Jalova Monthly Achievement Report April 2016

Rare Bird Sightings in Jalova

Objective
One of GVIs long term goals is to Increase scientific knowledge of Tortuguero National Park.
One way towards completing this goal is to build a complete species list of all animal we get at
Jalova.
Summary
To create a species list for the Southern end of Tortuguero National Park, surveys are scheduled
daily. These mainly consist of forest and aquatic bird surveys. During these outings, we record
any and all animals we see and hear. This is also where our volunteers become a crucial part of
the studies we conduct. Not only do more eyes mean more sightings but we are providing
training to volunteers about Tortuguero National Park biodiversity, different survey
methodologies and other wildlife species.
With a species list for Jalova, we are able to identify what animals frequent the park more than
others. With this comes the chance to see rare and endangered animals that may not have been
sighted for years prior or ever at all whilst Jalova has been active.
Report
Due to a few rare bird sighting recently, this report will show some of the more uncommon birds
that have been seen by staff and volunteers whilst on survey from 2015-2016.
Sunbittern
(Eurypyga
helias) The Sunbittern is
the only member of its
family, Eurypygidae. It
closely resembles the
herons on the canals of
Tortuguero due to its S
shaped neck and long bill.
The Sunbittern gets its
name from the remarkable
sunburst pattern that can
be seen on the upper
surface of the wings when
open. The Sunbittern was
seen on one of our canal
bird surveys. Last seen only
once in 2014, 2 were
spotted together on the
banks of a canal in April this
year
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata) A new survey started this year was the night boat
surveys. This gives the chance to see any nocturnal birds that inhabit the canals. Earlier this year,
the Spectacled Owl was seen on one of these surveys. This owl was only previously seen twice

in 2013. With its contrasting white X shape on its face and large yellow eyes, this one of the
more stunning looking owls in Costa Rica.
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) Not all wildlife that are see are on survey. There are
many animals that just turn up on base for a quick visit or hang around and spend their days in
the trees and surrounding vegetation. There is one particular fruit tree on base that acquires a
large range of
birds from the
Blue-Gray
Tanagers to the
Collared
Aracari. With its
glossy bluishgreen body and
darker
halfhood
and
yellow bill the
Green
Honeycreeper
was a rare sight
in this tree. Last
seen in the area
in 2014, it was a
great treat to
witness
this
bird so close
and even lucky
enough to get a quick picture.
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) With ducks being so abundant in most
parts of the world, they could be taken for granted. Seeing ducks on a regular basis can take
away from the quiet elegancy they have when floating along the water. Ducks are rarely seen
on our canals so when one is seen, it can be a rather exciting experience. The Black-bellied
Whistling-Duck was seen by one of our volunteers on one of our canals and although a fairly
common bird, this was last seen around the canals of Jalova in 2012.
White-vented Euphonia (Euphonia minuta) Most birds in the Fringillidae family, which the
White-vented Euphona belongs to, are similar looking birds. 6 of the 12 birds have blue
upperparts and yellow underparts. The way to distinguish these birds is to look at the amount
of blue on the neck and how much yellow is on the top of the head. Being only 1 of 3 Euphonias
we get in the Tortuguero area and being the only bird to have a white vent, this species of
Euphonia was easy to identify. Although easy to identify, this bird was newly added to our
species list this year. Having never been seen in the area before, its great to know these birds
are around.
Ruddy Quail-Dove (Geotrygon montana) Another bird that has not been seen at Jalova before
was that Ruddy Quail-Dove. Added to the species list this year, the distinct looking bird, with its
brown moustachial stripe, was seen foraging the ground on one of our forest trails. Being one
of the extravagant birds in the Pigeon and Dove family, its always nice for volunteers and staff
to witness a bird completely different from the normal species we see daily.

Tawny-chested Flycatcher (Aphanotriccus capitalis) In the New World there are around 400
species in the Flycatcher family and 82 of these are in Costa Rica. Being small and jumping
around inside foliage, usually high in the canopy, these birds are harder to identify than most.
One of the flycatchers to be identified in Jalova was the Tawny-chested Flycatcher. Being harder
to spot and ID in the field, it could be said this bird was one of the better birds to be added to
the species list year. This Flycather was is also listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN endangered
species list.

James Ratcliff
Sea Turtle Project Leader