Published
Pink-headed Warbler —a central American highland endemic— gets familiar with our birding group
Date: May 24, 2025
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Key Locations:
- Dos Lagunas (Private property)
- Lower-elevation private property near Central Depression
- La Kisst Wetlands & urban edges
- Parque Ecoturístico Montetik
Overview
A day exploring San Cristóbal’s altitudinal gradient yielded 69 species, from highland endemics to lower-elevation specialists. Standouts included Pink-headed Warbler, Black-throated Jay, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher, with particularly rewarding encounters at lesser-visited private sites.
Stop 1: Dos Lagunas (Private Property)
Time: 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Species recorded: 33
Habitat: Protected pine-oak forest
This rarely-birded tract, maintained by a conservation-minded family, delivered quality encounters:
- Pink-headed Warbler (7): Several foraged at eye-level, their vivid plumage contrasting with moss-covered branches. We were fortunate to see two juveniles, a huge rarity. To our knowledge, juvenile Pink-headed Warblers have never been photographed.
- Black-throated Jay (2): Unusually cooperative, perching at eye level along the trail. An automatic highlight as a favourite of our guide Valente.
- Hummingbirds: Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem, Garnet-throated Hummingbird, and White-eared Hummingbird visited flowering shrubs.
- Note: Cooperation with local landowners helps encourage forest retention in this fragmented area.
Stop 2: Lower-Elevation Private Property
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Species recorded: 35
Habitat: Forest edge near Central Depression
Transitioning downhill added new species to the day’s list:
- Squirrel Cuckoo (1): Flew rapidly across the trail—a burst of rufous wings.
- Rose-throated Becard (1): Emerged after persistent calling, perching briefly in the open. This was the Bird of the Day for our guests from the USA, their patience duly rewarded with an excellent view.
- Auditory only: Belted Flycatcher and Rufous-browed Peppershrike were heard.
Stop 3: La Kisst Wetlands & Urban Edges
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Species recorded: 9
Habitat: Grasslands and urban fringe
Open-country specialists stood out:
- Fork-tailed Flycatcher (2): Distant at first, but scope views revealed their elongated tail feathers. A good spot by Ben!
- Eastern Meadowlark (1): Spotted perched in grasslands—its head poking out from above the tall grass— found through some brilliant spotting by our guide Valente .
Stop 4: Parque Ecoturístico Montetik
Time: 6:06 PM – 7:30 PM
Species recorded: 16
Habitat: Post-rain pine-oak forest
Evening birding in atmospheric conditions:
- Blue-throated Motmot (2): Their low hoots echoed through the mist.
- Brown Creeper (3): Tiny mouse-like birds spiralling up mossy trunks.
- Yellow-eyed Junco (2): One fluffed-up and perched in a field drew smiles.
Final Thoughts
The day highlighted San Cristóbal’s underbirded potential, particularly on private lands. Our thanks go to local landowners for access and their continued protection of these areas.
Total species: 69