8th March: La Bajada where we say goodbye to Carolyn after a morning birding with her. In the afternoon we revisit La Tovara Mangroves in search of Rufous-necked Wood-Rail.
 
9th March: A full day in the highlands of Cerro San Juan.

10th March: Departure from San Blas for Rancho Primavera arriving in time for birding in the late afternoon. Overnight at Rancho Primavera.

11th March: Early morning at Rancho Primavera birding the dry forest before late morning departure to Barra de Navidad. Afternoon visit to Barranca El Choncho. Overnight Manzanillo.

12th March: Full morning on the Playa del Oro Road. Post-lunch journey to Colima where we check-in to the hotel before heading out to La Piscilla Road and La Cumbre. Overnight Colima.

13th March: A full day birding La Maria and the Colima area.

14th March: Early departure from Colima for Volcan Fuego. After a full day on the lower slopes of the volcano we head for Ciudad Guzman where we spend the last nights of the tour.

15th March: A full day exploring the Volcan Nevado de Colima (Volcan Nieve).

16th March: Morning birding the wetlands near Ciudad Guzman at Sayula and Laguna Zapotlan. Afternoon on Volcan Nieve.

17th March: Early departure for Guadalajara for flights to Mexico City with international connections.

18th March: Arrival in Amsterdam and connections are made with flights to regional UK destinations.

LIST OF BIRDS SEEN WESTERN MEXICO 3 – 17 March 2009.

Diver Gavia sp. One off Mazatlan on 4th March was thought by at least two observers to be a Pacific Diver. However views were distant and owing to the brevity of the sighting full documentation was not possible. Its status of a very rare species in Mexico renders this record unacceptable therefore.
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Several on the coast at Mazatlan.
Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Small numbers on Estero del Yugo, Rancho Primavera, the lake at La Maria and Laguna Zapotlan.
Pied-billed Grebe Podylimbus podiceps Seen at Estero del Yugo near Mazatlan on our first morning in the field.
Red-billed Tropic Bird Phaethon aethereus Several distant birds from the beach at the end of the Playa del Oro Road.
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Numerous near the Playa del Oro Road and at the “Booby Rocks” off Mazatlan.
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Common along the coast from Manzanillo to Mazatlan.
American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchus Common at Laguna Zapotlan.
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Common in wetland areas and seen on eight dates.
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Common near San Blas.
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Common in all coastal areas.
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis One in the La Tovara Mangroves on 7th.
Bare-throated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum Several in the San Blas mangroves on 7th.
Green-backed Heron Butorides virescens Small numbers seen in the wetland areas near Ciudad Guzman and mangroves near San Blas.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodius Seen on 9 dates.
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Seen on 3 dates. Most numerous near San Blas.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax violaceus Good numbers in the Mazatlan and San Blas areas on 3 dates, mainly in mangroves but also on the coast near Miramar.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Small numbers on four dates in the San Blas area and Laguna Zapotlan.
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius Seen in the Tovara mangroves near San Blas.
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Small numbers near Mazatlan and in the San Blas area.
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens Seen on 8th at San Blas.
Great Egret Egretta alba Good numbers on eight dates, mainly during journeys.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula As the above species, especially numerous near San Blas.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Numerous - mostly from the road between sites.
White Ibis Eudocimus albus Recorded mainly near San Blas, mostly in mangroves.
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Seen on 4 dates.
Wood Stork Mycteria americana Small numbers near San Blas on two dates.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common, seen almost daily.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common, seen daily.
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja A few sightings of ones and twos, four near San Blas on 10th.
Gadwall Anas strepera Four at Estero del Yugo were thy only records.
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata A single from the boat trip from San Blas.
Mexican Duck Anas (platyryhnchos) diazi A pair at Laguna Zapotlan on 16th.
Green-winged Teal Anas crecca Around 20 birds at Estero del Yugo.
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Small numbers at Estero del Yugo, Rancho Primavera and Laguna Zapotlan.
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Seen at Estero del Yugo,
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Recorded at Estero del Yugo and Rancho Primavera.
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Two females at Estero del Yugo.
Redhead Aythya americana A drake at Estero del Yugo.
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Twelve on Estero del Yugo.
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis A flock of 25 on Estero del Yugo and also seen en route to Colima on 12th.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Seen on 4 dates.
Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis A couple of birds at the San Blas mangroves.
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Seen on the final day as we travelled to Guadalajara.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Singles on four dates.
Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperi Singles on three dates. Good views of some soaring birds on Volcan Nieve.
Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Seen on 4 dates including observations of mangrove-inhabiting birds at San Blas.
Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Seen on 7th only as we travelled from the Tufted Jay Preserve to San Blas.
Grey Hawk Buteo nitidus The common “roadside” hawk in the lowlands, especially between San Blas and Mazatlan. Recorded on 8 dates.
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris Small numbers over the Playa de Oro Road (where we always see them).
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Singles on 2 dates.
White-tailed Hawk Buteo albicaudatus Seen by a couple of the team as we travelled from the Tufted Jay Preserve to San Blas.
Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus One near the Tufted Jay Preserve and another at La Bajada.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Quite common in foothill regions and recorded on 10 dates.
Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Seen on 7 dates, most numerous along the coast from Manzanillo to San Blas.
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinans Heard on 3 dates.
Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus A bird seen flying across the mangroves near San Blas on 8th and a pair seen really well the following day on the lower slopes of Cerro de San Juan. Definitely one of the tour highlights.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Fairly regularly observed (recorded on 11 dates), usually from the bus!
Merlin Falco columbarius Heard at Volcan Fuego on the lower approach road.
Bat Falcon Falco riufigularis One at La Tovara on 7th.
West Mexican Chachalaca Ortalis poliocephala Sightings from 3 days at Barranca El Choncho, Playa del Oro and La Maria.        
Rufous-bellied Chachalaca Ortalis wagleri Sightings on 7th at Cerro del Elefante and the next day at La Bajada.
Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Seen briefly on the morning of 7th at the Tufted Jay Preserve,
Long-tailed Wood-Partridge Dendrortyx macroura Four seen on Volcan Nieve on 15th.
Rufous-necked Wood-Rail Aramides axillaries Seen well this year thanks to Phil’s sharp eyes and the skill of our boatman at La Tovara where we had close views on 8th in the afternoon.
Sora Porzana carolina Three at Estero del Yugo and a single at Laguna Zapotlan.
Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinica One at La Tovara and also seen at Laguna Zapotlan.
Common Moorhen Galinula chloropus Seen on 5 dates, mostly near San Blas.
American Coot Fulica americana Small numbers around San Blas during our stay here and a few near Mazatlan.
LimpkinAramus guarauna Seen at Rancho Primavera and a couple of pairs in the mangroves near San Blas.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola At least 2 at San Blas.
Killdeer Charadrius vociferous Small numbers at Estero del Yugo and Laguna Zapotlan.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus One of the most numerous waders seen during the tour. Huge numbers at San Blas.
American Avocet Recurvirstra americana Seen on three dates, mostly on the coast near Manzanillo.
Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Seen at Rancho Primavera and Laguna Zapotlan.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Seen on 3 dates.
Willet Catotrophorus semipalmatus A few at Mazatlan and San Blas.
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Small numbers on four dates.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus A few near San Blas, Miramar and Mazatlan on four dates.
Dowitcher Limnodromus sp. Four seen at Laguna Zapotlan remained unidentified.
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Seen at Estero del Yugo.
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus One off Mazatlan on 4th.
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Small numbers at Mazatlan and near Manzanillo.
Heermann’s Gull Larus heermani Numerous on the coast at Miramar, San Blas and Mazatlan.
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Small numbers near Laguna Zapotlan but common near San Blas and Mazatlan.
California Gull Larus californicus Three at Mazatlan on the beach.
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Small numbers at Miramar and at San Blas.
Royal Tern Sterna maxima Small numbers at San Blas, Mazatlan and Playa del Oro.
Red-billed Pigeon Columba flavirostris Common in the lowlands with many sightings in the San Blas area.
Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata Small numbers (daily max. 10 birds) seen on the volcanoes near Colima and at the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Seen in small numbers on two dates, mostly near Ciudad Guzman and Colima.
White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Common on the coast with most seen around the Playa de Oro Road.
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verrauxi Common in dry forest areas such as Playa del Oro and quebradas such as Barranca El Choncho.                                            
Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerine Small numbers on four dates.
Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti Four seen on our first day in the field.
Inca Dove Columbina inca Common; seen on ten dates.
Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis Records from Estero del Yugo, Cerro del Elefante, Rancho Primavera and La Bajada. No more than a couple of pairs seen in a day.
Military Macaw Ara militaris Small numbers this year with only 4 seen at Cerro de San Juan on 9th.
Mexican Parrotlet Forpus cyanopygius Easily seen this year at our hotel in Mazatlan where at least 20 birds fed on figs trees near the car park. Also seen at La Bajada.
Lilac-crowned Parrot Amazona finschi Small numbers at La Bajada, Rancho Primavera, Playa del Oro and La Maria.
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Only seen once this year at Cerro del Elefante. Heard on the Playa del Oro Road.
Lesser Roadrunner Morococcyx erythropygus Great views of 3 birds on the lower road near Volcan Fuego on 14th.
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Small numbers on five dates.
Lesser Ground-Cuckoo Morococcyx erythropygus Heard at Rancho Primavera.
Stygian Owl Asio stygius Heard on two nights at the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Balsas Screech-Owl Otus seductus Heard at La Cumbre but just would not show despite a lot of effort.
Whiskered Screech-Owl Otus trichopsis Heard at the Tufted Jay Preserve but only distantly and did not respond to playback.
Mountain Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma One seen really well on Volcan Fuego on 14th.
Colima Pygmy Owl Glaucidium palmarum Seen on the La Maria Road.
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum One in La Tovara and another seen at Rancho Primavera.
Mottled Owl Strix virgata A pair at Rancho Primavera and another heard at La Tovara.
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis At least 2 near San Blas on 7th.
Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Heard at Rancho Primavera and 3+ seen at La Tovara.
Northern Potoo Nyctibius jamaicensis A good year for this bird in the Tovara mangroves with at least 7 birds spotlighted.
Vaux’s Swift Chaetura vauxi Seen on two dates with most near Cerro de San Juan.
White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis Small parties (max 15) near Volcan Fuego and a couple seen at the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Golden-crowned Emerald Chlorostilbon auriceps One near El Jacal on the La Maria road was the only record this year.
Broad-billed Hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris Small numbers on 6 dates at El Jacal, Barranca El Choncho and lower Durango Highway.
Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila Common in dry thorn forest in the lowlands. Seen on 4 dates.
Mexican Woodnymph Thalurania ridgwayi A female seen perched at La Bajada on 8th and 2 the next day at Cerro de San Juan.
White-eared Hummingbird Basilinna leucotis The common “highland hummer” during our tour. Seen on 8 dates.
Berylline Hummingbird Amazilia beryllina Seen on 6 dates; more common in middle elevations.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia violiceps Reliable at Rancho Primavera when a few were seen on the feeders. Small numbers at Volcan Nevado Colima on 16th.
Blue-throated Hummingbird Lampornis clemenciae One on the way to the Tufted Jay Preserve at Potrerillos.
Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii Seen at Rancho Primavera.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris Seen regularly at Rancho Primavera.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archlochus alexandri Small numbers at Rancho Primavera and  El Jacal on the La Maria road.
Costa’s Hummingbird Archilochus costae Three at Cerro de San Juan.
Calliope Hummingbird Archilochus calliope Seen at Cerro de San Juan and La Maria.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus Regularly encountered on Volcan Nevado Colima (Nieve).
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus One seen en route to the Tufted Jay Preserve and one on Cerro San Juan.
Citreoline TrogonTrogon citreolus Numerous sightings in drier forest from Playa del Oro, Barranca El Choncho and Rancho Primavera.
Mountain Trogon Trogon mexicanus Great views of this species on the volcanoes and at the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Elegant Trogon Trogon elegans Seen at Volcan Fuego, Cerro de San Juan, Laguna La Maria and La Bajada.
Russet-crowned Motmot Momotus mexicanus Seen on 2 dates at Rancho and the lower slopes of Volcan Fuego.
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Apart from a few birds by the roadside most were seen in the mangroves near San Blas.
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle Americana Common in the mangroves near San Blas.
Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Common in any highland areas visited such as Nevado de Colima and Cerro San Juan.
Golden-cheeked Woodpecker Centurus chrysogenys The common woodpecker of the coastal lowlands from Playa de Oro through to San Blas.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker Centurus aurifrons A couple seen in the Hotel Tapatio in Guadalajara were the only ones seen.
Gila Woodpecker Centurus uropygialis Common near the Mazatlan area.
Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis Small numbers near the Tufted Jay Preserve on Nevado de Colima, Volcan Fuego.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris Small numbers near the Tufted Jay Preserve, Laguna La Maria and the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman.
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus One on Nevado de Colima.
Grey-crowned Woodpecker Piculus auricularis A good trip for this species with sightings near the Tufted Jay Preserve and on Volcan Fuego. Also heard at other sites.
Arizona Woodpecker Picoides arizonae Small numbers near the Tufted Jay Preserve and Volcan Fuego.
Lineated Woodpecker Drycopus lineatus Seen at Estero del Yugo, La Tovara  and La Bajada.
Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis Seen at La Bajada and on the La Maria road.
White-striped Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes leucogaster Seen in the highlands of Nevado de Colima and the Durango Highway (including the Tufted Jay Preserve).
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus flavigaster Seen at Cerro de San Juan and Barranca el Choncho.
Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe One at Estero del Yugo was the only record.
Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata One La Maria Road.
Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus Quite common in the highlands at the Tufted Jay Preserve, La Maria and Volcan Fuego.
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus borealis One on Volcan Nieve.
Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus One at Cerro del Elefante.
Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax Small numbers on six dates.
Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Seen on Cerro de San Juan, Volcan Fuego and Volcan Nieve.
Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri One seen La Maria and another Nevado de Colima.
Pine Flycatcher Empidonax affinis Two at the Tufted Jay Preserve called and performed well.
Buff-breasted Flycatcher Empidonax fulvifrons One at the top of La Bajada.
Pacific Slope [Western] Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis Western Flycatchers were identified at the coastal sites from the Playa de Oro road to La Bajada would have been “Pacific Slopes”.
Cordilleran [Western] Flycatcher Empidonax [difficilis?] occidentalis Identified near the Tufted Jay Preserve, on Nevado de Colima and Laguna La Maria.
Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya One at Cerro de San Juan.
Vermillion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Widespread, if not particularly numerous. Seen on 7 dates.
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus Seen at La Bajada but heard at other sites. One near El Batel on the Durango Highway was at a higher than usual elevation for this species and most unexpected.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer The most frequently encountered Myiarchus of the tour with sightings from the volcanoes down to the coastal lowlands.
Nutting’s Flycatcher Myiarchus nuttingi At least one seen on the La Maria Road and another near Ciudad Guzman.
Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerescens Seen on the Playa del Oro Road.
Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannus Widespread and quite numerous in the lowlands but also seen at La Bajada and below Cerro de San Juan.
Flammulated Flycatcher Deltarhynchus flammulatus Seen well at Barranca del Choncho and on the Playa del Oro Road.
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Widespread and recorded on 9 dates.
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megaryhnchus pitangua Recorded on 3 dates at La Bajada, Cerro de San Juan and Rancho Primavera.
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similes Fairly common in the lowlands and seen with some regularity around San Blas.
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Seen only on La Maria Road.
Cassin’s Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans The common kingbird of the highlands.
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melanocholicus The common kingbird of coastal western Mexico on our tour.
Thick-billed Kingbird Tyrannus crassirostris Records during the rest of the tour came from a range of elevations from sea-level up to the lower slopes of Cerro San Juan.
Grey-collared Becard Pachyramphus major Males seen at Cerro de San Juan and Volcan Fuego.
Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae Seen at Rancho Primavera, Barranca el Choncho and the lower slopes of Volcan Fuego.
Masked Tityra Tityra inquisitor Seen on 3 dates from San Blas, La Bajada and La Maria.
Sinaloa Martin Progne sinaloae Six or seven over the ponds at Rancho Primavera.
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Seen at Rancho Primavera.
Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea Seen over the pools near San Blas.
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina Small flocks seen on the last 3 days of the tour near Ciudad Guzman at the foot of the volcanoes..
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Seen on 8dates.
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Small numbers near Laguna Zapotlan.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Recorded on 6 dates with the largest numbers near Manzanillo Airport where hundreds were seen at a pre-roost gathering.
Steller’s Jay Cyanositta stelleri Seen on 2 dates near the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Black-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta colliei These stunning birds were seen at the usual sites near Guayabitos, below Cerro San Juan and near Copala on the Durango Highway.
White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta formosa Seen at the Playa de Oro road.
Tufted Jay Cyanocorax dickeyi Once again seen easily this year with sightings on 3 dates at the preserve.
Green Jay Cuanocorax yncas Small numbers at Cerro de San Juan.
San Blas Jay Cyanocorax sanblasianus Good views at Nogalito near Puerto Vallarta and Barranca El Choncho.
Purplish-backed Jay Cyanocorax beecheii Seen near Acoponeta as we drove from San Blas to the Durango Highway.
Grey-breasted Jay Aphelocoma ultramarine Small numbers on two dates on Volcan Fuego and Volcan Nieve.
Sinaloa Crow Corvus sinaloae Locally common (mainly in villages) from the San Blas area with hundreds seen daily.
Northern Raven Corvus corax Recorded in highland areas such as the Tufted Jay Preserve and Cerro de San Juan.
Mexican Chickadee Parus sclateri Small numbers seen on Volcan de Fuego and near the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Bridled Titmouse Parus wollweberi Two at Corrizo near the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Small numbers at the Tufted Jay Preserve and on Nevado de Colima.
Brown Creeper Certhia americana Highland areas, in mixed flocks.
Grey-barred Wren Campylorhynchus megalopterus Found at higher elevations and often in flocks in pines. Common on Nevado de Colima.
Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha Seen at the foot of La Cumbre near Colima.
Spotted Wren Campylorhynchus gularis Seen on Cerro de San Juan and the lower sections of Nevado de Colima.
Bewick’s Wren Thryomanes bewickii A couple seen near Ciudad Guzman on 16th.
Sinaloa Wren Thryotherus sinaloa The only one seen this year was near Cerro de San Juan.
Happy Wren Thryotherus felix Seen Playa del Oro Road, La Bajada and Cerro San Juan. Heard elsewhere. Recorded on 5 dates.
White-bellied Wren Uropsila leucogastra Seenwell on Playa del Oro Road.
Brown-throated [House] Wren Troglodytes [a.] brunneicollis Seen on 5 dates.
Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Two seen on Nevado de Colima.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus canendula Common in mixed species flocks, mostly in the highlands and recorded on 7 dates.
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa Small numbers seen at Volcan Nieve on 2 dates.
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Very common, mainly in arid areas. Seen on 11 dates.
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis Regularly encountered in the highlands of Nevado de Colima, Cerro San Juan and Mesa de los Alisos.
Brown-backed Solitaire Myadestes occidentalis Many seen this year at the Tufted Jay Preserve, Cerro de San Juan, La Maria and the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman.
Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush Catharus frantzii One showed well on Nevado de Colima.
Russet Nightingale-Thrush Catharus occidentalis Easy to see early morning and evening around the Tufted Jay Preserve cabins.
Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris Seen at Rancho Primavera and La Maria.
Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustalatus Small numbers on 3 dates.
Hermit Thrush Catharus gutatus Singles daily near the Tufted Jay Preserve cabins.
American Robin Turdus migratorius Small numbers at the Tufted Jay Preserve daily and one at Volcan Nieve.
Rufous-backed Thrush Turdus rufopalliatus This attractive endemic was seen at Barranca El Choncho, Rancho Primavera and La Bajada once again this year.
White-throated Thrush Turdus assimilis Regularly encountered at most sites with records on 11 dates.
Aztec Thrush Zoothera pinicola Once again this enigmatic bird proved tricky to see with just 3 birds in a gulley at Carrizo (below the Tufted Jay Preserve) seen briefly.
Blue Mockingbird Melanotis caerulescens Our best year so far for this species with records from 10 dates.
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Surprisingly few with a handful of birds seen on two dates near Ciudad Guzman.
Curve-billed Thrasher Taxostoma curvirostre Three records, all near Ciudad Guzman and Guadalajara.
Grey Silky Flycatcher Ptilogonys cinereus Found in small flocks in highland sites on 7 dates.
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus A bird often found perched on roadside cables near Ciudad Guzman.
Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii Singles near Mazatlan and La Maria.
Black-capped Vireo Vireo atricapillus A good year for this species with 2 seen at La Bajada and individual males at Rancho Primavera on consecutive dates.
Dwarf Vireo Vireo nelsoni One seen on Volcan Nieve on 15th.
Plumbeous [Solitary] Vireo Vireo [s.] plumbeus Seen at Estero del Yugo  and Rancho Primavera.
Cassin’s [Solitary] Vireo Vireo [s.] cassini Singles near Mazatlan, Carrizo, La Maria and Volcan Fuego.
Hutton’s Vireo Vireo huttoni Small numbers in the highlands at the start and end of the tour.
Golden Vireo Vireo hypochryseus This striking endemic was seen on 4 dates at Barranca El Choncho, Playa del Oro Road.
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Seen on 7 dates with most at the Tufted Jay Preserve (12) on 5th.
Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo Vireolaneus melitophrys This stunning species was seen on Volcan Fuego and Volcan Nieve.
Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata This indistinct warbler seen throughout the tour in small numbers.
Colima Warbler Vermivora crissalis Heard on Volcan Nieve but stayed out of view.
Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla Common just about throughout the tour and involved in most flocks. Seen almost daily.
Crescent-chested Warbler Vermivora superciliosa An attractive warbler of highland forests such as Cerro San Juan and the Durango Highway. Seen on 7 dates.
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi Small numbers at Rancho Primavera, Playa del Oro Road and La Bajada.
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Small numbers near the coast at Mazatlan and San Blas.
Mangrove Warbler Dendroica [petechia] erithachorides Small numbers in La Tovara mangroves on two dates.
Audubon's [Yellow-rumped] Warbler Dendroica [c.] audoboni Very common in the highlands.
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica A winter plumage bird near Rancho Primavera. Seen well and heard calling this individual was outside the normal range for this species.
Black-throated Grey Warbler Dendroica nigrescens Another common warbler, especially in the highlands. Seen on 8 dates.
Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica nigrescens Ones or twos at Laguna La Maria only.
Townsend’s Warbler Dendroica townsendi Fairly common in the highlands on the volcanoes and at the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis Usually associating with the above species, but not nearly so common.
Grace’s Warbler Dendroica graciae A few pairs at the Tufted Jay Preserve on 3 dates.
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia A few records scattered throughout the tour. Nowhere numerous; recorded on 7 dates.
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Common in the mangroves near San Blas.
Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Seen in the mangroves near San Blas.
MacGillivray’s Warbler Oporornis tolmiei Recorded almost daily this year. Rather skulking and tricky to observe this bird was most readily located by its call.
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Recorded at Estero del Yugo and Laguna Zapotlan.
Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia citrina Very common indeed, especially in the highlands. Seen daily.
Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons Small numbers seen in the highlands of Cerro San Juan, the Ciudad Guzman volcanoes and the Durango Highway.
Red Warbler Ergaticus ruber Seen on 2 dates at the Tufted Jay Preserve and the Durango Highway. More readily seen on the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman.
Painted Redstart Myioborus pictus Seen at the Tufted Jay Preserve only.
Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus Common in the highlands of the Tufted Jay Preserve and Volcan Nieve and Fuego.
Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons Seen on 3 dates on Cerro de San Juan and at the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman.
Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens Seen on just 3 days this year at the Playa del Oro Road, La Maria Road and Volcan Fuego.
Red-breasted Chat Granatellus venustus A pair performed well on the Playa del Oro Road.
Golden-browed Warbler Basileuterus belli Seen in the highlands and often in groups of 7-8 birds.
Olive Warbler Peucedramus taeniatus Small numbers on the Mesa de los Alisos (Tufted Jay Preserve) and on the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman.
Godman’s Euphonia Euphonia [affinis] godmani Seen at Rancho Primavera and La Maria.
Blue-hooded Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima A male near the Tufted Jay Preserve and on Volcan Fuego.
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager Habia rubica A male at La Bajada.
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava The most widespread and numerous tanager throughout the tour.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana A male at a fruiting tree on La Bajada trail..
Flame-coloured Tanager Piranga bidentata Four on Cerro de San Juan and a male at El Jacal, La Maria..
Red-headed Tanager Spermagra leucoptera Seen well on the Durango Highway and Mesa de los Alisos and the volcanoes at the end of the tour.
Rosy Thrush-Tanager Rhodinocichla rosea A male seen at Estero del Yugo. Took a bit of effort but well worth it.
Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Seen on 6 dates.
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus Quite common on the volcanoes with a few at the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Yellow Grosbeak Pheucticis chrysopeplus More common this year with sighting on 6 dates.
Blue Bunting Cyanocompsa parellina Singles at the Barranca El Choncho and on the Playa del Oro Road.
Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea Small numbers on the Durango Highway and on the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman.
Lazuli's Bunting Passerina amoena Several seen near La Bajada, Cerro de San Juan and the lower slopes of Volcan Fuego.
Painted Bunting Passerina ciris Seen at La Bajada.
Varied Bunting Passerina versicolor Seen on 6 dates this year at Nevado de Colima, El Jacal, La Bajada and Cerro de San Juan.
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Seen on Volcan Fuego only.
Orange-breasted Bunting Passerina leclancherii Many in the fields along the Piscilla Road on 12th.
Dickcissel Spiza americana One on the lower slopes of Volcan Fuego.
Rufous-capped Brushfinch Atlapetes pileatus Seen daily on Mesa de los Alisos.
Green-striped Brushfinch Atlapetes vireticeps Several near the Tufted Jay Preserve this year.
Rusty-crowned Ground Sparrow Melozone kieneri It took us a bit of time to get acceptable views of this species this year. Recorded on 6 dates but only seen well at Volcan Fuego.
Collared Towhee Pipilo ocai Common on the volcanoes at the end of the tour.
Canyon Towhee Pipilo fuscus Seen on the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman at the end of the tour.
Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculates Seen every day at the Tufted Jay Preserve, Mesa de los Alisos.
Cinnamon-rumped [White-collared] Seedeater Sporophila [torqueola] torqueola This attractive (male) seedeater was seen at Estero del Yugo, near La Cumbre and on the lower slopes of Volcan Fuego.
Black-chested Sparrow Aimophila humeralis Seen at the Piscilla Road.
Stripe-headed Sparrow Aimophila ruficauda Seen on 6 dates.
Rusty Sparrow Aimophila rufescens Seen on the lower slopes of Volcan Fuego.
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerine The most numerous sparrow on the tour. Usually in large flocks in the highlands.
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus Small numbers on the lower slopes of Nevado de Colima.
Savannah Sparrow Ammodramus sandwichensis Two at Laguna Zapotlan nearly had us “Foxed”.
Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii This furtive little sparrow was seen on 4 dates in small numbers during the tour.
Mexican [Yellow-eyed] Junco Junco [phaeonotus] phaeonotus Common in the Tufted Jay Preserve clearings near the cabins where 25+ birds congregated near dusk. Also seen at Volcan Nieve.
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Seen at Laguna Zapotlan and near Mazatlan.
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Hundreds at dawn at Laguna Zapotlan.
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Seen at Rancho Primavera.
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Common in the lowlands.
Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Seen near Ciudad Guzman.
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Seen near Ciudad Guzman and near Guadalajara.
Black-vented Oriole Icterus wagleri Seen at Potrerillos, La Bajada and Rancho Primavera.
Orchard Oriole Icterus spurious Small numbers en route to the Tufted Jay Preserve and La Bajada.
Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus Seen on 7 dates.
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula One at La Bajada.
Streak-backed Oriole Icterus pustulatus Found on 6 dates on sites near San Blas.
Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii Seen near La Bajada, Barranca El Choncho and the lower slopes of the volcanoes near Ciudad Guzman.
Scott’s Oriole Icterus parisorum Seen most days at the Tufted Jay Preserve and Volcan Fuego.
Yellow-winged Cacique Cacicus melanicterus This bird became common once left the Durango Highway and headed for the coast. Absent from the Ciudad Guzman area.
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Seen in Mazatlan, San Blas and Guadalajara.
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus Small flocks seen in the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Black-headed Siskin Carduelis notata Seen on Nevado de Colima, Cerro de San Juan and at the Tufted Jay Preserve.
Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria Small numbers on 5 dates.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Seen on 9 dates in built up areas.

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