List of birds of El Salvador
This is a list of the bird species recorded in El Salvador. The avifauna of El Salvador include a total of 583 species, of which three have been introduced by humans, forty are rare or accidental and three species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 6th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for El Salvador.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in El Salvador
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to El Salvador as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Tinamous
Order: Tinamiformes Family: Tinamidae
The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of birds. Although they look similar to other ground-dwelling birds like quail and grouse, they have no close relatives and are classified as a single family, Tinamidae, within their own order, the Tinamiformes. They are distantly related to the ratites (order Struthioniformes), that includes the rheas, emu and kiwi.
- Thicket tinamou, Crypturellus cinnamomeus
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.
- Least grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
- Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
Penguins
Order: Sphenisciformes Family: Spheniscidae
Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Reports of penguins in northern latitudes are accidental, in El Salvador there was one report in 2007.
- Magellanic penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus (A)
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
- Parkinson's petrel, Procellaria parkinsoni
- Pink-footed shearwater, Ardenna creatopus
- Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacificus
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
- Townsend's shearwater, Puffinus auricularis
- Galapagos shearwater, Puffinus subalaris
Storm petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
- Least storm petrel, Oceanodroma microsoma
- Wedge-rumped storm petrel, Oceanodroma tethys
- Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
- Markham's storm petrel, Oceanodroma markhami (A)
- Black storm petrel, Oceanodroma melania
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.
- Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
- Blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.
- Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Darters
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.
- Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black and white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have coloured inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.
- American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their neck retracted.
- Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens
- Tricoloured heron, Egretta tricolor
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Green heron, Butorides virescens
- Agami heron, Agamia agami (A)
- Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned night heron, Nyctanassa violacea
- Boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius
- Bare-throated tiger heron, Tigrisoma mexicanum
- Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
- Pinnated bittern, Botaurus pinnatus
- American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus (A)
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
- White ibis, Eudocimus albus
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (A)
- White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana
- Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- Fulvous whistling duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
- Black-bellied whistling duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Snow goose, Chen caerulescens (A)
- Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
- American wigeon, Anas americana
- Green-winged teal, Anas crecca (A)
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (I)
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Blue-winged teal, Anas discors
- Cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
- Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
- Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
- Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
- Masked duck, Nomonyx dominica
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis
New World vultures
Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion.
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
- Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus
- King vulture, Sarcoramphus papa
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
- Grey-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis
- Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (A)
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus
- Snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis
- Double-toothed kite, Harpagus bidentatus
- Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis
- Plumbeous kite, Ictinia plumbea
- Northern harrier, Circus cyaneus
- Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
- Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii
- Bicoloured hawk, Accipiter bicolor
- Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens
- White hawk, Leucopternis albicollis
- Common black-hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus
- Great black-hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga
- Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus
- Black-collared hawk, Busarellus nigricollis
- Solitary eagle, Harpyhaliaetus solitarius (A)
- Grey hawk, Buteo plagiatus
- Roadside hawk, Buteo magnirostris
- Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
- Short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus
- Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
- White-tailed hawk, Buteo albicaudatus
- Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus
- Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
- Black hawk-eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus
- Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.
- Northern caracara, Caracara cheriway
- Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans
- Barred forest falcon, Micrastur ruficollis
- Collared forest falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Merlin, Falco columbarius
- Bat falcon, Falco rufigularis
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
- Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
Guans, chachalacas and allies
Order: Galliformes Family: Cracidae
The Cracidae are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colourful facial ornaments.
- Plain chachalaca, Ortalis vetula
- White-bellied chachalaca, Ortalis leucogastra
- Crested guan, Penelope purpurascens
- Highland guan, Penelopina nigra
- Great curassow, Crax rubra
New World quails
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits.
- Buffy-crowned wood-partridge, Dendrortyx leucophrys
- Crested bobwhite, Colinus cristatus
- Singing quail, Dactylortyx thoracicus
- Ocellated quail, Cyrtonyx ocellatus
Limpkins
Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae
The limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab-brown plumage and a greyer head and neck.
- Limpkin, Aramus guarauna
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
- Ruddy crake, Laterallus ruber
- Rufous-necked wood rail, Aramides axillaris
- Rufous-naped wood rail, Aramides albiventris
- Sora, Porzana carolina
- Yellow-breasted crake, Porzana flaviventer
- Spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
- American coot, Fulica americana
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.
- Northern jacana, Jacana spinosa
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.
- American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
- American avocet, Recurvirostra americana (A)
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
- Double-striped thick-knee, Burhinus bistriatus
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
- Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus
- Collared plover, Charadrius collaris
- Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Wandering tattler, Tringa incana
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Surfbird, Calidris virgata
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus (A)
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (A)
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The Stercorariidae family are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus
Gulls, terns and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, terns and skimmers. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish.
- Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
- California gull, Larus californicus (A)
- Glaucous-winged gull, Larus glaucescens (A)
- Herring gull, Larus argentatus
- Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia (A)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Elegant tern, Thalasseus elegans
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maxima
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (A)
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
- Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (A)
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscata
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus (A)
- Black skimmer, Rynchops niger
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Rock dove, Columba livia (I)
- Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata
- Red-billed pigeon, Patagioenas flavirostris
- Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura
- White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica
- Common ground-dove, Columbina passerina
- Plain-breasted ground dove, Columbina minuta
- Ruddy ground dove, Columbina talpacoti
- Inca dove, Columbina inca
- Blue ground-dove, Claravis pretiosa
- Maroon-chested ground dove, Claravis mondetoura
- White-tipped dove, Leptotila verreauxi
- White-faced quail-dove, Geotrygon albifacies
- Ruddy quail-dove, Geotrygon montana
Parrots, macaws and allies
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back.
- Scarlet macaw, Ara macao
- Pacific parakeet, Psittacara strenuus
- Green parakeet, Psittacara holochlorus
- Red-throated parakeet, Psittacara rubritorquis
- Orange-fronted parakeet, Eupsittula canicularis
- Barred parakeet, Bolborhynchus lineola
- Orange-chinned parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis
- White-fronted amazon, Amazona albifrons
- Red-lored amazon, Amazona autumnalis (A)
- Yellow-naped amazon, Amazona auropalliata
Cuckoos and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The Cuculidae family includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs.
- Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Mangrove cuckoo, Coccyzus minor
- Squirrel cuckoo, Piaya cayana
- Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris
- Striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia
- Pheasant cuckoo, Dromococcyx phasianellus
- Lesser ground cuckoo, Morococcyx erythropygus
- Lesser roadrunner, Geococcyx velox
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
- Pacific screech owl, Megascops cooperi
- Whiskered screech owl, Megascops trichopsis
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Fulvous owl, Strix fulvescens
- Mottled owl, Ciccaba virgata
- Black-and-white owl, Ciccaba nigrolineata
- Crested owl, Lophostrix cristata
- Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
- Ferruginous pygmy owl, Glaucidium brasilianum
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
- Unspotted saw-whet owl, Aegolius ridgwayi
- Striped owl, Pseudoscops clamator
Potoos
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Nyctibiidae
The potoos (sometimes called poor-me-ones) are large near passerine birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are nocturnal insectivores which lack the bristles around the mouth found in the true nightjars.
- Northern potoo, Nyctibius jamaicensis
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds which usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
- Lesser nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis
- Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
- Pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis
- Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis
- Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.
- Black swift, Cypseloides niger
- Chestnut-collared swift, Streptoprocne rutila
- White-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris
- Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica (A)
- Vaux's swift, Chaetura vauxi
- White-throated swift, Aeronautes saxatalis
- Great swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila sanctihieronymi
- Lesser swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila cayennensis (A)
Hummingbirds
Order: Trochiliformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards.
- Rufous sabrewing, Campylopterus rufus
- Violet sabrewing, Campylopterus hemileucurus
- White-necked jacobin, Florisuga mellivora (A)
- Mexican violetear, Colibri thalassinus
- Green-breasted mango, Anthracothorax prevostii
- Emerald-chinned hummingbird, Abeillia abeillei
- Canivet's emerald, Chlorostilbon canivetii (A)
- Stripe-tailed hummingbird, Eupherusa eximia
- Blue-throated goldentail, Hylocharis eliciae
- White-eared hummingbird, Hylocharis leucotis
- Cinnamon hummingbird, Amazilia rutila
- White-bellied emerald, Agyrtria candida
- Azure-crowned hummingbird, Agyrtria cyanocephala
- Blue-tailed hummingbird, Saucerottia cyanura
- Berylline hummingbird, Saucerottia beryllina
- Amethyst-throated hummingbird, Lampornis amethystinus
- Green-throated mountain-gem, Lampornis viridipallens
- Garnet-throated hummingbird, Lamprolaima rhami
- Magnificent hummingbird, Eugenes fulgens
- Plain-capped starthroat, Heliomaster constantii
- Long-billed starthroat, Heliomaster longirostris
- Sparkling-tailed hummingbird, Tilmatura dupontii
- Slender sheartail, Doricha enicura
- Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris
- Wine-throated hummingbird, Atthis ellioti
- Broad-tailed hummingbird, Selasphorus platycercus (A)
Trogons and quetzals
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage.
- Black-headed trogon, Trogon melanocephalus
- Gartered trogon, Trogon caligatus
- Mountain trogon, Trogon mexicanus
- Collared trogon, Trogon collaris
- Elegant trogon, Trogon elegans
- Resplendent quetzal, Pharomachrus mocinno
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon
- Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquatus
- Amazon kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona
- Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana
- American pygmy kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea
Motmots
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Momotidae
The motmots have colourful plumage and long, graduated tails which they display by waggling back and forth. In most of the species, the barbs near the ends of the two longest (central) tail feathers are weak and fall off, leaving a length of bare shaft and creating a racket-shaped tail.
- Tody motmot, Hylomanes momotula
- Blue-throated motmot, Aspatha gularis
- Lesson's motmot, Momotus lessonii
- Turquoise-browed motmot, Eumomota superciliosa
Puffbirds
Order: Piciformes Family: Bucconidae
The puffbirds are related to the jacamars and have the same range, but lack the iridescent colours of that family. They are mainly brown, rufous or grey, with a large head, and a flattened bill with a hooked tip. The loose abundant plumage and short tails makes them look stout and puffy, giving rise to the English common name of the family.
- White-necked puffbird, Notharchus hyperrhynchus
Toucans
Order: Piciformes Family: Ramphastidae
Toucans are near passerine birds from the Neotropics. They are brightly marked and have enormous, colourful bills which in some species amount to half their body length.
- Collared aracari, Pteroglossus torquatus
- Emerald toucanet, Aulacorhynchus prasinus
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
- Acorn woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus
- Hoffmann's woodpecker, Melanerpes hoffmannii (A)
- Golden-fronted woodpecker, Melanerpes aurifrons
- Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius
- Ladder-backed woodpecker, Picoides scalaris (A)
- Hairy woodpecker, Picoides villosus
- Smoky-brown woodpecker, Veniliornis fumigatus
- Golden-olive woodpecker, Piculus rubiginosus
- Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
- Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus
- Pale-billed woodpecker, Campephilus guatemalensis
Ovenbirds and woodcreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Furnariidae
Ovenbirds comprise a large family of small sub-oscine passerine bird species found in Central and South America. They are a diverse group of insectivores which gets its name from the elaborate "oven-like" clay nests built by some species, although others build stick-nests or nest in tunnels or clefts in rock. The woodcreepers are brownish birds which maintain an upright vertical posture, supported by their stiff tail vanes. They mainly feed on insects taken from tree trunks.
- Rufous-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis erythrothorax
- Scaly-throated foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia variegaticeps
- Ruddy foliage-gleaner, Clibanornis rubiginosus
- Tawny-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus mexicanus
- Ruddy woodcreeper, Dendrocincla homochroa
- Olivaceous woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus
- Wedge-billed woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus (A)
- Strong-billed woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
- Northern barred-woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae
- Black-banded woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes picumnus
- Ivory-billed woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus flavigaster
- Spotted woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
- Streak-headed woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
- Spot-crowned woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes affinis
Typical antbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thamnophilidae
The antbirds are a large family of small passerine birds of subtropical and tropical Central and South America. They are forest birds which tend to feed on insects at or near the ground. A sizable minority of them specialize in following columns of army ants to eat small invertebrates that leave their hiding places to flee from the ants. Many species lack bright colour; brown, black and white being the dominant tones.
- Barred antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus
- Slaty antwren, Myrmotherula schisticolor
Antpittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Grallariidae
Antpittas resemble the true pittas with strong, longish legs, very short tails and stout bills.
- Scaled antpitta, Grallaria guatimalensis
Manakins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pipridae
The manakins are a family of subtropical and tropical birds from the mainland of Central and South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are compact forest birds, the males typically being brightly coloured, although the females of most species are duller and usually green-plumaged. Manakins feed on small fruits, berries and insects.
- White-collared manakin, Manacus candei
- Long-tailed manakin, Chiroxiphia linearis
- Red-capped manakin, Ceratopipra mentalis (A)
Tyrant flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain colouring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous.
- Northern beardless-tyrannulet, Camptostoma imberbe
- Greenish elaenia, Myiopagis viridicata
- Yellow-bellied elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster
- Mountain elaenia, Elaenia frantzii
- Ochre-bellied flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus
- Sepia-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus
- Paltry tyrannulet, Zimmerius vilissimus
- Northern bentbill, Oncostoma cinereigulare
- Common tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum
- Eye-ringed flatbill, Rhynchocyclus brevirostris
- Yellow-olive flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens
- Stub-tailed spadebill, Platyrinchus cancrominus
- White-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus mystaceus
- Northern royal-flycatcher, Onychorhynchus mexicanus
- Belted flycatcher, Xenotriccus callizonus
- Tufted flycatcher, Mitrephanes phaeocercus
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
- Greater pewee, Contopus pertinax
- Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus
- Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens
- Tropical pewee, Contopus cinereus
- Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris
- Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens
- Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
- Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
- White-throated flycatcher, Empidonax albigularis
- Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
- Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii
- Yellowish flycatcher, Empidonax flavescens
- Buff-breasted flycatcher, Empidonax fulvifrons
- Black phoebe, Sayornis nigricans
- Bright-rumped attila, Attila spadiceus
- Dusky-capped flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer
- Ash-throated flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens
- Nutting's flycatcher, Myiarchus nuttingi
- Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
- Brown-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus
- Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus
- Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua
- Social flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis
- Sulphur-bellied flycatcher, Myiodynastes luteiventris
- Piratic flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius (A)
- Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
- Couch's kingbird, Tyrannus couchii
- Cassin's kingbird, Tyrannus vociferans
- Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana
Becards and tityras
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tityridae
- Grey-collared becard, Pachyramphus major
- Rose-throated becard, Pachyramphus aglaiae
- Masked tityra, Tityra semifasciata
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
- Grey-breasted martin, Progne chalybea
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
- Mangrove swallow, Tachycineta albilinea
- Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina
- Black-capped swallow, Notiochelidon pileata
- Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.
- American pipit, Anthus rubescens
Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests.
- Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.
- Band-backed wren, Campylorhynchus zonatus
- Rufous-naped wren, Campylorhynchus rufinucha
- Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus
- Spot-breasted wren, Pheugopedius maculipectus
- Banded wren, Thryophilus pleurostictus
- Rufous-and-white wren, Thryophilus rufalbus
- Cabanis's wren, Cantorchilus modestus
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Rufous-browed wren, Troglodytes rufociliatus
- Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
- Grey-breasted wood wren, Henicorhina leucophrys
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds. Their colouring tends towards dull-greys and browns.
- Grey catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
- Tropical mockingbird, Mimus gilvus
- Blue-and-white mockingbird, Melanotis hypoleucus
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
- Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis
- Brown-backed solitaire, Myadestes occidentalis
- Slate-coloured solitaire, Myadestes unicolor
- Orange-billed nightingale-thrush, Catharus aurantiirostris
- Ruddy-capped nightingale-thrush, Catharus frantzii
- Spotted nightingale-thrush, Catharus dryas
- Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
- Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens
- Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina
- Black robin, Turdus infuscatus
- Mountain robin, Turdus plebejus
- Clay-coloured robin, Turdus grayi
- White-throated thrush, Turdus assimilis
- Rufous-collared robin, Turdus rufitorques
- Aztec thrush, Ridgwayia pinicola (A)
Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their build and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers and gnatwrens are mainly soft bluish grey in colour and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub, which nest in bushes or trees.
- Long-billed gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus
- Blue-grey gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea (A)
- White-lored gnatcatcher, Polioptila albiloris
Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin, pointed, down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.
- Brown creeper, Certhia americana
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes order. Some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.
- Steller's jay, Cyanocitta stelleri
- White-throated magpie-jay, Calocitta formosa
- Brown jay, Psilorhinus morio
- Bushy-crested jay, Cyanocorax melanocyaneus
- Black-throated jay, Cyanolyca pumilo
- Unicoloured jay, Aphelocoma unicolor
- Common raven, Corvus corax
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in colour and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills.
- White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus
- Mangrove vireo, Vireo pallens
- Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii
- Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
- Plumbeous vireo, Vireo plumbeus
- Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius
- Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus
- Brown-capped vireo, Vireo leucophrys (A)
- Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus
- Yellow-green vireo, Vireo flavoviridis
- Lesser greenlet, Pachysylvia decurtata
- Green shrike-vireo, Vireolanius pulchellus
- Rufous-browed peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis
Olive warbler
Order: Passeriformes Family: Peucedramidae
The olive warbler is a small passerine bird, the only member of the family Peucedramidae. It is a long-winged bird with a grey body and wings with some olive-green and two white bars.
- Olive warbler, Peucedramus taeniatus
New World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores.
- Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera
- Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera
- Tennessee warbler, Oreothlypis peregrina
- Orange-crowned warbler, Oreothlypis celata (A)
- Nashville warbler, Oreothlypis ruficapilla
- Crescent-chested warbler, Oreothlypis superciliosa
- Northern parula, Setophaga americana
- Tropical parula, Setophaga pitiayumi
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
- Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica
- Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia
- Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina
- Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens (A)
- Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
- Golden-cheeked warbler, Setophaga chrysoparia (A)
- Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens
- Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi
- Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca
- Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica
- Grace's warbler, Setophaga graciae
- Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor
- Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea
- Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
- Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
- Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea (A)
- Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorus
- Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (A)
- Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
- Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla
- Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa
- Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia
- MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei
- Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
- Gray-crowned yellowthroat, Geothlypis poliocephala
- Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla
- Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis
- Red-faced warbler, Cardellina rubrifrons
- Painted redstart, Myioborus pictus
- Slate-throated redstart, Myioborus miniatus
- Fan-tailed warbler, Euthlypis lachrymosa
- Golden-crowned warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus
- Rufous-capped warbler, Basileuterus rufifrons
- Golden-browed warbler, Basileuterus belli
- Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens
Tanagers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly coloured. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings.
- Blue-grey tanager, Thraupis episcopus
- Yellow-winged tanager, Thraupis abbas
- Red-legged honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus
Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.
- Common bush tanager, Chlorospingus flavopectus
- Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
- Variable seedeater, Sporophila corvina
- White-collared seedeater, Sporophila torqueola
- Ruddy-breasted seedeater, Sporophila minuta
- Yellow-faced grassquit, Tiaris olivacea
- Slaty finch, Haplospiza rustica
- Cinnamon-bellied flowerpiercer, Diglossa baritula
- White-naped brush finch, Atlapetes albinucha
- Chestnut-capped brush finch, Buarremon brunneinucha
- Prevost's ground-sparrow, Melozone biarcuatum
- White-eared ground-sparrow, Melozone leucotis
- Stripe-headed sparrow, Aimophila ruficauda
- Rusty sparrow, Aimophila rufescens
- Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
- Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus (A)
- Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
- Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
- Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii
- Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Saltators, cardinals and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of passerines which are robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages.
- Red-crowned ant tanager, Habia rubica
- Red-throated ant tanager, Habia fuscicauda
- Hepatic tanager, Piranga flava
- Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
- Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana
- Flame-coloured tanager, Piranga bidentata
- White-winged tanager, Piranga leucoptera
- Greyish saltator, Saltator coerulescens
- Buff-throated saltator, Saltator maximus
- Black-headed saltator, Saltator atriceps
- Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Blue bunting, Cyanocompsa parellina
- Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea
- Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea
- Painted bunting, Passerina ciris
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana
- Blue seedeater, Amaurospiza concolor
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red.
- Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
- Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
- Melodious blackbird, Dives dives
- Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus
- Bronzed cowbird, Molothrus aeneus
- Yellow-backed oriole, Icterus chrysater
- Spot-breasted oriole, Icterus pectoralis
- Altamira oriole, Icterus gularis
- Streak-backed oriole, Icterus pustulatus
- Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii
- Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
- Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
- Black-cowled oriole, Icterus prosthemelas
- Black-vented oriole, Icterus wagleri
- Bar-winged oriole, Icterus maculialatus
- Yellow-billed cacique, Amblycercus holosericeus
- Mexican cacique, Cassiculus melanicterus
- Chestnut-headed oropendola, Psarocolius wagleri
Siskins, crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
- Scrub euphonia, Euphonia affinis
- Yellow-throated euphonia, Euphonia hirundinacea
- Elegant euphonia, Euphonia elegantissima
- Blue-crowned chlorophonia, Chlorophonia occipitalis
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
- Black-headed siskin, Spinus notata
- Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria
- Hooded grosbeak, Coccothraustes abeillei
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
See also
References
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of El Salvador". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 26 April 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.
- Komar, Oliver; Juan P. Dominguez (2001). Lista de Aves de El Salvador. Fundación Ecológica de El Salvador-SalvaNATURA. p. 76.
External links
- Birds of El Salvador - World Institute for Conservation & Environment