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Birdwatching trip report - Belize, Guatemala

Period: 6.6.2008-20.6.2008
Author(s): Ethan Beasley

Key sites visited: Crooked Tree, Tikal, Mt. Pine Ridge, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Belize and Tikal

June 6-20, 2008

By Ethan Beasley

Introduction:

My father, John Beasley (Potterville, MI), and I, (Tucson, AZ) had a fantastic trip to Belize and Tikal, Guatemala, June 6-20, 2008. We rented a car at the airport and visited Crooked Tree, Tikal, The Mountain Pine Ridge, Cockscomb Basin, and Placencia, as well as many other places along the way. We ended up with a trip list of about 180 species. As it was essentially the first trip to the Neotropics for both of us, 130 were “Life-List” birds. We did not do any night birding. The wet season was well under way, with the entire region experiencing extremely heavy rains and devastating flooding (in Belize) on June 1^st. Strong insect repellent and sun protection were necessary, but rain gear was not. We encountered high humidity and occasional (not every day) brief, light to moderate rain showers.

Highlights:

June 6-7 Crooked Tree, Belize District, Belize.

The lagoon’s water level was very high. We hired an excellent local guide, Glen Crawford, who took us through the village and through some nice Pine Savannah habitat. He pointed out an area in the Pine Savannah where a tornado spawned by the recent heavy rainstorms, had touched down. Highlights included: Yucatan Jay, Red-vented (Yucatan) Woodpecker and Yucatan Flycatcher. Other nice birds included Laughing Falcon, White-bellied Wren, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Violaceous Trogon, Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, and Jabiru (soaring with Wood Storks). A fruiting Fig Tree in the village was very productive, as well. Glen pointed out vocalizations of Striped Cuckoo, Yellow-headed Parrot, and Yellow-lored (Yucatan) Parrot, but we did not see these birds. Glen mentioned that Black Catbird could be found at the causeway, but we had no luck with it.

June 8 San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize (a good place to obtain services).

En route to San Ignacio, on the 8^th, we birded the road down to the Sibun River in the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Glen Crawford also recommended this site to us, and it proved to be great (beyond the first little bridge). Highlights, for us, included Yellow-tailed Oriole, Squirrel Cuckoo, Golden-hooded Tanager, Smoky-brown Woodpecker and excellent looks at a pair of Rufous-breasted Spinetails (near the river bank). A huge fruiting Fig Tree, along the road, provided outstanding birding.

June 9- 11 Tikal, Peten District, Guatemala

Ocellated Turkeys greeted us along Tikal’s Entrance Road, as well as two species of monkey and a coati. The ruins are absolutely amazing, and the Broadleaf Forest that surrounds them is superb. Highlights included Keel-billed Toucan (many), Collared Aracari, Slaty-tailed and Collared Trogons, Mealy and Brown-hooded Parrots, Wedge-tailed Sabrewing, Chestnut-colored and Pale-billed Woodpeckers, Eye-ringed Flatbill, Royal and Sepia-capped Flycatchers, and Hook-billed Kite. A spectacular male Great Curassow ran across the trail in front of us. An Orange-breasted Falcon perched on a carving of the Mayan Sun God, near the top of Temple III. It was, perhaps, the most impressive sight of the trip! We hired Miguel Marin, an outstanding local guide (recommended by Glen Crawford) for one morning. Miguel pointed out vocalizations of Thrush-like Schiffornis, Bright-rumped Attila, and Long-billed Gnatwren, but we did not see these birds. Not only did Miguel help us see many birds we would never have found without him, but he also provided some fascinating information about Tikal’s history and archeology.

June 12-13 Mountain Pine Ridge, Cayo District, Belize

We had many nice birds around beautiful Five Sisters Lodge, in the Mountain Pine Ridge, including, Yellow-faced Grassquit (common), Red-legged Honeycreeper (common), Rufous-capped Warbler, Golden-olive Woodpecker and Crimson-collared Grosbeak. The lodge’s Nature Trail, which dips into some nice Broadleaf Forest, produced Green Jay, and Golden-crowned Warbler. We found Yellow-backed Oriole on the trail above Big Rock Falls. At Thousand Foot Falls, soaring King Vulture gave us nice looks, and a flock of White-collared Swifts was present.

June 14-15 Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS), Stann Creek District, Belize

The birding here was outstanding, with Barred Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Jacamar (many), White-whiskered Puffbird, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, White-collared Manakin (many), Orange-billed Sparrow and three separate encounters with Crested Guan. The Wari Loop Trail was particularly productive, and the Wari Lagoon produced excellent looks at Agami Heron, Boat-billed Heron, and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron. Other nice birds included Passerini’s Tanager (many), Buff-throated Saltator (many), Plain Xenops and Scaly-breasted Hummingbird. We heard the eerie whistling of a Tinamou species on the Tinamou Trail, but did not see it. CBWS was the only place on the entire trip we had a decent look at Blue-crowned Motmot. We only went on trails within relatively close proximity of the Visitor’s Center.

June 16-18 Placencia, Stann Creek District, Belize

We did not make an intensive effort to bird the Placencia area, however, we enjoyed Cinnamon Hummingbird in the beautiful Hibiscus flowers along “The Sidewalk”. A snorkeling trip to Silk Caye yielded Royal, Roseate, and Least Terns.

June 19 Burrell Boom, Belize District, Belize (conveniently located near the airport)

En Route to Burrell Boom, we stopped at Mayflower-Bocawina National Park, Stann Creek District, where we picked up White-breasted Wood-Wren, as well as great looks at Blue Ground-Dove, and Black-crowned Tityra. A quick trip to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, on the 20^thbefore flying home, yielded Black-headed Trogon, Black-cowled Oriole, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Gray-fronted Dove, and Giant Cowbird as well as close encounters with Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys. A Black-collared Hawk gave spectacular looks at close range, perched on the fence along the airport Entrance Road.

Costs and Logistics

Car, Gasoline, and Road Conditions

The total cost for a Chevy Equinox (4w/d & A/C) from Crystal Auto Rental, for 14 days, was about USD$1,400.00, including collision insurance and 10% tax. Gasoline was about USD$5.00/gallon. Crystal was the only company, we found, that allows its vehicles to be driven to Tikal, Guatemala. The roads in Belize were passable, for the most part, despite the recent heavy rains. A causeway was constructed across the Sittee River, where the Kendall Bridge had been washed out. The roughest roads we encountered in Belize were in the Mountain Pine Ridge (especially the Georgeville Road). Guatemalan roads were particularly rough near the Belize border. Belize’s Coastal Highway was closed, presumably due to flooding, which necessitated a lengthy detour along the Hummingbird and Western Highways, during our drive from Placencia to Burrell Boom.

Border Crossing

In general, driving into Guatemala from Belize and back was not difficult. We paid about BZ$38.00 (USD$19.00)/person in exit taxes and fees. Upon re-entry we presented our receipt for these fees and were not required to pay anything. On the Guatemalan side we paid a Q40 (about USD$5.70) vehicle importation fee, and we presented a copy of the letter of permission to drive in Guatemala, from Crystal Auto Rental. It was necessary for our vehicle to receive a drive-through spraying of agricultural insecticide upon entering and exiting Guatemala. A fee of about Q17 (about USD$2.50) for each spraying was charged, payable at nearby windows. A toll of Q21 (about USD$3.00) was charged by the municipality of Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala. We missed the bank on the Guatemalan side, but were approached but numerous money-changers.

Lodging and Food

The cost of a double room with two beds and private bathroom was USD$50-$85/night. We stayed for free in Placencia at a relative’s property (White Sands Villa), for three nights. In Belize there was a 9% tax added on to all food and lodging. Many hotels and restaurants also added on a 9-10% service charge. The prices quoted below do not include tax or service charge.

Crooked Tree, Bird’s Eye View Lodge (BEVL): USD$80.00/night with A/C. All meals were taken at the lodge. Food was quite expensive there. We obtained the services of guide Glen Crawford through the lodge.
En route to San Ignacio, we ate at Cheers. This was a good restaurant and it is very conveniently located, near the Monkey Bay road.
San Ignacio, Casa Blanca Guest House: USD$50.00/night with cold A/C. Directly across the street was a very good restaurant called Wendy’s (not the fast food chain).
Tikal, Jaguar Inn Lodge: USD$60.00/night. We were very comfortable here, despite the absence of electricity between 9pm and 9am. We took all of our meals in the lodge’s very nice restaurant, charging them, because we failed to exchange enough dollars for Quetzales at the border. Currency exchange at Tikal was unavailable, though foreign currency was accepted for entrance tickets.
Mountain Pine Ridge, Five Sisters Lodge: USD$85.00/night. All meals were taken at the lodge, which has a very nice restaurant, overlooking the gorge. Many good birds were seen from the restaurant’s veranda.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: USD$75.00/night. Despite reservations, we did not get the lodging with private kitchen, here, as it was occupied by researchers when we arrived. The communal kitchen was taken over by a large tour group. Lodging options in Maya Centre might have been more comfortable and cheaper.
Placencia, White Sands Villa: available for USD$80.00/night June-Nov. & USD$125.00/night Dec.-May. A lovely place to stay with a breezy porch overlooking “The Sidewalk” and the Caribbean Sea. Two bedrooms, vaulted ceiling, beautiful kitchen and bathroom. De Tatch Restaurant had amazing, though rather expensive, lobster. Lobster at Omar’s was much less expensive but not nearly as good.
En Route to Burrell Boom we ate lunch at Mamanoots Backabush Lodge, amidst the splendor of Mayflower-Bocawina National Park. The food was delicious, and it looked like a beautiful place to stay.
Burrell Boom, El Chiclero Inn: USD$60.00/night with A/C. This place is conveniently located near the airport, for early flights. The gregarious Southern owners serve food typical of the United States.

Guides

Glen Crawford charged USD$7.50/hour per person, at Crooked Tree. Miguel Marin, at Tikal, charged about USD$85.00 for two people, for seven hours (5:30am-12:30pm). We would highly recommend both.

Trip List

Places Key

BEVL = Bird’s Eye View Lodge

BHNP = Blue Hole National Park (inland), Belize

CBS = Community Baboon Sanctuary, Belize

CBWS = Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Jaguar Preserve), Belize

CT = Crooked Tree, Belize

FSL = Five Sisters Lodge, Belize

IA = International Airport, Belize

MBNP = Mayflower-Bocawina National Park, Belize

MBWS = Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, road to Sibun River, Belize

MPR = Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize

PL = Placencia, Belize

SHCNP = St. Herman’s Cave National Park, Belize

TFF = Thousand Foot Falls, Belize

TK = Tikal, Guatemala

	Common Name	Latin Name	Place(s)	Comments
*Fregatidae*
1	Magnificent Frigatebird	Fregata magnificens	PL
*Phalacrocoracidae*
2	Neotropic Cormorant	Phalacrocorax brasilianus	CT
	Double-crested Cormorant	Phalacrocorax auritus	PL
*Anhingidae*
4	Anhinga	Anhinga anhinga	CT
*Pelicanidae*
5	Brown Pelican	Pelicanus occidentalis	PL
*Anatidae*
6	Black-bellied Whistling-Duck	Dendrocygna autumnalis	CT
*Ardeidae*
7	Snowy Egret	Egretta thula	CT
8	Great Egret	Ardea alba	Along Northern and Western Highways, Belize.
9	Cattle Egret	Bubulcus ibis	Pasture along road near Belizean border, Peten, Guatemala.
10	Green Heron	Butorides virescens	CT
11	Agami Heron	Agamia agami	CBWS	Fish concentrated in the Wari Lagoon after high water in the river, may have attracted this bird.
12	Boat-billed Heron	Cochlearius cochlearius	CBWS	Wari Lagoon.
13	Bare-throated Tiger Heron	Tigrisoma mexicanum	CT, CBWS	Wari Lagoon.
*Ciconiidae*
14	Wood Stork	Myceteria americana	CT
15	Jabiru	Jabiru mycteria	CT	Soaring with Wood Storks.
*Cathartidae*
16	Black Vulture	Coragyps atratus	CT
17	Turkey Vulture	Cathartes aura	TFF, CBWS
18	Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture	Cathartes burrovianus	CT	Common around Crooked Tree and BEVL.
19	King Vulture	Sarcoramphus papa	TFF
*Pandionidae*
20	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	CT, PL
*Accipitridae*
21	Hook-billed Kite	Chondrohierax uncinatus	TK
22	Swallow-tailed Kite	Elanoides forficatus	FSL	Flying over Five Sister’s Gorge.
23	White-tailed Kite	Elanus leuurus	CT
24	Plumbeous Kite	Ictinia plumbea	MBWS, TK, MPR
25	Black-collared Hawk	Busarellus nigricollis	CT, IA
26	Gray Hawk	Asturina plagiata	TK, MBNP
27	Roadside Hawk	Buteo magnirostris	CT, CBWS
*Falconidae*
28	Laughing Falcon	Herpetotheres cachinnans	CT
29	Orange-breasted Falcon	Falco deiroleucus	TK	Perched on carving of Sun-God, Temple III!
*Cracidae*
30	Plain Chachalaca	Ortalis vetula	CT, TK, MPR
31	Crested Guan	Penelope purpurascens	CBWS
32	Great Curassow	Crax rubra	TK	Male ran across trail between Group G & the Great Plaza.
33	Ocellated Turkey	Meleagris ocellata	TK	Entrance Road, Parking Area.
*Rallidae*
34	Gray-necked Wood-Rail	Aramides cajanea	TK	Small ditch near entrance to ruins, and Aguada.
*Recurvirostridae*
35	Black-necked Stilt	Himantopus mexicanus	CT
*Aramidae*
36	Limpkin	Aramus guarauna	TK	Aguada.
*Jacanidae*
37	Northern Jacana	Jacana spinosa	CT, TK, wet areas along roads.	This bird was seen in abundance!
*Laridae*
38	Laughing Gull	Larus atricilla	PL
39	Royal Tern	Sterna maxima	PL
40	Roseate Tern	Sterna dougalli	PL
41	Least Tern	Sterna antillarum	PL
*Columbidae*
42	Rock Pigeon	Columba livia	San Ignacio, Belize
43	Short-billed Pigeon	Columba nigrirostris	TK, CBWS, PL	We heard this bird almost everywhere, but we never got a good look at it.
44	Pale-vented Pigeon	Columba cayennensis	CT, CBWS	Opposite end of causeway from CT village.
45	White-winged Dove	Zenaida asiatica	PL
46	Common Ground-Dove	Columbina passerina	CT, PL
47	Plain-breasted Ground-Dove	Columbina minuta	CT	Pine Savannah.
48	Ruddy Ground-Dove	Columbina talpacoti	CT
49	Blue Ground-Dove	Claravis pretiosa	TK, MBNP	Entrance road to MBNP
50	White-tipped Dove	Leptotila verreauxi	CT, CBWS
51	Gray-fronted Dove	Leptotila Rufaxilla	CBS
*Psittacidae*
52	Olive-throated (Aztec) Parakeet	Aratinga nana	CT, TK
53	Brown-hooded Parrot	Pionopsitta haematotis	TK
54	White-fronted Parrot	Amazona albifrons	CT
55	Red-lored Parrot	Amazona autumnalis	CT, TK, FSL CBWS
56	Mealy parrot	Amazona farinosa	TK
*Coccyzidae*
57	Squirrel Cuckoo	Piaya cayana	MBWS
*Crotophagidae*
58	Groove-billed Ani	Crotophaga sulcirostris	CT	Pastures and open areas, everywhere.
*Caprimulgidae*
59	Common Nighthawk	Chordeiles minor	FSL	Calling over Five Sisters Gorge at dusk.
60	Common Pauraque	Nyctidromus albicollis	TK, CBWS	Heard-only.
*Apodidae*
61	White-collared Swift	Streptoprocne zonaris	TFF
62	Vaux’s Swift	Chaetura vauxi	MBNP
*Trochilidae*
63	Long-billed (Long-tailed) Hermit	Phaethornis longirostris	TK, BHNP, CBWS
64	Stripe-throated (Little) Hermit	Phaethornis striigularis	TK, CBWS
65	Scaly-breasted Hummingbird	Phaeochroa cuvierii	CBWS
66	Wedge-tailed Sabrewing	Campylopterus curvipennis	TK
67	White-bellied Emerald	Amazilia candida	TK
68	Cinnamon Hummingbird	Amazilia rutila	PL
69	Buff-bellied Hummingbird	Amazilia yucatanensis	CT	Pine Savannah.
70	Rufous-tailed Hummingbird	Amazilia tzacatl	CT, MBWS, TK, CBWS, etc.	This was the most common hummingbird on the trip.
*Trogonidae*
71	Slaty-tailed Trogon	Trogon massena	TK
72	Black-headed Trogon	Trogon melanocephalus	CT, MBWS, TK, CBWS, MBNP, CBS, etc.	This was the most common trogon of the trip.
73	Collared Trogon	Trogon collaris	TK
74	Violaceous Trogon	Trogon violaceus	CT
*Alcedinidae*
75	Ringed Kingfisher	Ceryle torquata	CT, and along Northern Highway, CBWS
76	Green Kingfisher	Chloroceryle americana	CBWS, MBNP
*Momotidae*
77	Blue-crowned Motmot	Momotus momota	TK, SHC, CBWS
*Galbulidae*
78	Rufous-tailed Jacamar	Galbula ruficauda	CBWS	Looks like a giant hummingbird!
*Bucconidae*
79	White-whiskered Puffbird	Malacoptila panamensis	CBWS
*Ramphastidae*
80	Collared Aracari	Pteroglossus torquatus	TK, CBWS
81	Keel-billed Toucan	Ramphastos sulfuratus	TK, FSL (over gorge)	Tikal’s Jungle Lodge grounds were good for this species.
*Picidae*
82	Acorn Woodpecker	Melanerpes formicivorus	CT, FSL, MPR
83	Black-cheeked Woodpecker	Melanerpes pucherani	CBWS
84	Red-vented (Yucatan) Woodpecker	Melanerpes pygmaeus	CT	Pine Savannah.
85	Golden-fronted Woodpecker	Melanerpes aurifrons	Everywhere!	The most common woodpecker of the trip. This ssp. lacks a golden-front.
86	Smoky-brown Woodpecker	Veniliornis fumigatus	MBWS, CBWS
87	Golden-olive Woodpecker	Piculus rubiginosus	FSL	From the restaurant veranda.
88	Chestnut-colored Woodpecker	Celeus castaneus	TK
89	Lineated Woodpecker	Dryocopus lineatus	CT, TK
90	Pale-billed Woodpecker	Campephilus guatemalensis	TK
*Dendrocolaptidae*
91	Tawny-winged Woodcreeper	Dendrocincla anabatina	CBWS	Wari Loop Trail.
92	Olivaceous Woodcreeper	Sittasomus griseicapillus	TK
93	Ivory-billed Woodcreeper	Xiphorhynchus flavigaster	CT, TK, CBWS, MBNP	This was the most commonly encountered woodcreeper.
94	Streak-headed Woodcreeper	Lepidocalaptes souleyetii	CT	Pine Savannah.
*Furnariidae*
95	Rufous-breasted Spinetail	Synallaxis erythrothorax	MBWS, CBWS	Excellent looks at a pair near the Sibun River, at high water. Nest nearby?
96	Plain Xenops	Xenops minutus	CBWS
*Thamnophilidae*
97	Barred Antshrike	Thamnophilus doliatus	CBWS
98	Dusky Antbird	Cercomacra tyrannina	SHCNP	Numerous within this park.
*Pipridae*
99	White-collared Manakin	Manacus candei	SHCNP, CBWS, MBNP	This was the most common Manakin we encountered.
100	Red-capped Manakin	Pipra mentalis	CBWS	Tinamou Trail. Female seen well; no males seen, unfortunately!
*Tyrannidae*
101	Ochre-bellied Flycatcher	Mionectes oliagineus	CBWS (Tinamou Trail), CBS
102	Sepia-capped Flycatcher	Leptopogon amaurocephalus	TK	Soapy pond near Jungle Lodge.
103	Common Tody-Flycatcher	Todyrostrum cinereum	MBWS, TK, CBWS
104	Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet	Camptostoma imberbe	CT
105	Yellow-bellied Elaenia	Elaenia flavogaster	CT, TK, FSL, CBWS, PL
106	Northern Bentbill	Oncostoma cinereigulare	MBWS, TK, CBWS
107	Eye-ringed Flatbill	Rynchocyclus brevirostris	TK
108	Yellow-Olive Flycatcher	Tolmomyias sulphurescens	CT, TK, FSL’s Nature Trail
109	Royal Flycatcher	Onychorhynchus coronatus	TK
110	Tropical Pewee	Contopus cinereus	FSL grounds, MBNP
111	Vermilion Flycatcher	Pyrocephalus rubinus	IA, CT, PL
112	Yucatan Flycatcher	Myiarchus yucatanensis	CT	Pine Savannah.
113	Dusky-capped Flycatcher	Myiarchus tuberculifer	CT, CBWS
114	Brown-crested Flycatcher	Myiarchus tyrannulus	CT, TK, CBWS
115	Tropical Kingbird	Tyrannus melancholicus	Open areas, towns, throughout.
116	Boat-billed Flycatcher	Megarynchus pitangua	CT, FSL grounds
117	Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher	Myiodynastes luteiventris	CT, CBWS
118	Social flycatcher	Myiozetetes similis	Open areas, towns, throughout
119	Great Kiskadee	Pitangus sulphuratus	Open areas, towns, throughout.
120	Masked Tityra	Tityra semifasciata	TK, CBWS	Jaguar Inn Grounds
121	Black-crowned Tityra	Tityra inquisitor	CT, MBNP
*Corvidae*
122	Yucatan Jay	Cyanocorax yucatanicus	CT	Pine Savannah.
123	Green Jay	Cyanocorax yncas	FSL	Nature Trail.
124	Brown Jay	Psilorhinus morio	CT, TK, MPR, CBWS, etc.	By far the most common jay.
*Vireonidae*
125	Mangrove Vireo	Vireo pallens	CT	Trail to lagoon by BEVL.
126	Plumbeous Vireo	Vireo plumbeus	FSL
127	Yellow-green Vireo	Vireo flavoviridis	Yards, woodland edge throughout.
128	Lesser Greenlet	Hylophilus decurtatus	TK, CBWS
*Turdidae*
129	Clay-colored Robin	Turdus grayi	Yards, woodland edge throughout.
*Mimidae*
130	Tropical Mockingbird	Mimus gilvus	Open areas except TK, MPR, and CBWS.	Very common at CT.
*Troglodytidae*
131	Spot-breasted Wren	Thryothorus maculipectus	CT, TK, CBWS
132	(Southern) House Wren	Troglodytes [aedon] musculus	CT, Mamanoots Backabush Lodge(MBNP)
133	White-bellied Wren	Uropsila leucogastra	CT, TK
134	White-breasted Wood-Wren	Henicorhina leucosticta	MBNP	Lower Bocawina Falls trail.
*Polioptilidae*
135	Blue-gray Gnatcatcher	Polioptila caerulea	CT	Pine Savannah.
*Hirundinidae*
136	Mangrove Swallow	Tachycineta albilinea	CT	Around BEVL.
137	Gray-breasted Martin	Progne chalybea	IA, CT
138	Ridgway’s Rough-winged Swallow	Stelgidopteryx [serripennis] ridgwayi	TK	Common around the Temples.
*Parulidae*
139	Grace’s Warbler	Dendroica graciae	CT	Heard-only in the Pine Savannah.
140	Golden-crowned Warbler	Basileuterus culicivorus	FSL	Nature Trail.
141	Rufous-capped Warbler	Basileuterus rufifrons	FSL	Below restaurant veranda.
*Emberizidae*
142	Chipping Sparrow	Spizella passerina	CT	Pine Savannah.
143	Orange-billed Sparrow	Arremon aurantirostris	CBWS	Wari Loop trail. Spectacular sparrow!
144	Olive Sparrow	Arremonops rufivirgatus	CT	Pine Savannah.
145	Green-backed Sparrow	Arremonops chloronotus	TK	Jungle comedores.
146	Bananaquit	Coereba flaveola	CBWS
147	Gray-headed Tanager	Eucometis penicillata	CT, CBWS
148	Red-crowned Ant-Tanager	Habia rubica	CBWS
149	Red-throated Ant-Tanager	Habia fuscicauda	BHNP
150	Hepatic Tanager	Piranga flava	FSL
151	Crimson-collared Tanager	Ramphocelus sanguinolentus	FSL, CBWS
152	Passerini’s (Scarlet-rumped) Tanager	Ramphocelus passerinii	CBWS
153	Blue-gray Tanager	Thraupis episcopus	CT, MBWS, TK, CBWS
154	Yellow-winged Tanager	Thraupis abbas	MBWS, TK, CBWS, MBNP
155	Scrub Euphonia	Euphonia affinis	CT
156	Yellow-throated Euphonia	Euphonia hirundinacea	CT, TK, FSL, CBWS	This was the most commonly encountered euphonia.
157	Olive-backed Euphonia	Euphonia gouldi	TK, MBNP
158	Golden-hooded Tanager	Tangara larvata	MBWS, FSL, TFF, CBWS
159	Red-legged Honeycreeper	Cyanerpes cyaneus	CT, FSL, CBWS
160	Blue-black Grassquit	Volatinia jacarina	MBNP	Grounds of Mamanoots Backabush Lodge.
161	Variable Seedeater	Sporophila americana	CBWS	Entrance Road, area around Visitor’s Center.
162	White-collared Seedeater	Sporophila torqueola	Open areas, roadsides throughout.
163	Thick-billed Seed-Finch	Oryzoborus funereus	MBWS	Male and female seen well along road to Sibun River.
164	Yellow-faced Grassquit	Tiaris olivacea	FSL, CBWS
165	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	CT
166	Black-faced Grosbeak	Caryothraustes poliogaster	FSL, CBWS	Numerous along FSL’s Nature Trail.
167	Black-headed Saltator	Saltator atriceps	MBWS, CBWS
168	Buff-throated Saltator	Saltator maximus	Chiquibul Road (MPR), CBWS
169	Grayish Saltator	Saltator coerulescens	CT, CBWS
170	Blue Bunting	Cyanocompsa parellina	TK
*Icteridae*
171	Montezuma Oropendola	Gymnostinops montezuma	TK, CBWS	Large numbers of these interesting birds at Tikal.
172	Yellow-billed Cacique	Amblycercus holosericeus	CBWS	Seen at river overlook, near tubing entrance.
173	Yellow-backed Oriole	Icterus chrysater	MPR	Trail above Big Rock Falls.
174	Yellow-tailed Oriole	Icterus mesomelas	MBWS	Road to Sibun River.
175	Hooded Oriole	Icterus cucullatus	CT
176	Black-cowled Oriole	Icterus dominicensis	TK, CBWS, CBS
177	Melodious Blackbird	Dives dives	Open areas, throughout.	Often flies to the top of trees.
178	Great-tailed Grackle	Quiscalus mexicanus	Open areas, throughout.
179	Bronzed Cowbird	Molothrus aeneus	CT
180	Giant Cowbird	Scaphidura oryzivora	TK, CBS	We observed this species feeding a young Montezuma Oropendola, at Tikal, near the Jaguar Inn.

Final Remarks

I could not find any trip reports for this region covering the month of June, so I hope this may be helpful to other birders. June proved to be a wonderful month for us to bird Belize and Tikal, though I recognize we missed many birds as well as many good birding sites on this trip. I look forward to visiting Belize and Guatemala again! If you have specific questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Sincerely,

Ethan Beasley

Tucson, AZ

USA

ethanbeasley@yahoo.com