscicauda
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera
Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Yellow-winged Tanager Thraupis abbas
Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Buarremon brunneinucha
Green-backed Sparrow Arremonops chloronotus
White-eared Ground-Sparrow Melozone leucotis
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
Blue Bunting Cyanocompsa parellina
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Melodious Blackbird Dives dives
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus
Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus
Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius
Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis
Altamira Oriole Icterus gularis
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula
Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus
Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma
Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis
Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea
Elegant Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima
Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi
Black-headed Siskin Carduelis notata
Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria
Hooded Grosbeak Coccothraustes abeillei
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