List of birds of Panama

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Harpy Eagle is Panama's national bird.
The Harpy Eagle is Panama's national bird.

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Panama. The avifauna of Panama includes a total of 972 species, of which 12 are endemic, 6 have been introduced by humans, and 120 are rare or accidental. 20 species are globally threatened. The total figure includes a number of species whose occurrence in the country is considered hypothetical: no specimen or photograph has been taken in the country and they are known only from sight records.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) mainly follows the conventions of Clements's 5th edition although a few species have been split or lumped to correspond with the Panama Audubon Society checklist.[1] The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Panama.

The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.

  • (A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Panama.
  • (E) Endemic A species endemic to Panama.
  • (I) Introduced A species introduced to Panama as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.


Table of contents

Non-passerines: Tinamous . Penguins . Grebes . Albatrosses . Shearwaters and petrels . Storm-Petrels . Tropicbirds . Pelicans . Boobies . Cormorants . Darters . Frigatebirds . Bitterns, herons and egrets . Storks . Ibises and spoonbills . Ducks . New World vultures . Osprey . Hawks, kites and eagles . Caracaras and falcons . Guans, chachalacas and allies . New World quails . Limpkins . Rails, crakes, gallinules, and coots . Sungrebe . Sunbittern . Jacanas . Oystercatchers . Avocets and stilts . Plovers and lapwings . Sandpipers and allies . Skuas and jaegers . Gulls . Terns . Skimmers . Pigeons and doves . Parrots, macaws and allies . Cuckoos and anis . Barn owls . Typical owls . Oilbird . Potoos . Nightjars . Swifts . Hummingbirds . Trogons and quetzals . Kingfishers . Motmots . Jacamars . Puffbirds . Barbets . Toucans . Woodpeckers and allies .

Passerines: Ovenbirds . Woodcreepers . Typical antbirds . Antthrushes and antpittas . Tapaculos . Cotingas . Manakins . Tyrant flycatchers . Swallows and martins . Pipits . Silky-flycatchers . Waxwings . Dippers . Wrens . Mockingbirds and allies . Thrushes and allies . Gnatcatchers . Crows and jays . Starlings . Vireos . New World warblers . Bananaquit . Tanagers . Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies . Saltators, cardinals and allies . Troupials and allies . Siskins and goldfinches . Old World sparrows .

See also       References

[edit] Tinamous

Great Tinamou, fairly common in undisturbed forest but difficult to see.
Great Tinamou, fairly common in undisturbed forest but difficult to see.

Order: Tinamiformes Family: Tinamidae

The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of bird. 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), that includes the rheas, emu, and kiwi. There are 47 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Penguins

Order: Sphenisciformes Family: Spheniscidae

The penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid, and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Grebes

Least Grebe, fairly common on lakes and ponds.
Least Grebe, fairly common on lakes and ponds.

Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large sized 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. There are 20 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Albatrosses

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. There are 21 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Shearwaters and petrels

Audubon's Shearwater chick, this species breeds on Tiger Cays off the Caribbean coast.
Audubon's Shearwater chick, this species breeds on Tiger Cays off the Caribbean coast.

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Storm-Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae

The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Tropicbirds

Red-billed Tropicbird, a few breed on Swan Cay off the Caribbean coast.
Red-billed Tropicbird, a few breed on Swan Cay off the Caribbean coast.

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings. There are 3 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Pelicans

Brown Pelican, very common along the coast.
Brown Pelican, very common along the coast.

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Boobies

Brown Booby, the commonest of the boobies along Panama's coasts.
Brown Booby, the commonest of the boobies along Panama's coasts.

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Cormorants

Neotropic Cormorant, can occur in huge numbers in Panama Bay.
Neotropic Cormorant, can occur in huge numbers in Panama Bay.

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae

The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Darters

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae

Darters are frequently referred to as "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 a much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters 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. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Frigatebirds

Magnificent Frigatebird, frequently seen soaring over coastal areas.
Magnificent Frigatebird, frequently seen soaring over coastal areas.

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black and white or completely black, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured 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. There are 5 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Bitterns, herons and egrets

Cattle Egret, first recorded in 1954 and now common.
Cattle Egret, first recorded in 1954 and now common.

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Ibises and spoonbills

White Ibis, seen in flocks in mangroves and on mudflats.
White Ibis, seen in flocks in mangroves and on mudflats.

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae

The 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. There are 36 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Ducks

A male Blue-winged Teal, this migrant from the north is the commonest duck in Panama.
A male Blue-winged Teal, this migrant from the north is the commonest duck in Panama.

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] New World vultures

Black Vulture, very common around towns and cities.
Black Vulture, very common around towns and cities.

Order: Falconiformes 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. There are 7 species worldwide, all of which are found only in the Americas, and 4 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Osprey

Order: Falconiformes 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.

[edit] Hawks, kites and eagles

White-tailed Kite, first recorded in 1967 and now common.
White-tailed Kite, first recorded in 1967 and now common.
Swainson's Hawk, large numbers pass through on migration.
Swainson's Hawk, large numbers pass through on migration.
Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Darién. An uncommon raptor of forests.
Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Darién. An uncommon raptor of forests.

Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include 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. There are 233 species worldwide and 41 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Caracaras and falcons

Crested Caracara, a bird of open grassland and farmland.
Crested Caracara, a bird of open grassland and farmland.

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 feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Guans, chachalacas and allies

Crested Guan, has decreased in numbers due to hunting and deforestation.
Crested Guan, has decreased in numbers due to hunting and deforestation.

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 colourful facial ornaments. There are 50 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] New World quails

Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae

The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There are 32 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas, and 7 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Limpkins

Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae

The Limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab brown plumage and a greyer head and neck.

[edit] Rails, crakes, gallinules, and coots

Gray-necked Wood-Rail, usually keeps to dense cover along forested streams and rivers.
Gray-necked Wood-Rail, usually keeps to dense cover along forested streams and rivers.
Purple Gallinule, inhabits well-vegetated wetlands.
Purple Gallinule, inhabits well-vegetated wetlands.

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, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Sungrebe

Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae

The Heliornithidae are small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Sunbittern

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.

[edit] Jacanas

Wattled Jacana, common in wetlands with plenty of floating vegetation.
Wattled Jacana, common in wetlands with plenty of floating vegetation.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in 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. There 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Oystercatchers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Avocets and stilts

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Plovers and lapwings

Southern Lapwing, Gamboa. Has increased and spread westwards in recent decades.
Southern Lapwing, Gamboa. Has increased and spread westwards in recent decades.

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, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Sandpipers and allies

Whimbrel, a common passage migrant and winter visitor.
Whimbrel, a common passage migrant and winter visitor.
Willet, Farallon. Common along the coasts.
Willet, Farallon. Common along the coasts.
Semipalmated Sandpiper, occurs in large flocks with Western Sandpipers.
Semipalmated Sandpiper, occurs in large flocks with Western Sandpipers.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae

The Scolopacidae are 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 species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 30 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Skuas and jaegers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey 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. There are 7 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Gulls

Laughing Gull, the commonest of Panama's gulls.
Laughing Gull, the commonest of Panama's gulls.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Terns

Royal Terns, common non-breeding visitors to coasts.
Royal Terns, common non-breeding visitors to coasts.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae

Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey 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 now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae

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. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Pigeons and doves

Ruddy Ground-Dove, very common around human settlements.
Ruddy Ground-Dove, very common around human settlements.
White-tipped Dove, a common resident.
White-tipped Dove, a common resident.

Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 28 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Parrots, macaws and allies

Scarlet Macaws, now very rare except on Coiba Island.
Scarlet Macaws, now very rare except on Coiba Island.

Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 22 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Cuckoos and anis

Smooth-billed Ani, Darién. Common in open areas.
Smooth-billed Ani, Darién. Common in open areas.

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. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Barn owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Typical owls

Spectacled Owl, a nocturnal bird of humid forest and woodland.
Spectacled Owl, a nocturnal bird of humid forest and woodland.

Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae

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. There are 195 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Oilbird

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)

[edit] Potoos

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. There are 5 species, all of which are from the South American tropical region, and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Nightjars

Common Nighthawk, present late March to early November, both breeding and transient races occur.
Common Nighthawk, present late March to early November, both breeding and transient races occur.

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Swifts

Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending 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 that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Hummingbirds

Green Violet-ear, Boquete. A noisy bird of the western highlands.
Green Violet-ear, Boquete. A noisy bird of the western highlands.
White-throated Mountain-gem, Guadalupe. Found only in Costa Rica and western Panama.
White-throated Mountain-gem, Guadalupe. Found only in Costa Rica and western Panama.
Magnificient Hummingbird, Guadalupe. Found at forest edges and clearings around Volcán Barú.
Magnificient Hummingbird, Guadalupe. Found at forest edges and clearings around Volcán Barú.

Order: Trochiliformes 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. There are 337 species worldwide and 59 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Trogons and quetzals

Resplendent Quetzal, a spectacular bird of humid forest in the western highlands.
Resplendent Quetzal, a spectacular bird of humid forest in the western highlands.

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 colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Kingfishers

American Pygmy Kingfisher, Soberanía National Park. A shy bird of forest streams and mangroves.
American Pygmy Kingfisher, Soberanía National Park. A shy bird of forest streams and mangroves.

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Motmots

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Momotidae

Tody Motmot, Darién. A local and easily-overlooked bird of humid forest.
Tody Motmot, Darién. A local and easily-overlooked bird of humid forest.

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. There are 10 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Jacamars

Rufous-tailed Jacamar, found in eastern and western Panama.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar, found in eastern and western Panama.

Order: Piciformes Family: Galbulidae

The jacamars are near passerine birds from tropical South America, with a range that extends up to Mexico. They are glossy elegant birds with long bills and tails, which feed on insects caught on the wing. In appearance and behaviour they show resemblances to the Old World bee-eaters, although they are more closely related to woodpeckers. There are 18 species and 3 species that occur in Panama.

[edit] Puffbirds

Barred Puffbird, Darién. A scarce bird of humid forest.
Barred Puffbird, Darién. A scarce bird of humid forest.

Order: Piciformes Family: Bucconidae

The puffbirds are related to the jacamars, and have the same range, but lack the iridescent colours of that family. They are mainly brown, rufous or grey, with large heads and flattened bills with a hooked tip. The loose abundant plumage and short tails makes them look stout and puffy, giving rise to the English common name of the family. There are 34 species and 8 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Barbets

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 coloured. There are 84 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Toucans

Collared Aracari, Darién. Common in forested areas.
Collared Aracari, Darién. Common in forested areas.

Order: Piciformes Family: Ramphastidae

Toucans are near passerine birds from the neotropics. They are brightly marked and have enormous, colourful bills which in some species may amount to half their body length. There are 40 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Woodpeckers and allies

Lineated Woodpecker, a large woodpecker of forest edges and clearings.
Lineated Woodpecker, a large woodpecker of forest edges and clearings.

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. There are 218 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Ovenbirds

Plain Xenops, an active forager in forest and woodland.
Plain Xenops, an active forager in forest and woodland.

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. There are 243 species worldwide and 23 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Woodcreepers

Cocoa Woodcreeper, the commonest woodcreeper in Panama.
Cocoa Woodcreeper, the commonest woodcreeper in Panama.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Dendrocolaptidae

The Dendrocolaptidae are brownish birds and maintain an upright vertical posture, supported by their stiff tail vanes. They feed mainly on insects taken from tree trunks. There are 57 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Typical antbirds

Barred Antshrike, seen in pairs low down in thickets and undergrowth.
Barred Antshrike, seen in pairs low down in thickets and undergrowth.
Bicolored Antbird, Darién. Usually seen following army ant swarms.
Bicolored Antbird, Darién. Usually seen following army ant swarms.
Ocellated Antbird, Darién. An uncommon bird of humid forest, mainly in the lowlands.
Ocellated Antbird, Darién. An uncommon bird of humid forest, mainly in the lowlands.

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, and tend to feed on insects at or near the ground. A sizable minority of them specialize in following columns of army ants to eat the small invertebrates that leave hiding to flee the ants.Many species lack bright colour; brown, black and white being the dominant tones. There are about 212 species worldwide and 30 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Antthrushes and antpittas

Order: Passeriformes Family: Formicariidae

The ground antbirds are a family comprising the antthrushes and antpittas. Antthrushes resemble small rails while antpittas resemble the true pittas with longish strong legs, very short tails and stout bills. There are about 63 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Tapaculos

Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhinocryptidae

The tapaculos are a group of small suboscine passeriform birds with numerous species, found in South 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. There are 56 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Cotingas

Snowy Cotinga, an uncommon bird of the forests of Bocas del Toro.
Snowy Cotinga, an uncommon bird of the forests of Bocas del Toro.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cotingidae

The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges of 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 coloured, or decorated with plumes or wattles. There are 71 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Panama

[edit] Manakins

Golden-headed Manakin, inhabits forest and woodland in eastern Panama.
Golden-headed Manakin, inhabits forest and woodland in eastern Panama.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pipridae

The manakins are a family bird species of subtropical and tropical mainland Central and South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are compact forest birds, the males typically being brightly coloured, although the females of most species are duller and usually green-plumaged. Manakins feed on small fruits, berries and insects. There are 57 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Tyrant flycatchers

Yellowish Flycatcher, La Amistad International Park. Fairly common in the western highlands.
Yellowish Flycatcher, La Amistad International Park. Fairly common in the western highlands.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher, fairly common resident in woodlands and forests.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher, fairly common resident in woodlands and forests.
Social Flycatcher, Darién. A very common bird, often seen around houses.
Social Flycatcher, Darién. A very common bird, often seen around houses.
Tropical Kingbird, Panama City. One of Panama's commonest and most conspicuous birds.
Tropical Kingbird, Panama City. One of Panama's commonest and most conspicuous birds.

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 with stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain colouring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 429 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas and 103 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Swallows and martins

Barn Swallow, a common migrant from North America.
Barn Swallow, a common migrant from North America.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Pipits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae

The Motacillidae are 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. There are 54 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Silky-flycatchers

Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, found in small groups in the western highlands.
Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, found in small groups in the western highlands.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptilogonatidae

The silky-flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in Central America, although the range of one species. They are related to waxwings, and like that group have a soft silky plumage, usually grey or pale yellow in colour. They have small crests. There are 4 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae

The waxwings are a group of passerine birds characterized by 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. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Dippers

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. There are 5 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Wrens

Bay Wren, a noisy bird of dense undergrowth.
Bay Wren, a noisy bird of dense undergrowth.
House Wren, common around settlements and often nests on buildings.
House Wren, common around settlements and often nests on buildings.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae

The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 80 species worldwide (of which all but one are New World species) and 23 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Mockingbirds and allies

Tropical Mockingbird, first recorded in 1932 and now common in central Panama.
Tropical Mockingbird, first recorded in 1932 and now common in central Panama.

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 colouring tends towards dull greys and browns . There are 35 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Thrushes and allies

Clay-colored Robin, Panama City. A common bird which is often seen in gardens.
Clay-colored Robin, Panama City. A common bird which is often seen in gardens.

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. There are 335 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Gnatcatchers

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 grey in colour, and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub, and nest in bushes or trees. There are 15 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Crows and jays

Brown Jay, uncommon but conspicuous in north-west Panama.
Brown Jay, uncommon but conspicuous in north-west Panama.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Starlings

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. There are 125 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] Vireos

Red-eyed Vireo, passes through in large numbers on migration.
Red-eyed Vireo, passes through in large numbers on migration.

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 colour and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 52 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] New World warblers

Tennessee Warbler, a winter visitor in large numbers.
Tennessee Warbler, a winter visitor in large numbers.
Tropical Parula, resident locally in forest and woodland.
Tropical Parula, resident locally in forest and woodland.
A Yellow Warbler belonging to one of the migratory northern races.
A Yellow Warbler belonging to one of the migratory northern races.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae

The New World warblers are a group of small, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 119 species worldwide and 54 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Bananaquit

Banaquits, locally common in wetter areas.
Banaquits, locally common in wetter areas.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Coerebidae

The Bananaquit is a small passerine bird. It has a slender, curved bill, adapted to taking nectar from flowers and is the only member of the genus Coereba (Vieillot, 1809) and is normally placed within the family Coerebidae, although there is uncertainty whether that placement is correct.

[edit] Tanagers

Blue-gray Tanager, Darién. A common and tame bird which often visits gardens.
Blue-gray Tanager, Darién. A common and tame bird which often visits gardens.
Yellow-crowned Euphonia, seen in flocks in scrub, savannah and woodland clearings.
Yellow-crowned Euphonia, seen in flocks in scrub, savannah and woodland clearings.
Red-legged Honeycreeper, a widespread resident.
Red-legged Honeycreeper, a widespread resident.

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 coloured. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. There are 256 species worldwide and 66 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies

Variable Seedeater, very common throughout the lowlands.
Variable Seedeater, very common throughout the lowlands.
Slaty Finch, Guadalupe. A rare bird of the western highlands.
Slaty Finch, Guadalupe. A rare bird of the western highlands.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as 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. There are species 275 worldwide and 35 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Saltators, cardinals and allies

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a passage migrant and winter visitor.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a passage migrant and winter visitor.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae

The cardinals are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Troupials and allies

Great-tailed Grackle, has become very common around Panama City and the former Canal Zone.
Great-tailed Grackle, has become very common around Panama City and the former Canal Zone.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium, often colourful, 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 colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Siskins and goldfinches

Female Lesser Goldfinch, a local resident of fairly open country.
Female Lesser Goldfinch, a local resident of fairly open country.

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 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] Old World sparrows

House Sparrow, a bird of urban areas which was first recorded in 1976.
House Sparrow, a bird of urban areas which was first recorded in 1976.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Panama.

[edit] 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 a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Panama.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Montañez, Darién (2007). The Birds of Panama: a printable checklist including 972 species. Retrieved on November 7, 2007.