Species List
Return to trip report.
Taxonomy, scientific and common English names follow Clements (2000, with updates) unless otherwise noted.
Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus. Five birds Laguna Sayula on 5-Feb.
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps. Single birds at Estero de San José on 22-Jan and Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Black-necked (Eared) Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. A small group of 4 on the whale-watching trip from San Carlos on 21-Jan, and 2 La Paz on 25-Jan.
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens. Common in coastal areas of Baja and San Blas with max. 100+ at La Paz on 25-Jan
Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii. At least 50 around the rocky islet just offshore San Blas on 28-Jan.
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster. Two on the San Blas pelagic on 28-Jan, and 2 patrolling the beach at Melaque on 31-Jan and 1-Feb.
Brandt's Cormorant Phalacrocorax penicillatus. A single in La Paz harbour on 25-Jan. A species we probably overlooked.
Neotropic (Olivaceous) Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus (olivaceus). Two at San Blas on 28-Jan, 2 en route 1-Feb, and 6 near Guzmán on 5-Feb.
Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus. Common in coastal areas of Baja, with max. 500+ on the whale-watching trip from San Carlos on 21-Jan.
American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. Ten feeding on Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis. Common and widespread in coastal and lowland areas, with max. 300 San Blas on 28-Jan.
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis. Five birds on Laguna Sayula on 5-Feb.
Snow Goose Anser caerulescens. More than a 1,000 birds at Laguna Sayula on 5-Feb.
Gadwall Anas strepera. Four birds at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Green-winged [Common] Teal Anas (crecca) carolinensis. Six birds at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Mexican Duck [Mallard] Anas (platyrhynchus) diazi. Twenty around Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Northern Pintail Anas acuta. Fifty around Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors. At least 25 at Estero de San José on 22-Jan, and 100+ Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera. At least 20 at Estero de San José on 22-Jan, and 50+ Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata. More than 100 birds at Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis. A group of 50 on the whale-watching trip from San Carlos on 21-Jan.
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens. Recorded from Estero de San José, with 15 on 22-Jan, and a single at La Paz on 25-Jan.
Tricoloured Heron Egretta tricolor. Two at San Carlos on 21-Jan, and 3 San Blas on 28-Jan.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula. Four at San Carlos on 21-Jan, and 20 daily around La Paz on 22-Jan and 25-Jan.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias. Widespread but not common. Max. 10 La Paz harbour on 25-Jan.
Great Egret Casmerodius albus. Small numbers most days.
Western Cattle Egret Ardea ibis. In Baja, only a single en route on 22-Jan. Common around Guzmán with up to 200 daily 4-6-Jan. A few also en route around La Paz.
Green [Striated] Heron Butorides (striatus) virescens. Two La Paz on 22-Jan, and a single there again on 25-Jan.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea. Four in mangroves at San Carlos on 21-Jan, and 4 around La Paz on 25-Jan.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax. Singles at San Carlos on 21-Jan and La Paz on 22-Jan.
White Ibis Eudocimus albus. Small numbers around La Paz, San Carlos and San Blas, with max. 6 at San Carlos on 21-Jan.
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi. A group of 60 birds at Estero de San José on 22-Jan. Three en route on 23-Jan, and 6 at Laguna Sayula on 5-Feb.
Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaja. A single at San Blas on 26-Jan.
Wood Stork Mycteria americana. A single sighting of 3 at Singayta on 27-Jan.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus. Common and widespread, except Baja where not seen, with up to 30 daily.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura. Abundant and widespread with up to 100 daily.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Widespread, with singles daily in coastal areas. Commonest in Baja, with 20+ San Carlos on 21-Jan, where nesting on lampposts around town.
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. A single at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter (striatus) striatus. Two over forest at Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb.
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii. Singles at Estero de San José on 22-Jan, Peso Island on 28-Jan and La Bajada on 30-Jan.
Mangrove [Common] Black Hawk Buteogallus (anthracinus) subtilis. Two San Blas on 28-Jan.
Grey Hawk Asturina plagiata. A few daily at sites around San Blas 27-30-Jan. Three at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 4 there on 1-Feb.
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus. One over Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis. Common in Baja, where seen daily. Max. 20+ en route to San Carlos on 20-Jan. Two Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan, and up to 3 daily around the Colima Volcanoes 3-5-Feb.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. A single adult drifting over on 23-Jan along San Antonio de la Sierra road.
Northern [Crested] Caracara Caracara (plancus) cheriway. Common in Baja with up to 25 daily. Three singles en route on 1, 4, and 5-Feb.
Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus. Heard at La Bajada on 27-Jan. Frustratingly, one of Bob’s nemesis birds.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius. Very common in Baja with up to 25 daily. A few singles in other areas.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus. Singles at Estero de San José on 22-Jan and La Cumbre on 1-Feb. Two at Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Rufous-bellied [West Mexican] Chachalaca Ortalis (poliocephala) wagleri. Heard at La Bajada on 27-Jan. Five seen at close range on Peso Island on 28-Jan, and 12 seen at La Bajada on 30-Jan.
West Mexican Chachalaca Ortalis (poliocephala) poliocephala. Tour at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan, and heard there on 1-Feb. Also heard at La Cumbre on 2-Feb.
Long-tailed Wood Partridge Dendrortyx macroura. A single bird higher on the Volcán Nieve road above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Elegant Quail Callipepla douglasii. Two parties heard, and a few seen peering out from scrub on Peso Island on 28-Jan. Heard in the fields at km 2.3 on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan.
California Quail Callipepla californica. Fifteen in roadside desert en route to San Carlos on 20-Jan. A group of 12 along San Antonio de la Sierra road on 24-Jan.
Banded (Barred) Quail Philortyx fasciatus. One group of 8 along the Piscila road on 1-Feb, and 12 in fields below Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Singing Quail Dactylortyx thoracicus. One party heard on the road above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Sora Porzana carolina. A single flushed from a very small reed clump at Miraflores on 23-Jan.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Ten at Estero de San José on 22-Jan and 10 around Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
American Coot Fulica americana. Fifty at Estero de San José on 22-Jan and 20 around Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Wilson's [Common] Snipe Gallinago (gallinago) delicate. A single flushed at Estero de San José on 22-Jan and another at Miraflores on 23-Jan.
Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa. Common in coastal areas of Baja, with max. 100+ at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus. Small numbers on several dates. Commonest at Estero de San José with 20 on 22-Jan.
Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus. Three at La Paz on 23-Jan and another there on 25-Jan.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca. A single at San Carlos on 21-Jan, and 2 at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes. Singles at San Carlos on 21-Jan and Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Spotted Sandpiper Tringa macularia. Three in La Paz harbour on 22-Jan and another there on 25-Jan.
Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus. Twenty in La Paz harbour on 25-Jan, 2 Peso Island on 28-Jan, and 1 Melaque on 1-Feb.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Two San Carlos on 21-Jan.
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus. Five at San Carlos on 20-Jan and 10 there on 21-Jan. Around 30 in La Paz harbour on 23-Jan.
Sanderling Calidris alba. Thirty at San Carlos on 21-Jan.
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri. Ten at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla. At least 200+ at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliates. Six in La Paz harbour on 25-Jan and 2 Peso Island on 28-Jan.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus. Twenty in La Paz harbour on 25-Jan and a few daily around San Blas 26-28-Jan.
American Avocet Recurvirostra americana. Ten at Estero de San José on 22-Jan, and 100+ Laguna Sayula on 5-Feb.
Grey (Black-bellied) Plover Pluvialis squatarola. Recorded at San Carlos only, with 6 on 20-Jan and 10 on 21-Jan.
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus. Four hundred roosting at high tide at San Carlos on 20-Jan.
Killdeer Charadrius vociferous. One at San Carlos on 20-Jan, 2 Estero de San José on 22-Jan, and 1 La Paz on 23-Jan.
Snowy [Kentish] Plover Charadrius (alexandrinus) occidentalis. Ten San Carlos on 21-Jan.
Heermann's Gull Larus heermanni. Common around San Carlos, La Paz and San Blas, with max. 200 at San Carlos on 21-Jan.
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis. Six in La Paz harbour on 25-Jan and 10 Peso Island on 28-Jan.
Western Gull Larus occidentalis. Recorded only from San Carlos and La Paz, with 300 at San Carlos on 20-Jan.
Yellow-footed Gull Larus livens. A Baja speciality. Only recorded in La Paz bay with 6 on 21-Jan and 30 on 25-Jan.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus. In Baja recorded from San Carlos, Estero de San José and La Paz, with max. 200 Estero de San José on 22-Jan. Six at San Blas on 28-Jan.
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla. Two at San Carlos on 21-Jan, 10 La Paz on 25-Jan, and 30 San Blas on 28-Jan.
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia. Two San Carlos on 20-Jan, 1 La Paz on 23-Jan, and 2 San Blas on 28-Jan.
Royal Tern Sterna maxima. A single at San Carlos on 21-Jan, and 2-0+ La Paz on 25-Jan.
Elegant Tern Sterna elegans. A single feeding off the beach at Melaque on 1-Feb.
Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri. A single at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus. A single on the pelagic from San Blas on 28-Jan.
Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia. Widespread and recorded on eight dates.
Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata. In Baja, only recorded along the San Antonio de la Sierra road with 5 on 23-Jan and 25 on 24-Jan. Six on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Red-billed Pigeon Columba flavirostris. Four at La Bajada on 30-Jan.
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura. Seen daily in Baja. Four at Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and 50 there on 4-Feb.
White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica. Common in Baja and San Blas, with up to 100 daily.
Inca Dove Columbina inca. Ten Singayta on 27-Jan and small numbers in other areas. Not recorded from Baja.
Common Ground Dove Columbina passerine. Common and widespread.
Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti. Two at Barranca el Choncho on 1-Feb.
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi. Widespread and common around San Blas and coastal areas. Not recorded in Baja.
Military Macaw Ara militaris. About 12 birds in small groups seen from the Mirador near San Blas in the heat of the day.
Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis. Six at Singayta on 27-Jan, 30 La Bajada on 30-Jan, 12 Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan, and heard there on 1-Feb.
Mexican (Blue-rumped) Parrotlet Forpus cyanopygius. At least 40 at Singayta on 27-Jan and 12 at La Bajada on 30-Jan.
Lilac-crowned Parrot Amazona finschi. Only recorded from Barranca el Choncho with 8 on 31-Jan and 2 on 1-Feb.
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana. Two at Singayta on 27-Jan, and singles at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 1-Feb and near Guzmán on 4-Feb.
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris. Common around San Blas and Barranca el Chocho. Singles near Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus. A single in pine-oak forest along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-Jan.
Lesser Roadrunner Geococcyx velox. Singles in fields below Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and-4 Jan.
Whiskered Screech Owl Otus trichopsis. A single bird seen well on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Balsas [Western] Screech Owl Otus (kennicottii) seductus. A total of three heard at La Cumbre on 1-2-Feb
Mottled Owl Strix virgata. A pair at La Bajada on 27-Jan.
Colima [Least] Pygmy Owl Glaucidium (minutissimum) palmarum. A total of 5 heard at La Cumbre on 1-2-Feb.
Ridgway’s [Ferruginous] Pygmy Owl Glaucidium (brasilianum) ridgwayi. One heard at La Bajada on 30-Jan, and one seen well along the Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan.
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis. Three around the La Paz airport terminal building on 25-Jan.
Buff-collared Nightjar Caprimulgus ridgwayi. Two on the road at La Cumbre on 1-Feb.
Mexican [Northern] Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus (vociferus) arizonae. A single bird seen well on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Vaux's Swift Chaetura vauxi. Three over La Cumbre on 1-Feb.
Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus. Up to 6 daily on the Colima volcanoes.
Golden-crowned [Fork-tailed] Emerald Chlorostilbon (canivetii) auriceps. Only recorded from Barranca el Choncho with 3 on each visit on 31-Jan and 1-Feb.
Broad-billed Hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris. Only recorded from Barranca el Choncho with 3 on 31-Jan and 2 on 1-Feb.
Mexican Woodnymph Thalurania ridgwayi. A pair on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan.
Xantus's Hummingbird Hylocharis xantusii. Recorded from the San Antonio de la Sierra road, with 3 on 22-Jan, 2 on 23-Jan and 2 on 24-Jan.
White-eared Hummingbird Hylocharis leucotis. Common in highland forests of Cerro de San Juan, Volcán Fuego and Volcán Nieve.
Berylline Hummingbird Amazilia beryllina. Fifteen on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan and 3 there on 29-Jan. Two at La Bajada on 27-Jan and 4 there on 30-Jan. Two on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb.
Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila. Ten at La Bajada on 27-Jan. Also recorded from Barranca el Choncho with 3 on 31-Jan and 4 on 1-Feb.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia violiceps. Three at the feeders at Bob’s house in Lake Chapala on 5-Feb.
Amethyst-throated Hummingbird Lampornis amethystinus. A single on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens. Ten at higher elevations on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb, and a single at Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri. Only recorded from La Cumbre with 1 on 1-Feb and 2 on 2-Feb.
Costa's Hummingbird Calypte costae Common in Baja. Recorded daily with max. 10 along the San Antonio de la Sierra road.
Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope. Another one of the small confusing hummingbirds that appears to be common in montane forest. Recorded in small numbers from Cerro de San Juan, La Bajada, and the Colima volcanoes.
Bumblebee Hummingbird Atthis heloisa. It took us some time to get acquainted with the subtle difference of the small hummers. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and small numbers of both Colima volcanoes with max. 6 above Floripondio on 4-Feb.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus. Two in scrub lower down on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus. Three on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan and 2 again on 29-Jan. A single on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and 2 above Floripondio on 4-Feb.
Citreoline Trogon Trogon (citreolus) citreolus. A female at La Bajada on 27-Jan and two there on 30-Jan. Four at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan.
Mountain Trogon Trogon mexicanus. Two above Floripondio on 4-Feb.
Elegant Trogon Trogon elegans. One at La Bajada on 27-Jan and two there on 30-Jan. Two on Peso Island on 28-Jan.
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon. Recorded in small numbers on six dates.
Russet-crowned Motmot Momotus mexicanus. A single in scrub below Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus. The dark-eyed form was common in pine-oak forest along the San Antonio de la Sierra road, with max. 30 on 24-Jan. Two on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan, 2 on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and 4 again on 4-Feb. Two above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Golden-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes chrysogenys. Fairly common around San Blas, with up to 10 daily. Two below Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Gila Woodpecker Melanerpes uropygialis. Fairly common in deserts of Baja with max. 20 daily.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes aurifrons. A single en route on 5-Feb.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius. A single on Cerro De San Juan on 26-Jan. Two on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and 3 on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris. A few daily in Baja. Small numbers on the Colima volcanoes.
Arizona [Strickland's] Woodpecker Picoides (stricklandi) arizonae. Two on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan.
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus. A pair above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Northern (Common) Flicker Colaptes auratus. Four in desert on 22-Jan.
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus. Two at Singayta on 27-Jan, and singles at La Bajada and Barranca el Choncho.
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus flavigaster. A single at La Bajada on 30-Jan and 2 at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan.
White-striped Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes leucogaster. Three Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, but none seen on the return visit on 30-Jan. Singles on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb, Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe. One on Peso Island on 28-Jan and one along the Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan.
Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata. A single at La Bajada on 30-Jan, another on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and 1 at Floripondio on 4-Feb.
Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus. Common in highland forests at La Bajada, Cerro de San Juan and the Colima volcanoes.
Coues' [Greater] Pewee Contopus (fumigatus) pertinax. Not seen in Baja or around San Blas town. Otherwise recorded in small numbers daily.
White-throated Flycatcher Empidonax albigularis. The only positive identification was a single in marshland at Singayta on 27-Jan.
Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus. One in scrub adjacent to the beach along the Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan.
Hammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii. We had great difficulty differentiating this species from Pine Flycatcher. A few on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Grey Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii A easily identified species! Common in deserts of Baja, with up to 10 daily.
Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri. Two in fields below Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Pine Flycatcher Empidonax affinis. Two in high altitude pines on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and another above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Pacific-slope [Western] Flycatcher Empidonax (difficilis) difficilis. Fairly widespread and common. Recorded in most areas with max. 8 along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 34-Jan.
Buff-breasted Flycatcher Empidonax fulvifrons. A single in open scrub at km 2.3 on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan. Two on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and 3 on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans. Only seen along the San Antonio de la Sierra road with a few daily on 22-24-Jan.
Vermillion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus. In Baja a single en route on 22-Jan. A single along the Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan and a few at lower altitudes around the Colima volcanoes.
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus. A single at La Bajada on 30-Jan.
Dusky-capped (Olivaceous) Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer. The only positive identification was of 2 on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan.
Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens. Common in deserts of Baja with a few daily 20-24-Jan.
Nutting's Flycatcher Myiarchus nuttingi. A few in Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 1-Feb.
Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus. Two Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and another there on 1-Feb.
Flammulated Flycatcher Deltarhynchus flammulatus. Three birds in Barranca el Choncho on 1-Feb.
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus (melancholicus) melancholicus. A single along the Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan was the only observation. Probably widely overlooked as we did not study kingbirds with any real zeal.
Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans. Three en route in Baja. Common in fields below Volcán Fuego and Volcán Nieve on 3-4 Feb.
Thick-billed Kingbird Tyrannus crassirostris. Four at Miraflores on 23-Jan. Four at Singayta on 27-Jan, 1 on Peso Island on 28-Jan, 1 Playa de Oro road on the 31-Jan, and 4 en route on 4-Feb.
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis. Two at Singayta on 27-Jan and 3 on Peso Island on 28-Jan.
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similes. At least 20 along Playa de Oro road on 27-Jan.
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus. A single at Singayta on 27-Ja, 10 Peso Island on 28-Jan, and 2 on both dates at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 1-Feb.
Grey-collared Becard Pachyramphus major. Two singles on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan.
Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae. Recorded on seven dates in small numbers from San Blas and the Colima volcanoes.
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata. Eight at Singayta on 27-Jan, 4 at La Bajada on 30-Jan and 4 Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan.
Western Scrub Jay Aphelocoma (coerulescens) californica. Common in Baja in desert scrub, with max. 20 on 24-Jan.
Grey-breasted (Mexican) Jay Aphelocoma ultramarina. Six above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
San Blas Jay Cyanocorax sanblasianus. Only recorded from Barranca el Chocho with 20 on 31-Jan and 10 on 1-Feb.
Purplish-backed Jay Cyanocorax beecheii. One group of 6 on Peso Island on 28-Jan. Seen early morning and evening.
Green Jay Cyanocorax luxuosis. One heard on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan.
Black-throated Magpie-Jay Cyanocorax colliei. Common in the San Blas area 26-30 Jan.
White-throated Magpie-Jay Cyanocorax formosus. Recorded from Barranca el Choncho, and La Cumbre.
Sinaloa [Mexican] Crow Corvus (sinaloae) sinaloae. Only recorded around San Blas with max. 100+ Singayta on 27-Jan.
Common (Northern) Raven Corvus corax. Only recorded in Baja, with small numbers daily.
Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii. Three on Peso Island on 28-Jan, a single at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 2 there on 1-Feb.
Black-capped Vireo Vireo atricapilla. One at La Bajada on 30-Jan and 1 along Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan.
Dwarf Vireo Vireo nelsoni. A single seen very well on Volcán Nieve on 4-Feb.
Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni. Fairly common on the Colima volcanoes.
Grey Vireo Vireo vicinior. A single near La Paz on 20-Jan.
Golden Vireo Vireo hypochryseus. Two on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan and 1 at La Bajada on 30-Jan. Small numbers also seen at Barranca el Choncho and on the Colima volcanoes.
Cassin's [Solitary] Vireo Vireo (solitarius) cassini. Up to 3 daily along the San Antonio de la Sierra road 22-24-Jan, a single on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and 2 there on 4-Feb.
Plumbeous [Solitary] Vireo Vireo (solitarius) plumbeus. Singles at Singayta on 27-Jan, Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb.
Warbling Vireo Vireo (gilvus) gilvus. Two at Singayta on 27-Jan were the only record around San Blas. Samll numbers daily on the Colima volcanoes.
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus. Up to 20 in Baja, driving between La Paz and San Carlos on 20-Jan. A few on the return journey on 21-Jan.
Grey Silky-flycatcher Ptilogonys cinereus. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 30-Jan. Small numbers on the Colima volcanoes on 2-5-Feb.
Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens. Four en route to San Carlos on 20-Jan and 2 along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-Jan.
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum. Two singles at La Bajada on 30-Jan.
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis. Two on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, 2 on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb,and a single on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Brown-backed Solitaire Myadestes occidentalis. Heard on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan. A single seen La Bajada on 30-Jan, and a few heard on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb and above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush Catharus frantzii. One on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus. A single at La Bajada on 30-Jan.
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus. In Baja, one en route on 20-Jan and one along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 24-Jan. Two at La Cumbre on 2-Feb, 2 on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and a single above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
White-throated Thrush Turdus assimilis. A large group of 25 on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan. At least 10 in a fruiting tree at La Bajada on 30-Jan, and a single on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Rufous-backed Thrush Turdus rufopalliatus. Four at La Bajada on 30-Jan, 6 at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan, and a single on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Grayson's [Rufous-backed] Thrush Turdus (rufopalliatus) graysoni. Three very pallid and washed-out birds bathing at a small pool on Peso Island on 28-Jan.
American Robin Turdus migratorius. A single above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
San Lucas [American] Robin Turdus (migratorius) confines. Up to 8 daily along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-24-Jan. It was interesting to note that this species responded well to the song of American Robin.
Blue Mockingbird Melanotis caerulescens. Three on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and 2 at La Bajada on 30-Jan. Small numbers daily on the Colima volcanoes.
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos. Fairly common in Baja and San Blas areas. Two below Floripondio on 4-Feb.
Grey Thrasher Toxostoma cinereum. Up to 3 daily in Baja 20-24-Jan.
Curve-billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre. Pairs near Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and 4-Feb.
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Four on buildings in La Paz town on 25-Jan.
Brown Creeper Certhia americana. Singles above Floripondio on 4-Feb and 5-Feb.
Spotted Wren Campylorhynchus gularis. Six in fields on Cerro De San Juan on 30-Jan, and 4 below Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Cactus Wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus. Fairly common in Baja with up to 6 daily.
Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha. Two at Barranca el Choncho on 1-Feb and 2 La Cumbre on 2-Feb.
Grey-barred Wren Campylorhynchus megalopterus. Six on Volcán Fuego on 3-Feb and 6 above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus. A single en route below Floripondio on 4-Feb.
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris. A single en route in Baja on 22-Jan.
Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii. Four at Singayta on 27-Jan, and 2 Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan.
Happy Wren Thryothorus felix. A few daily in the San Blas area.
Sinaloa Wren Thryothorus sinaloa. Not a particularly easy species to see – remains hidden in cover. Three at Singayta on 28-Jan, A single at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and two there on 1-Feb.
Northern House Wren Troglodytes (aedon) aedon. Only recorded in Baja. Max 6 along San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-Jan.
Brown-throated [House] Wren Troglodytes (aedon) brunneicolis. A single on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb, and 2 above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
White-bellied Wren Uropsila leucogastra. Three Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan.
Verdin Auriparus flaviceps. Common in deserts of Baja.
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea. Widespread and common. Recorded in small numbers daily.
California [Black-tailed] Gnatcatcher Polioptila (melanura) californica. Up to 10 in desert en route between La Paz and San Carlos on 20-Jan.
Black-capped Gnatcatcher Polioptila nigriceps. Eight along Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan, 12 La Cumbre on 1-Feb and 4 there on 2-Feb.
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus. A single on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb, and at least 10 on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea. A few around San Blas.
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina. Up to 50 at Laguna Sayula on 5-Feb.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Fairly common in the San Blas area.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. Two Peso Island on 28-Jan, and 10 around Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula. Two along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-Jan. One Sierra de San Juan on 26-Jan and again on 29-Jan. Two on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb, 1 Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb, and 2 above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa. Three at high altitude on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Mexican Chickadee Poecile sclateri. Two at high altitude on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Bridled Titmouse Baeolophus wollweberi. Two on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Widespread, but not common, in towns and villages.
American Pipit Anthus rubescens. Two at Laguna Sayula on 5-Feb.
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus. Up to 20 above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Black-headed Siskin Carduelis notata. Fourteen on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and 4 on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria. In Baja recorded daily in small numbers. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan and 10 there on 30-Jan. Up to 8 on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb, and 30 on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus. Six at Estero de San José on 22-Jan, and a single along the San Antonio de la Sierra road, and 3 Cerro de San Juan on 30-Jan.
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostre. Two on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and a single on Volcán Nieve on 4-Feb.
Olive Warbler Peucedramus taeniatus. Two on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata. Widespread and very common.
Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla. Not recorded in Baja. Otherwise widespread and common.
Lucy's Warbler Vermivora luciae. Two in scrub by the beach at the end of the Playa de Oro road on 31-Jan.
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi. Two on Peso Island on 28-Jan, 2 at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 2 there on 1-Feb, and 2 at La Cumbre on 2-Feb.
Crescent-chested Warbler Parula superciliosa. Recorded in small numbers in mixed feeding flocks on Cerro de San Juan and the Colima volcanoes.
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia. Small numbers in sites around San Blas.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata. Common and widespread in Baja. Ten on Cerro de San Juan on 30-Jan, and a few singles daily on the Colima volcanoes.
Black-throated Grey Warbler Dendroica nigrescens. Widespread. Recorded in small numbers almost daily.
Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi At least 10 on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan and again on 29-Jan. Small numbers daily on the Colima volcanoes.
Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis. Two on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and small numbers on the Colima volcanoes.
Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan.
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia. Not recorded in Baja. Otherwise a few most days.
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla. Four at Singayta on 27-Jan, a single on Peso Island on 28-Jan and 1 on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan.
Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis. A single on Peso Island on 28-Jan.
MacGillivray's Warbler Oporornis tolmiei. A few in scattered localities.
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas. About 10 at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Belding's Yellowthroat Geothlypis beldingi. Two singles at Estero de San José on 22-Jan.
Grey-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala. One in fields below Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina. One at La Bajada on 27-Jan was the only recorded. Out of usual range.
Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla. Widespread. Recorded in small numbers at most localities.
Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons. Recorded in small numbers from the highland forests of Cerro de San Juan and the Colima volcanoes.
Red Warbler Ergaticus rubber. A few daily on the Colima volcanoes.
Painted Redstart Myioborus pictus. Two daily at Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan and 29-Jan.
Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus. Small numbers on the Colima volcanoes.
Fan-tailed Warbler Euthlypis lachrymose. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and 2 at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 1-Feb.
Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons. Two on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and three there on 29-Jan. Three on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb.
Golden-browed Warbler Basileuterus belli. A single on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and 2 on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens. A single at Singayta on 27-Jan, 3 on Peso Island on 28-Jan, 2 Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan, 1 on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb 1 en route on 4-Feb.
Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii. A single at Singayta on 27-Jan, on 30+ on 4-Feb.
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys. Twenty en route to San Carlos on 20-Jan.
Yellow-eyed Junco Junco (phaeonotus) phaeonotus. About 15 at high altitude on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb, and 20+ above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis. A single along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 24-Jan.
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerine. A few in scattered localities.
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus. Common in Baja. A few groups around San Blas, and 20 at Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata. A few en route to San Carlos on 20-Jan.
Black-chested Sparrow Aimophila humeralis. Only seen at La Cumbre with 8 on 1-Feb and 4 on 2-Feb.
Stripe-headed Sparrow Aimophila ruficauda. Six Singayta on 27-Jan, 4 at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan, and 6 there on 1-Feb, and up to 15 above Floripondio on 5-Feb.
Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus. Fairly common in Baja with up to 6 daily.
Collared Towhee Pipilo ocai. Eight on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Spotted [Rufous-sided] Towhee Pipilo (erythophthalmus) maculates. Four daily along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-24-Jan.
California [Brown] Towhee Pipilo (fuscus) crissalis. Up to six daily along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 22-24-Jan.
Canyon [Brown] Towhee Pipilo (fuscus) fuscus. Fairly common around the Colima volcanoes.
Rusty-crowned Ground Sparrow Melozone kieneri. Two at the start of the road up Cerro de San Juan on 9-Jan, 4 below Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb,and again on 4-Feb.
Olive Sparrow Arremonops rufivirgatus. Singles at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan and 1-Feb.
Rufous-capped Brush Finch Atlapetes pileatus. A single on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb and another on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Green-striped Brush Finch Buarremon virenticeps. At least 10 on Volcán Fuego on 2-Feb and 12+ on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Rosy Thrush-Tanager Rhodinocichla rosea. Three in dense undergrowth at La Bajada on 30-Jan, and a pair in more open undergrowth at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan.
Red-crowned Ant Tanager Habia rubica. A female at Barranca el Choncho on 31-Jan.
Flame-coloured Tanager Piranga bidentata. A female on Volcán Fuego on 3-Feb.
Northern Hepatic Tanager Piranga (flava) hepatica. Fairly common on the Colima volcanoes. Singles also at Cerro de San Juan and Barranca el Choncho.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana. Widespread and recorded in small numbers from most sites.
Red-headed Tanager Piranga erythrocephala. Three on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan.
Elegant (Blue-crowned) Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan, and two on Volcán Fuego on 4-Feb.
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina. A few at Singayta on 27-Jan, and 2 below Floripondio on 4-Feb.
White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola. Two at Estero de San José on 22-Jan were slightly unexpected. Introduced and spreading? Small numbers around San Blas.
Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta. Three at Singayta on 27-Jan.
Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer Diglossa baritula. Three on Volcán Nieve on 3-Feb.
Northern Yellow Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysopeplus. One on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan, and one at La Bajada on 30-Jan.
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus. Widespread and recorded in small numbers in Baja. Common on the Colima volcanoes.
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis. Small numbers daily in Baja.
Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens. Three at Singayta on 27-Jan, a single on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan, and two at Barranca el Choncho on 1-Feb.
Blue Bunting Cyanocompsa parellina. Only recorded from Barranca el Choncho with 4 on 31-Jan and 2 on 1-Feb.
Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan, and 10 above Floripondio on 4-Feb.
Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena. Up to six along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-24-Jan.
Varied Bunting Passerina versicolor. Two Peso Island on 28-Jan, 1 Cerro de San Juan on 29-Jan, and fairly common on the Colima volcanoes.
Painted Bunting Passerina ciris. Up to 10 at Singayta on 27-Jan, 4 Peso Island on 28-Jan, and 3 below Volcán Fuego on 3-Feb.
Orange-breasted Bunting Passerina leclancherii. Fairly common in fields around La Cumbre 31-Jan – 1-Feb. A single along the Playa de Oro road.
Yellow-winged Cacique Cacicus melanicterus. Common in forests of the San Blas area.
Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus. A few daily at sites around San Blas.
Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus. A single on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and again on 29-Jan. Also at La Bajada on 30-Jan, and Barranca el Choncho on 1-Feb.
Bullock's [Northern] Oriole Icterus (galbula) bullockii. Two on Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and a single there on 29-Jan. A few on the Colima volcanoes.
Black-vented Oriole Icterus wagleri. Two in palms at Singayta on 27-Jan, and singles below Volcan Fuego on 2-Feb and 4-Feb.
Scott's Oriole Icterus parisorum. A total of 13 along the San Antonio de la Sierra road on 23-24-Jan.
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. Twenty near Cerro de San Juan on 26-Jan, and 1000+ near Laguna Zapotlan on 5-Feb.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta. Three en route in Baja on 20-21-Jan.
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus. Common in the San Blas area.
Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus. Common in Baja.
Bronzed (Red-eyed) Cowbird Molothrus aeneus. Ten near Laguna Zapotlan in 5-Feb.
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater . At least 500 near Laguna Zapotlan in 5-Feb.
Return to trip report.