Order: Tinamiformes Family: Tinamidae
The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of birds. Although they look similar to other ground-dwelling birds like quail and grouse, they have no close relatives and are classified as a single family, Tinamidae, within their own order, the Tinamiformes. They are distantly related to the ratites (order Struthioniformes) which includes the rheas, emu, and kiwis.
Highland tinamou, Nothocercus bonapartei
Great tinamou, Tinamus major (Near-threatened)
Little tinamou, Crypturellus soui
Choco tinamou, Crypturellus kerriae (Vulnerable)
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata (A)
Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
American wigeon, Anas americana
Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (A)
Blue-winged teal, Anas discors
Cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera (A)
Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata (A)
White-cheeked pintail, Anas bahamensis (A)
Northern pintail, Anas acuta (A)
Green-winged teal, Anas crecca (A)
Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus
Guans, chachalacas, and curassows
Order: Galliformes Family: Cracidae
The Cracidae are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colorful facial ornaments.
Gray-headed chachalaca, Ortalis cinereiceps
Crested guan, Penelope purpurascens
Black guan, Chamaepetes unicolor (Near-threatened)
Great curassow, Crax rubra (Vulnerable)
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quail are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits.
Crested bobwhite, Colinus cristatus
Marbled wood-quail, Odontophorus gujanensis (Near-threatened)
Black-eared wood-quail, Odontophorus melanotis
Rufous-fronted wood-quail, Odontophorus erythrops
Tacarcuna wood-quail, Odontophorus dialeucos (Vulnerable)
Black-breasted wood-quail, Odontophorus leucolaemus
Spotted wood-quail, Odontophorus guttatus
Tawny-faced quail, Rhynchortyx cinctus
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.
Least grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus
Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
Order: Sphenisciformes Family: Spheniscidae
The penguins are a group of flightless aquatic birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid, and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater.
Galapagos penguin, Spheniscus mendiculus (A)(Endangered)
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds.
Gray-headed albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma (A)(Endangered)
Wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans (A)
Waved albatross, Phoebastria irrorata (A)(Critically endangered)
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
Galapagos petrel, Pterodroma phaeopygia (Critically endangered)
Tahiti petrel, Pseudobulweria rostrata (A)(Near-threatened)
Parkinson's petrel, Procellaria parkinsoni (Vulnerable)
Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (A)
Pink-footed shearwater, Ardenna creatopus (A)(Vulnerable)
Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacificus (A)
Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus (Near-threatened)
Christmas shearwater, Puffinus navitatis (A)
Galapagos shearwater, Puffinus subalaris
Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus (A)
Townsend's shearwater, Puffinus auricularis (A)(Critically endangered)
Barolo shearwater, Puffinus baroli (A)
Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (A)
Elliot's storm-petrel, Oceanites gracilis (A)
Band-rumped storm-petrel, Oceanodroma castro (A)
Wedge-rumped storm-petrel, Oceanodroma tethys
Black storm-petrel, Oceanodroma melania
Markham's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma markhami (A)
Least storm-petrel, Oceanodroma microsoma
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans which have exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.
White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (A)
Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
Maguari Stork, Ciconia maguari (A)
Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria (A)
Wood stork, Mycteria americana
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white, or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens
Great frigatebird, Fregata minor (A)
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
Nazca booby, Sula granti
Blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii
Peruvian booby, Sula variegata
Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Red-footed booby, Sula sula
Cormorants and shags
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white, and a few being colorful.
Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Guanay cormorant, Phalacrocorax bougainvillii (A)
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape, and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The anhingas have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.
Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.
American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (A)
Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis
Herons, egrets, and bitterns
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter-necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills.
American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus (A)
Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
Rufescent tiger-heron, Tigrisoma lineatum
Fasciated tiger-heron, Tigrisoma fasciatum
Bare-throated tiger-heron, Tigrisoma mexicanum
Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
Cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi
Great egret, Ardea alba
Snowy egret, Egretta thula
Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor
Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens (A)(Near-threatened)
Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
Green heron, Butorides virescens
Striated heron, Butorides striata
Agami heron, Agamia agami (Vulnerable)
Whistling heron, Syrigma sibilatrix (A)
Capped heron, Pilherodius pileatus
Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea
Boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and, despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
White ibis, Eudocimus albus
Scarlet ibis, Eudocimus ruber (A)
Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (A)
White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi (A)
Green ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis
Buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus (A)
Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion.
Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus
King vulture, Sarcoramphus papa
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, eagles, and kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.
Pearl kite, Gampsonyx swainsonii
White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus
Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
Gray-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis
Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus
Crested eagle, Morphnus guianensis (near-threatened)
Harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja (near-threatened)
Black hawk-eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus
Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus (near-threatened)
Black-and-white hawk-eagle, Spizaetus melanoleucus
Black-collared hawk, Busarellus nigricollis
Snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis
Slender-billed kite, Rostrhamus hamatus (A)
Double-toothed kite, Harpagus bidentatus
Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis
Plumbeous kite, Ictinia plumbea
Long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni (A)
Northern harrier, Circus cyaneus
Gray-bellied hawk, Accipiter poliogaster (A)(near-threatened)
Tiny hawk, Accipiter superciliosus
Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii (A)
Bicolored hawk, Accipiter bicolor
Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens
Plumbeous hawk, Leucopternis plumbeus (Vulnerable)
Common black hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus
Savanna hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis
Great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga
Solitary eagle, Buteogallus solitarius (near-threatened)
Barred hawk, Morphnarchus princeps
Roadside hawk, Rupornis magnirostris
Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus
White-tailed hawk, Geranoaetus albicaudatus
White hawk, Pseudastur albicollis
Semiplumbeous hawk, Leucopternis semiplumbeus
Gray hawk, Buteo plagiatus (A)
Gray-lined hawk, Buteo nitidus
Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
Short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus
Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus
Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
Order: Gruiformes Family: Eurypygidae
The sunbittern is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas and the sole member of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga.
Sunbittern, Eurypyga helias
Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
Yellow-breasted crake, Hapalocrex flaviventer
Ruddy crake, Laterallus ruber (A)
White-throated crake, Laterallus albigularis
Gray-breasted crake, Laterallus exilis
Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis
Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans
Rufous-necked wood-rail, Aramides axillaris
Gray-cowled wood rail, Aramides cajaneus
Uniform crake, Amaurolimnas concolor
Sora, Porzana carolina
Colombian crake, Mustelirallus colombianus
Paint-billed crake, Mustelirallus erythrops
Spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus
Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus
Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
American coot, Fulica americana
Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae
Heliornithidae is a small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots.
Sungrebe, Heliornis fulica
Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae
The limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab-brown plumage and a grayer head and neck.
Limpkin, Aramus guarauna
Stilts and avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.
Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
American avocet, Recurvirostra americana (A)
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.
American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.
Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
Collared plover, Charadrius collaris
Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (A)
Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia
Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of waders which are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.
Northern jacana, Jacana spinosa
Wattled jacana, Jacana jacana
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus (A)
Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica (A)
Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa
Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
Red knot, Calidris canutus (Near-threatened)
Surfbird, Calidris virgata
Ruff, Calidris pugnax (A)
Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (A)(Near-threatened)
Sanderling, Calidris alba
Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis (near-threatened)
Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla (Near-threatened)
Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (A)
Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
Wandering tattler, Tringa incana (A)
Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
Willet, Tringa semipalmata
Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.
South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki
Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, terns, and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish.
Swallow-tailed gull, Creagrus furcatus (A)
Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla (A)
Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia (A)
Gray-hooded gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus (A)
Gray gull, Leucophaeus modestus (A)
Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla
Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
Belcher's gull, Larus belcheri (A)
Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
Herring gull, Larus argentatus
Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus (A)
Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus (A)
Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
Black noddy, Anous minutus (A)
White tern, Gygis alba (A)
Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus
Least tern, Sternula antillarum
Yellow-billed tern, Sternula superciliaris (A)
Large-billed tern, Phaetusa simplex (A)
Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
Inca tern, Larosterna inca (A)(Near-threatened)
Black tern, Chlidonias niger
Common tern, Sterna hirundo
Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri (A)
Royal tern, Thalasseus maxima
Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
Elegant tern, Thalasseus elegans (Near-threatened)
Black skimmer, Rynchops niger (A)
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
Pale-vented pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis
Scaled pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa
White-crowned pigeon, Patagioenas leucocephala (Near-threatened)
Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata
Plumbeous pigeon, Patagioenas plumbea
Ruddy pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea (Vulnerable)
Short-billed pigeon, Patagioenas nigrirostris
Dusky pigeon, Patagioenas goodsoni
Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I)(A)
Common ground-dove, Columbina passerina
Plain-breasted ground-dove, Columbina minuta
Ruddy ground-dove, Columbina talpacoti
Blue ground-dove, Claravis pretiosa
Maroon-chested ground-dove, Claravis mondetoura
Ruddy quail-dove, Geotrygon montana
Violaceous quail-dove, Geotrygon violacea
Olive-backed quail-dove, Leptotrygon veraguensis
White-tipped dove, Leptotila verreauxi
Gray-chested dove, Leptotila cassinii
Gray-headed dove, Leptotila plumbeiceps
Buff-fronted quail-dove, Zentrygon costaricensis
Purplish-backed quail-dove, Zentrygon lawrencii
Chiriqui quail-dove, Zentrygon chiriquensis
Russet-crowned quail-dove, Zentrygon goldmani (Near-threatened)
White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica
Eared dove, Zenaida auriculata (A)
Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
Greater ani, Crotophaga major
Smooth-billed ani, Crotophaga ani
Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris
Striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia
Pheasant cuckoo, Dromococcyx phasianellus
Rufous-vented ground-cuckoo, Neomorphus geoffroyi
Little cuckoo, Coccycua minuta
Dwarf cuckoo, Coccycua pumilus (A)
Squirrel cuckoo, Piaya cayana
Dark-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus melacoryphus (A)
Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
Pearly-breasted cuckoo, Coccyzus euleri (A)
Mangrove cuckoo, Coccyzus minor
Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Gray-capped cuckoo, Coccyzus lansbergi (A)
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
Barn owl, Tyto alba
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
Tropical screech-owl, Megascops choliba
Vermiculated screech-owl, Megascops guatemalae
Bare-shanked screech-owl, Megascops clarkii
Crested owl, Lophostrix cristata
Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus (A)
Costa Rican pygmy-owl, Glaucidium costaricanum
Central American pygmy-owl, Glaucidium griseiceps
Ferruginous pygmy-owl, Glaucidium brasilianum
Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (A)
Mottled owl, Ciccaba virgata
Black-and-white owl, Ciccaba nigrolineata
Striped owl, Pseudoscops clamator
Unspotted saw-whet owl, Aegolius ridgwayi (A)
Nightjars and allies
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
Lesser nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis
Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
Short-tailed nighthawk, Lurocalis semitorquatus
Common pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis
White-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis cayennensis
Ocellated poorwill, Nyctiphrynus ocellatus (A)
Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis
Rufous nightjar, Antrostomus rufus
Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus (A)
Dusky nightjar, Antrostomus saturatus
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Nyctibiidae
The potoos (sometimes called poor-me-ones) are large near passerine birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are nocturnal insectivores which lack the bristles around the mouth found in the true nightjars.
Great potoo, Nyctibius grandis
Common potoo, Nyctibius griseus
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Steatornithidae
The oilbird is a slim, long-winged bird related to the nightjars. It is nocturnal and a specialist feeder on the fruit of the oil palm.
Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis (A)
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.
Black swift, Cypseloides niger (A)
White-chinned swift, Cypseloides cryptus (A)
Spot-fronted swift, Cypseloides cherriei (A)
Chestnut-collared swift, Streptoprocne rutila
White-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris
Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica (Near-threatened)
Vaux's swift, Chaetura vauxi
Chapman's swift, Chaetura chapmani (A)
Sick's swift, Chaetura meridionalis (A)
Short-tailed swift, Chaetura brachyura
Band-rumped swift, Chaetura spinicaudus
Costa Rican swift, Chaetura fumosa
Gray-rumped swift, Chaetura cinereiventris
Lesser swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila cayennensis
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards.
White-necked jacobin, Florisuga mellivora
White-tipped sicklebill, Eutoxeres aquila
Bronzy hermit, Glaucis aeneus
Rufous-breasted hermit, Glaucis hirsutus
Band-tailed barbthroat, Threnetes ruckeri
White-whiskered hermit, Phaethornis yaruqui (A)
Green hermit, Phaethornis guy
Long-billed hermit, Phaethornis longirostris
Pale-bellied hermit, Phaethornis anthophilus
Stripe-throated hermit, Phaethornis striigularis
Green-fronted lancebill, Doryfera ludovicae
Brown violetear, Colibri delphinae
Lesser violetear, Colibri cyanotus
Tooth-billed hummingbird, Androdon aequatorialis
Purple-crowned fairy, Heliothryx barroti
Ruby-topaz hummingbird, Chrysolampis mosquitus (A)
Green-breasted mango, Anthracothorax prevostii
Black-throated mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis
Veraguan mango, Anthracothorax veraguensis
Green thorntail, Discosura conversii
Rufous-crested coquette, Lophornis delattrei
White-crested coquette, Lophornis adorabilis
Greenish puffleg, Haplophaedia aureliae
Green-crowned brilliant, Heliodoxa jacula
Magnificent hummingbird, Eugenes fulgens
Long-billed starthroat, Heliomaster longirostris
Fiery-throated hummingbird, Panterpe insignis
White-bellied mountain-gem, Lampornis hemileucus
Purple-throated mountain-gem, Lampornis calolaemus
White-throated mountain-gem, Lampornis castaneoventris
Magenta-throated woodstar, Calliphlox bryantae
Purple-throated woodstar, Calliphlox mitchellii
Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris (A)
Volcano hummingbird, Selasphorus flammula
Glow-throated hummingbird, Selasphorus ardens (E)(Endangered)
Scintillant hummingbird, Selasphorus scintilla
Garden emerald, Chlorostilbon assimilis
Violet-headed hummingbird, Klais guimeti
Scaly-breasted hummingbird, Phaeochroa cuvierii
Violet sabrewing, Campylopterus hemileucurus
White-vented plumeleteer, Chalybura buffonii
Bronze-tailed plumeleteer, Chalybura urochrysia
Crowned woodnymph, Thalurania colombica
Stripe-tailed hummingbird, Eupherusa eximia
Black-bellied hummingbird, Eupherusa nigriventris
White-tailed emerald, Elvira chionura
Snowcap, Microchera albocoronata
Blue-chested hummingbird, Amazilia amabilis
Charming hummingbird, Amazilia decora
Snowy-bellied hummingbird, Amazilia edward
Rufous-tailed hummingbird, Amazilia tzacatl
Pirre hummingbird, Goethalsia bella (Near-threatened)
Violet-capped hummingbird, Goldmania violiceps
Sapphire-throated hummingbird, Lepidopyga coeruleogularis
Violet-bellied hummingbird, Damophila julie
Humboldt's sapphire, Hylocharis humboldtii
Blue-throated goldentail, Hylocharis eliciae
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumages.
Golden-headed quetzal, Pharomachrus auriceps
Resplendent quetzal, Pharomachrus mocinno (Near-threatened)
Lattice-tailed trogon, Trogon clathratus
Slaty-tailed trogon, Trogon massena
Black-tailed trogon, Trogon melanurus
White-tailed trogon, Trogon viridis
Baird's trogon, Trogon bairdii (Near-threatened)
Gartered trogon, Trogon caligatus
Black-throated trogon, Trogon rufus
Orange-bellied trogon, Trogon aurantiiventris
Collared trogon, Trogon collaris
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Momotidae
The motmots have colorful plumage and long, graduated tails which they display by waggling back and forth. In most of the species, the barbs near the ends of the two longest (central) tail feathers are weak and fall off, leaving a length of bare shaft and creating a racket-shaped tail.
Tody motmot, Hylomanes momotula
Lesson's motmot, Momotus lessonii
Whooping motmot, Momotus subrufescens
Rufous motmot, Baryphthengus martii
Broad-billed motmot, Electron platyrhynchum
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails.
Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquatus
Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon
Amazon kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona
Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana
Green-and-rufous kingfisher, Chloroceryle inda
American pygmy kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea
Order: Galbuliformes Family: Bucconidae
The puffbirds are related to the jacamars and have the same range, but lack the iridescent colors of that family. They are mainly brown, rufous, or gray, with large heads and flattened bills with hooked tips. The loose abundant plumage and short tails makes them look stout and puffy, giving rise to the English common name of the family.
White-necked puffbird, Notharchus hyperrhynchus
Black-breasted puffbird, Notharchus pectoralis
Pied puffbird, Notharchus tectus
Barred puffbird, Nystalus radiatus
White-whiskered puffbird, Malacoptila panamensis
Lanceolated monklet, Micromonacha lanceolata
Gray-cheeked nunlet, Nonnula frontalis
White-fronted nunbird, Monasa morphoeus
Order: Galbuliformes Family: Galbulidae
The jacamars are near passerine birds from tropical South America, with a range that extends up to Mexico. They feed on insects caught on the wing and are glossy, elegant birds with long bills and tails. They resemble the Old World bee-eaters, although they are more closely related to puffbirds.
Dusky-backed jacamar, Brachygalba salmoni
Rufous-tailed jacamar, Galbula ruficauda
Great jacamar, Jacamerops aureus
Order: Piciformes Family: Capitonidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly colored.
Spot-crowned barbet, Capito maculicoronatus
Red-headed barbet, Eubucco bourcierii
Order: Piciformes Family: Semnornithidae
Prong-billed barbet, Semnornis frantzii
Order: Piciformes Family: Ramphastidae
Toucans are near passerine birds from the Neotropics. They are brightly marked and have enormous, colorful bills which in some species amount to half their body length.
Emerald toucanet, Aulacorhynchus prasinus
Collared aracari, Pteroglossus torquatus
Fiery-billed aracari, Pteroglossus frantzii
Yellow-eared toucanet, Selenidera spectabilis
Yellow-throated toucan, Ramphastos ambiguus (Near-threatened)
Keel-billed toucan, Ramphastos sulfuratus
Choco toucan, Ramphastos brevis (A)
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
Olivaceous piculet, Picumnus olivaceus
Acorn woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus
Golden-naped woodpecker, Melanerpes chrysauchen
Black-cheeked woodpecker, Melanerpes pucherani
Red-crowned woodpecker, Melanerpes rubricapillus
Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius
Smoky-brown woodpecker, Picoides fumigatus
Hairy woodpecker, Picoides villosus
Red-rumped woodpecker, Veniliornis kirkii
Rufous-winged woodpecker, Piculus simplex
Stripe-cheeked woodpecker, Piculus callopterus (E)
Golden-green woodpecker, Piculus chrysochloros
Golden-olive woodpecker, Piculus rubiginosus
Spot-breasted woodpecker, Colaptes punctigula
Cinnamon woodpecker, Celeus loricatus
Chestnut-colored woodpecker, Celeus castaneus
Chestnut woodpecker, Celeus elegans
Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus
Crimson-bellied woodpecker, Campephilus haematogaster
Crimson-crested woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos
Pale-billed woodpecker, Campephilus guatemalensis
Falcons and caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.
Barred forest-falcon, Micrastur ruficollis
Slaty-backed forest-falcon, Micrastur mirandollei
Collared forest-falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus
Red-throated caracara, Ibycter americanus
Crested caracara, Caracara cheriway
Yellow-headed caracara, Milvago chimachima
Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans
American kestrel, Falco sparverius
Merlin, Falco columbarius
Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
Bat falcon, Falco rufigularis
Orange-breasted falcon, Falco deiroleucus (A)(Near-threatened)
Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
New World and African parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back.
Red-fronted parrotlet, Touit costaricensis (Vulnerable)
Blue-fronted parrotlet, Touit dilectissimus
Barred parakeet, Bolborhynchus lineola
Orange-chinned parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis
Brown-hooded parrot, Pyrilia haematotis
Saffron-headed parrot, Pyrilia pyrilia (Near-threatened)
Blue-headed parrot, Pionus menstruus
White-crowned parrot, Pionus senilis
Red-lored parrot, Amazona autumnalis
Yellow-crowned parrot, Amazona ochrocephala
Mealy parrot, Amazona farinosa
Spectacled parrotlet, Forpus conspicillatus
Painted parakeet, Pyrrhura picta
Sulphur-winged parakeet, Pyrrhura hoffmanni
Olive-throated parakeet, Eupsittula nana
Brown-throated parakeet, Eupsittula pertinax
Blue-and-yellow macaw, Ara ararauna
Great green macaw, Ara ambiguus (Endangered)
Scarlet macaw, Ara macao
Red-and-green macaw, Ara chloropterus
Chestnut-fronted macaw, Ara severus
Crimson-fronted parakeet, Psittacara finschi
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sapayoidae
Sapayoa, Sapayoa aenigma
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thamnophilidae
The antbirds are a large family of small passerine birds of subtropical and tropical Central and South America. They are forest birds which tend to feed on insects at or near the ground. A sizable minority of them specialize in following columns of army ants to eat small invertebrates that leave their hiding places to flee from the ants. Many species lack bright color, with brown, black, and white being the dominant tones.
Rufous-rumped antwren, Euchrepomis callinota
Fasciated antshrike, Cymbilaimus lineatus
Great antshrike, Taraba major
Barred antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus
Black-crowned antshrike, Thamnophilus atrinucha
Black-hooded antshrike, Thamnophilus bridgesi
Black antshrike, Thamnophilus nigriceps
Russet antshrike, Thamnistes anabatinus
Plain antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis
Spot-crowned antvireo, Dysithamnus puncticeps
Spiny-faced antshrike, Xenornis setifrons (Vulnerable)
Checker-throated antwren, Epinecrophylla fulviventris
Moustached antwren, Myrmotherula ignota
Pacific antwren, Myrmotherula pacifica
White-flanked antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris
Slaty antwren, Myrmotherula schisticolor
Rufous-winged antwren, Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus
Dot-winged antwren, Microrhopias quixensis
White-fringed antwren, Formicivora grisea
Dusky antbird, Cercomacroides tyrannina
Jet antbird, Cercomacra nigricans
Bare-crowned antbird, Gymnocichla nudiceps
White-bellied antbird, Myrmeciza longipes
Chestnut-backed antbird, Poliocrania exsul
Dull-mantled antbird, Sipia laemosticta
Zeledon's antbird, Hafferia zeledoni
Wing-banded antbird, Myrmornis torquata (Near-threatened)
Bicolored antbird, Gymnopithys leucaspis
White-cheeked antbird, Gymnopithys leucaspis
Spotted antbird, Hylophylax naevioides
Ocellated antbird, Phaenostictus mcleannani
Order: Passeriformes Family: Conopophagidae
Black-crowned antpitta, Pittasoma michleri
Order: Passeriformes Family: Grallariidae
Scaled antpitta, Grallaria guatimalensis
Streak-chested antpitta, Hylopezus perspicillatus
Thicket antpitta, Hylopezus dives
Ochre-breasted antpitta, Grallaricula flavirostris (Near-threatened)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhinocryptidae
The tapaculos are small suboscine passeriform birds with numerous species in South and Central America. They are terrestrial species that fly only poorly on their short wings. They have strong legs, well-suited to their habitat of grassland or forest undergrowth. The tail is cocked and pointed towards the head.
Tacarcuna tapaculo, Scytalopus panamensis (Vulnerable)
Choco tapaculo, Scytalopus chocoensis
Silvery-fronted tapaculo, Scytalopus argentifrons
Order: Passeriformes Family: Formicariidae
Antthrushes resemble small rails with strong, longish legs, very short tails, and stout bills.
Black-faced antthrush, Formicarius analis
Black-headed antthrush, Formicarius nigricapillus
Rufous-breasted antthrush, Formicarius rufipectus
Ovenbirds and woodcreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Furnariidae
Ovenbirds comprise a large family of small sub-oscine passerine bird species found in Central and South America. They are a diverse group of insectivores which gets its name from the elaborate "oven-like" clay nests built by some species, although others build stick nests or nest in tunnels or clefts in rock. The woodcreepers are brownish birds which maintain an upright vertical posture supported by their stiff tail vanes. They feed mainly on insects taken from tree trunks.
Tawny-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus mexicanus
Scaly-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus guatemalensis
Gray-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus albigularis (Near-threatened)
Olivaceous woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus
Long-tailed woodcreeper, Deconychura longicauda (Near-threatened)
Ruddy woodcreeper, Dendrocincla homochroa
Tawny-winged woodcreeper, Dendrocincla anabatina
Plain-brown woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Wedge-billed woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus
Northern barred-woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae
Black-banded woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes picumnus
Strong-billed woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
Cocoa woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus susurrans
Black-striped woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus
Spotted woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
Straight-billed woodcreeper, Dendroplex picus
Red-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus trochilirostris
Brown-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus pusillus
Streak-headed woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Spot-crowned woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes affinis
Plain xenops, Xenops minutus
Streaked xenops, Xenops rutilans
Buffy tuftedcheek, Pseudocolaptes lawrencii
Sharp-tailed streamcreeper, Lochmias nematura
Slaty-winged foliage-gleaner, Philydor fuscipenne
Buff-fronted foliage-gleaner, Philydor rufum
Scaly-throated foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia variegaticeps
Lineated foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla subalaris
Ruddy foliage-gleaner, Clibanornis rubiginosus
Streak-breasted treehunter, Thripadectes rufobrunneus
Buff-throated foliage-gleaner, Automolus ochrolaemus
Striped woodhaunter, Automolus subulatus
Spotted barbtail, Premnoplex brunnescens
Beautiful treerunner, Margarornis bellulus (E)(Near-threatened)
Ruddy treerunner, Margarornis rubiginosus
Double-banded graytail, Xenerpestes minlosi
Coiba spinetail, Cranioleuca dissita (E)
Red-faced spinetail, Cranioleuca erythrops
Pale-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis albescens
Slaty spinetail, Synallaxis brachyura
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain coloring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous.
Yellow-bellied tyrannulet, Ornithion semiflavum
Brown-capped tyrannulet, Ornithion brunneicapillus
Southern beardless-tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum
Mouse-colored tyrannulet, Phaeomyias murina
Yellow tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola
Yellow-crowned tyrannulet, Tyrannulus elatus
Forest elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii
Gray elaenia, Myiopagis caniceps
Greenish elaenia, Myiopagis viridicata
Yellow-bellied elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster
Lesser elaenia, Elaenia chiriquensis
Mountain elaenia, Elaenia frantzii
Torrent tyrannulet, Serpophaga cinerea
Olive-striped flycatcher, Mionectes olivaceus
Ochre-bellied flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus
Sepia-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus
Slaty-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon superciliaris
Yellow-green tyrannulet, Phylloscartes flavovirens (E)
Rufous-browed tyrannulet, Phylloscartes superciliaris
Rough-legged tyrannulet, Phyllomyias burmeisteri
Sooty-headed tyrannulet, Phyllomyias griseiceps
Paltry tyrannulet, Zimmerius vilissimus
Northern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus arenarum
Bronze-olive pygmy-tyrant, Pseudotriccus pelzelni
Black-capped pygmy-tyrant, Myiornis atricapillus
Scale-crested pygmy-tyrant, Lophotriccus pileatus
Pale-eyed pygmy-tyrant, Atalotriccus pilaris
Northern bentbill, Oncostoma cinereigulare
Southern bentbill, Oncostoma olivaceum
Slate-headed tody-tyrant, Poecilotriccus sylvia
Common tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum
Black-headed tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum nigriceps
Brownish twistwing, Cnipodectes subbrunneus
Eye-ringed flatbill, Rhynchocyclus brevirostris
Olivaceous flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
Yellow-olive flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens
Yellow-margined flycatcher, Tolmomyias assimilis
Yellow-breasted flycatcher, Tolmomyias flaviventris
Stub-tailed spadebill, Platyrinchus cancrominus
White-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus mystaceus
Golden-crowned spadebill, Platyrinchus coronatus
Royal flycatcher, Onychorhynchus mexicanus
Ruddy-tailed flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus
Tawny-breasted flycatcher, Myiobius villosus
Sulphur-rumped flycatcher, Myiobius sulphureipygius
Black-tailed flycatcher, Myiobius atricaudus
Bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus
Black-billed flycatcher, Aphanotriccus audax (Near-threatened)
Tufted flycatcher, Mitrephanes phaeocercus
Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi (Near-threatened)
Dark pewee, Contopus lugubris
Ochraceous pewee, Contopus ochraceus
Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus
Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens
Tropical pewee, Contopus cinereus
Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris
Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens
Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
White-throated flycatcher, Empidonax albigularis
Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus (A)
Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii (A)
Yellowish flycatcher, Empidonax flavescens
Black-capped flycatcher, Empidonax atriceps
Black phoebe, Sayornis nigricans
Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus (A)
Pied water-tyrant, Fluvicola pica
Long-tailed tyrant, Colonia colonus
Cattle tyrant, Machetornis rixosa (A)
Bright-rumped attila, Attila spadiceus
Western sirystes, Sirystes albogriseus
Rufous mourner, Rhytipterna holerythra
Dusky-capped flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer
Panama flycatcher, Myiarchus panamensis
Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
Lesser kiskadee, Philohydor lictor
Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus
Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua
Rusty-margined flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis
Social flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis
Gray-capped flycatcher, Myiozetetes granadensis
White-ringed flycatcher, Conopias albovittatus
Golden-bellied flycatcher, Myiodynastes hemichrysus
Golden-crowned flycatcher, Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Streaked flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus
Sulphur-bellied flycatcher, Myiodynastes luteiventris
Piratic flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius
Variegated flycatcher, Empidonomus varius (A)
Crowned slaty flycatcher, Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus (A)
Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis (A)
Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
Gray kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis
Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus
Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oxyruncidae
Sharpbill, Oxyruncus cristatus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cotingidae
The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges in tropical South America. Comparatively little is known about this diverse group, although all have broad bills with hooked tips, rounded wings, and strong legs. The males of many of the species are brightly colored or decorated with plumes or wattles.
Purple-throated fruitcrow, Querula purpurata
Bare-necked umbrellabird, Cephalopterus glabricollis (Endangered)
Lovely cotinga, Cotinga amabilis (A)
Turquoise cotinga, Cotinga ridgwayi (Vulnerable)
Blue cotinga, Cotinga nattererii
Rufous piha, Lipaugus unirufus
Three-wattled bellbird, Procnias tricarunculata (Vulnerable)
Black-tipped cotinga, Carpodectes hopkei
Yellow-billed cotinga, Carpodectes antoniae (Endangered)
Snowy cotinga, Carpodectes nitidus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pipridae
The manakins are a family of subtropical and tropical mainland Central and South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are compact forest birds, the males typically being brightly colored, although the females of most species are duller and usually green-plumaged. Manakins feed on small fruits, berries, and insects.
Lance-tailed manakin, Chiroxiphia lanceolata
White-ruffed manakin, Corapipo altera
Green manakin, Cryptopipo holochlora
Blue-crowned manakin, Lepidothrix coronata
White-collared manakin, Manacus candei
Orange-collared manakin, Manacus aurantiacus
Golden-collared manakin, Manacus vitellinus
White-crowned manakin, Dixiphia pipra
Red-capped manakin, Ceratopipra mentalis
Golden-headed manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala
Gray-headed piprites, Piprites griseiceps
Tityras and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tityridae
Black-crowned tityra, Tityra inquisitor
Masked tityra, Tityra semifasciata
Northern schiffornis, Schiffornis veraepacis
Russet-winged schiffornis, Schiffornis stenorhyncha
Speckled mourner, Laniocera rufescens
Barred becard, Pachyramphus versicolor
Cinereous becard, Pachyramphus rufus
Cinnamon becard, Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
White-winged becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus
Black-and-white becard, Pachyramphus albogriseus
Rose-throated becard, Pachyramphus aglaiae
One-colored becard, Pachyramphus homochrous
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills.
Rufous-browed peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis
Scrub greenlet, Hylophilus flavipes
Green shrike-vireo, Vireolanius pulchellus
Yellow-browed shrike-vireo, Vireolanius eximius
Tawny-crowned greenlet, Hylophilus ochraceiceps
Lesser greenlet, Hylophilus decurtatus
Golden-fronted greenlet, Hylophilus aurantiifrons
White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus (A)
Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
Yellow-winged vireo, Vireo carmioli
Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius (A)
Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus (A)
Brown-capped vireo, Vireo leucophrys
Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus
Yellow-green vireo, Vireo flavoviridis
Black-whiskered vireo, Vireo altiloquus (A)
Crows, jays, and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.
Silvery-throated jay, Cyanolyca argentigula
Azure-hooded jay, Cyanolyca cucullata
Brown jay, Psilorhinus morio
Black-chested jay, Cyanocorax affinis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
Blue-and-white swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
White-thighed swallow, Atticora tibialis
Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Purple martin, Progne subis
Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea
Southern martin, Progne elegans (A)
Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera
Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (A)
White-winged swallow, Tachycineta albiventer (A)
Mangrove swallow, Tachycineta albilinea
Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina (A)
Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (A)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.
Scaly-breasted wren, Microcerculus marginatus
House wren, Troglodytes aedon
Ochraceous wren, Troglodytes ochraceus
Timberline wren, Thryorchilus browni
Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
White-headed wren, Campylorhynchus albobrunneus
Band-backed wren, Campylorhynchus zonatus
Bicolored wren, Campylorhynchus griseus (A)
Sooty-headed wren, Pheugopedius spadix
Black-bellied wren, Pheugopedius fasciatoventris
Rufous-breasted wren, Pheugopedius rutilus
Black-throated wren, Pheugopedius atrogularis
Rufous-and-white wren, Thryophilus rufalbus
Stripe-breasted wren, Cantorchilus thoracicus
Stripe-throated wren, Cantorchilus leucopogon
Canebrake wren, Cantorchilus zeledoni
Isthmian wren, Cantorchilus elutus
Riverside wren, Cantorchilus semibadius
Bay wren, Cantorchilus nigricapillus
Buff-breasted wren, Cantorchilus leucotis
White-breasted wood-wren, Henicorhina leucosticta
Gray-breasted wood-wren, Henicorhina leucophrys
Song wren, Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their build and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers and gnatwrens are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub, which nest in bushes or trees.
Tawny-faced gnatwren, Microbates cinereiventris
Long-billed gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus
Tropical gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea
Slate-throated gnatcatcher, Polioptila schistaceigula
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements.
American dipper, Cinclus mexicanus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Donacobiidae
Black-capped donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (A)
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
Black-faced solitaire, Myadestes melanops
Varied solitaire, Myadestes coloratus
Black-billed nightingale-thrush, Catharus gracilirostris
Orange-billed nightingale-thrush, Catharus aurantiirostris
Slaty-backed nightingale-thrush, Catharus fuscater
Ruddy-capped nightingale-thrush, Catharus frantzii
Black-headed nightingale-thrush, Catharus mexicanus
Veery, Catharus fuscescens
Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina (Near-threatened)
Sooty thrush, Turdus nigrescens
Mountain thrush, Turdus plebejus
Pale-vented thrush, Turdus obsoletus
Clay-colored thrush, Turdus grayi
White-throated thrush, Turdus assimilis
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their coloring tends towards dull-grays and browns.
Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
Tropical mockingbird, Mimus gilvus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.
European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)(A)
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender ground-feeding insectivores of open country.
Yellowish pipit, Anthus lutescens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter.
Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum (A)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptiliogonatidae
The silky-flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in Central America, although the range of one species extends to central California. They are related to waxwings and like that group have soft silky plumage, usually gray or pale yellow. They have small crests.
Black-and-yellow silky-flycatcher, Phainoptila melanoxantha
Long-tailed silky-flycatcher, Ptiliogonys caudatus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores.
Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum
Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla
Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera (Near-threatened)
Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera
Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (A)
Flame-throated warbler, Oreothlypis gutturalis
Tennessee warbler, Oreothlypis peregrina
Nashville warbler, Oreothlypis ruficapilla (A)
Virginia's warbler, Oreothlypis virginiae (A)
Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis (A)
Gray-crowned yellowthroat, Geothlypis poliocephala
Masked yellowthroat, Geothlypis aequinoctialis
MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei (A)
Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia
Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa
Olive-crowned yellowthroat, Geothlypis semiflava
Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas (A)
Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina
American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina
Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea (Vulnerable)
Northern parula, Setophaga americana (A)
Tropical parula, Setophaga pitiayumi
Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia
Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea
Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca
Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica
Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata (A)
Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens (A)
Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum
Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica (A)
Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (A)
Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi (A)
Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis (A)
Golden-cheeked warbler, Setophaga chrysoparia (A)(Endangered)
Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens
Rufous-capped warbler, Basileuterus rufifrons
Black-cheeked warbler, Basileuterus melanogenys
Pirre warbler, Basileuterus ignotus (Vulnerable)
Golden-crowned warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus
Costa Rican warbler, Basileuterus melanotis
Tacarcuna warbler, Basileuterus tacarcunae
Buff-rumped warbler, Myiothlypis fulvicauda
Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis
Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla
Slate-throated redstart, Myioborus miniatus
Collared redstart, Myioborus torquatus
Wrenthrush, Zeledonia coronata
Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens
Tanagers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings.
Gray-headed tanager, Eucometis penicillata
White-shouldered tanager, Tachyphonus luctuosus
Tawny-crested tanager, Tachyphonus delatrii
White-lined tanager, Tachyphonus rufus
White-throated shrike-tanager, Lanio leucothorax
Crimson-collared tanager, Ramphocelus sanguinolentus
Flame-rumped tanager, Ramphocelus flammigerus
Passerini's tanager, Ramphocelus passerinii
Cherrie's tanager, Ramphocelus costaricensis
Crimson-backed tanager, Ramphocelus dimidiatus
Blue-and-gold tanager, Bangsia arcaei (Near-threatened)
Blue-gray tanager, Thraupis episcopus
Palm tanager, Thraupis palmarum
Gray-and-gold tanager, Tangara palmeri
Golden-hooded tanager, Tangara larvata
Speckled tanager, Tangara guttata
Spangle-cheeked tanager, Tangara dowii
Green-naped tanager, Tangara fucosa (Near-threatened)
Plain-colored tanager, Tangara inornata
Rufous-winged tanager, Tangara lavinia
Bay-headed tanager, Tangara gyrola
Emerald tanager, Tangara florida
Silver-throated tanager, Tangara icterocephala
Swallow tanager, Tersina viridis
Scarlet-thighed dacnis, Dacnis venusta
Blue dacnis, Dacnis cayana
Viridian dacnis, Dacnis viguieri (Near-threatened)
Shining honeycreeper, Cyanerpes lucidus
Purple honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus
Red-legged honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus
Green honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza
Sulphur-rumped tanager, Heterospingus rubrifrons
Scarlet-browed tanager, Heterospingus xanthopygius
Yellow-backed tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis
Black-and-yellow tanager, Chrysothlypis chrysomelas
White-eared conebill, Conirostrum leucogenys
Slaty flowerpiercer, Diglossa plumbea
Slaty finch, Haplospiza rustica
Peg-billed finch, Acanthidops bairdi
Saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola (I)
Grassland yellow-finch, Sicalis luteola
Wedge-tailed grass-finch, Emberizoides herbicola
Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
Lesson's seedeater, Sporophila bouvronides (A)
Lined seedeater, Sporophila lineola (A)
Ruddy-breasted seedeater, Sporophila minuta
Thick-billed seed-finch, Sporophila funerea
Nicaraguan seed-finch, Sporophila nuttingi
Large-billed seed-finch, Sporophila crassirostris
Variable seedeater, Sporophila corvina
White-collared seedeater, Sporophila torqueola
Yellow-bellied seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis
Slate-colored seedeater, Sporophila schistacea
Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola
Yellow-faced grassquit, Tiaris olivaceus
Dusky-faced tanager, Mitrospingus cassinii
Rosy thrush-tanager, Rhodinocichla rosea
Buff-throated saltator, Saltator maximus
Black-headed saltator, Saltator atriceps
Grayish saltator, Saltator coerulescens
Streaked saltator, Saltator striatipectus
Slate-colored grosbeak, Saltator grossus
Buntings and New World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.
Yellow-throated chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavigularis
Ashy-throated chlorospingus, Chlorospingus canigularis
Sooty-capped chlorospingus, Chlorospingus pileatus
Common chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavopectus
Tacarcuna chlorospingus, Chlorospingus tacarcunae
Pirre chlorospingus, Chlorospingus inornatus (E)
Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
Black-striped sparrow, Arremonops conirostris
Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida (A)
Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus (A)
Costa Rican brushfinch, Arremon costaricensis
Black-headed brushfinch, Arremon atricapillus
Orange-billed sparrow, Arremon aurantiirostris
Chestnut-capped brushfinch, Arremon brunneinucha
Sooty-faced finch, Lysurus crassirostris
Volcano junco, Junco vulcani
Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii (A)
Large-footed finch, Pezopetes capitalis
Yellow-thighed finch, Pselliophorus tibialis
Yellow-green finch, Pselliophorus luteoviridis (E)(vulnerable)
White-naped brushfinch, Atlapetes albinucha
Cardinals and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages.
Hepatic tanager, Piranga flava
Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana
Flame-colored tanager, Piranga bidentata
White-winged tanager, Piranga leucoptera
Red-crowned ant-tanager, Habia rubica
Red-throated ant-tanager, Habia fuscicauda
Carmiol's tanager, Chlorothraupis carmioli
Lemon-spectacled tanager, Chlorothraupis olivacea
Black-faced grosbeak, Caryothraustes poliogaster
Yellow-green grosbeak, Caryothraustes canadensis
Black-thighed grosbeak, Pheucticus tibialis
Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
Blue seedeater, Amaurospiza concolor
Blue-black grosbeak, Cyanocompsa cyanoides
Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea
Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea
Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (Near-threatened)
Dickcissel, Spiza americana
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red.
Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
Red-breasted meadowlark, Sturnella militaris
Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (A)
Melodious blackbird, Dives dives (A)
Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus
Yellow-hooded blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus (A)
Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
Bronzed cowbird, Molothrus aeneus
Giant cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus
Black-cowled oriole, Icterus prosthemelas
Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
Yellow-backed oriole, Icterus chrysater
Orange-crowned oriole, Icterus auricapillus
Yellow-tailed oriole, Icterus mesomelas
Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
Yellow-billed cacique, Amblycercus holosericeus
Scarlet-rumped cacique, Cacicus uropygialis
Yellow-rumped cacique, Cacicus cela
Crested oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus
Chestnut-headed oropendola, Psarocolius wagleri
Montezuma oropendola, Psarocolius montezuma
Black oropendola, Psarocolius guatimozinus
Finches, euphonias, and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
Yellow-crowned euphonia, Euphonia luteicapilla
Thick-billed euphonia, Euphonia laniirostris
Yellow-throated euphonia, Euphonia hirundinacea (A)
Elegant euphonia, Euphonia elegantissima
Fulvous-vented euphonia, Euphonia fulvicrissa
Spot-crowned euphonia, Euphonia imitans
Olive-backed euphonia, Euphonia gouldi
White-vented euphonia, Euphonia minuta
Tawny-capped euphonia, Euphonia anneae
Orange-bellied euphonia, Euphonia xanthogaster
Yellow-collared chlorophonia, Chlorophonia flavirostris (A)
Golden-browed chlorophonia, Chlorophonia callophrys
Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria
Yellow-bellied siskin, Spinus xanthogastrus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or gray birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.
House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colors and patterns.
Tricolored munia, Lonchura malacca (I)
