One of a pair of American Dippers on Quebrada La Loca at San Diego de San Antonio

Great habitat for the American Dipper

Chalo Porras took the photos above and managed to capture one of two American Dippers (Cinclus mexicanus) on Quebrada La Loca. From don Jorge’s property we scrambled down the steep ravine through thick forest to enjoy the beautiful scenery at the bottom. The dippers were quite unexpected since I have only one prior sighting for this area, but even better was a male Dusky Antbird (Cercomacra tyrannina) in the forest on the uphill return. Any antbird, antpitta or antthrush is a real treat for me. These are species that are almost all heard more often than seen, and in addition our area has relatively few areas of thick forest that remain. I attach a photo taken by Karel Straatman in another part of Costa Rica of what we think is either a male Dusky Antbird or a male Slaty Antwren (Myrmotherula schisticolor). Both Karel and I welcome any opinions.

Dusky Antbird or Slaty Antwren??