Tropical wet forest at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge

After the higher altitudes of cloud forest and premontane wet forest, I travelled down to the hotter (and wetter) tropical wet forest at the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.

Birds of wooded habitats

The chestnut-mandibled toucan or Swainson's toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii), a subspecies of the yellow-throated toucan, is a resident breeder in moist lowland forest.

The white-tipped dove (Leptotila verreauxi) inhabits scrub, woodland and forest.

The crested guan (Penelope purpurascens) feeds in trees, mainly on fruit, and builds a nest of twigs on a branch

The white-necked jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is found in the canopy and edges of humid forest and also semi-open landscapes.

The grey-cowled wood rail (Aramides cajaneus) lives primarily in the forests, mangroves, and swamps.

The red-lored amazon or red-lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis salvini) is found in humid evergreen to semi-deciduous forests up to 1,100m altitude. I saw these birds in a palm plantation.

The rose-throated becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) is usually found in riparian areas of pine-oak woodlands and evergreen forest.

Birds of open habitats

Scarlet-rumped tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii). Its preferred habitat is semi-open areas including light second growth, woodland edges, gardens and pasture with bushes.

Grey-capped flycatcher (Myiozetetes granadensis)

Black-striped sparrow (Arremonops conirostris)

Grey-breasted martin (Progne chalybea)

The thick-billed seed finch (Sporophila funerea) is common in shrubby and grassy areas. I saw these birds beside farmland.

The pale-breasted spinetail (Synallaxis albescens) is found in grassy and scrub habitats.

The great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) breeds in open woodland with some tall trees, including in cultivated areas.

The grey-headed chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps) is found in humid landscapes characterized by dense vegetation.

Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)

The ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti) is very common in scrub and other open country.

The variable seedeater (Sporophila corvina) is found in semi-open areas such as forest edges, roadsides, low scrub and gardens.

Mammals

Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)

Reptiles

Common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus). The basilisk has the rather unusual ability to run on on its back legs on water, due to large feet with flaps of skin, and speed. Because of this, it is also known as the Jesus Christ lizard, Jesus lizard, South American Jesus lizard, or lagarto de Jesus Cristo.