Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 
AT HAEVARD COLLEGE 
Vol. 128, No. 5 
BIRDS OF TIKAL, GUATEMALA 
By 
Frank B. Smithe and Raymond A. Paynter, Jr. 
With One Plate 
CAMBRIDGE, MASS., U.S.A. 
PRINTED FOR THE MUSEUM 
January, 1963 
OCR text unavailable for this page.Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., Harvard Univ., 128 (5) :245-324, Jan. 1963 
No. 5 — Birds of Tikal, Guatemala 
By 
Frank B. Smithe and Raymond A. Paynter, Jr. 
INTRODUCTION 
At the base of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Department of 
Peten, Guatemala, is Tikal, the largest of the ancient Maya 
centers. Tikal seems to have been populated first about 1,500 
B.C. and to have reached its pre-eminence during the Maya 
Classic Period (200-900 A.D.) when it may have served as many 
as 100,000 people and was, for that time, one of the most densely 
inhabited places on earth. Then, suddenly it was abandoned and 
lay undisturbed for a millennium. The remains of this great 
city, occupying 16 square kilometers, are now covered for the 
most part by dense vegetation. Its massive buildings, some over 
60 meters high, are barely distinguishable from the surrounding 
uninhabited lowland forest. 
In 1956 The University Museum of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania began a ten -year project to study the archaeology of 
Tikal and to preserve many of its buildings. The Government 
of Guatemala designated the site, and 576 square kilometers 
around it, a National Park, the first such park in Central 
America. Both agencies have encouraged biological research, 
recognizing that a thorough knowledge of the environment may 
be of use in understanding why a great Maya center should have 
arisen at Tikal (physiographically a rather inhospitable locality), 
how it could have reached such vast proportions and why, after 
about 2,000 years of occupancy, it was abruptly deserted. Also, 
it is appropriate that the fauna and flora should be surveyed 
while the new park is still relatively undisturbed by modern man. 
This report is, therefore, a contribution to the natural history of 
the area and possibly a small step toward an eventual under- 
standing of some of the intriguing riddles left by the ancient 
Maya. 
The study is roughly limited to the birds which occur within 
a five-kilometer radius of Aguada Tikal (Map). Although a 
restricted area, it may be considered as representative of most 
of the northern Peten — a forested region with few physio- 
graphic discontinuities. Discrepancies between the avifauna of 
Tikal and that found at the nearby village of Uaxactun (Van 
248 
BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 249 
Tyne, 1935), and thirty kilometers to the south at Lake Peten 
Itza (Taibel, 1955), will be considered. 
Field work at Tikal was begun by Smithe in 1956, during a 
visit extending from 28 March to 4 April. In 1957 he remained 
from 8 March to 9 April, and was accompanied by Paynter for 
half that time. The following year field studies were conducted 
from 5 February to 12 March ; Jorge Ibarra worked with Smithe 
during most of February and returned to Tikal for ten days in 
late November and December. In 1959 Smithe remained at 
Tikal from 22 April to 14 August. Paynter paid a five-day visit 
in late March, 1960. Jose Maria Marquez, an employee of the 
archaeological project and a resident of Tikal, assisted Smithe 
in 1957 and 1959, and collected for him sporadically at other 
times. Unfortunately, few observations were made in the autumn 
and early winter. This probably has resulted in a failure to 
record several transient species, but they are of little significance 
in this study. 
Approximately twelve hundred specimens were made into 
skins or skeletons or are preserved in alcohol. All are deposited 
in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 
All weights are of adult birds, unless indicated differently, 
and the means are accompanied by their standard errors (o- m ). 
The wings were measured flattened, and the bills from the base 
of the culmen. 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
We are grateful for the whole-hearted cooperation of the 
Government of Guatemala ; we owe especial thanks to Jorge 
Ibarra, Director of the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, 
whose enthusiasm and interest were with us throughout the 
study. Carlos Castaneda and Cloyd Smith of Guatemala City 
have been very helpful in matters pertaining to transportation 
and supplies. 
Of course, it was at the invitation of The University Museum 
that we made this survey. We have been in constant debt to 
their "Proyecto Tikal" field party for facilities and assistance 
and are particularly obligated to Edwin M. Shook, Aubrey S. 
Trik, William Ii. Coe, and Robert F. Carr. 
The senior author has been assisted frequently by Dean 
Amadon and Charles O'Brien of the American Museum of 
Natural History. 
250 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
PHYSIOGRAPHY 
What is known as the physical geography of the northern 
Peten has been well described by Wadell (1938). The character- 
istics of the Tikal region were considered by Stuart (1958). In 
brief, the region is one of low rolling hills, typical of mature 
Karst topography, and similar to most of the southern portion 
of the Yucatan Peninsula. The limestone is, however, of Oligo- 
cene age (Sapper, 1937) and therefore more mature and worn 
than that found farther north on the Peninsula. There are, for 
example, no cenotes (deep sinkholes) which are a characteristic 
feature of young Karst areas such as Yucatan. None of the hills 
is high. The altitude of the park ranges only from about 200 to 
300 meters above sea level. The calcareous soil is thin and the 
bedrock is frequently exposed. 
There are no permanent surface streams, but numerous de- 
pressions are filled in the rainy season and retain water during 
the early part of the dry season. The small basins are known 
locally as aguadas. Larger low-lying areas, called bajos, some 
covering several square kilometers, also become flooded in the 
wet months. They shrink considerably in the winter but may 
hold some water from one year to the next. The ancient Maya 
constructed reservoirs to catch the runoff from great plazas, 
causeways, and buildings. At the archaeologists' camp there is 
one of these, covering an acre or so, which has been excavated 
and repaired, creating a permanent pond. Aguada Tikal, as it is 
known, has proved to be highly attractive to birds and is un- 
doubtedly responsible for the presence of some species which 
otherwise would be absent from the park. Underground streams 
or pools, which are often found in Karst regions, have not been 
discovered in spite of drilling several wells as deep as 150 
meters. 
CLIMATE 
The climate of the Peten is tropical and relatively dry, al- 
though it is wetter than most of the Yucatan Peninsula. The 
annual rainfall varies considerably from year to year. For 
example, at El Paso Caballo, about 50 kilometers west of Tikal, 
a nine-year record shows an annual range from 990 to 2369 mm. 
(Lundell, 1937). As expected, the same variability seems true 
at Tikal, although as yet there are few data from here. Through 
the courtesy of Edwin M. Shook (in litt.), we have available 
the weather records obtained at Tikal from 1 June 1959 to 30 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OP TIKAL 251 
November 1960. For the year June 1959 through May 1960 the 
total precipitation was 1267 mm., but when the year is calculated 
from December 1959 through November 1960, thus including 
the 1960 rainy season, the total rises to 1623 mm. 
There is a dry period from November or December through 
April, during which there is usually considerably less than 100 
mm. of precipitation per month. Much of this occurs as heavy 
fog at night. The rains usually begin in May, reaching peaks 
in June or July and in September or October. 
The mean temperature varies little throughout the year. At El 
Paso Caballo the averages for ten years showed January to be 
the coldest month with a mean of 23.9° C, and April and May 
to be the warmest months with a mean of 30° C. (Page, 1938). 
At Tikal similar ranges and patterns seem to prevail (Shook, 
in litt.). 
VEGETATION 
Except where disturbed by man, all of the National Park is 
thickly covered by semideciduous forest which attains a maxi- 
mum height of 50 meters. According to Holdridge's broad classi- 
fication (1956; 1957), this is a "Tropical Dry Forest" — the 
type of climax forest which occurs in tropical lowland where the 
annual rainfall is between 1,000 and 2,000 mm. and where there 
is a prolonged dry season. Lundell (1937) would define this 
as "quasi-rainforest" which, to the layman, is probably a more 
meaningful term than "Tropical Dry Forest." 
Two main types of forest, viz "high forest" and "low 
forest," are readily distinguishable and are of significance in 
the distribution of the avifauna. The high forest is located in 
the better drained areas. Here the trees are sometimes as tall 
as 50 meters, there are numerous lianas, the forest floor is dark, 
and the vegetation of the understory is relatively thin. There are 
local differences in the composition of the high forest; in some 
sections there is a preponderance of zapote (Achras zapota), in 
other areas mahogany (Swietenia sp.), ramon (Brosimum ali- 
castrum), or Spanish cedar (Cedrela mexicana). 
A considerably smaller part of Tikal is occupied by low forest. 
This forest type occurs in poorly drained bajos. The trees rarely 
exceed 20 meters in height and usually are much lower, con- 
siderable light reaches the ground, and the understory is choked 
with thorny shrubs and vines. There are two principal types 
of low forest at Tikal, the escobal forest and the tintal forest. 
252 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
In the former the escoba palm (Chysosophila argentea) and 
the botan palm (Sabal sp.) are common. In the tintal, which 
is the more extensive type of the low forest at Tikal, the logwood 
tree (Haematoxylum campechianum) is predominant. The birds 
Amazilia yucatanensis, Cissilopha sanblasiana, and Granatellus 
sallaei were found only in the tintal. Vireo yriseus semiflavus 
was particularly common here, but also occurred in sunny, low 
growth near the airfield. 
Around the archaeologists' camp, the airfield, and some ruins, 
the forest has been cleared and its place taken by grasses and 
shrubs in various densities and heights. This type of vegetation 
rarely occurred naturally prior to the current archaeological 
project. Many changes in the avifauna are being brought about 
by the creation of large tracts of this habitat. 
ANNOTATED LIST 
TINAMIDAE 
Tinamus major percautus Van Tyne 
Great Tinamou 
Appears to be most abundant in the drier areas within the 
high forest. 
Breeding activity has been noted from April to July. Small 
chicks were collected on July 13. 
Six males ranged in weight from 916.5 to 1106.0 grams, with 
a mean of 1020.2 ± 28.2; three females 822.0, 1089.0 and 1135.2 
grams. 
Crypturellus boucardi boucardi (P. L. Sclater) 
Slaty -breasted Tinamou 
Prefers the more open regions surrounding the camp and the 
cleared ruins ; common. 
Reproductively active birds were found from late March to 
late July. Two of the specimens exhibiting enlarged gonads 
were in immature plumage. Van Tyne (1935) made similar ob- 
servations. 
The mean weight of seven males was 426.6 — 14.3 grams, with 
a range from 368.5 to 467.0; two females were 463.4 and 474.1 
grams. 
Neither C. soni nor C. cinnamomeus has been found at Tikal, 
although both occur elsewhere in the Peten, the latter only 12 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 253 
miles away at Uaxactun (Van Tyne, 1935). Presumably this is 
because there is not yet sufficient sunny, brushy cover, the pre- 
ferred habitat of these species. 
PODICIPEDIDAE 
Podiceps dominicus brachypterus (Chapman) 
Least Grebe 
In regions with pronounced seasonal variation in rainfall the 
Least Grebe is highly mobile, taking advantage of temporary 
pools and departing for more favorable areas as the dry season 
progresses. Its extended and irregular breeding period (vide 
Gross, 1949; Paynter, 1955) and extraordinarily high reproduc- 
tive potential, resulting in the production of as many as 24 
fledged offspring in a year (Gross, ibid.), are undoubtedly adap- 
tations which allow the species to successfully utilize transient 
and irregularly available habitats. 
Least Grebes appear to be occasional residents at Tikal, but 
now that some aguadas are being made into year-round reser- 
voirs the species should become permanently established. There 
is no previous record for the Peten. 
A pair, with two chicks, was observed in mid-February 1958 
at Aguada Tikal. The young were caught by children, and died ; 
the adults disappeared. In the winter of 1959 a pair was again 
present. Two birds collected in early August 1959, at a more 
distant water hole, showed indications of gonadal activity. The 
male weighed 137.3, and the female 133.6 grams. 
PODILYMBUS PODICEPS SUbsp. 
Pied-billed Grebe 
A single Pied-billed Grebe was observed by Aubrey Trik, on 
8 November 1959, at Aguada Tikal. This is the first report from 
the Peten. 
PHALACROCORACIDAE 
PlIALACROCORAX BRASILIANUS Sllbsp. 
Olivaceous Cormorant 
For two weeks, from late October to early November 1959, 
a lone cormorant was present at Aguada Tikal (Trik, in litt.). 
The species was again reported in the spring and summer of 1960 
(Carr, in litt.). A. E. Greer (in litt.) saw seven or eight in July 
1961. 
254 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Anhinga anhinga subsp. 
Anhinga 
A female Anhinga came to the reservoir by the camp at the 
same time as the cormorant in 1959 ; it also disappeared about 
two weeks later (Trik, in litt.). 
ARDEIDAE 
TlGRISOMA MEXICANA MEXICANA SwahlSOn 
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron 
When the archaeological project at Tikal was begun in 1956 
the Tiger-Heron was found at the aguada near the camp. Since 
the removal of the vegetation it has not been seen there, although 
it is fairly common at pools within the undisturbed forest. 
A female weighed 1149.0 grams; an unsexed specimen, 1106.0 
grams. 
Nycticorax violaceus violaceus (Linnaeus) 
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 
Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are becoming increasingly com- 
mon at Tikal now that the camp aguada has been made into a 
reservoir. In November 1959 as many as six or eight pairs were 
present. This heron was not seen at Tikal, or recorded from 
the Peten, prior to July 1959. 
A male weighed 663.1 grams. 
Neither author has yet seen N. nycticorax at Tikal, but two 
visitors reported the species in March 1960 and July 1961. 
There is no prior record from the Peten, although the similarly 
patterned Boat-billed Heron (C. cochlcarius) is known from 
Lake Flores. We are, therefore, hesitant to include the Black- 
crowned Night-Heron in this list. 
Ardeola ibis ibis (Linnaeus) 
Cattle Egret 
A male, displaying no evidence of breeding, was collected on 
25 April 1959. This appears to be the first record from the Peten 
of this rapidly spreading species. The Cattle Egret was first 
found in Guatemala in November 1958, in Alta Vera Paz 
(Smithe and Land, 1960). 
It weighed 318.3 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 255 
Butorides virescens virescens (Linnaeus) 
Green Heron 
A fairly common species. The single specimen in the collection 
was taken in mid-February. It is a male with a relatively long 
wing (175 mm.) and with a purple gloss on the sides of the neck. 
It seems referable to the nominate form and is probably a 
winter visitor. The breeding race of the Peten is presumably 
B. v. maculatus since Van Tyne (1935) identified a bird col- 
lected in June at Pacomon as that form and Taibel (1955) took 
breeding birds at Flores, which he also placed in that race. 
The bird weighed 183.0 grams. 
Hydranassa caerulea (Linnaeus) 
Little Blue Heron 
The most abundant heron at Tikal. There is no evidence that 
the species breeds here, although birds are found throughout 
the year with the largest numbers, of course, in the winter. 
A female in nearly fully adult plumage weighed 291.9 grams. 
Hydranassa rufescens subsp. 
Reddish Egret 
Three Reddish Egrets appeared at Aguada Tikal on 12 March 
1958. They remained for a day and have not been observed again. 
Egretta thula subsp. 
Snowy Egret 
A pair was noted at the Aguada Tikal on 14 May 1959. This 
is a new record for the Peten. 
Egretta albus subsp. 
Common Egret 
From 5 February to 4 March 1958 a lone egret was present at 
Aguada Tikal. 
CICONIIDAE 
Mycteria Americana Linnaeus 
Wood Ibis 
Aubrey Trik (in litt.) identified a single Wood Ibis at the 
aguada by the camp on 24 November 1959. The species had not 
been recorded before from the Peten. 
256 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
CATHARTIDAE 
Sarcoramphus papa (Linnaeus) 
King Vulture 
Observed fairly regularly but never more than one individual 
at a time. 
Coragyps atratus (Bechstein) 
Black Vulture 
The most abundant of the vultures. There has been a gradual 
increase in numbers since observations were begun. Presumably 
this is correlated with the cutting of the forest and the growth 
of the village of workers associated with the Tikal Project. 
Cathartes aura subsp. 
Turkey Vulture 
Noted regularly but only about one tenth as abundant as 
Coragyps atratus. 
ACCIPITRIDAE 
Elanoides forficatus subsp. 
Swallow-tailed Kite 
During the spring visits of Smithe in 1956, 1957, and 1958 this 
kite was seen only once (6 March 1958). In 1959, however, when 
observations extended to mid-August, birds were seen with fair 
regularity in June, July, and August. They usually appeared 
singly but occasionally as many as three were sighted at once. 
Paynter observed single birds on 23 and 28 March 1960. 
The Swallow-tailed Kite is known to breed in the Peten (Van 
Tyne, 1935), but the birds observed at Tikal would seem to be 
migrants because of the lack of a suitable habitat. 
Chondrohierax uncinatus subsp. 
Hook-billed Kite 
A pair of Hook-billed Kites was seen near a water hole on 27 
June 1957. An adult female, weighing 251.5 grams and having 
a slightly enlarged gonad, was taken. This is the only record 
from Tikal. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 257 
The characters differentiating C. u. uncinatus from C. u. aqui- 
lonis are present only in the males, rendering identification of 
this specimen impossible. C. u. aquilonis may be the local race 
in view of its presence in Quintana Roo (Paynter, 1955). 
Harpagus bidentatus fasciatus Lawrence 
Double-toothed Kite 
Three specimens of this rare hawk represent the first records 
from the Peten. A female was in breeding condition on 3 April 
1957. An adult female weighed 189.5 grams and an immature 
male 174.7 grams. 
ACCIPITER BICOLOR BICOLOR (Vieillot) 
Bicolored Hawk 
On 20 March 1957 a gravid female was collected. An immature 
male weighed 232.7 grams. 
BUTEO PLATYPTERUS PLATYPTERUS (Vieillot) 
Broad-winged Hawk 
An immature female was collected by Jorge Ibarra on 4 De- 
cember 1958. This is the first observation of the Broad-winged 
Hawk in the Peten or anywhere on the Yucatan Peninsula. 
Buteo magnirostris direptor (Peters and Griscom) 
Roadside Hawk 
The most common hawk at Tikal ; probably it will increase as 
the forest is further cleared. 
Of seven skins, three approach B. m. conspectus ; two have the 
rufous tail markings reduced, and one, with the tail well washed 
with rufous, is generally pale and close to birds from Yucatan. 
Such variation is expected in view of Paynter *s findings (1955) 
in nearby Quintana Roo. 
Breeding birds were noted on 11 February and 17 March. The 
former date seems especially early. Late March is the earliest 
record from farther north on the Yucatan Peninsula (Paynter, 
1955). 
A juvenile female weighed 303.0 grams; an adult female 307.3 
grams. 
258 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
BUTEO NITIDUS SUbsp. 
Gray Hawk 
Smithe twice observed this hawk in late March and early 
April 1956. There was no certain observation again until A. E. 
Greer, Jr. reported (in litt.) seeing a single bird on 20 and 21 
July 1961. 
LeUCOPTERNIS ALBICOLLIS GHIESBRECHTT (Du Bus) 
White Hawk 
Observed fairly frequently. 
Two males collected on 22 March and 7 April had enlarged 
gonads. 
Spizaetus ornatus vicarius Friedman 
Ornate Eagle-Hawk 
This large, trusting, hawk is uncommon, but not rare. 
A specimen marked as a male, but whose large size would seem 
to indicate it is a female, weighed 1607.5 grams. 
Geranospiza caerulescens nigra (Du Bus) 
Blackish Crane-Hawk 
Four specimens were collected, constituting the first records 
of the species from the Peten. This is usually considered to be 
rare in Mexico and Central America, but at Tikal it is not un- 
common and is seen more frequently than Lcucopternis albi- 
collis. 
A juvenile male weighed 358.0 grams. 
Specimens were taken in March and June but no indication 
of breeding, other than slight gonadal enlargement, was noted. 
FALCONIDAE 
Herpetotheres caohinnans cachinnans (Linnaeus) 
Laughing Falcon 
Frequently seen and even more often heard, 
A male weighed 408.0 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 259 
MlCRASTUR SEMITORQUATUS NASO (LeSSOn) 
Collared Forest-Falcon 
Two birds collected on 6 August 1959 are the only records 
from the Peten. 
An immature male weighed 641.7 grams; an adult male 547.7 
grams. 
MlCRASTUR RUFICOLLIS GUERILLA Cassin 
Barred Forest-Falcon 
This small Forest-Falcon was collected on four occasions. The 
three specimens preserved as skins show a wide variation in the 
amount of barring on the ventrum, a phenomenon noted fre- 
quently (e.g. Paynter, 1955). 
Two males weighed 163.7 and 169.0 grams; a female 200.0 
grams. 
A male with enlarged testes was taken on 17 June. 
Falco deiroleucus Temminck 
Orange-breasted Falcon 
The Orange-breasted Falcon was first noted at Tikal by E. P. 
Edwards (in litt.) in June 1958, when a bird was seen in the 
vicinity of the Great Plaza. It had not been found in the Peten 
previously. In early May 1959 a specimen was obtained by 
Smithe from the top of one of the temples. It was a female, with 
a slightly enlarged ovary, weighing 653.7 grams. In June and 
July a pair was present in the Great Plaza, usually in a tree on 
top of one of the tallest buildings. They may have nested. 
Falco rufigularis petoensis Chubb 
Bat Falcon 
Fairly common in open areas. A female was gravid on 25 
March. 
Falco sparverius subsp. 
American Sparrow Hawk 
No specimens have been collected at Tikal although the species 
is usually present during the winter months. It is undoubtedly 
a migrant and winter visitant in the Peten. 
260 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
CRACIDAE 
Crax rubra rubra Linnaeus 
Great Curassow 
Common, but retreating to the undisturbed forests as the 
archaeological work progresses. 
Birds in breeding condition have been collected in March, 
April, and May. A chick with its wings and tail partly feathered 
was taken in early May and a bird about one-quarter grown, 
weighing 773.1 grams, on 9 August. 
Penelope purpurascens purpurascens Wagler 
Crested Guan 
Abundant in undisturbed regions. 
Birds were collected in March, April, June, and July but the 
only indication of breeding was a third-grown male, weighing 
824.9 grams, collected on 16 June. 
An adult female weighed 2405.8 grams. 
Ortalis vetula intermedia Peters 
Plain Chachalaca 
Chachalacas are abundant in the scrub bordering the airport 
and near the camp. 
Breeding birds were taken in February, March, and May, and 
a quarter-grown juvenile on 15 June. 
Three adult females weighed 399.2, 459.0 (gravid), and 
525.2 grams. The last is unusually heavy. 
PHASIANIDAE 
Odontophorus guttatus (Gould) 
Spotted Wood-Quail 
Abundant and easily observed in heavy forest with open 
understory. 
Individuals which were in breeding condition were collected 
from late March to the second week in June. 
Four males weighed 297.6, 309.1, 317.4 and 318.0 grams; a 
female 284.2 grams. 
SMITI-IE AND PAYNTER: BIRDS OF TIKAL 261 
Dactylortyx thoracicus sharpei Nelson 
Singing Quail 
A series of ten skins and two skeletons represents the first 
record of the species in Peten. It is not a rare bird but is 
excessively shy ; much skill is required to collect it. 
The Tikal population is clearly referable to D. t. sharpei and 
shows no approach to D. t. paynteri from Quintana Roo. 
Breeding was noted from late April through July. 
Five males weighed 195.4, 197.9, 205.5, 206.7, and 224.0 grams ; 
five females 162.2, 177.4, 184.8, 193.8, and 195.6 grams. Sexual 
dimorphism is suggested by these data. 
MELEAGRIDIDAE 
Meleagris ocellata Cuvier 
Ocellated Turkey 
Turkeys are fairly common in the area about the airstrip, 
sometimes coming onto the field in the evening to feed. 
On 30 May 1959 Smithe found a nest with eight eggs within 
moderately dense forest. 
Basing his opinion on morphological evidence, Paynter (1955) 
believed it unwarranted to maintain ocellata in the monotypic 
genus Agriocharis. Genetic support for this can be found in suc- 
cessful attempts to cross-breed the two species. Leopold (1959) 
reports hybrids produced by poultry breeders and in 1960 
Paynter saw several domestic turkey X ocellated turkey crosses 
which had been raised by D. B. Legters in Yucatan. While 
such crosses do not prove the two species congeneric, it would 
appear more logical to consider these as intrageneric, rather than 
intergeneric, crosses. 
RALLIDAE 
Aramides cajanea albiventris Lawrence 
Rufous-necked Wood-Rail 
During the first years of work at Tikal the Wood-Rail was 
frequently noted at the aguada by the camp. Later the surround- 
ing vegetation was cleared and the birds have not been seen 
there since 1959. 
A male taken in mid-June showed no indications of breeding 
but one taken on 31 July had very enlarged gonads. The latter 
weighed 515.4 grams. 
262 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Porzana Carolina Linnaeus 
Sora 
Soras have not been reported from the Peten previously. 
Smithe observed the species at Aguada Tikal from 28 March 
to 4 April 1956, from 8 to 23 March 1957, and from 23 February 
to 12 March 1958. In 1959 he spent from 22 April to 14 August 
at Tikal but saw no Soras. This may have been because the 
birds had migrated north by late April or it could be because 
the aguada, which had been cleared of vegetation in late 1958, 
was no longer suitable. Paynter saw no Soras during his visit 
from 23 to 28 March 1960. 
Laterallus ruber (Sclater and Salvin) 
Ruddy Crake 
Prior to the clearing of the vegetation from Aguada Tikal these 
little rails were common. None had been seen since 1958. The 
Ruddy Crake requires sunny ponds, bordered by thick vegeta- 
tion. There are few habitats suitable at Tikal but the raw ditches 
bordering the airfield may one day develop into ideal sites. 
A female collected on 20 March 1957 had an enlarged ovary. 
A male and a female taken on 5 and 6 April of the same year 
exhibited no gonadal activity. 
Two females and a male weighed 44.6, 48.2, and 44.5 grams, 
respectively. 
Porphyrula martinica (Linnaeus) 
Purple Gallinule 
A single Purple Gallinule was seen at Aguada Tikal from 28 
March to 4 April 1956. 
HELIORNITHIDAE 
Heliornis fulica (Boddaert) 
Sungrebe 
A female collected at Aguada Tikal on 27 July 1959 is the 
only record of the Sungrebe from the Peten. Its gonad con- 
tained small ova. 
The bird weighed 131.9 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 263 
JACANIDAE 
Jacana spinosa subsp. 
American Jacana 
Three Jacanas were present at Aguada Tikal from 28 March 
at least until Smithe's departure on 4 April 1956. The species 
has not been seen again, presumably because the pond has been 
cleared of floating vegetation. 
CHARADRIIDAE 
Charadrius vociferus vociferus Linnaeus 
Killdeer 
A common wintering bird, found primarily on the airstrip. As 
many as 28 individuals have been seen at once. The species ap- 
pears to have been overlooked by earlier collectors in the Peten. 
A female weighed 86.5 grams. 
SCOLOPACIDAE 
Tringa solitaria solitaria Wilson 
Solitary Sandpiper 
One or two of these sandpipers are usually at the camp reser- 
voir during the winter and spring. 
A female, collected 15 May 1959, weighed 47.5 grams. 
Actitis macularia (Linnaeus) 
Spotted Sandpiper 
A few Spotted Sandpipers are found through most of the 
year. The species has been recorded as late as 15 May and as 
early as 23 July. 
Calidris melanotos (Vieillot) 
Pectoral Sandpiper 
A single Pectoral Sandpiper collected on 28 February 1958 
is the only record from the Peten. The specimen, a male, 
weighed 59.5 grams. 
264 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
COLUMBIDAE 
Columba speciosa Gmelin 
Scaled Pigeon 
The Scaled Pigeon is probably fairly common but it is seldom 
seen because of its habit of sitting quietly in the dense crowns 
of tall trees. 
Birds with enlarged gonads were collected in February, June, 
and August, implying a prolonged breeding season. 
Two males weighed 258.7 and 292.0 grams and two females 
247.6 and 278.7 grams. 
Columba nigrirostris Sclater 
Short-billed Pigeon 
Probably the most numerous of the larger pigeons, but because 
it frequents high trees it is difficult to observe. When Short-billed 
Pigeons feed in fruiting trees they may be found at more mod- 
erate heights and are rather fearless. 
Breeding specimens were collected in February, April, and 
June. 
Six females, all gravid to some degree, ranged in weight from 
136.7 to 170.4 grams, with a mean of 156.9 ± 5.6. Two males 
weighed 168.8 and 173.0 grams. 
Columbina talpacoti rufipennis (Bonaparte) 
Ruddy Ground-Dove 
We are following Goodwin (1959) in merging Columbigallina 
with Columbina. 
Common about the camp and other cleared areas. Records 
of breeding were obtained in March, although the season is 
undoubtedly prolonged, if not continuous through the year. 
Three males weighed 42.8, 43.2, and 44.6 grams; two females 
45.0 and 60.0 grams. 
& 
Claravis pretiosa (Ferrari-Perez) 
Blue Ground-Dove 
The Blue Ground-dove is abundant in shady, cleared areas. It 
was noted breeding from mid-February to early June. 
The weight of five males was 58.3, 68.4, 70.0, 72.5, and 72.6 
grams ; that of three females 65.3, 72.4, and 73.0 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 265 
Leptotila plumbeiceps plumbeiceps Sclater and Salvin 
Graj'-headed Dove 
L. plumbeiceps is relatively abundant but difficult to find in 
the forest. 
Fledglings were taken on 25 February and 30 April ; adults 
with enlarged gonads in February, April and May. 
Three adult males weighed 135.7, 158.7 and 171.2 grams and 
an adult female 170.0 grams. 
It is surprising that L. verreauxi has not yet been found at 
Tikal. It has been recorded elsewhere in the Peten by Van Tyne 
(1935) and Taibel (1955). 
Geotrygon Montana Montana (Linnaeus) 
Ruddy Quail-Dove 
Found on the floor of dark forest. Fairly common, but not 
so abundant as Leptotila plumbeiceps. 
Breeding was noted in April, June, and July ; recently fledged 
birds were collected in June and August. 
Three males and three females weighed 135.6, 141.1, 149.8, and 
121.6, 136.1, 152.4 grams respectively. 
PSITTACIDAE 
Aratinga astec astec (Souahce) 
Olive-throated Parakeet 
The parakeet occurs in the vicinity of the airstrip where the 
forest has been replaced by second growth. 
A male and female weighed 80.0 and 85.2 grams, respectively. 
The female, collected on 18 May, was gravid. 
Pionopsitta haematotis haematotis (Sclater and Salvin) 
Brown-hooded Parrot 
A shy, quiet species which is difficult to see in the high forest, 
its preferred habitat. It is relatively common, but appears not 
to have been recorded previously from the Peten. 
Males with enlarged gonads were collected in May and July. 
The weights of a male and a female were, respectively, 150.0 
and 153.3 grams. 
266 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
PlONUS SENILIS SENILIS (Spix) 
White-crowned Parrot 
These are probably the most abundant of the parrots at Tikal. 
They often frequent the tall trees in the camp, as well as heavy 
forest. 
Birds were seen going- in a bole in a dead tree near Aguada 
Tikal in the last week of March 1960. They seemed to be preparing 
to nest. Two males collected at the same season three years earlier 
had slightly enlarged gonads. 
Amazona albifrons nana Miller 
White-fronted Parrot 
A male with slightly enlarged testes, taken on 17 March 1959, 
is our only record. Probably it is not so uncommon as this 
implies since Van Tyne (1935) and Taibel (1955) also record 
the species from the Peten. 
Amazona autumnalis autumnalis (Linnaeus) 
Red-lored Parrot 
The Red-lored Parrot, a forest bird, is moderately common. 
Specimens collected from March through early June exhibited 
gonadal activity ; no specimens were taken in other months. 
Three males weighed 304.6, 419.2, and 437.2 grams. Similar 
wide variations have been recorded before (Paynter, 1955). 
Amazona farinosa guatemalae (Sclater) 
Mealy Parrot 
Next to Pionus senilis, this appears to be the most abundant 
parrot at Tikal. A male with enlarged gonads taken in mid- 
May is our only indication of the time of breeding. 
The respective weights of two males and a female were 629.2, 
703.1 and 649.0 grams. 
CUCULIDAE 
PlAYA CAYANA THERMOPHILA Sclater 
Squirrel Cuckoo 
Fairly common on the edges of the heavy forest. 
Evidence of gonadal activity was noted in late March and 
mid-May. 
Two males and a female weighed, respectively, 103.2, 108.0, 
and 96.7 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 267 
Crotophaga sulcirostris sulcirostris Swainson 
Groove-billed Ani 
Groove-billed Anis occur only in the vicinity of the airstrip, 
where there is brush. It is rather an uncommon species at Tikal, 
although it will doubtless greatly increase as the population 
expands to occupy the recently created brushy habitat. 
In early April a bird had enlarged testes. 
A male and a female weighed 81.2 and 70.6 grams, respectively. 
Dromococcyx phasianellus rupigularis (Lawrence) 
Pheasant Cuckoo 
Two females, with slightly enlarged ovaries, were collected in 
thickets on 25 and 27 May 1959. These are the only individuals 
of the Pheasant Cuckoo which have been observed at Tikal. Their 
weights were 86.8 and 92.7 grams. 
STRIGIDAE 
Otus guatemalae guatemalae (Sharpe) 
Vermiculated Screech-Owl 
Screech-Owls quite often are heard at Tikal. The single speci- 
men collected, a female, is clearly referable to the nominate 
form rather than to 0. g. thompsoni, or an intermediate, which 
might have been expected. 
It weighed 105.2 grams. 
Ciccaba virgata centralis Griscom 
Mottled Wood-Owl 
The Mottled Wood-Owl is the most common owl, or at least 
the most conspicuous one, at Tikal. Its call, a low grunty hoot, 
followed by one to four (usually three) loud hoots, is frequently 
heard from shortly before dusk until dawn. 
Three males and a female weighed 234.5, 236.6, 253.0, and 
316.8 grams, respectively. 
A bird collected on 2 April contained an egg. 
Ciccaba nigrolineata Sclater 
Black-and- White Owl 
A single specimen, collected 21 March 1957, is the only record 
of the species from the Peten. 
268 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
CAPPJMULGIDAE 
Nyctidromus albicollis yucatanensis Nelson 
Pauraque 
Abundant about the airfield and other open areas. 
Two males weighed 66.9 and 75.1 grams; five females 59.4, 
67.0, 67.6, 71.6, and 77.5 grams. 
A bird taken on 15 March contained an egg. 
Otophanes yucatanicus (Hartert) 
Yucatan Poorwill 
The Poorwill is heard fairly frequently. Four specimens 
were taken at Tikal. One bird was found at mid-day resting 
on a beam under the thatch of an open-sided storehouse ; two were 
collected on the floor of the forest during the day ; one was taken 
on the airfield at night in company with Nyctidromus albicollis. 
They seem often to roost in trees and bushes, where they are 
difficult to collect. 
An almost fully plumaged fledgling was collected on 7 June. 
An adult taken on 16 May fluttered on the ground as if a nest 
was nearby, but none was found. 
A male and a female weighed 21.8 and 28.2 grams, respec- 
tively; the fledgling, which could not be sexed, 26.6 grams; an 
unsexed adult 27.5 grams. 
APODIDAE 
Chaetura vauxi subsp. 
Vaux Swift 
Swifts are present in considerable numbers but no specimen 
was secured. Van Tyne (1935) records C. v. richmondi as the 
form breeding at Uaxaetuii. 
Panyptila cayennensis subsp. 
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift 
Edwards (1959) reported a pair of this rare swift nesting 
on a tree in the Great Plaza on 9 June 1958. In March 1960 
Paynter found an abandoned nest inside the chamber on top of 
Temple IV, but no birds were seen. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 269 
TROCHILIDAE 
Phaethornis superciliosus longirostris (DeLattre) 
Long-tailed Hermit 
Quite often observed drinking at pools in the forest or at 
Aguada Tikal ; conspicuous but not abundant. 
A bird collected in July had very large gonads while several 
taken in May were only approaching breeding activity. Two 
males and a female weighed 5.2, 5.7, and 5.6 grams, respectively. 
Phaethornis longuemareus adolphi Gould 
Little Hermit 
Prefers heavy rain forest, usually close to the ground. One 
bird was collected as it sang on a twig projecting from fallen 
leaves. 
Birds taken on 4 April and 31 July had enlarged gonads. 
Three males weighed 2.2, 2.5, and 2.5 grams. 
Phaeochroa cuvierii roberti (Salvin) 
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird 
The species is new for the Peten. It seems to frequent flowering 
trees 40 feet or more above the ground, making detection difficult. 
One specimen was secured in February and four in July. Breed- 
ing was noted in both of these months. 
The respective weights of four males and a female were 8.1, 
8.1, 8.7, 9.0, and 8.0 grams. 
Campylopterus curvipennis pampa (Lesson) 
Wedge-tailed Sabrewing 
This is a numerous and conspicuous hummingbird. 
Males with enlarged testes were collected in mid-February 
and in mid-June ; peculiarly, three., males collected in mid-May 
had only slightly enlarged gonads. 
Males with enlarged testes weighed 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6 
grams; those with slight gonadal development 6.7, 6.7, and 7.1 
grams. A non-breeding female weighed 5.0 grams. 
Florisuga mellivora MELLrvoRA (Linnaeus) 
White-necked Jacobin 
One of the least common of the hummingbirds at Tikal. A 
male weighed 6.8 grams. 
270 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Chlorostilbon canivetii canivetii (Lesson) 
Fork-tailed Emerald 
The Fork-tailed Emerald is primarily a bird of low scrub 
and deciduous forests. It is, as to be expected, rare at Tikal. 
Only two have been seen here; both were caught in a bird net 
placed near Laguna Dimick, a waterhole at the end of the air- 
strip. 
A male, with very enlarged testes on 5 August, weighed 2.5 
grams. 
Amazilia Candida Candida (Bourcier and Mulsant) 
White-bellied Emerald 
A common species, feeding at the tops of the trees within the 
forest and at lower elevations outside the forest. 
Birds in breeding condition were collected in mid-February 
and early August. Four taken in March, peculiarly, had only 
slightly developed gonads. 
Four males weighed 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, and 4.2 grams; two females 
3.2 and 3.3 grams. 
Amazilia yucatanensis yucatanensis (Cabot) 
Fawn -breasted Hummingbird 
^fci* 
This hummingbird reaches its southern limit in British Hon- 
duras and the Peten. A male was collected at Tikal, on 20 July, 
in the low tintal forest. The specimen had enlarged testes and 
weighed 4.0 grams. We have no other records from Tikal and 
only one from elsewhere in the Peten (Santa Ana; Salvin and 
Godman, 1892). 
Amazilia tzacatl tzacatl (de la Llave) 
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird 
An abundant and pugnacious species which occurs in most of 
the habitats available at Tikal. 
Six specimens were collected for study skins ; all proved to be 
males. The weights of five were 4.4, 4.4, 4.5, 5.3, and 5.7 grams. 
Slightly enlarged gonads were recorded in March, May, and 
July. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 271 
Heliothryx barroti (Bourcier) 
Purple-crowned Fairy 
The species, and genus, reaches its northern limit in the Peten. 
It is moderately common at Tikal. 
Birds in breeding condition were collected in early April and 
a nest was found on 28 March. 
Four males weighed 4.7, 4.8, 4.8, 5.5 grams ; a female 5.5 grams. 
TROGONIDAE 
Trogon massena massena Gould 
Slaty -tailed Trogon 
A common species in the forest. Two males with enlarged 
testes were collected in mid-March and mid-June. Three other 
males and two females taken about the same time in March 
showed only slightly enlarged gonads. 
Weights of five males were recorded as 142.0, 146.0, 146.2, 
151.8, and 160.7 grams; two females 141.3 and 155.6 grams. 
Trogon citreolus melanocephala Gould 
Citreoline Trogon 
Another very abundant trogon ; more prevalent in thin forest 
and edges than T. massena. 
The only record from Tikal of a breeding bird is a female col- 
lected in mid-March. A newly -fledged trogon was taken on 
24 July. 
There is considerable individual variation in weight. Eight 
males weighed between 65.7 and 95.2 grams, with a mean of 74.1 
± 4.0; six females ranged from 73.8 to 81.8 grams with a mean 
of 76.3 ± 1.3. 
Trogon collaris puella Gould 
Bar-tailed Trogon 
The species has not been reported from the Peten before ; it is 
rather uncommon at Tikal. 
Paynter (1957a) suggested that the population from the outer 
portion of the Yucatan Peninsula may be smaller in body mass, 
although indistinguishable in linear measurements, than birds 
from elsewhere within the range of T. c. puella. He records the 
weights of two Yucatan males as 47.6 and 53.5, and two females 
272 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
as 41.1 and 53.9 grams; two males and a female from Chiapas 
weighed 63.7, 64.5 and 63.4 grams, respectively. At Tikal two 
males weighed 53.3 and 62.8 grams; two females 66.5 and 66.7 
grams. While these neAv data support the hypothesis, additional 
documentation is required, particularly from the outer reaches of 
the Peninsula. Especially strong evidence is needed in view of 
the unusually wide variation in weight noted, above, in T. citre- 
olus. 
Breeding individuals were collected in mid-May and late June. 
Trogon violaceus braccatus (Cabanis and Heine) 
Violaceous Trogon 
T. collaris and this species are about equally abundant. 
A male taken on 22 February had one enlarged testis and one 
small ; a female collected in early June was reproductively 
active. 
Two males weighed 54.4 and 70.6 grams, once again illustrating 
the wide variation in weight found in trogons ; two females were 
58.5 and 58.8 grams. 
ALCEDINIDAE 
Ceryle torquata torquata (Linnaeus) 
Ringed Kingfisher 
A male, weighing 279.2 grams, taken in 1959, and single birds 
seen in 1957 and 1960 are the only records from Tikal. It may 
become more common as the reservoirs are enlarged and made 
permanent. 
Chloroceryle amazona mexicana Brodkorb 
Amazon Kingfisher 
A female, weighing 128.6 grams, with a slightly enlarged ovary 
was collected on 7 March 1958. It was the only one seen at 
Tikal. Taibel's single record (1955) from Flores was the first 
from the Peten. 
Chloroceryle aenea stictoptera (Ridgway) 
Pygmy Kingfisher 
More common than the larger kingfishers but does not yet 
seem to be a permanent inhabitant, although it appears to have 
bred here. 
A male with enlarged testes, collected 10 August, weighed 17.5 
grams ; a non-breeding female 18.2 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 273 
MOMOTIDAE 
Hylomanes momotula momotula Lichtenstein 
Tody Motmot 
Paynter (1957a) suggested that birds from the Laguna Ocotal 
region of northeastern Chiapas were possibly heavier than those 
from the Peten. Two males and a female from Laguna Ocotal 
weighed 32.5, 32.7, and 29.7 grams, respectively, while five males 
from the Peten area were found by Van Tyne (1935) to range 
from 27.0 to 28.5 grams and two females to weigh 26.5 and 27.5 
grams. This suggestion is given additional support by the series 
taken at Tikal, five males of which weighed 26.5, 26.7, 27.5, 27.9, 
and 29.2 grams, and two females 26.6 and 26.8 grams. The wing 
measurements, but not those of the tail, also suggest that the 
birds from northeastern Chiapas are larger, but there is some 
overlap. More material from Chiapas is needed. 
Birds taken in May and June were in breeding condition. A 
fledgling was collected on 21 June. 
Common, but quiet and easily overlooked in the heavy forest. 
Momotus momota lessonii Lesson 
Blue-crowned Motmot 
Abundant. Breeding birds have been taken on 30 April and 
24 May. 
The weights of two males were 120.1 and 121.2 grams; three 
females 105.1, 113.8, and 116.8 grams. 
GALBULIDAE 
Galbula ruficauda melanogenia Sclater 
Rufous-tailed Jacamar 
An inhabitant of heavy forest ; common. 
Specimens collected in April andJVlay were breeding. 
Six males weighed from 27.1 to 30.2, with a mean of 28.5 ± .4 
grams; a female 28.3 grams. 
BUCCONIDAE 
NOTHARCUS MACRORHYNCHOS HYPERRHYNCHUS (Sclater) 
White-necked Puffbird 
Only one specimen of this puffbird was seen and collected at 
Tikal. The species had not been reported previously from the 
Peten. 
274 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
A male, with slightly enlarged gonads, was taken on 23 Febru- 
ary. It weighed 97.5 grams. When dissected it was found to 
contain a lizard about ten centimeters long, weighing 8.8 grams. 
Malaooptila panamensis inornata (DuBus) 
White-whiskered Puffbird 
Rather uncommon but definitely not rare. 
Newly fledged young were taken on 13 and 18 June. 
Two adult females and a male weighed 38.0, 39.8, and 33.7 
grams, respectively. 
RAMPHASTIDAE 
AULACORHYNCHUS PRASINUS VIRESCENS RidgWay 
Emerald Toucanet 
Common but not so abundant as the other two species of 
toucans. 
A male and female, collected in mid-May, weighed 130.0 and 
115.8 grams, respectively. The female had an enlarged ovary. 
Pteroglossus torquatus erythrozonus Ridgway 
Collared Aracari 
Abundant. Breeding birds were collected in March. 
A gravid female weighed 161.1 grams and a male 172.7 
grams. 
Ramphastos sulfuratus sulfuratus Lesson 
Keel-billed Toucan 
One of the most conspicuous and common birds of the heavy 
forest and its edges. 
A three-quarter grown fledgling was collected on 21 June. A 
female taken on 13 February and a male on 9 August had en- 
larged gonads while four other birds collected in March and late 
June showed only slight or no gonadal development. 
Two females weighed 382.6 and 454.2 grams; a male 384.3 
grams. 
PICIDAE 
PlCULUS RUBIGINOSUS YUCATANENSIS (Cabot) 
Golden-olive Woodpecker 
An uncommon species of the forest. Two females and a male 
weighed, respectively, 73.9, 75.8, and 78.8 grams. Indications 
of breeding were noted in late May and in June. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 275 
Celeus castaneus (Wagler) 
Chestnut-colored Woodpecker 
This woodpecker is usually considered to be rare to uncommon 
throughout its range from central Mexico to Panama. At Tikal 
it occurs in heavy forest where it is, for a woodpecker, fairly 
common. 
Breeding birds were recorded in April and May. 
Three males weighed 88.1, 89.3, and 90.4 grams; two females 
93.3 and 96.7 grams. 
Dryocopus lineatus similis (Lesson) 
Lineated Woodpecker 
Uncommon. 
Two females and a male weighed 143.4, 157.9, and 167.4 
grams, respectively. 
A bird taken in mid-March had an enlarged ovary. 
Centurus aurifrons dubius (Cabot) 
Golden-fronted Woodpecker 
Specimens from the Peten are generally darker ventrally than 
typical C. a. dubius from Yucatan, but they are much closer to 
this race than to C. a. veraecrucis. 
Prefers forest edges and the more open areas. Uncommon, 
but doubtless will increase as the Tikal forest is cut. 
A bird taken on 6 March had a slightly enlarged ovary ; a male 
had fully developed testes on 10 August. 
A female weighed 78.6 grams ; two males 76.3 and 89.6 grams. 
Centurus pucherani perileucus (Todd) 
Black-cheeked Woodpecker 
A conspicuous and unwary woodpecker of the light forest and 
edges which, while uncommon, definitely is not rare, as is implied 
by the single prior record from the Peten (Van Tyne, 1935). 
An occupied nest-hole was found in July and breeding birds 
were collected in May. 
Four males weighed 48.1, 48.9, 52.4, and 54.8 grams; a female 
42.0 grams. 
276 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Veniliornis fumigatus sanguinolentus (Sclater) 
Smoky-brown Woodpecker 
The species is common in areas where the trees are low and 
the undergrowth thick. 
A bird with an enlarged ovary was collected on 22 March. 
Two males weighed 32.8 and 37.4 grams; five females 29.0, 
30.8, 31.6, 31.6 and 32.0 grams. 
Phloeoceastes guatemalensis guatemalensis (Hartlaub) 
Pale-billed Woodpecker 
A fairly common, noisy woodpecker found in the forest. 
In July a pair was found nesting in a dead palm with a pair 
of Centurus pucherani occupying a hole about three feet lower 
on the same trunk. A male with very large testes was collected 
in mid-February. The species may breed throughout the year, 
as suggested by Paynter (1955). 
The weight of a male and female were 221.6 and 241.8 grams, 
respectively. 
DENDROCOLAPTIDAE 
Dendrocincla anabatina anabatina Sclater 
Tawny -winged AVoodcreeper 
An abundant species of the heavy forest. 
A male collected on 19 March, which had enlarged gonads, is 
the only definite breeding record. 
The weights of four males were 36.5, 36.5, 36.9, and 37.5 grams ; 
two females 28.3 and 35.6 grams. 
Dendrocincla homochroa homochroa (Sclater) 
Ruddy Woodcreeper 
This species and D. anabatina seem to be equally common and 
to prefer the same habitat. 
Birds collected in May and June were breeding. 
Five males weighed 34.5, 37.9, 38.0, 38.4, and 38.5 grams; two 
females 34.3 and 39.0 grams. 
Sittasomus griseicapillus gracileus Bangs and Peters 
Olivaceous Woodcreeper 
Very numerous at Tikal. All the specimens in a large series 
from Tikal are clearly referable to S. g. gracileus. Van Tyne 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 277 
(1935) had only two specimens from the Pet en, which he called 
S. g. sylvioides. Restudy, with the abundant comparative ma- 
terial now available, wonld undoubtedly indicate that these birds 
are S. g. gracileus. 
Paynter (1957a) demonstrated that 8. g. gracileus is markedly 
lighter in weight than 8. g. sylvioides. These additional data 
from Tikal confirm that observation. Eight males weighed 
11.1 ± .4 grams, with a range of 9.5 to 12.6; three females 
10.0, 10.3, and 10.3 grams. 
Breeding specimens were collected in May. 
Xephocolaptes promeropirhynchus emigrans Sclater and 
Salvin 
Strong-billed Woodcreeper 
The species was observed twice at Tikal; once on 11 March 
1957 and once on 1 August 1959. The bird was collected each 
time. The presence of this large woodcreeper in the tropical 
forest is unexpected since it is considered to be a subtropical 
or a temperate zone inhabitant, usually in pine forests. There 
is one previous record from the Peten, a bird collected at Poctun, 
a locality on the pine ridges along the British Honduras border 
(Salvin and Godman, 1891). 
The bird taken in August had slightly enlarged testes. The 
other bird could not be sexed. 
The male weighed 135.4 grams. 
Dendrocolaptes certhia sanctithomae (Lafresnaye) 
Barred Woodcreeper 
One of the less common woodcreepers but not rare, as the 
absence of previous Peten records would seem to indicate. 
Specimens were taken in March, July, and August. The July 
and August birds were breeding. 
The weights of three males were 56.8, 63.8, and 65.7 grams; 
of two females 59.4 and 62.4 grams. 
XlPHORHYNCHUS FLAVIGASTER EBURNEIROSTRIS (DeS Murs) 
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper 
There is a tendency toward X. /. yucatanensis in the series of 
fourteen skins collected at Tikal. 
The species ranges widely through the forests, perhaps occur- 
ring most frequently in the thin, sunny forest. It is abundant. 
278 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Paynter (1955) suggested that X. f. eburneirostris might be 
heavier than X. f. yucatanensis. Data obtained at Tikal would 
seem to disprove this. However, it should be borne in mind 
that this series is not "typical" of X. f. eburneirostris and that 
many of the specimens weighed by Paynter (ibid.) on the 
Yucatan Peninsula were not "typical" of X. f. yucatanensis. 
Eight Tikal males weighed between 40.0 and 53.5 grams, with 
a mean of 47.2 ± 1.6 ; eight females between 36.7 and 43.3 grams, 
with a mean of 40.6 ± .8. 
Breeding birds were collected first in early April and con- 
tinued to be found until mid-July. No specimens are available 
from later in the year. 
FURNARIIDAE 
AUTOMOLUS OCHROLAEMUS CERVINIGULARIS (Sclater) 
Buff -throated Foliage-gleaner 
This species of the heavy forest was seen only twice. 
A male with enlarged testes, collected on 21 April, weighed 
43.2 grams. Another male, collected 18 June, had very small 
gonads and weighed 45.9 grams. 
Xenops minutus mexicanus Sclater 
Plain Xenops 
An abundant forest species, recorded breeding in mid-Febru- 
ary and early June. Van Tyne (1935) found nestlings in April 
and May. 
The weight of two males was 11.0 and 11.5 grams; that of 
three females 9.8, 10.6, and 10.8 grams. 
SCLERURUS GUATEMALENSIS GUATEMALENSIS (Hartlaub) 
Scaly -throated Leafscraper 
This bird, a form of the heavy forest, is infrequently seen. 
A specimen with very enlarged testes was collected on 1 May. 
Four males and a female weighed 32.3, 33.0, 34.1, and 35.8 
grams, respectively. 
FORMICARIIDAE 
Thamnophilus doliatus yucatanensis Ridgway 
Barred Antshrike 
Found principally in the thickets bordering the airfield, 
where it is rather uncommon. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 279 
Breeding specimens were collected in the fourth week of March 
and in mid-May. 
There is a possibility that T. d. yucatanensis averages some- 
what less heavy than T. d. intermedius, the contiguous race. Four 
males from Tikal weighed 22.4, 25.2, 25.5, and 26.2 grams. Payn- 
ter (1955) recorded the weight of eight males of T. d. yucatanen- 
sis, of the Yucatan Peninsula, as ranging from 21.4 to 27.8 
grams, with a mean of 24.9 ± 0.7 grams. Two males of T. d. 
intermedius from Chiapas weighed 28.4 and 28.8 grams (Payn- 
ter, 1957a) ; these weights are outside the known range for 
T. d. yucatanensis. Data for females are less abundant. Three 
females of T. d. yucatanensis weighed 22.8, 26.3, and 27.0 grams 
(Paynter, 1955). One female of T. d. intermedius was found 
to weigh 30.0 grams (Paynter, 1957a). 
Thamnistes anabatinus anabatinus Sclater and Salvin 
Russet Antshrike 
A pair of this rare species was collected in heavy forest on 
5 July 1959, and constitutes the first record from the Peten. 
The male weighed 19.5 and the female 19.2 grams; both had 
enlarged gonads. 
Dysithamnus mentalis septentrionalis Ridgway 
Plain Antvireo 
The species has been considered rare in northern Middle 
America but it may merely be localized. Prior to 1954 the 
bird was known in Mexico from two specimens from southern 
Campeche (Traylor, 1941). However, in 1954 six were collected 
in Chiapas, where the species was reported to be common 
(Paynter, 1957a). Van Tyne (1935) collected four Plain Ant- 
vireos at Uaxactun, and considered this noteworthy, but at Tikal 
they are abundant in the low growth which borders the roads 
and trails. 
Breeding individuals were taken in March, May, and June. 
A series of nine males ranged from 10.9 to 13.8 grams, with 
a mean of 12.5 ± .1. 
Four females weighed 12.2, 12.5, 12.6, and 13.2 grams. 
Microrhopias quixensis boucardi (Sclater) 
Dot-winged Antwren 
Moderately common in brushy areas within the high forest. 
Most of the specimens collected in June exhibited enlarged 
gonads. 
280 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
The weights of two males were 8.6 and 9.0 grams ; four females 
7.9, 7.9, 8.6, and 9.7 grams. 
Cercomacra tyrannina crepera Bangs 
Dusky Antbird 
Occurs in essentially the same habitat as Microrhopias quix en- 
sis but seems somewhat less common. 
Specimens were taken in March, April, July, and August, 
Fully developed gonads were found in July and August. 
Five males weighed 15.3, 16.1, 16.7, 16.7, and 17.2 grams; two 
females 13.7 and 14.9 grams. 
Formicarius analis intermedius Ridgway 
Black-faced Antthrush 
Common but quiet and shy; most easily collected during the 
dry season when it can be heard among the dry forest litter. 
A series of six skins from Tikal is clearly referable to F. a. 
intermedius although slight tendencies toward F. a. pallidus, such 
as ventral pallidness or reduced dorsal rufescence, are evident 
in some specimens. 
A male collected on 1 May and one on 10 July were the only 
individuals reproductively active. Other specimens were taken in 
March and exhibited no, or only slight, gonadal activity. 
The weights of four males were 58.7, 63.6, 64.8. and 65.0 
grams; that of three females 57.2, 59.1, and 67.0 grams. 
COTINGIDAE 
Attila spadiceus flammulatus Lafresnaye 
Bright-rumped Attila 
A moderately common inhabitant of the forest. 
Breeding birds were taken in May and June. 
Three males weighed 42.5, 44.8, and 44.9 grams; three females 
38.2, 39.0, and 41.7 grams. 
Rhytipterna holerythra holerythra (Sclater and Salvin) 
Rufous Mourner 
The Rufous Mourner is fairly common at Tikal although it had 
not been found previously in the Peten. 
Evidence of breeding was noted in March and April. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 281 
Weights of four males were recorded as 33.2, 35.4, 36.0, and 
38.0 grams ; that of two females 32.3 and 34.2 grams. 
Lipaugus unirufus unirufus Sclater 
Kufous Piha 
There is no prior record of L. unirufus in the Peten. It is less 
common than Rhytipterna holerythra at Tikal, but not rare. 
A female, collected on 19 February, had an enlarged ovary 
and weighed 87.2 grams. A breeding male, taken on 19 June, 
weighed 79.2 grams and a non-breeding male, collected on 14 
July, weighed 84.4 grams. 
Pachyramphus cinnamomeus fulvidior Griscom 
Cinnamon Becard 
An occupied nest of this common becard was found by Paynter 
on 27 March in a small tree in an area where the forest had 
been thinned to allow restoration of some ruins. Smithe observed 
a nest from 23 April until the birds departed about 10 May. It 
was built near the end of a branch hanging close to the water 
at Aguada Tikal. 
Three males weighed 19.9, 20.3, and 20.7 grams; a female 
19.3 grams. 
Pachyramphus major australis Miller and Griscom 
Gray-collared Becard 
This is a species of lower, drier forest and rather unexpected 
at Tikal ; there was no prior record from the Peten. It is uncom- 
mon, but as the rain forest is cut and second growth assumes 
more importance the population certainly will increase. 
The respective weights of a male and female were 21.3 and 
22.8 grams. 
Pachyramphus aglaiae hypophaeus (Ridgway) 
Kose-throated Becard 
Platypsaris and Pachyramphus are much too similar to be 
considered separate genera. Hellmayr (1929) long ago pointed 
out that they were barely separable and recently Bond (1959) 
made the same observation. 
282 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
P. aglaiae is another species for which no specific record 
in the Peten existed. At Tikal it is uncommon but, like P. major, 
may increase when the forest is further thinned. 
Of a series of six skins, two are of adult males. There is no 
rose on their throats. A male which is approaching- full adult 
plumage has a trace of rose. The females are richly colored. 
There is no doubt that the series is P. a. hypophaeus. There are 
three specimens from British Honduras in the Museum of Com- 
parative Zoology which also are clearly P. a. hypophaeus. Payn- 
ter (1957a) recorded a single male from Laguna Ocotal, Chiapas 
as P. a. sumichrasti, but this dark bird lacks any rose on its throat 
and must be P. a. hypophaeus, as is also a male from nearby 
Ocosingo, Chiapas. The range of the race is, therefore, consider- 
ably farther north than had been known. The suddenness with 
which P. a. sumichrasti is replaced by P. a. hypophaeus is 
notable. Specimens of P. a. sumichrasti, which even display a 
tendency toward P. a. yucata?iensis, have been found a mere 100 
miles north of Tikal (Paynter, 1955). 
A nest with young nearly ready to fledge was found on 24 
June. Breeding specimens were collected in late May and early 
June. One of these is a male in partial juvenile plumage. 
Two adult males weighed 27.7 and 29.2 grams; two adult 
females 31.1 and 33.8 grams; two immature males 26.5 and 29.0 
grams. 
Tityra semifasciata personata Jardine and Selby 
Masked Tityra 
Common in the crowns of high trees, particularly in those 
which are dead. 
A breeding specimen was collected on 24 May. The gonads 
of birds taken on 18 June and 29 July were only slightly de- 
veloped. 
Three females and a male weighed 84.6, 86.7, 88.1, and 87.0 
grams, respectively. 
Tityra inquisitor fraserii (Kaup) 
Black-crowned Tityra 
An uncommon bird at Tikal. 
Breeding birds were collected in mid-May ; there are no data 
for other times of year. 
Three females weighed 46.4, 48.0, and 50.3 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 283 
PIPRIDAE 
PlPRA MENTALIS MENTALIS Sclater 
Red-capped Manakin 
One of the most abundant birds along the brushy trails in the 
forest. 
Breeding birds have been collected from mid-March to mid- 
July. Several of these were in juvenile plumage. 
Four males in adult plumage weighed 13.8, 14.4, 14.4, and 14.5 
grams; seven males in juvenal plumage ranged from 12.8 to 17.5 
grams, with a mean of 15.1 ± .6; five females 14.5, 16.0, 17.0, 
17.2, and 17.8 grams. 
Manacus candei (Parzudaki) 
White-collared Manakin 
The White-collared Manakin is the least common of the family 
at Tikal. 
A male with enlarged gonads on 24 July is the only breeding 
evidence at Tikal but Van Tyne (1935) found an incubating bird 
on 6 April at nearby Uaxactun. 
The weights of two males were 20.6 and 21.2 grams; two 
females 18.0 and 19.8 grams. 
Schiffornis turdinus VERAEPAcis (Sclater and Salvin) 
Thrush-like Manakin 
This shy manakin is fairly numerous at Tikal. 
Its breeding season is notably prolonged. The earliest evi- 
dence of breeding was 23 February and the latest 15 July. 
Paynter (1955) recorded the season, farther north, from early 
February to early June. Smithe found a nest on 28 March in 
the hollow end of a palm stump about six feet above the ground. 
It contained two eggs. 
Six males weighed between 30.0 and 32.5 grams, with a mean 
of 30.7 ± .3; two females weighed 33.8 and 36.2 grams. 
TYRANNIDAE 
Tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus) 
Eastern Kingbird 
Observed at Tikal in 1959 first on 23 April and for the last 
time on 8 May. It had not been reported before from the Peten, 
but year-round observations doubtless would show it to be a 
common spring and autumn transient. 
284 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Tyrannus melancholicus chloronotus Berlepsch 
Tropical Kingbird 
Ubiquitous in the vicinity of the airfield and clearings about 
the camp. 
A fledgling was collected on 30 June. Birds with active gonads 
were taken in May and June. 
Three females and a male weighed 40.9, 42.8, 44.7, and 44.1 
grams, respectively. 
Legatus leucophaius variegatus (Sclater) 
Piratic Flycatcher 
A gravid female weighing 29.3 grams, collected on 7 April 
1957, is the only record from the Peten. 
Myiodynastes luteiventris luteiventris Sclater 
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher 
A common spring and summer bird found high in the trees 
on the forest edges and in those scattered through the camp. 
Our observations have not been continuous. Therefore, it has 
not been possible to record the precise date of arrival and de- 
parture of this species. Our dates fall well within the period of 
18 April to 5 August given by Van Tyne (1935) for the Peten. 
We recorded breeding birds on 8 and 30 June. 
The weights of four males were 44.7, 46.2, 4(5.3, and 47.0 grams ; 
that of two females 44.2 and 49.2 grams. 
Myiodynastes maculatus insolens Ridgway 
Streaked Flycatcher 
M. maculatus and M. luteiventris seem about equally abundant. 
They also appear to occupy the same habitat. We have speci- 
mens from 3 May until 30 fJuly, but the species is certainly 
present both earlier and later in the season. 
Birds taken in May and June were breeding. 
Four males and a female weighed 41.5, 45.2, 45.3, 47.8, and 
49.2 grams, respectively. 
Megarhynciius pitangua mexicanus (Lafresnaye) 
Boat-billed Flycatcher 
We have but one record from Tikal, a breeding male caught 
on 16 June in a trammel net placed along a trail. Doubtless 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 285 
it is uncommon because of the nature of the country about Tikal, 
but also it is probably overlooked owing to its similarity to 
Pitangus sulphuratvs. 
The bird weighed 65.9 grams. 
Myiozetetes similis texensis (Grirard) 
Vermilion-crowned Flycatcher 
One of the most abundant of the tyrannids found at Tikal. 
Particularly numerous at the aguada at the camp. 
Two males weighed 32.1 and 33.5 grams. 
Pitangus sulphuratus guatimalensis (Lafresnaye) 
Great Kiskadee 
There exists no prior record of this bird in the Peten. Several 
pairs are found at Tikal in the vicinity of the camp aguada. 
It has been seen nowhere else but as the forest is removed its 
range certainly will expand. 
Nesting activities have been noted from early March through 
May. A female weighed 57.8 grams. 
Myiarchus tyrannulus cooperi Baird 
Brown-crested Flycatcher 
A relatively common species in areas where the forest has 
been thinned; particularly abundant about the camp. 
Birds with enlarged gonads were collected in May and June. 
Three males weighed 38.5, 39.3, and 40.5 grams. 
M. cinerascens has been found elsewhere in the Peten (Van 
Tyne, 1935) and is to be expected as a visitor at Tikal. 
Myiarchus yucatanensis Lawrence 
Yucatan Flycatcher 
This small flycatcher had not been found previously in the 
Peten. It is represented in our collection by the skins of two 
unsexed birds taken on 23 and 30 July 1959 and by an unsexed 
skeleton collected also on 23 July 1959. The last was identified 
in the museum by the few feathers left on the wings and tail 
of the roughed-out field specimen. The skins are of young birds 
with wide rufous margins to the wings and to the upper tail 
coverts. 
286 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Plate I 
The Myiarchus Flycatchers of the Peten 
Yucatan Flycatcher 
(M. yucatanffnsis) 
Dusky-capped Flycatcher 
(M. tuberculifer) 1 
Ash-throated Flycatcher 
(M. cineraseenn) 
Brown-crested Flycatcher 
(If. tyrannulus) 
Reduced about one-half 
i The race depicted is M. t. connect ens, characterized by rufous edges on the 
ventral side of the rectrices, rather than M. t. platprhynchus, the form at Tikal, 
which lacks the rufous margins. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 
287 
288 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Unfortunately, nothing is known of the relative abundance of 
this species. It is easily confused with M. tuberculifer and prob- 
ably is frequently overlooked (Plate I). 
MYIARCHUS TUBERCULIFER PLATYRHYNCHUS Ridgway 
Dusky-capped Flycatcher 
About as abundant as M. tyrannulus and seems to prefer 
the same habitat. 
A series of five skins is quite dark, thereby approaching M. t. 
connectens, but all the specimens are small and all lack rufous 
markings on the underside of the rectrices. 
Breeding birds were found on 27 March, 4 and 22 June, and 
1 July. 
Four males and a female weighed 17.1, 17.9, 18.4, 19.1, and 
17.7 grams, respectively. 
Contopus virens (Linnaeus) 
Eastern Wood-Pewee 
A very abundant transient. Our earliest spring record is 17 
March and the latest, an unusually late date, is 30 May. No 
field work has been done in the autumn. 
Three males weighed 13.2, 14.7, and 15.9 grams; two females 
15.3 and 15.9 grams. 
Contopus cinereus brachytarsus (Sclater) 
Tropical Pewee 
Most of the field work at Tikal has been done during the 
migration period of C. virens, at which time C. cinereus cannot 
be differentiated. We are, therefore, uncertain of the status of 
C. cinereus. Our two specimens were collected on 29 June and 
5 August. 
The June bird had a slightly enlarged ovary ; the other is a 
young bird which could not be sexed. The latter weighed 11.2 
grams. 
Empidonax flaviventris (Baird and Baird) 
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 
Three specimens were collected in February 1958. These are 
the first records from the Peten. Wintering and transient 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 289 
species have not been studied intensively at Tikal. Therefore, 
our lack of records of this bird in other months and years is not 
significant. 
Two males weighed 8.6 and 10.3 grams. 
Empidonax minimus (Baird and Baird) 
Least Flycatcher 
A common winter visitor. 
Terenotriccus erythrurus fulvigularis (Salvin and Godman) 
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher 
Van Tyne (1935) cites two records of this species in the Peten. 
A single specimen was taken at Tikal. The species is at the limit 
of its northern range in this region and probably is rare. 
The bird, a male, weighed 7.4 grams. 
Myiobius barbatus sulphureipygius (Sclater) 
Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher 
Common and conspicuous, occurring in the lower growth 
within the high forest. 
Birds with fully developed gonads were collected on 29 April 
and 26 May. 
Seven males weighed between 11.0 and 12.4 grams, with a 
mean of 11.7 ± .2; three females 10.0, 10.4, and 11.6 grams. 
Onychorhynchus coronatus mexicanus (Sclater) 
Royal Flycatcher 
A fairly abundant forest bird. 
Breeding individuals were collected from 7 April to 19 July. 
Three males weighed 20.2. 20.3, and 20.6 ; three females 17.0, 
17.0, and 18.2 grams. 
Platyrinchus mystaceus timothei Paynter 
White-throated Spadebill 
A common bird in the undergrowth bordering the trails in 
the high forest. 
Eight males weighed from 7.8 to 11.7 grams, with a mean of 
9.9 ± .4; three females 7.8, 9.0, and 9.6. Paynter (1955) re- 
corded three males of this race from Quintana Roo as weighing 
29U BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
8.0, 8.3, and 9.8 grams, and two females as 7.5 and 10.7 grams. 
Van Tyne's males from Uaxactan ranged from 9.4 to 10.4 grams 
and females from 7.8 to 8.0 grams. These data seem to indicate 
that P. m. timothei is somewhat lighter in weight than P. m. 
canerominns, five males of which from Chiapas were found 
(Paynter, 1957a) to range from 10.0 to 12.0 grams, with a mean 
of 11.2 ± .3 and four females of which weighed 8.7, 9.7, 9.9, and 
10.2 grams. 
Breeding birds were collected on 9 June and 27 July. A 
fledgling was taken 19 July. 
TOLMOMYIAS SULPHURESCENS CINEREICEPS 1 (Sclater) 
Yellow-olive Flycatcher 
Moderately numerous in the high forest. Generally found in 
the thin growth of shrubs and trees which occurs under a thick 
canopy. 
A male which had enlarged testes on 1 July is the only breed- 
ing record, although specimens collected as early as 24 April 
exhibited slight gonadal activity. 
Three males weighed 13.4, 14.3, and 14.5 grams ; two females 
14.8 grams each. 
o* 
Rhynchocyclus brevirostris brevirostris (Cabanis) 
Eve-ringed Flatbill 
■■&' 
The species had been recorded only once from the Peten 
(V r an Tyne, 1935) but at Tikal it is a rather common resident of 
the heavy rain forest. 
Breeding birds were noted from early June to mid-July. 
A series of eight males weighed 21.8 ± .3 grams and ranged 
from 20.7 to 22.9 grams; five females weighed 20.3, 20.7, 21.2, 
22.6, and 25.5 grains ; the latter bird had a very enlarged ovary. 
Oncostoma cinereigulare cinereigulare (Sclater) 
Northern Bentbill 
Fairly common in the low growth along trail edges, although 
not previously recorded in the Peten. 
Breeding specimens were taken in May and July. 
Three males weighed 6.4, 6.7, and 7.5 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 291 
Elaenia viridicata placens Sclater 
Greenish Elaenia 
The species was not noted at Tikal until the 1959 field season, 
suggesting that it may have immigrated to the region about that 
time or become more numerous. It is another open-country bird 
which may be expected to increase at Tikal. 
Five males weighed 12.6, 12.7, 12.7, 12.8, and 12.8 grams. 
Breeding males were collected from 14 May to 29 June. 
Ornithion semiflavum semiflavum (Sclater and Salvin) 
Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet 
This small flycatcher had not been found before in the Peten. 
It seems very local at Tikal, preferring the sunny borders of 
the forest near the camp. It is, however, rather common where 
it does occur. 
Males with greatly enlarged gonads were collected 21 Februar}- 
and 11 May. 
Four males weighed 7.0, 7.2, 7.4, and 7.6 grams. 
Leptopogon amaurocephalus pileatus Cabanis 
Sepia-capped Flycatcher 
This is another example of a species which elsewhere is con- 
sidered to be rare but which occurs in good numbers in the 
forest at Tikal. 
Breeding birds were collected between 19 March and 29 May. 
Five males and a female weighed, respectively, 9.9, 11.3, 11.3, 
11.7, 11.7, and 10.8 grams. 
PlPROMORPHA OLEAGINEA ASSIMILIS (Sclater) 
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher 
Within the heavy forest this is an abundant species. 
A bird with a slightly enlarged ovary on 24 March is the 
earliest indication of the approaching breeding season. Breeding 
males were collected on 10 May and 2 July. 
Four males weighed 12.2, 12.6, 13.6, and 14.4 grams; two 
females 11.5 and 12.4 grams. 
292 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
IIIRUNDINIDAE 
Progne subis subsp. 
Purple Martin 
A single male Purple Martin was observed by Paynter on 
24 March 1960. The bird was first seen early in the morning 
while sunning itself in the top of a dead tree in the camp area. 
It remained in the vicinity until mid-morning. The observer was 
aware of the paucity of records of this bird from Central America 
and is certain the bird seen was not P. chalybea. 
Progne chalybea chalybea (Gmelin) 
Gray-breasted Martin 
Seen about the airfield with moderate frequency and in flocks 
not exceeding six birds. 
A male collected 19 April had enlarged testes and weighed 
40.8 grams. It was one of several apparently nesting in holes 
in the trunks of palms. 
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis stuarti Brodkorb 
Rough -winged Swallow 
The species is fairly common at Tikal. Nesting takes place in 
the ruins during April and May. 
Five birds were collected, two of which were breeding. All are 
referable to 8. r. stuarti rather than to ridgwayi, the race which 
might have been expected because of the proximity of Tikal to the 
breeding range of ridgwayi on the Yucatan Peninsula. The first 
suggestion that stuarti did not breed exclusively in the mountains 
was to be found in the discovery of stuarti in the Cayo District, 
British Honduras, on 23 April (Paynter, 1957b). With this 
additional evidence from the Peten it would seem that the breed- 
ing range of stuarti extends to the wet lowlands of the Carib- 
bean slope. 8. r. ridgwayi is probably confined to the outer, 
drier, portion of the Yucatan Peninsula. 
Four males and a female weighed 15.6, 16.0, 16.1, 16.2, and 
15.1 grams, respectively. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 293 
CORVIDAE 
ClSSILOPHA SANBLASIANA YUCATANICA (Dubois) 
Black-and-blue Jay 
This jay is found in the iintal forest. It is uncommon. 
Birds with active gonads were collected in mid-May, early 
June, and mid-July. 
Two males and a female, all in adult plumage, weighed 126.9, 
133.9, and 130.9 grams, respectively. 
Cyanocorax yncas centralis (van Rossem) 
Green Jay 
Only one Green Jay has been seen during the field work at 
Tikal. This bird, a male weighing 74.0 grams, is not typical of 
C. y. centralis. Its wing is quite small, indicating an approach 
toward C. y. may a. 
PSILORHINUS MORIO CYANOGENYS Sharpe 
Brown Jay 
One of the most common and conspicuous birds at Tikal. 
Breeding specimens were collected on 19 March and 7 April. 
A male weighed 241.7 grams. 
TROGLODYTIDAE 
Thryothorus maculipectus canobrunneus Ridgway 
Spot-breasted Wren 
As might be expected, Tikal specimens of this wren show an 
approach toward T. m. umbrinus in coloration. Paynter (1957a) 
indicated that T. m. canobrunneus might be lighter in weight 
than umbrinus. The weights of birds from Tikal, again as 
expected, fall between canobrunneus and umbrinus. Four males 
weighed 14.5, 15.3, 16.0, and 16.6 grams; two females 13.4 and 
14.6 grams. 
An active, conspicuous bird which occurs in forest under- 
growth. For a wren, its altitudinal range is notable. It is 
usually found in low shrubs but at times ranges in vines in trees 
30 feet above the ground. 
Breeding specimens were collected in May and early July. 
294 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Thryothorus ludovicianus albinucha (Cabot) 
Carolina Wren 
This large wren is found only in the low vegetation bordering 
the airstrip. It is uncommon. 
A male with fully enlarged testes was collected 5 August. 
Two males weighed 15.8 and 16.2 grams. 
Uropsila leucogastra brachvura (Lawrence) 
White-bellied Wren 
This is the least common of the forest-inhabiting wrens at 
Tikal. 
Two mature males and a female weighed 9.4, 10.2, and 8.7 
grams, respectively; an immature male 10.4 grams. 
Six specimens were collected in February, March, May and 
July, but none was breeding. 
Henicorhina leucosticta prostiieleuca (Sclater) 
White-breasted Wood-wren 
Very common in the underbrush within the forest. 
Birds with fully enlarged gonads have been taken from 19 
March to 31 July. 
A series of eight males weighed between 14.3 and 15.9 grams, 
with a mean of 15.0 ± .2 ; four females 13.3, 13.5, 13.7, and 
16.2 grams. 
MIMIDAE 
DUMETELLA CAROLINENSIS (Lillliaeus) 
Catbird 
An abundant winter visitant found as late as 2 May. A speci- 
men collected on this date had a slightly enlarged ovary and 
weighed 49.6 grams; another female weighed 35.9 grams. 
TURDIDAE 
TURDUS ALBICOLLIS LEUCAUCHEN St'later 
White-throated Robin 
Fairly abundant in light forest and on the borders of clearings. 
Van Tyne (1935) referred his Peten specimens to T. a. par- 
color, a race described from British Honduras, but we are 
uncertain that this is a recognizable form. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 295 
Breeding specimens were collected in May. 
Three males weighed 53.3, 63.4 and 73.0 grams; two females 
61. 5 and 63.1 grams. 
TURDUS NUDIGENIS TAMAULIPENSIS (Nelson) 
Sooty Robin 
Not seen at Tikal prior to 1959 but during the field work 
in 1959 and 1960 it was fairly common. Alterations in the 
habitat almost certainly account for the increase in the popula- 
tion. 
A male collected 8 May had slightly enlarged testes and 
weighed 74.0 grams; another male weighed 74.8 grams. 
Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin) 
Wood Thrush 
A winter visitant occurring in moderate numbers. Our latest 
spring record is 23 April. 
POLIOPTILA PLUMBEA SUPERCTLIARIS Lawrence 
Tropical Gnatcatcher 
A male, with fully enlarged gonads and weighing 6.3 grams, 
was collected on 7 July. It is the only record from Tikal. A 
specimen taken at Chuntuqui (Van Tyne, 1935) was the first 
record from the Peten. 
Eampiiocaenus rufiventris ardeleo Van Tyne and Trautman 
Long-billed Gnatwren 
Five specimens of the gnatwren were taken at Tikal. All show 
a strong approach toward the nominate race. The species occurs 
in moderate abundance in dense undergrowth. 
A breeding specimen was collected, in late May. 
The weights of two males were 8.9 and 9.7 grams; that of 
three females 8.1, 11.0, and 11.1 grams. 
BOMBYCTLLIDAE 
Bombvcilla cedrorum Vieillot 
Cedar "Waxwing 
Cedar Waxwings were observed, in flocks containing as many 
as 28 birds, on 16 and 28 February 1958 and on 8 May 1959. 
Thev seem not to have been found before in the Peten. 
296 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
VIREONIDAE 
Smaragdolanius pulchellus pulchellus (Sclater and Salvin) 
Green Shrike-Vireo 
A single, non-breeding, male collected on 23 February 1958 
represents the first record of the species from the Peten. Prob- 
ably it is more common than the dearth of records would seem 
to indicate. It occurs in the crowns of the tallest trees where it 
is seldom noticed. 
The specimen weighed 24.4 grams. 
Vireo griseus griseus (Boddaert) 
White-eyed Vireo 
The specimen of the White-eyed Vireo was taken on 14 Febru- 
ary 1958. Van Tyne (1935) lists a bird, collected at La Libertad, 
which apparently was the first of the race collected in the 
Peten. It would seem, as Griscom (1932) indicated, that the 
subspecies is a rare visitant to the Peten, although just one hun- 
dred miles to the north, in Campeche and Quintana Roo, it is 
common (Paynter, 1955). The lack of brushy second growtb 
must greatly restrict the range of the species in the Peten, 
but there must be other causes, possibly genetic, limiting V. g. 
griseus because the resident race (V. g. semiflavus) is abundant 
where the habitat is satisfactory. 
Vireo griseus semiflavus Salvin 
Bond (1954) suggests that the semiflavus group of vireos is 
nearer to V. oehraceus than to V. griseus and he places that group 
within the former. The oehraceus and semiflavus groups are 
without doubt closely allied, but the griseus group is certainly 
close also, although perhaps not so near as oehraceus is to 
semiflavus. All the forms of oehraceus, semiflavus, and griseus 
are allopatric ; it would seem prudent to treat the three groups as 
conspecific uniting them under the name of V. griseus, as was 
done by Hellmayr (1935). 
The bird is common at Tikal in deforested areas and in the 
tinial. 
Breeding was noted from 26 May to 6 August. 
Three males weighed 9.9, 10.5, and 10.7 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 297 
Vireo olivaceus olivaceus (Linnaeus) 
Red-eyed Vireo 
A specimen was collected on 7 August 1959, an unusually early 
date for the species to be in Central America. Field work during 
the spring and fall migrations will doubtless show this to be a 
common transient. 
Vireo olivaceus flavoviridis (Cassin) 
A rather common bird of light forest and edges, particularly 
about the camp. Van Tyne (1935) records the species from 5 
April to 30 September. 
Breeding birds were taken from 16 May to 3 July. 
Three males and a female weighed 16.9, 17.8, 19.3, and 20.9 
grams, respectively. 
Hylophilus ochraceiceps ochraceiceps Sclater 
Tawny-crowned Greenlet 
Abundant in the lower levels of the forest. 
Graber and Graber (1959) recently reviewed the northern 
population of the species and resurrected the race pallidipectas, a 
pallid subspecies named from Costa Rica, which was synonomized 
with the nominate form by Todd (1929) and Hellmayr (1935). 
We have examined a large series of the species, mainly from 
Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico, and agree that pallidipectus 
is a distinct form worth nomenclatural recognition. Graber and 
Graber (1959) limit the nominate race to Mexico, but our ma- 
terial shows that the Peten and British Honduras must also be 
included in its range. 
Breeding birds were collected from 17 March to 14 June. 
Four males weighed 9.9, 10.9, 11.0, and 11.0 grams; four 
females 10.9, 11.2, 11.8, and 13.6 grams. 
Hylophilus decurtatus decurtatus (Bonaparte) 
Gra} f -headed Greenlet 
Ubiquitous in the thickets in, or bordering, the forest. 
Enlarged gonads were noted in specimens taken in mid-May. 
A fledgling was collected on 6 July. 
Males weighed 8.6, 8.8, 9.0, 9.4, and 9.5 grams; two females 
9.1 and 9.7 grams. 
298 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
PARULIDAE 
Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus) 
Black-and-white Warbler 
A common winterer. 
Two females and a male weighed, respectively, 9.5, 9.5, and 
8.2 grams. 
Helmitheros vermivorus (G-melin) 
Worm-eating Warbler 
A male Worm-eating Warbler, collected on 20 March 1957, 
represents the first record of the species in the Peten. It weighed 
13.8 grams. 
Vermivora peregrina (Wilson) 
Tennessee Warbler 
The Tennessee Warbler is an uncommon winterer, and had not 
been reported before from the Peten. 
A male and female weighed 8.6, and 9.0 grams, respectively. 
Dendroica petechia subsp. 
Yellow Warbler 
Smithe observed what he believed to be this species on 19 
February and on 20 June 1959. The February observation seems 
reasonable but the other record is very questionable because of 
its extremely late date. Van Tyne (1935) recorded D. p. rubi- 
ginosa from Flores. Doubtless it is a casual visitor. 
Dendroica magnolia (Wilson) 
Magnolia Warbler 
Magnolia Warblers are common winter visitors. A female 
was collected on 8 May 1958, a notably late date. The bird, which 
exhibited some ovarian enlargement, weighed 9.0 grams. 
Dendroica coronata coronata (Linnaeus) 
Myrtle Warbler 
It is remarkable that the Myrtle Warbler, which is a fairly 
abundant bird at Tikal in the winter, had not been reported 
before from the Peten. It is particularly conspicuous in March 
when migrating flocks feed on the lawns about the camp build- 
ings. 
Four spring females weighed 10.1, 10.7, 11.4, and 11.5 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 299 
Dendroica virens virens (Gmelin) 
Black-throated Green Warbler 
The Black-throated Green Warbler is another species not 
previously recorded from the Peten but which is a common 
winter resident. 
A male weighed 7.5 grams. 
Dendroica pusca (Muller) 
Blackburnian Warbler 
Smithe saw a male on 30 March 1956. This is the only time 
the species, which is a transient in northern Central America, 
has been seen in the Peten. 
Dendroica pensylvanica (Linnaeus) 
Chestnut-sided Warbler 
AVe have two specimens collected on 6 and 14 February 1958. 
These are of interest not only because they are the first evidence 
of occurrence of the species in the Peten, but because the bird 
had not been known to winter farther north than Nicaragua. 
A female weighed 9.2 grams ; a bird presumed to be a male 
8.2 grams. 
6 ' 
Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnaeus) 
Ovenbird 
A moderately numerous winterer. 
A female weighed 21.7 o T ams. 
&■■ 
Seiurus motacilla (Vieillot) 
Louisiana Waterthrush 
Seems much less common than the Northern Waterthrush. 
Both are usually found in the vicinity of Aguada Tikal. The 
species is present until roughly the first week in May. The 
earliest fall record from the Tikal is 1 August. 
A male and female weighed 20.8 and 17.6 grams respectively. 
Seutrus noveboracensis notabilis Ridgway 
Northern AVaterthrush 
A fairly common species. At least one or two birds are 
present at Aguada Tikal most of the year. Our latest spring date 
is 8 May and the earliest autumn date is 10 August. 
Four males weighed 16.4, 18.4, 18.9, and 19.0 grams. 
300 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Oporornis formosus (Wilson) 
Kentucky Warbler 
Kentucky Warblers are among the most abundant of the win- 
tering Parulidae. 
Three males weighed 11.6, 11.9, and 15.9. 
Oporornis Philadelphia (Wilson) 
Mourning Warbler 
A Mourning Warbler, which is a transient in northern Central 
America, was collected on 11 May. It was a male, weighing 11.4 
grams. Van Tyne (1935) took a single bird at Uaxactun. These 
are the only Peten records. 
Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla (Swainson) 
Common Yellowthroat 
Yellowthroats are rather common near the aguadas and in 
weedy areas in the vicinity of the camp. A bird collected on 18 
May is notably late. 
Two females and a male weighed 9.5, 11.5, and 9.5 grams, 
respectively. 
Icteria virens virens (Linnaeus) 
Yellow-breasted Chat 
An uncommon visitor. In late March and early April the chat 
seems to be more common. Transients from the south probably 
augment the wintering population. 
A female weighed 28.4 grams. 
Granatellus sallaei boucardi Ridgway 
Gray -throated Chat 
This small chat had not been found previously in the Peten. 
At Tikal it is confined to the tintal bajo, the low forest which 
completely loses its leaves during the dry season. This type of 
forest occurs about two miles east of the airstrip and covers a 
comparatively small area. The species is common here. Paynter 
(1955) noted a similar localization of the species farther out on 
the Yucatan Peninsula. 
A series of six skins is clearly referable to G. s. boucardi. 
Five mature males weighed 10.1, 10.5, 11.0, 11.4 and 11.5 
grams; an immature male 9.6 grams; a female 11.1 grams. These 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 301 
data continue to support the suggestion (Paynter, 1957a) that 
G. s. sallaei is the heavier subspecies. 
Breeding specimens were collected 3 May, 9 June, and 29 
June. A male in immature plumage was breeding. 
Wilsonia citrina (Boddaert) 
Hooded Warbler 
A ubiquitous visitor. Probably the most common of the 
warblers. 
Five males and a female weighed, respectively 9.2, 9.6, 9.8, 9.9, 
10.2, and 9.3 grams. 
& j 
Wilsonia pusilla subsp. 
Wilson's Warbler 
We have single sight records for 10 March 1957, 7 February 
1958, and 28 March 1960. The bird has not been reported 
before from the Peten. It is probably a rare winterer in this 
region, as one would expect with the knowledge that it has 
not been reported from the Yucatan Peninsula. 
Setophaga ruticilla (Linnaeus) 
American Redstart 
A very common species during the winter. It has been seen as 
late as 7 May. 
A female weighed 7.4 grams. 
Basileuterus culicivorus culicivorus (Deppe) 
Golden-crowned Warbler 
One of the most abundant birds of the wooded areas. 
Reproduetively active specimens were taken in May and June. 
Eight males ranged in weight from 8.9 to 11.5 grams, with 
a mean of 9.7 ± .2 ; three females 8.2, 8.7, and 9.1 grams. 
ICTERIDAE 
Gymnostinops montezuma (Lesson) 
Montezuma Oropendola 
A common and conspicuous species. 
On 4 May a male was collected which bad enlarged gonads. 
It is surprising that we liave not yet found oropendolas nesting 
in Tikal. 
302 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
A male and female weighed 509.5 and 211.8 grams, respec- 
tively. 
Cassidlx mexicanus subsp. 
Boat-tailed Grackle 
A single, female Boat-tailed Grackle was seen regularly at 
the camp aguacla during Paynter's visit in March 1960. The 
population undoubtedly will increase greatly if the pond is 
maintained in its present condition. 
Dives dives dives (Ueppe) 
Melodious Blackbird 
This is another species which is profiting by the cutting of the 
forest and the establishment of a village. It is one of the most 
conspicuous birds near the camp. 
Females weighed 87.0 and 97.7 grams. 
Icterus galbula (Linnaeus) 
Baltimore Oriole 
Apparently the Baltimore Oriole is of rare occurrence in the 
Peten. A young male, weighing 35.9 grams, was collected 12 
February 1958 and is the first record from the region. An 
immature male or a female was tentatively identified by Paynter 
on 24 March 1960. 
Icterus spurius (Linnaeus) 
Orchard Oriole 
Van Tyne (1935) did not record the Orchard Oriole at Uaxac- 
tun but at Tikal it is a very abundant winterer in the vicinity 
of the camp and airfield. Sometimes in March and April it 
occurs in flocks of more than 100 individuals. The species has 
been seen as late as 3 May, but the majority of birds leave in 
late April. 
A female weighed 19.3 grams; two immature males 18.2 and 
22.6 grams. 
& j 
Icterus prosthemelas prosthemelas (Strickland) 
Black-cowled Oriole 
The most common of the breeding icterids, preferring the 
thinly wooded area and forest edges about the camp. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 303 
Birds with fully enlarged gonads were collected on 3 April 
and 8 July. A fledgling was taken 1 August. 
A male weighed 30.1 grams; three immature females 25.8, 
26.2, and 27.3 grams; two mature females 28.3 and 29.9 grams. 
Icterus mesomelas mesomelas (Wagler) 
Yellow-tailed Oriole 
A male with enlarged gonads, collected on 30 June, is the only 
Tikal record. This is a species which may increase as the settle- 
ment at Tikal grows. 
The bird weighed 43.6 grams. 
THRAUPIDAE 
Tanagra lauta lauta Bangs and Penard 
Yellow-throated Euphonia 
The species is abundant, particularly in the vicinity of the 
camp. 
Breeding birds were collected from April to June. 
Seven males weighed from 11.7 to 14.7 grams, with a mean of 
12.8 ± .4; a female 15.9 grams. 
Tanagra gouldi gouldi (Sclater) 
Olive-backed Euphonia 
This euphonia is more of a forest species than T. lauta and, 
therefore, not so conspicuous. Our records are limited to the 
months of June and July, suggesting that the bird may be 
absent earlier, or more likely, that it becomes more noticeable 
during the breeding season. The only previous record from the 
Peten (Van Tyne 1935) was also of a summer (August) bird. 
Nearly all of the birds collected were breeding. 
Five females weighed 10.8, 12.4,^12.5, 12.9, and 13.2 grams; 
three females 13.1, 13.2, and 14.0 grams. 
T ANGARA NIGROCINCTA LARVATA (DllBus) 
Masked Tanager 
Moderately abundant. Often found in company with honey- 
creepers fairly high in flowering trees. 
A male with fully enlarged gonads was collected on 2 April. 
Specimens taken in June were also breeding. 
Three males weighed 16.7, 17.9, and 19.5 grams. 
304 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Thraupis abbas (Deppe) 
Yellow-winged Tanager 
Another species which is found primarily in trees within the 
camp area, and which probably will increase in numbers. 
Breeding specimens were taken from 28 March to early 
August. A newly fledged bird was collected on 7 June. 
Three adult males and a female weighed 41.4, 44.8, 50.6, and 
47.6 grams, respectively. The fledgling, a male, weighed 39.8 
grams. 
Piranga rubra rubra (Linnaeus) 
Summer Tanager 
•(- v 
There is no previous record from the Peten of this winterer, 
but it is fairly common, especially in shade trees about the 
camp. 
A male weighed 27.2 grams and a female 29.6 grams. 
Piranga roseogularis tincta Paynter 
Rose-throated Tanager 
This weakly characterized race of a species endemic to the 
Yucatan Peninsula, including the Peten, was uncommon. Three 
birds were taken, all of which were in low forest or edges. 
A male in immature plumage was breeding in mid-May. An 
adult male had enlarged gonads on 30 June. 
An adult male and a female weighed 22.2 and 24.5 grams ; 
the immature male 22.8 grams. 
Piranga leucoptera leucoptera (Trudeau) 
White-winged Tanager 
There exists no prior record of the species from the Peten. 
This tanager was noted for the first time at Tikal in 1959 when 
a small series was taken between April and August. The birds 
were found on the edges of wide trails through moderately 
heavy forest. 
Breeding specimens were collected on 10 June and 1 August. 
Three males and a female weighed 15.3, 15.6, 16.3, and 16.0 
grams, respectively. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 305 
Habia rubica nelsoni (Ridgway) 
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager 
Surprisingly, a series of eleven skins is clearly referable to 
H. r. nelsoni, the form of the Yucatan Peninsula, rather than to 
H. r. rubieoides. 
Red-crowned Ant-Tanagers are abundant within the forest 
and have been noted breeding from mid-March to early July. 
A series of ten males weighed a mean of 33.5 — .3 grams, with 
a range of 26.8 to 38.2 grams; three females 30.5, 30.8, and 
33.2 grams. 
Habia gutturalis peninsularis (Ridgway) 
Red-throated Ant-Tanager 
Seems to occur about the camp and along the edges of trails 
with greater frequency than II. rubica. 
The weight of eight males ranged from 36.4 to 44.4 grams, 
with a mean of 39.4 — 1.0 grams; five females were 30.1, 30.8, 
31.9, 33.4, and 34.8 grams. 
Breeding birds were taken in May, June, and July. A fledgling 
barely able to fly was collected on 17 July. 
Lanio aurantius aurantius Lafresnaye 
Great Shrike-Tanager 
An abundant species in the forest. 
Breeding birds were collected from 7 April to 3 July. 
Eleven males weighed from 32.5 to 38.5 grams, with a mean 
of 36.1 ± .6 grams; eight females from 33.5 to 41.6 grams, with 
a mean of 36.7 ± .3 grams. 
Eucometis penicillata pallida Berlepsch 
Gray -headed Tanager 
Wherever army ants are swarming the Gray-headed Tanagers 
are to be found. 
It is a fairly common bird at Tikal, usually occurring in bushy 
areas bordering the trails. 
A male taken on 24 May had fully developed gonads. 
Two males weighed 24.2 and 27.2 grams; six females ranged 
from 24.7 to 31.5 grams, with a mean of 27.0 ± 1.0. 
306 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Cyanerpes cyaneus carneipes (Sclater) 
Red-legged Honeycreeper 
The honeycreeper is common in the crowns of flowering trees, 
or in those with flowering epiphytes. 
Breeding specimens were collected from 23 April to 4 June. 
The weights of a series of six males were 11.1 to 13.9 grams, 
with a mean of 12.3 ± A; those of five females 10.0, 13.0, 13.1, 
14.4, and 15.3 grams. 
FFJNGILLIDAE 
Saltator atriceps atriceps (Lesson) 
Black-headed Saltator 
This saltator is limited to brushy trailsides and to the vicinity 
of the camp and airfield, where there is much second growth. 
Breeding males were taken on 6 May and 6 June. 
Two males weighed 76.6 grams, each ; a female 83.8 grams. 
Caryothraustes poliogaster poliogaster (DuBus) 
Black-faced Grosbeak 
A moderately common species which occurs in flocks within 
the forest. 
Birds collected from 28 May to 7 July were breeding. 
The weights of a series of five males were 39.4, 39.9, 41.7, 42.2, 
and 44.8 grams; of two females 39.9 and 44.8 grams. 
FiICHMONDENA CARDINALIS FLAMMIGERA (Peters) 
Cardinal 
A few cardinals have been seen at Tikal in the scrub at the 
eastern edge of the airfield. A male, in breeding condition, was 
collected on 28 June and is the second specimen of the species 
from Guatemala, the first having been taken at Flores, Peten 
(Taibel, 1955). 
Taibel (ibid.) described R. c. pctenensis on the basis of his 
one specimen and without reference to flammigera or yucatanica, 
two races of obvious importance. We have not examined the 
type of R. c. pctenensis but expect it will be found to agree 
with R. c. flammigera, the race to which our Tikal specimen is 
clearly referable. 
The bird weighed 32.9 grams. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 307 
GUIRACA CAERULEA Sllbsp. 
Blue Grosbeak 
Has been seen on a few occasions, particularly in the spring. 
Cyanocompsa parellina parellina (Bonaparte) 
Blue Bunting 
We are unable to appreciate the characters said to distinguish 
C. p. dearbomi from the nominate form and, contrary to Van 
Tyne (1935), place our Peten specimens in C. p. parellina. 
Blue Buntings are abundant in the weeds and scrubs bordering 
the airstrip and camp. 
Eight males weighed between 13.2 and 17.7 grams, with a mean 
of 15.5 ± .5 grams; three females were 13.8, 14.1, and 16.3 
grams. 
Cyanocompsa cyanoides concreta (DuBus) 
Blue-black Grosbeak 
Fairly common in the heaviest forest. 
Breeding specimens were found on 28 May and 10 August. 
Two males and a female weighed 30.5, 32.8, and 29.5 grams, 
respectively. 
Passerina cyanea (Linnaeus) 
Indigo Bunting 
Indigo Buntings are found throughout the winter in the weeds 
bordering the airstrip. 
Two immature males weighed 13.6 and 13.7 grams. 
Passerina ciris cikis (Linnaeus) 
Painted Bunting 
This is another winter visitor which is common in the vicinity 
of large clearings. 
A mature male weighed 16.9 grams ; two immature males 15.4 
and 16.7 grams; three females 16.2, 19.4, and 21.7 grams. 
SPIZA AMERICANA (Gmelill) 
Dickcissel 
Dickcissels have been seen at Tikal only in April and very 
early May when large migrating flocks pass through. 
Three males weighed 26.9, 27.3, and 27.4 grams. 
308 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Sporophila torqueola morelleti (Bonaparte) 
White-collared Seedeater 
The White-collared Seedeater is confined to weedy growth at 
the airfield and camp. 
Breeding specimens were collected in June and early July and 
a nest with young was found on 8 July. The season is un- 
doubtedly much more prolonged than indicated by our few 
records. 
An immature male weighed 8.7 grams; three mature males 
7.3, 8.0, and 8.2 grams ; a female 7.8 grams. 
Oryzoborus funereus Sclater 
Thick -billed Seed-Finch 
This is the least common of the seed finches occurring at Tikal, 
and like Sporophila torqueola and Volatinia jacdrina is found 
only in the vicinity of the airfield and camp. 
A bird collected in mid-May had fully enlarged gonads. 
Three males weighed 12.0, 12.5, and 13.2 grams. 
Volatinia jacarina splendens (Vieillot) 
Blue-black Grassquit 
Like Sporophila torqueola, found at Tikal only near human 
habitation and the airstrip. 
Two immature males weighed 8.7 and 9.2 grams; an adult male 
8.6 grams and two females 9.0 and 9.2 grams. 
Arremonops conirostris chloronotus (Salvin) 
Green-backed Sparrow 
A very common species in the underbrush bordering trails 
within the forest. 
Breeding was noted in April, May and June. 
The weights of a series of nine males ranged from 23.2 to 28.9 
grams, with a mean of 26.8 ± .6 ; a female weighed 25.6 grams. 
The sibling species, A. rufivirgatus, has not yet been found 
at Tikal but may be expected to appear now that a considerable 
area has been cleared of heavy forest. There seems to be no 
published record of A. rufivirgatus from anywhere in Guatemala. 
However, Jorge Ibarra collected a single, unsexed, specimen at 
La Libertad, Peten, on 27 April 1956. The bird was sent to 
Paynter who identified it as A. r. vcrticalis, the subspecies 
known before only from Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 
309 
DISCUSSION 
Two hundred and thirty-one species of birds, with an aggregate 
of 233 species and races, have been found at Tikal. Eight of 
these forms are transients during the spring or fall : Calidris 
melanotics; Tyrannus tyrannus; Contopus virens; Progne subis; 
Vireo o. olivacevs; Dendroica fusca; Oporornis Philadelphia; 
Spiza americana. Future field work may treble the number 
of species recorded in this category. 
Seventeen per cent (37 forms) of the avifauna consists of 
visitants (Table I), all of which are common Central American 
Butorides v. virescens (?) 
Hydranassa rufescens 
Butco platypterus 
Falco sparverius 
Porzana Carolina 
Charadrius v. vociferus 
Tringa s. solitaria 
Actitis macularia 
Empidonax flaviventris 
Empidonax minimus 
Dumetella carolinensis 
Hylocichla nmstelina 
Bombycilla eedrorum 
Vireo g. griseus 
Mniotilta varia 
Helmitheros vermivorus 
Vermivora peregrina 
Dendroica petechia subsp. 
Dendroica magnolia 
Table I 
WINTEE VISITORS 
Dendroica c. coronata 
Dendroica v. virens 
Dendroica pensylvanica 
Seiurus aurocapillus 
Seiurns motacilla 
Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis 
Oporornis formosus 
Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla 
Icteria v. virens 
Wilsonia citrina 
Wilsonia pusilla 
Setophaga ruticilla 
Icterus galbula 
Icterus spurius 
Piranga r. rubra 
Guiraca caerulea subsp. 
Passerina cyanea 
Passerina c. ciris 
310 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
winterers. In addition, in the winter some northern birds, chiefly 
herons, probably augment the local populations, but without 
banding records it is impossible to be certain which species 
are involved. 
A total of 173 forms are known to breed at Tikal or, because of 
their sedentary nature, are assumed to breed there. Butorides 
virescens might be added to this total, but to date our only 
specimen seems to be a wintering bird. Furthermore, 15 species 
(Table II) which breed in northern Guatemala (except possibly 
Table II 
LOCAL SPECIES NOT KNOWN TO BREED AT TIKAL 
Podilymbus podiceps (winterer?) Mycteria americana 
Phalacrocorax brasilianus Elanoides forficatus 
Anhinga anhinga Chondrohierax uncinatus 
Nycticorax violaceus Porphyrula martinica 
Ardeola ibis (wanderer?) Ceryle torquata 
Hydranassa caerulea Chloroceryle aenea 
Egretta thula Cassidix mexicanus 
Egretta albus 
Podilymbus podiceps and Ardeola ibis) have been recorded at 
Tikal but probably have not yet bred there. These birds are 
dependent on water and doubtless have been attracted to Tikal 
by the newly-made reservoirs ; eventually most may become per- 
manent residents. 
From the work of Van Tyne (1935) and Taibel (1955) we 
have a good knowledge of the avifauna of the northern part of 
the Peten. When the records of these two workers are compared 
with the results of the survey at Tikal, it is seen that 46 species 
which breed in the Peten have not as yet been found at Tikal 
(Table III). Some of these birds are uncommon in northern 
Central America, as for example Lepidocolaptes soideyetn or 
Todirostrum sylvia, but in time they may be discovered at Tikal, 
just as some rare forms found at Tikal were not previously 
known from the Peten. In both instances continued observations 
undoubtedly will reveal their presence. However, the vast 
majority of the species listed in Table III require habitats dif- 
fering from those now present in the National Park, or at least 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 
311 
T\BLE III 
BREEDING SPECIES RECORDED FROM PETEN BUT 
NOT AT TIKAL 
Crypturellus soui 
Crypturellus cinnamomeus 
Cochlearius cochlearius 
Ictinia plumbea 
Rosthramus sociabilis 
Hypomorphnus urubitinga 
Busarellus nigricollis 
Colinus nigrogularis 
Aramus guarauna 
Columba eayennensis 
Columbina minuta 
Leptotila verreaiixi 
Ara macao 
Tyto alba 
Pulsatrix perspicillata 
Nyctibius griseus 
Anthracothorax prevosti 
Chloroceryle americana 
Melanerpes formieivorus 
Lepidocolaptes souleyetii 
Gymnocichla nudiceps 
Pyrocephalus rubinus 
Muscivora tyrannus 
Empidonax albigularis 
Todirostrum cinereum 
Todirostrum sylvia 
Elaenia flavogaster 
Camptostoma imberbe 
Tachycineta albilinea 
Campylorhynchus zonatus 
Troglodytes aedon 
Henieorhina leucophrys 
Dumetella glabrirostris 
Chamaethlypis poliocephala 
Coereba mexicana 
Amblycercus holosericeus 
Psomocolax oryzivorus 
Tangavius aeneus 
Agelaius phoeniceus 
Sturnella magna 
Tanagra affinis 
Tliraupis episcopus 
Piranga bidentata 
Saltator coerulescens 
Tiaris olivacea 
Arremon aurantiirostris 
some of the existing biotopes must be more extensive if they 
are to support these birds. Certain of the species need ponds 
and marshes but most require large cleared areas with open fields 
or low second growth — the type of habitat ocurring around 
towns and villages. Thus, as the human population increases at 
Tikal we should see a corresponding increase in the avifauna. It 
will be of great interest to learn how long it will take some of 
the more sedentary birds to discover this island of low vegetation 
lying within a vast quasi-rainforest. 
312 BULLETIN: MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Tables II and III also illustrate that there are relatively few 
water-dependent species recorded from the Peten which have not 
already been found at Tikal, even though the reservoirs are 
small and were built only a few years ago. The birds requiring 
water which still are not known at Tikal are mostly those that 
inhabit larger bodies of water or streams. Thus, it may be seen 
that water-dependent species are quick to discover a newly 
created habitat, even though it may be well isolated from similar 
habitats. The fact that these birds frequently wander after the 
breeding season undoubedly explains this phenomenon. 
Lying well south of the driest part of the Yucatan Peninsula, 
and a moderate distance north of the wet foothills of Alta Vera 
Paz, one would expect the avifauna of Tikal to be transitional 
between that found in each of the two contrasting regions, with 
a pronounced tendency toward the latter type. 
Confining our discussion to the breeding species, and eliminat- 
ing aquatic birds and the wide-ranging vultures Coragyps atratus 
and Cathartes aura, we are left with a total of 164 forms. Em- 
ploying the lists presented by Paynter (1955: 300-303), who 
divided the land birds of the Yucatan Peninsula into two broadly 
generalized, and admittedly subjective, groups based on whether 
they were characteristic of more humid areas or of drier regions, 
we find that at Tikal 86 of the 164 birds are typical of more 
humid regions, 55 are typical of drier areas, and 23 have not 
been found on the peninsula north of the Mexican border and 
thus do not appear on Paynter 's lists. These 23 species (Table 
IV) are all characteristic of moderately wet to very wet areas; 
therefore, about two-thirds (109 forms) of the Tikal avifauna is 
composed of forms typical of more humid regions, confirming 
what was expected on geographical considerations alone. 
For the entire peninsula of Yucatan north of the Mexican 
border the general habitat preferences of the 217 land birds 
are divided almost evenly, with 112 forms (51.6 per cent) 
characteristic of drier regions and 105 species (48.4 per cent) 
typical of more humid areas. It is not possible, of course, to 
compare the relative figures for the entire Yucatan Peninsula 
with those for the limited area of Tikal, although they are useful 
in intraregional analyses. 
The mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula, from the wet forest 
of the Guatemala-Mexico border north to the arid scrub at the 
tip, possesses 70 endemic, or nearly endemic, species and races. 
Sixty -eight of these are land birds of which 50 (73.6 per cent), 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 313 
Table IV 
SPECIES BEEEDING AT TIKAL WHICH ARE NOT KNOWN 
FROM MEXICAN PORTION OF YUCATAN PENINSULA 
Leueopternis albicollis Rhytipterna holerythra 
Falco deiroleucus Lipaugus unirufus 
Panyptila eayennensis Pachyramphus einnamomeus 
Phaethornis superciliosus Terenotriceus erythrarus 
Phaeochroa euvierii Omithion semiflavum 
Florisuga mellivora Leptopogon amaurocephalus 
Heliothryx barroti Tangara nigrocincta 
Malacoptila panamensis Piranga leucoptera 
Centurus pueherani Turdus albicollis 
Xiphoeolaptes promeropirhynehus Smaragdolanius puk-hellus 
Automolus ochrolaemus Oryzoborus funereus 
Thamnistes anabatinus 
including seven full species, are characteristic of drier areas and 
18 (26.4 per cent) prefer more humid regions. As has been 
pointed out by Paynter (1955), the drier region of the peninsula 
is isolated from similar areas in Middle America by the quasi- 
rainforest at the base of the peninsula and the much greater 
proportion of endemism occurring in the dry area avifauna is 
to be expected. 
At Tikal there is a sharp reduction in the peninsular elements 
in the avifauna. North of the Mexican border peninsular en- 
demics make up 31.3 per cent (68 forms) of the land bird 
fauna; at Tikal they comprise only 14 per cent (23 forms) of 
that fauna (Table V). Concomitant with this reduction there is, 
as to be expected, a marked difference in the proportion of 
humid region to dry region endemic elements within the fauna. 
North of the Mexican border 44.6 per cent of the birds typical 
of drier regions are endemic, and 17.1 per cent of the species 
of more humid regions are endemic ; at Tikal only 7.2 per cent 
of the birds characteristic of drier areas are peninsular endemics 
while the 27.2 per cent of the humid region element is endemic 
to the Yucatan Peninsula. 
314 BULLETIN : MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Table V 
YUCATAN PENINSULA ELEMENT AT TIKAL 
Buteo magnirostris direptor Playtrinchus mystaceus timothei 
Ortalis vetula intermedia Cissilopha sanblasiana yucatanica 
Dactylortyx thoracicus sharpei Thryothorus maculipectus 
Meleagris oeellata canobrunneus 
Otophanes yucatanicus Thryothorus ludovicianus albinucha 
Campylopterus curvipennis pampa Uropsila leucogastra brachyura 
Amazilia yucatanensis yucatanensis Eamphocaenus rufiventris ardeleo 
Pteroglossus torquatus erythrozonus Granatellus sallaei boucardi 
Sittasomus griseicapillus gracileus Piranga roseogularis tincta 
Thamnophilus doliatus yucatanensis Habia rubica nelsoni 
Myiarchus yucatanensis Habia gutturalis peninsularis 
Myiarchus tuberculifer platyrhynchus Richmondena cardinalis flammigera 
LITERATURE CITED 
Bond, James 
1954. Birds of Turneffe and Northern Two Cays, British Honduras. 
Not. Nat., No. 260, 10 pp. 
1959. Fourth supplement to the check-list of birds of the West 
Indies (1956). Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 12 pp. 
Edwards, Ernest P. 
1959. Nesting of the Lesser Swallow-tail Swift, Panyptila cayennensis, 
in Guatemala. Auk, 76: 358-359. 
Goodwin, Derek 
1959. Taxonomic notes on American ground doves. Auk, 76: 510-515. 
Graber, Jean W. and Richard R. Graber 
1959. Winter observations of birds in Oaxaca, Mexico. Southwestern 
Naturalist, 4:66-82. 
Griscom, Ludlow 
1932. The distribution of bird-life in Guatemala. Bull. Am. Mus. 
Nat. Hist., 64 : vi + 439 pp. 
Gross, Alfred 0. 
1949. The Antillean Grebe at Central Soledad, Cuba. Auk, 66: 42-52. 
Hellmayr, C. E. 
1929. Catalogue of birds of the Americas and adjacent islands. Field 
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1935. Catalogue of birds of the Americas and adjacent islands. Field 
Mus. Nat. Hist., Pub. 347, Zool. Ser., 13 (8): 541 pp. 
Holdridge, Leslie R. 
1956. Middle America, in A World Geography of Forest Resources. 
Ronald Press Co., New York, pp. 183-200. 
1957. The vegetation of mainland Middle America. Proc. 8th Pacific 
Sci. Congress, 4: 148-161. 
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Leopold, A. Starker 
1959. Wildlife of Mexico. The Game Birds and Mammals. U. Calif. 
Press, xiii -f- 568 pp. 
LUNDELL, C. L. 
1937. The vegetation of Peten. Carnegie Inst. Washington, Pub. 
478, 244 pp. 
Page, John L. 
1938. The climate of Peten, Guatemala, in S. G. Morley, The Inscrip- 
tions of Peten. Carnegie Inst. Washington, Pub. 437, 4: 
349-353. 
Paynter, Eaymond A., Jr. 
1955. The ornithogeography of the Yucatan Peninsula. Bull. Pea- 
body Mus. Nat. Hist., Yale Univ., 9: 347 pp. 
1957a. Birds of Laguna Ocotal, in Biological investigations in the Selva 
Lacandona, Chiapas, Mexico. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 116: 
249-285. 
1957b. Rough-winged Swallows of the race stuarti in Chiapas and 
British Honduras. Condor, 59: 212-213. 
Salvin, Osbert and F. D. Godman 
1879- Biologica Centrali-Americana. Aves., 3 vols. Taylor and Francis, 
1904. London. 
Sapper, Karl 
1937. Mittelamerika, in Handbuch der Regionalen Geologie, Heft 29, 
8 (4a) : 1-160. 
Smithe, Frank B. and Hugh C. Land 
1960. First records of Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) in Guatemala. 
Auk, 77: 218. 
Stuart, L. C. 
1958. A study of the herpetofauna of the Uaxactun-Tikal area of 
northern El Peten, Guatemala. Contr. Lab. Vert. Biol., Univ. 
Mich., No. 75 : 30 pp. 
Taibel, Alulah M. 
1955. Uccelli del Guatemala con speciale riguardo alia region del 
Peten raccolti dal Maggio al Settembre 1932. Atti Soc. Itali- 
ana Sci. Nat., 94 : 15-84. 
Todd, W. E. Clyde 
1929. A review of the vireonine genus Pachysylvia. Proc. Biol. Soc. 
Washington, 42 : 181-205. 
Traylor, M. A., Jr. 
1941. Birds from the Yucatan Peninsula. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Pub. 
493, Zool. Ser., 24: 195-225. 
Van Tyne, Josselyn 
1935. The birds of northern Peten, Guatemala. Univ. Mich., Mus. 
Zool., Misc. Pubs., No. 27, 46 pp. 
Wadell, Hakon 
1938. Physical-geological features of Peten, Guatemala, in S. G. 
Morley, The inscriptions of Peten. Carnegie Inst. Washington, 
Pub. 437, 4: 336-348. 
316 
INDEX 
abbas, Thraupis, 304 
Accipiter, 257 
Actitis, 263 
adolphi, Phaethornis, 269 
aenea, Chloroceryle, 272 
aglaiae, Paehyramphus, 281 
Agriocharis, 261 
albicollis, Leucopternis, 258 
Nyctidromus, 268 
Turdus, 294 
albifrons, Amazona, 266 
albinucha, Thryothorus, 294 
albiventris, Aramides, 261 
albus, Egretta, 255 
amauroeephalus, Leptopogon, 291 
Amazilia, 270 
Amazona, 266 
amazona, Chloroceryle, 272 
americana, Mycteria, 255 
Spiza, 307 
anabatina, Dendroeincla, 276 
anabatinus, Thamnistes, 279 
analis, Formiearius, 280 
Anhinga, 254 
anhinga, Anhinga, 254 
Ani, Groove-billed, 267 
Antbird, Dusky, 280 
Antshrike, Barred, 278 
Russet, 279 
Ant-Tanager, Red-crowned, 305 
Red-throated, 305 
Antthrush, Black-faced, 280 
Antvireo, Plain, 279 
Antwren, Dot-winged, 279 
aquilonis, Chondrohierax, 257 
Arac,ari, Collared, 274 
Aramides, 261 
Aratinga, 265 
ardeleo, Ramphocaenus, 295 
Ardeola, 254 
Arremonops, 308 
assimilis, Pipromorpha, 291 
astec, Aratinga, 265 
atratus, Coragyps, 256 
atriceps, Saltator, 306 
Attila, 280 
Aulacorhynchus, 274 
aura, Cathartes, 256 
aurantius, Lanio, 305 
aurifrons, Centurus, 275 
aurocapillus, Seiurus, 299 
australis, Paehyramphus, 281 
Automolus, 278 
autumnalis, Amazona, 266 
barbatus, Myiobius, 289 
barroti, Heliothryx, 271 
Basileuterus, 301 
Becard, Cinnamon, 281 
Gray-collared, 281 
Rose-throated, 281 
Bentbill, Northern, 290 
bicolor, Accipiter, 257 
bidentatus, Harpagus, 257 
Blackbird, Melodious, 302 
Bombycilla, 295 
boucardi, Crypturellus, 252 
Granatellus, 300 
Mierorhopias, 279 
braccatus, Trogon, 272 
hrachidactyla, Geothlypis, 300 
brachypterus, Pcdiceps, 253 
brachytarsus, Contopus, 288 
braehyura, Uropsila, 294 
brasilianus, Phalacrocorax, 253 
brevirostris, Rhynchocyclus, 290 
Bunting, Blue, 307 
Indigo, 307 
Painted, 307 
Buteo, 257 
Butorides, 255 
cachinnans, Herpetotheres, 258 
caerulea, Guiraca, 307 
Hydranassa, 255 
caerulescens, Geranospiza, 258 
cajanea, Aramides, 261 
Calidris, 263 
Campylopterus, 269 
cancrominus, Platyrinchus, 290 
candei, Manacus, 283 
Candida, Amazilia, 270 
canivetii, Chlorostilbon, 270 
canobrunneus, Thryothorus, 293 
Cardinal, 306 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 
317 
cardinalis, Richmondena, 306 
earneipis, Cyanerpes, 306 
Carolina, Porzana, 262 
carolinensis, Dumetella, 294 
Caryothraustes, 306 
Cassidix, 302 
castaneus, Celeus, 275 
Catbird, 294 
Cathartes, 256 
eayana, Piaya, 266 
cayennensis, Panyptila, 268 
cedrorum, Bombycilla, 295 
Celeus, 275 
centralis, Ciccaba, 267 
Cyanocorax, 293 
Centurus, 275 
Cercoinaera, 280 
certhia, Dendrocolaptes, 277 
cervinigularis, Automolus, 278 
Ceryle, 272 
Chachalaca, Plain, 260 
Chaetura, 268 
chalybea, Progne, 292 
Charadrius, 263 
Chat, Gray-throated, 300 
Yellow-breasted, 300 
Chloroceryle, 272 
chloronotus, Arremonops, 308 
Tyrannus, 284 
Chlorostilbon, 270 
Chondrohierax, 256 
Ciccaba, 267 
cinerascens, Myiarchus, 285 
cinereiceps, Tolmomyias, 290 
cinereigulare, Oncostoma, 290 
cinereus, Contopus, 288 
cinnamomeus, Crypturellus, 252 
Pachyramphus, 281 
ciris, Passerina, 307 
Cissilopha, 293 
citreolus, Trogon, 271 
citrina, Wilsonia, 301 
Claravis, 264 
cochlearius, Cochlearius, 254 
collaris, Trogon, 271 
Columba, 264 
Columbigallina, 264 
Columbina, 264 
concreta, Cyanocompsa, 307 
conirostris, Arremonops, 308 
connectens, Myiarchus, 288 
conspectus, Buteo, 257 
Contopus, 288 
cooperi, Myiarchus, 285 
Coragyps, 256 
Cormorant, Olivaceus, 253 
coronata, Dendroica, 298 
coronatus, Onychorhynchus, 289 
Crake, Ruddy, 262 
Crane-Hawk, Blackish, 258 
Crax, 260 
crepera, Cercomaera, 280 
Crotophaga, 267 
Crypturellus, 252 
Cuckoo, Pheasant, 267 
Squirrel, 266 
culicivorus, Basileuterus, 301 
Curassow, Great, 260 
curvipennis, Campylopterus, 269 
cuvierii, Phaeochroa, 269 
cyanea, Passerina, 307 
Cyanerpes, 306 
cyaneus, Cyanerpes, 306 
Cyanocompsa, 307 
Cyanocorax, 293 
cyanogenys, Psilorhinus, 293 
cyanoides, Cyanocompsa, 307 
Dactylortyx, 261 
dearborni, Cyanocompsa, 307 
decurtatus, Hylophilus, 297 
deiroleucus, Falco, 259 
Dendrocinela, 276 
DendYocolaptes, 277 
Dendroica, 298 
Dickcissel, 307 
direptor, Buteo, 257 
Dives, 302 
dives, Dives, 302 
dQliatus, Thamnophilus, 278 
dominicus, Podiceps, 253 
Dromococcyx, 267 
Dryocopus, 275 
dubius, Centurus, 275 
Dumetella, 294 
318 
BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Dysithamnus, 279 
Eagle-Hawk, Ornate, 258 
eburneirostris, Xiphorhynchus, 277 
Egret, Cattle, 254 
Common, 255 
Eeddish, 255 
Snowy, 255 
Egretta, 255 
Elaenia, 291 
Elaenia, Greenish, 291 
Elanoides, 256 
Emerald, Fork-tailed, 270 
White-bellied, 270 
emigrans, Xiphocolaptes, 277 
Empidonax, 288 
erythrozonus, Pteroglossus, 274 
erythrurus, Terenotriccus, 289 
EiK-ometis, 305 
Euphonia, Olive-backed, 303 
Yellow-throated, 303 
Fairy, Purple-crowned, 271 
Falco, 259 
Falcon, Bat, 259 
Laughing, 258 
Orange-breasted, 259 
farinosa, Arnazona, 266 
fasciatus, Harpagus, 257 
flammigera, Riehmondena, 306 
flammulatus, Attila, 280 
Flatbill, Eye-ringed, 290 
flavigaster, Xiphorhynchus, 277 
flaviventris, Empidonax, 288 
flavoviridis, Vireo, 297 
Florisuga, 269 
Flycatcher, Boat-billed, 284 
Brown-crested, 285 
Dusky-capped, 288 
Least, 289 
Piratic, 284 
Ochre-bellied, 291 
Royal, 289 
Ruddy-tailed, 289 
Sepia-capped, 291 
Streaked, 284 
Sulphur-bellied, 284 
Sulphur-rumped, 289 
Vermilion-crowned, 285 
Yellow-bellied, 288 
Yellow-olive, 290 
Yucatan, 285 
Foliage-gleaner, Buff -throated, 278 
Forest-Falcon, Barred, 259 
Collared, 259 
forficatus, Elanoides, 256 
Formicarius, 280 
formosus, Oporornis, 300 
fraserii, Tityra, 282 
fulica, Heliornis, 262 
fulvidior, Pachyramphus, 281 
fulvigularis, Terenotriccus, 289 
fumigatus, Veniliornis, 276 
funereus, Oryzoborus, 308 
fusca, Dendroica, 299 
Galbula, 273 
galbula, Icterus, 302 
Gallinule, Purple, 262 
Geothlypis, 300 
Geotrygon, 265 
Geranospiza, 258 
ghiesbrechti, Leucopternis, 258 
Gnatcatcher, Tropical, 295 
Gnatwren, Long-billed, 295 
gouldi, Tanagra, 303 
gracileus, Sittasomus, 276 
Grackle, Boat-tailed, 302 
Granatellus, 300 
Grassquit, Blue-black, 308 
Grebe, Least, 253 
Pied-billed, 253 
Greenlet, Gray-headed, 297 
Tawny-crowned, 297 
griseicapillus, Sittasomus, 276 
griseus, Vireo, 296 
Grosbeak, Black-faced, 306 
Blue, 307 
Blue-black, 307 
Ground-Dove, Blue, 264 
Ruddy, 264 
Guan, Crested, 260 
guatemalae, Arnazona, 266 
Otus, 267 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OP TIKAL 
319 
guatemalensis, Phloeoc.eastes, 276 
Pitangus, 285 
Sclerurus, 278 
guerilla, Micrastur, 259 
Guiraca, 307 
guttatus, Odontophorus, 260 
gutturalis, Habia, 305 
Gymnostinops, 301 
Habia, 305 
haematotis, Pionopsitta, 265 
Harpagus, 257 
Hawk, Bicolored, 257 
Broad-winged, 257 
Gray, 258 
Roadside, 257 
White, 258 
Heliornis, 262 
Heliothryx, 271 
Helmitheros, 298 
Hermit, Little, 269 
Long-tailed, 269 
Henicorhina, 294 
Heron, Boat-billed, 254 
Green, 255 
Little Blue, 255 
Herpetotheres, 258 
holerythra, Rhytipterna, 280 
homoehroa, Dendrocincla, 276 
Honeycreeper, Red-legged, 306 
Hummingbird, Fawn-brea.sted, 270 
Rufous-tailed, 270 
Scaly-breasted, 269 
Hydranassa, 255 
Hylocichla, 295 
Hylomanes, 273 
Hylophilus, 297 
hyperrhynchus, Notharcus, 273 
hypophaeus, Pachyramphus, 281 
ibis, Ardeola, 254 
Wood, 255 
Icteria, 300 
Icterus, 302 
inornata, Malacoptila, 274 
inquisitor, Tityra, 282 
insolens, Myiodynastes, 284 
intermedia, Ortalis, 260 
intermedius, Formicarius, 280 
Thamnophilus, 279 
Jacamar, Rufous-tailed, 273 
Jacana, 263 
Jaeana, American, 263 
jacarina, Volatinia, 308 
Jacobin, White-necked, 269 
Jay, Black-and-blue, 293 
Brown, 293 
Green, 293 
Killdeer, 263 
Kingbird, Eastern, 283 
Tropical, 284 
Kingfisher, Amazon, 272 
Pygmy, 272 
Ringed, 272 
Kiskadee, Great, 285 
Kite, Double-toothed, 257 
Hook-billed, 256 
Swallow-tailed, 256 
Lanio, 305 
larvata, Tangara, 303 
Laterallus, 262 
lauta, Tanagra, 303 
Leafscraper, Scaly-throated, 278 
Legatus, 284 
Leptopogon, 291 
Leptotila, 265 
lessonii, Momotus, 273 
leucauc.hen, Turdus, 294 
leucogastra, Uropsila, 294 
leucophaius, Legatus, 284 
leucoptera, Piranga, 304 
Leueopternis, 258 
leucosticta, Henicorhina, 294 
lineatus, Dryocopus, 275 
Lipaugus, 281 
longirostris, Phaethornis, 269 
longuemareus, Phaethornis, 269 
ludovicianus, Thryothorus, 294 
luteiventris, Myiodynastes, 284 
macrorhynchos, Notharcus, 273 
macularia, Actitis, 263 
maculatus, Butorides, 255 
Myiodynastes, 284 
320 
BULLETIN : MUSEUM OP COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
maculipectus, Thryothorus, 293 
magnirostris, Buteo, 257 
magnolia, Dendroica, 298 
major, Pachyramphus, 281 
Tinamus, 252 
Malacoptila, 274 
Manacus, 283 
Manakin, Red-capped, 283 
Thrush-like, 283 
White-collared, 283 
Martin, Gray-breasted, 292 
Purple, 292 
martinica, Porphyrula, 262 
massena, Trogon, 271 
maya, Cyanoeorax, 293 
Megarhynehus, 284 
melaneholicus, Tyrannus, 284 
melanocephala, Trogon, 271 
melanogenia, Galbula, 273 
melanotos, Calidris, 263 
Meleagris, 261 
mellivora, Florisuga, 269 
mentalis, Dysithamnus, 279 
Pipra, 283 
mesomelas, Icterus, 303 
mexicana, Chloroceryle, 272 
Tigrisoma, 254 
mexicanus, Cassidix, 302 
Megarhynehus, 284 
Onychorhynchus, 289 
Xenops, 278 
Micrastur, 259 
Microrhopias, 279 
minimus, Empidonax, 289 
minutus, Xenops, 278 
Mniotilta, 298 
momota, Momotus, 273 
momotula, Hylomanes, 273 
Momotus, 273 
montana, Geotrygon, 265 
montezuma, Gymnostiuops, 301 
morelleti, Sporophila, 308 
morio, Psilorhinus, 293 
motaeilla, Seiurus, 299 
Motmot, Blue-crowned, 273 
Tody, 273 
Mourner, Rufous, 280 
mustelina, Hylocichla, 295 
Mycteria, 255 
Myiarehus, 285 
Myiobius, 289 
Myiodynastes, 284 
Myiozetetes, 285 
rnystaceus, Platyrinchus, 289 
nana, Amazona, 266 
naso, Micrastur, 259 
nelsoni, Habia, 305 
Night-Heron, Yellow-crowned, 254 
nigra, Geranospiza, 258 
nigrirostris, Columba, 264 
nigrocincta, Tangara, 303 
nigrolineata, Ciccaba, 267 
nitidus, Buteo, 258 
notabilis, Seiurus, 299 
Notharcus, 273 
noveboracensis, Seiurus, 299 
nudigenis, Turdus, 295 
Nycticorax, 254 
nycticorax, Nycticorax, 254 
Nyctidromus, 268 
ocellata, Meleagris, 261 
ochraceiceps, Hylophilus, 297 
ochraceus, Vireo, 296 
ochrolaemus, Automolus, 278 
Odontophorus, 260 
oleaginea, Pipromorpha, 291 
olivaeeus, Vireo, 297 
Oncostoma, 290 
Onychorhynchus, 289 
Oporornis, 300 
Oriole, Baltimore, 302 
Black-cowled, 302 
Orchard, 302 
Yellow-tailed, 303 
ornatus, Spizaetus, 258 
Ornithion, 291 
Oropendola, Montezuma, 301 
Ortalis, 260 
Oryzoborus, 308 
Otophanes, 268 
Otus, 267 
Ovenbird, 299 
Owl, Black-and-White, 267 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 
321 
Pachyramphus, 281 
pallida, Eueometis, 305 
pallidipectus, Hylophilus, 297 
pallidus, Formicarius, 280 
pampa, Campylopterus, 269 
panamensis, Malacoptila, 274 
Panyptila, 268 
papa, Sarcoramphus, 256 
parcolor, Turdus, 294 
parellina, Cyanocompsa, 307 
Parrot, Brown-hooded, 265 
Mealy, 266 
Olive-throated, 265 
Red-lored, 266 
White-crowned, 266 
White-fronted, 266 
Passerina, 307 
Pauraque, 268 
paynteri, Daetylortyx, 261 
Penelope, 260 
penicillata, Eueometis, 305 
peninsularis, Ilabia, 305 
pensylvanica, Dendroiea, 299 
pereautus, Tinamus, 252 
peregrina, Vermivora, 298 
perileucus, Centurus, 275 
personata, Tityra, 282 
petechia, Dendroiea, 298 
petenensis, Richmondena, 306 
petoensis, Falco, 259 
Pewee, Tropical, 288 
Phaeoehroa, 269 
Phaethornis, 269 
Phalacrocorax, 253 
phasianellus, Dromococcyx, 267 
Philadelphia, Oporornis, 300 
Phloeoceastes, 276 
Piaya, 266 
Piculus, 274 
Pigeon, Scaled, 264 
Short-billed, 264 
Piha, Rufous, 281 
pileatus, Leptopogon, 291 
Pionopsitta, 265 
Pionus, 266 
Pipra, 283 
Pipromorpha, 291 
Piranga, 304 
pitangua, Megarhynchus, 284 
Pitangus, 285 
placens, Elaenia, 291 
Platypsaris, 281 
platypterus, Buteo, 257 
platyrhynchus, Myiarchus, 288 
Platyrinchus, 289 
plumbea, Polioptila, 295 
plumbeiceps, Leptotila, 265 
Podiceps, 253 
podiceps, Podilymbus, 253 
Podilymbus, 253 
poliogaster, Caryothraustes, 306 
Polioptila, 295 
Poorwill, Yucatan, 268 
Porphyrula, 262 
Porzana, 262 
prasinus, Aulacorhynchus, 274 
pretiosa, Ciaravis, 264 
Progne, 292 
promeropirhynchus, Xiphocolates, 277 
prostheleuea, llenicorhina, 294 
prosthemelas, Icterus, 302 
Psilorhinus, 293 
Pteroglossus, 274 
pucherani, Centurus, 275 
puella, Trogon, 271 
Puff bird, White-necked, 27:1 
White-whiskered, 274 
pulchellus, Smaragdolanius, 296 
purpurascens, Penelope, 260 
pusilla, Wilsonia, 301 
Quail, Singing, 261 
Quail-Dove, Ruddy, 265 
quixensis, Microrhopias, 279 
Ramphastos, 274 
Ramphocaenus, 295 
Redstart, American, 301 
Rhytipterna, 280 
Richmondena, 306 
richmondi, Chaetura, 268 
ridgwayi, Stelgidopteryx, 292 
roberti, Phaeoehroa, 269 
Robin, Sooty, 295 
White-throated, 294 
322 
BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
roseogularis, Piranga, 304 
ruber, Laterallus, 262 
rubica, Habia, 305 
rubieoides, Habia, 305 
rubiginosa, Dendroica, 298 
rubiginosus, Piculus, 274 
rubra, Crax, 260 
Piranga, 304 
rufescens, Hydranassa, 255 
ruficauda, Galbula, 273 
ruficollis, Mierastur, 259 
Stelgidopteryx, 292 
rufigularis, Dromococcyx, 267 
Falco, 259 
rufipennis, Columbina, 264 
rufiventris, Eamphoeaenus, 295 
rufivirgatus, Arremonops, 308 
rutieilla, Setophaga, 301 
Rhynchocyclus, 290 
Sabrewing, Wedge-tailed, 269 
sallaei, Granatellus, 300 
Saltator, 306 
Saltator, Black-headed, 306 
sanblasiana, Cissilopha, 293 
sanctithomae, Dendrocolaptes, 277 
Sandpiper, Pectoral, 263 
Solitary, 263 
Spotted, 263 
sanguinolentus, Veniliornis, 276 
Sarcoramphus, 256 
Schiffornis, 283 
Sclerurus, 278 
Screech-Owl, Vermiculated, 267 
Seedeater, White-collared, 308 
Seed-Finch, Thick-billed, 308 
Seiurus, 299 
semifasciata, Tityra, 282 
semiflavum, Ornithion, 291 
semiflavus, Vireo, 296 
semitorquatus, Mierastur, 259 
senilis, Pionus, 266 
septentrionalis, Dysithamnus, 279 
Setophaga, 301 
sharpei, Dactylortyx, 261 
Shrike-Tanager, Great, 305 
Shrike- Vireo, Green, 296 
similis, Dryocopus, 275 
Myiozetetes, 285 
Sittasomus, 276 
Smaragdolanius, 296 
solitaria, Tringa, 263 
Sora, 262 
soui, Crypturellus, 252 
Spadebill, White-throated, 289 
spadiceus, Attila, 280 
Sparrow, Green-backed, 308 
Sparrow Hawk, American, 259 
sparverius, Falco, 259 
speciosa, Columba, 264 
spinosa, Jacana, 263 
Spiza, 307 
Spizaetus, 258 
splendens, Volatinia, 308 
Sporophila, 308 
spurius, Icterus, 302 
Stelgidopteryx, 292 
stictoptera, Chloroceryle, 272 
stuarti, Stelgidopteryx, 292 
subis, Progne, 292 
sulcirostris, Crotophaga, 267 
sulfuratus, Ramphastos, 274 
sulphuratus, Pitangus, 285 
sul])hureipygius, Myiobius, 289 
sulphurescens, Tolmomyias, 290 
sumichrasti, Pachyramphus, 282 
Sungrebe, 262 
superciliaris, Polioptila, 295 
superciliosus, Phaethornis, 269 
Swallow, Rough-winged, 292 
Swift, Lesser Swallow-tailed, 268 
Vaux, 268 
sylvioides, Sittasomus, 277 
talpacoti, Columbina, 264 
tamaulipensis, Turdus, 29." 
Tanager, Gray-headed, 305 
Masked, 303 
Rose-throated, 304 
Summer, 304 
White-winged, 304 
Yellow-winged, 304 
Tanagra, 303 
Tangara, 303 
SMITHE AND PAYNTER : BIRDS OF TIKAL 
323 
Terenotriccus, 289 
texensis, Myiozetetes, 285 
Thamnistes, 279 
Thamnophilus, 278 
thermophila, Piaya, 266 
thompsoni, Otus, 267 
thoracicus, Dactylortyx, 261 
Thraupis, 304 
Thrush, Wood, 295 
Thryothorus, 293 
thula, Egretta, 255 
Tiger-Heron, Bare-throated, 254 
Tigrisoma, 254 
timothei, Platyrinehus, 289 
Tinamou, Great, 252 
Slaty-breasted, 252 
Tinamus, 252 
tincta, Piranga, 304 
Tityra, 282 
Tityra, Black-crowned, 282 
Masked, 282 
Tolmomyias, 290 
torquata, Ceryle, 272 
torquatus, Pteroglossus, 274 
torqueola, Sporophila, 308 
Toucan, Keel-billed, 274 
Toucanet, Emerald, 274 
trichas, Geothlypis, 300 
Tringa, 263 
Trogon, 271 
Bar-tailed, 271 
Citreoline, 271 
Slaty-tailed, 271 
Violaceous, 272 
tuberculifer, Myiarchus, 288 
Turdus, 294 
turdinus, Schiffornis, 283 
Turkey, Ocellated, 261 
tyrannina, Cercomacra, 280 
Tyrannulet, Yellow-bellied, 291 
tyrannulus, Myiarchus, 285 
Tyrannus, 283 
tyrannus, Tyrannus, 283 
tzacatl, Amazilia, 270 
umbrinus, Thryothorus, 293 
uncinatus, Chondrohierax, 256 
unirufus, Lipaugus, 281 
Uropsila, 294 
varia, Mniotilta, 298 
variegatus, Legatus, 284 
vauxi, Chaetura, 268 
Veniliornis, 276 
veraecrucis, Centurus, 275 
veraepacis, Schiffornis, 283 
Vermivora, 298 
vermivorus, Helmitheros, 298 
verreauxi, Leptotila, 265 
verticalis, Arremonops, 308 
vetula, Ortalis, 260 
viearius, Spizaetus, 258 
violaceus, Nycticorax, 254 
Trogon, 272 
virens, Contopus, 288 
Dendroica, 299 
Icteria, 300 
Vireo, 296 
Vireo, Red-eyed, 297 
White-eyed, 296 
virescens, Aulacorhynehus, 274 
Butorides, 255 
virgata, Ciccaba, 267 
viridicata, Elaenia, 291 
vociferus, Charadrius, 263 
Volatinia, 308 ' 
Vulture, Black, 2.16 
King, 256 
Turkey, 256 
Warbler, Black-and-white, 298 
Blackburnian, 299 
Black-throated Green, 299 
Chestnut-sided, 299 
Golden-crowned, 301 
Hooded, 301 
Kentucky, 300 
Magnolia, 298 
Mourning, 300 
Myrtle, 298 
Tennessee, 298 
Wilson's, 301 
Worm-eating, 298 
Yellow, 298 
Waterthrush, Louisiana, 299 
Northern, 299 
324 
BULLETIN : MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 
Waxwing, Cedar, 295 
Wilsonia, 301 
Woodcreeper, Barred, 277 
Ivory-billed, 277 
Olivaceous, 276 
Buddy, 276 
Strong-billed, 277 
Tawny-winged, 276 
Wood-Owl, Mottled, 267 
Woodpecker, Black-cheeked, 275 
Chestnut-colored, 275 
Golden-fronted, 275 
Golden-olive, 274 
Lineated, 275 
Pale-billed, 276 
Smoky-brown, 276 
Wood-Pewee, Eastern, 288 
Wood-Quail, Spotted, 260 
Wood-Kail, Rufous-necked, 261 
Wood-Wren, White-breasted, 294 
Wren, Carolina, 294 
Spot-breasted, 293 
White-bellied, 294 
Xenops, 278 
Xenops, Plain, 278 
Xiphocolaptes, 277 
Xiphorhynchus, 277 
Yellowthroat, Common, 300 
yncas, Cyanocorax, 293 
yucatanensis, Amazilia, 270 
Myiarchus, 285 
Nyctidromus, 268 
Pachyramphus, 282 
Piculus, 274 
Thamnophilus, 278 
Xiphorhynchus, 277 
yucatanica, Cissilopha, 293 
Richmondena, 306 
yucatanicus, Otophanes, 268