TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

BIRDS
of the

GOMEZ FARIAS REGION

SOUTHWESTERN TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO
An Annotated
Checklist

BY

JOHN C. ARVIN
AUGUST, 2001

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An Annotated Checklist of the

Birds of the Gmez Faras Region,

Southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico

he Gmez Faras Region lies in the southwestern part of the state of Tamaulipas in
northeastern Mexico, some 385 km. (240 mi.) to 425 km. (265 mi.) south of the United
States border at Brownsville, Texas. As defined here, the Region includes the area along
and west of Mexico Highway 85 to a north-south line drawn along the main axis of the Sierra
Madre Oriental, some 32 km. (20 mi.) distant. Its northern limit lies approximately on a latitude with the village of Felipe Angeles on Hwy. 85, and its southern limit on a latitude with the
junction of Hwy. 85 and the side road to Gmez Faras. The Region thus contains virtually all
the drainage of the Rio Sabinas, a fairly narrow band of the coastal plain, and the eastern face
of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Since the first edition of this checklist was written, a Man in the
Biosphere Reserve has been established to protect the rich diversity of the Region. The El
Cielo Biosphere Reserve encompasses 144,530 ha., and is contained totally within the area
covered by this checklist. An intermontane valley just west of the crest of the main ridge marks
the western edge of the Region. Villages in the Region include Gmez Faras, El Encino and La
Joya de Salas. Rancho El Cielito is located on the Rio Sabinas at about l00 m. (330 ft.) and
Rancho del Cielo at about l500 m. (4000 ft.) on the eastern face of the Sierra Madre Oriental.
These properties are biological stations owned and operated by the Gorgas Science Foundation,
Inc. Most current ornithological research and bird observation is carried out by persons using
these facilities.

explanation of the symbols used:

Abundance
1 virtually certain to be encountered, usually in some numbers
2 normally expected on most days in the field, but in lesser numbers
3 encountered on only about half the days in the field; usually only a few individuals are
seen
4 encountered about one-fourth of days afield; usually only l or 2 individuals seen
5 found on 10% or fewer of days afield; not to be expected
6 very few records; definitely unexpected and requiring careful documentation
Zones
A semiarid tropical: low (ca. 150 m. [500 ft.]), more-or-less flat coastal plain, now extensively cleared for agriculture and villages. Patchy woodlands and hedgerows transitional
between thorn forest and tropical deciduous forest remain in some areas.
B humid tropical and upper tropical: floodplain of the Rio Sabinas up the eastern face of the
Sierra Madre Oriental to about 930 m. (3000 ft.). Extensive tropical forest (mostly deciduous) exists above the narrow floodplain, most of which is planted in sugar cane and
tropical fruits. A narrow corridor of riverine woodland has been left along the Sabinas
and relatively small tracts of tropical deciduous woodland persist in some areas (e.g.
Rancho El Cielito).

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C subtropical: from about 970 m. (3000 ft.) to about 1120 m. (4800 ft.) on the eastern face
of the Sierra. Extensive forests of oak, sweetgum, maple, magnolia and beech (in the
upper elevations) occupy this zone.
D humid temperate: a humid band of pine-oak forest extends from about 1120 m. (4800 ft.)
to the crest of the main ridge at about 2135 m. (7000 ft.). Some of this forest has been
selectively lumbered.
E arid temperate: a drier band of oak-pine forest occupies the western slope of the main
ridge (2135 m. [7000] 1950 m. [6400]). Included is the La Joya valley which is largely
denuded of its original vegetation and overgrazed. A great deal of scrubby chaparral has
developed on the slopes of this valley. A small sinkhole lake is located at La Joya de Salas.
Seasonal status
r resident throughout the year
m migrant; passing through the region en route between breeding and winter ranges
b breeding; usually present between March and October
w winter visitor; usually present between October and April
v visitor; a species that occurs at unpredictable intervals
(?) indicates a degree of uncertainty about the status immediately preceding
Habitat
t tropical (mostly deciduous) forest and forest edge; also fragmented woodlands in partially
cleared areas
c cloud forest (humid subtropical forest of oak, sweetgum, magnolia and Podocarpus)
p humid pine-oak forest
o drier oak-pine forest
d dry montane chapparal
a aerial; foraging on the wing overhead; used alone if over various habitats, with another
habitat symbol if primarily over one habitat
f open areas; cultivated fields, brushy hedgerows, small patches of second growth scrub,
pastures, savannas
r Rio Sabinas; associated with the aquatic habitats or the riverine vegetation
m damp marshy vegetation in ditches, etc.
l ponds and small lakes; open water and shorelines
s dense second growth that quickly occupies abandoned clearings in the tropical zone
v villages and small towns
k rocky spires, cliff faces, sink hole caves, and other bare, rocky areas typical of the karst
topography of the area
Special Notes
*
a highland species that descends (usually in small numbers) to the lowlands in the
nonbreeding (dry) season
#
heard much more frequently than seen
@
irregular in occurance with numbers fluctuating widely from one season to the next
+
increasing locally

decreasing locally
%
spring migrant only, not present in fall
(1),etc. numbered literature citation
Sequence and nomenclature (with one exception: Piculus aeruginosus) follows The A.O.U.
Check-List of North American Birds, 7th ed.

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species accounts
Status
TINAMIFORMES
TINAMIDAE (Tinamous)
___Thicket Tinamou
Crypturellus cinnamomeus ................................ 2ABCr
PODICIPEDIFORMES
PODICIPEDIDAE (Grebes)
___Least Grebe
Tachybaptus dominicus ....................................... 4Ar
___Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps ............................................ 3AEw
___Eared Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis .............................................. 4AEw
PELECANIFORMES
PELECANIDAE (Pelicans)
___American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos .................................
PHALACROCORACIDAE (Cormorants)
___Double-crested Cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus .........................................
___Neotropic Cormorant
Phalacrocorax braziliensis .................................
ANHINGIDAE (Darters)
___Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga ..................................................
CICONIIFORMES
ARDEIDAE (Bitterns & Herons)
___American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus ..........................................
___Bare-throated Tiger-Heron
Tigrisoma mexicanum ........................................
___Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias ......................................................
___Great Egret
Ardea alba ..............................................................
___Snowy Egret
Egretta thula ..........................................................
___Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea ....................................................
___Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor ......................................................
___Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis .........................................................
___Green Heron
Butorides virescens ..............................................

Habitat

tcs

l
l
l

5Am

5Aw

rl

3Ar

rl

3Am

ar

5Am

4Ar

3Aw

lm

3Ar

lm

3Ar

lm

4Am

5Av

lm

1Aw

2Am, 3w

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___Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Nyctanassa violacea .............................................
___Boat-billed Heron
Cochlearius cochlearius ......................................
THRESKIORNITHIDAE (Ibises & Spoonbills)
___White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi ........................................................
___Roseate Spoonbill
Ajaia ajaja ..............................................................
CICONIIDAE (Storks)
___Wood Stork
Mycteria americana .............................................
ANSERIFORMES
ANATIDAE (Swans, Geese & Ducks)
___Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis ....................................
___Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschata .................................................
___Wood Duck
Aix sponsa ..............................................................
___Gadwall
Anas strepera .........................................................
___American Wigeon
Anas americana ...................................................
___Mallard (Mexican Duck)
Anas platyrhynchos diazi ....................................
___Blue-winged Teal
Anas discors ..........................................................
___Northern Shoveler
Anas clypeata ........................................................
___Northern Pintail
Anas acuta .............................................................
___Green-winged Teal
Anas crecca ...........................................................
___Canvasback
Aythya valisineria .................................................
___Redhead
Aythya americana ................................................
___Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris .......................................................
___Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis ........................................................
___Bufflehead
Bucephala albeola ................................................
___Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis .............................................

Status

Habitat

5Am

6Ar

5Av

5Av

5Av

lm

3Ar

lmr

4Ar

4Aw

rl

3Aew

3AEw

4Ew

1AEw

2AEw

3AEw

3AEw

4Ew

4Ew

4Ew

3Ew

5Ew

3Aw

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FALCONIFORMES
CATHARTIDAE (American Vultures)
___Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus ...................................................
___Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura .......................................................
___King Vulture
Sarcoramphus papa .............................................
ACCIPITRIDAE (Kites, Eagles, Hawks & Allies)
___Osprey
Pandion haliaetus ................................................
___Hook-billed Kite
Chondrohierax uncinatus ...................................
___White-tailed Kite
Elanus caeruleus ..................................................
___Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis ........................................
___Plumbeous Kite
Ictinia plumbea .....................................................
___Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus ......................................................
___Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus ..................................................
___Coopers Hawk
Accipiter cooperii .................................................
___Bicolored Hawk
Accipiter bicolor ...................................................
___Crane Hawk
Geranospiza caerulescens ...................................
___Common Black-Hawk
Buteogallus anthracinus .....................................
___Great Black-Hawk
Buteogallus urubitinga ........................................
___Gray Hawk
Asturina nitida ......................................................
___Harriss Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctus ...........................................
___Roadside Hawk
Buteo magnirostris ...............................................
___Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus .......................................................
___Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus .................................................
___Short-tailed Hawk
Buteo brachyurus .................................................
___Swainsons Hawk
Buteo swainsoni ...................................................
___White-tailed Hawk
Buteo albicaudatus ..............................................

Status

Habitat

1ABCr

2ABCDEr

6Bv

4ABm

5ABr

2Ar

4ABm

4Bb

at

3Aw

2ABm, 3w

3ABw

6Br?

4Br

5ABr

r?

4Br

2ABr

5Av

1ABr

ts

4Aw

1Am

3ABCr

3Am

af

5Av

af

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(6)

___Zone-tailed Hawk
Buteo albonotatus .................................................
___Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis ................................................
___Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle
Spizastur melanoleucus ......................................
___Black Hawk-Eagle
Spizaetus tyrannus ...............................................
___Ornate Hawk-Eagle
Spizaetus ornatus .................................................
FALCONIDAE (Caracaras & Falcons)
___Collared Forest-Falcon
Micrastur semitorquatus .....................................
___Crested Caracara
Caracara cheriway ...............................................
___Laughing Falcon
Herpetotheres cachinnans ..................................
___American Kestrel
Falco sparverius ....................................................
___Bat Falcon
Falco rufigularis ...................................................
___Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus ...................................................
GALLIFORMES
CRACIDAE (Curassows & Guans)
___Plain Chachalaca
Ortalis vetula .........................................................
___Crested Guan
Penelope purpurascens ........................................
___Great Curassow
Crax rubra .............................................................
ODONTOPHORIDAE (Quails)
___Northern Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus ..............................................
___Singing Quail
Dactylortyx thoracicus ........................................
GRUIFORMES
RALLIDAE (Rails, Gallinules & Coots)
___Sora
Porzana carolina ..................................................
___Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus ..............................................
___American Coot
Fulica americana .................................................
HELIORNITHIDAE (Sungrebes)
___Sungrebe
Heliornis fulica .....................................................

Status

Habitat

4ABCDEr

2AEw, 4Er?

af

6Bv?

6Cv?

4BCr

at

2AB,3Cr

tc

3Ar

5Av?

1Aw

3Br

tr

5BCDm

2AB, 3Cr

tcs

4BCr

tc

5Br

2Ar

2BCr

tc

5Aw

5Ar?

ml

5A, 2Ew

5Br

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(1, 16)

CHARADRIIFORMES
CHARADRIIDAE (Plovers & Lapwings)
___Killdeer
Charadrius vociferus ...........................................
RECURVIROSTRIDAE (Stilts & Avocets)
___Black-necked Stilt
Himantopus mexicanus ......................................
JACANIDAE (Jacanas)
___Northern Jacana
Jacana spinosa ......................................................
SCOLOPACIDAE (Sandpipers & Allies)
___Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca .............................................
___Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa f lavipes ......................................................
___Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria .....................................................
___Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularia ..................................................
___Upland Sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda .........................................
___Western Sandpiper
Calidris mauri .......................................................
___Least Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla .................................................
___Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinago ...............................................
___American Woodcock
Scolopax minor .....................................................
COLUMBIFORMES
COLUMBIDAE (Pigeons & Doves)
___Rock Dove
Columba livia ........................................................
___Red-billed Pigeon
Columba f lavirostris ............................................
___Band-tailed Pigeon
Columba fasciata ..................................................
___White-winged Dove
Zenaida asiatica ...................................................
___Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura ...............................................
___Inca Dove
Columbina inca ....................................................
___Common Ground-Dove
Columbina passerina ...........................................
___Ruddy Ground-Dove
Columbina talpacoti .............................................
___Blue Ground-Dove
Claravis pretiosa ...................................................

Status

Habitat

3Aw

fl

5Am

ml

5Av

5Am

ml

5Am

ml

5Bm

mr

2Bw

5Am

4Aw

lm

4Aw

4Aw

6Bw

3Ar

1ABCr

tc

3DEr

po

1ABm, 3b

3Aw

1Ar

3Ar

4ABr

ts

3Br

ts

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Status
___White-tipped Dove
Leptotila verreauxi ............................................... 1AB, 2Cr
___Gray-headed Dove
Leptotila plumbeiceps .......................................... 6Br
___Ruddy Quail-Dove
Geotrygon montana ............................................. 6Bv?
PSITTACIFORMES
PSITTACIDAE (Parrots & Allies)
___Green Parakeet
Aratinga holochlora ..............................................
___Olive-throated Parakeet
Aratinga nana .......................................................
___Military Macaw
Ara militaris ..........................................................
___Maroon-fronted Parrot
Rhynchopsitta terrisi ...........................................
___White-crowned Parrot
Pionus senilis ........................................................
___Red-crowned Parrot
Amazona viridigenalis .........................................
___Red-lored Parrot
Amazona autumnalis ...........................................
___Yellow-headed Parrot
Amazona oratrix ..................................................
CUCULIFORMES
CUCULIDAE (Cuckoos, Roadrunners & Allies)
___Black-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus erythropthalmus ..................................
___Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus ..........................................
___Mangrove Cuckoo
Coccyzus minor ....................................................
___Squirrel Cuckoo
Piaya cayana .........................................................
___Greater Roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus .....................................
___Groove-billed Ani
Crotophaga sulcirostris ........................................

Habitat
tcs

(10)

1Br

5ABv?

3D, 4BCr

pct

4?Dv?

2B, 4Cr

tc

4ABr

3Br

5Av?

5ABm

3ABb

5ABr?

(13)

2ABCr

tc

5Ar

2ABr

fs

STRIGIFORMES
TYTONIDAE (Barn Owls)
___Barn Owl
Tyto alba ................................................................. 3Ar
STRIGIDAE (Typical Owls)
___Whiskered Screech-Owl
Otus trichopsis ...................................................... 4Er
___Vermiculated Screech-Owl
Otus guatemalae ................................................... 4BCr

f
o

tc

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___Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus ..................................................
___Northern Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium gnoma ...............................................
___Tamaulipas Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium sanchezi ...........................................
___Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium brasilianum .....................................
___Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia ...............................................
___Mottled Owl
Ciccaba virgata .....................................................
CAPRIMULGIFORMES
CAPRIMULGIDAE (Goatsuckers)
___Lesser Nighthawk
Chordeiles acutipennis ........................................
___Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor ..................................................
___Common Pauraque
Nyctidromus albicollis .........................................
___Tawny-collared Nightjar
Caprimulgus salvini .............................................
___Whip-poor-will
Caprimulgus vociferus .........................................
NYCTIBIIDAE (Potoos)
___Northern Potoo
Nyctibius jamaicensis ..........................................
APODIFORMES
APODIDAE (Swifts)
___Black Swift
Cypseloides niger ..................................................
___White-collared Swift
Streptoprocne zonaris .........................................
___Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelegica .................................................
___Vauxs Swift
Chaetura vauxi ......................................................
___White-throated Swift
Aeronautes saxatalis ............................................
TROCHILIDAE (Hummingbirds)
___Wedge-tailed Sabrewing
Campylopterus curvipennis ................................
___Green Violet-ear
Colibri thalassinus ...............................................
___Green-breasted Mango
Anthracothorax prevostii .....................................
___Canivets Emerald
Chlorostilbon canivetii .........................................

Status

Habitat

6?A?r

5?Dr

3Cr

2ABr

5Aw

3ABCr

tc

4?Ab?

atf

4?Am

4Ar

3Ar?

4Am, 3DEr

tpo

4ABr

tf

6Bv?

5BCv

2Am

1BCr

3DEr

apo

2BCr

tcs

6Bv

3ABb

4Br

ts

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___Broad-billed Hummingbird
Cynanthus latirostris ...........................................
___White-eared Hummingbird
Hylocharis leucotis ...............................................
___Azure-crowned Hummingbird
Amazilia cyanocephala .......................................
___Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
Amazilia tzacatl ....................................................
___Buff-bellied Hummingbird
Amazilia yucatanensis ........................................
___Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Amazilia violiceps ................................................
___Amethyst-throated Hummingbird
Lampornis amethystinus .....................................
___Blue-throated Hummingbird
Lampornis clemenciae ........................................
___Magnificent Hummingbird
Eugenes fulgens .....................................................
___Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris ............................................
___Black-chinned Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri .........................................
___Bumblebee Hummingbird
Atthis heloisa .........................................................
___Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Selasphorus platycercus ......................................

Status

Habitat

5ABb?

ts

4DEr?

po

3Cb, 5w

6?Bv?

2ABb, 4w

ts

6Dv?

3?Cb, 6?w

5?Dr?

4DEr?5BCv

cpo

3ABm

ts

5?Am

ts

2DEr?4Cv

poc

4Db

TROGONIFORMES
TROGONIDAE (Trogons)
___Mountain Trogon
Trogon mexicanus ................................................ 2CDr
___Elegant Trogon
Trogon elegans ...................................................... 2ABr
CORACIIFORMES
MOMOTIDAE (Motmots)
___Blue-crowned Motmot
Momotus momota .................................................
ALCEDINIDAE (Kingfishers)
___Ringed Kingfisher
Ceryle torquata .....................................................
___Belted Kingfisher
Ceryle alcyon .........................................................
___Amazon Kingfisher
Chloroceryle amazona .........................................
___Green Kingfisher
Chloroceryle americana ......................................

cp

12

2BCr

tc

2Br

4ABw

lr

3Br

2Br

10

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PICIFORMES
PICIDAE (Woodpeckers & Allies)
___Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus ....................................
___Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Melanerpes aurifrons ...........................................
___Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius ...............................................
___Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Picoides scalaris ...................................................
___Hairy Woodpecker
Picoides villosus ....................................................
___Smoky-brown Woodpecker
Veniliornis fumigatus ..........................................
___Bronze-winged Woodpecker
Piculus aeruginosus .............................................
___Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus ...................................................
___Lineated Woodpecker
Dryocopus lineatus ..............................................
___Pale-billed Woodpecker
Campephilus guatemalensis ...............................
PASSERIFORMES
DENDROCOLAPTIDAE (Woodcreepers)
___Olivaceous Woodcreeper
Sittasomus griseicapillus ....................................
___Ivory-billed Woodcreeper
Xiphorhynchus f lavigaster ..................................
___Spot-crowned Woodcreeper
Lepidocolaptes affinis ..........................................
THAMNOPHILIDAE (Antbirds)
___Barred Antshrike
Thamnophilus doliatus ........................................
TYRANNIDAE (Tyrant Flycatchers)
___Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet
Camptostoma imberbe .........................................
___Greenish Elaenia
Myiopagis viridicata .............................................
___Tufted Flycatcher
Mitrephanes phaeocercus ....................................
___Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi ..................................................
___Greater Pewee
Contopus pertinax ................................................
___Western Wood-Pewee
Contopus sordidulus ............................................
___Eastern Wood-Pewee
Contopus virens ....................................................

Status

Habitat

3CDEr

cpo

3ABr

tr

3ABCw

tc

3Ar

4Dr

4BCr

tc

3BCr

tc

3DEr

po

3ABr

3BCr

tc

4BCr

tc

2ABCr

tc

2Cr, 5Bv

ct

2Br

ts

2ABr

ts

5?Br

(13)

2CDr, 3Bw

cptr

3ABCm

tc

2CDEr, 2Bw

cpot

4Dm?

(14)

2ABCm

tc

11

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___Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Empidonax f laviventris .......................................
___White-throated Flycatcher
Empidonax albigularis ........................................
___Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus ...........................................
___Hammonds Flycatcher
Empidonax hammondii ......................................
___Dusky Flycatcher
Empidonax oberholseri .......................................
___Cordilleran Flycatcher
Empidonax occidentalis ......................................
___Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans ...............................................
___Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe ....................................................
___Says Phoebe
Sayornis saya ........................................................
___Vermilion Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubinus ..........................................
___Dusky-capped Flycatcher
Myiarchus tuberculifer ........................................
___Ash-throated Flycatcher
Myiarchus cinerascens ........................................
___Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus ...............................................
___Brown-crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus tyrannulus ..........................................
___Great Kiskadee
Pitangus sulphuratus ...........................................
___Boat-billed Flycatcher
Megarhynchus pitangua ......................................
___Social Flycatcher
Myiozetetes similis ................................................
___Streaked Flycatcher
Myiodynastes maculatus ......................................
___Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
Myiodynastes luteiventris ....................................
___Tropical Kingbird
Tyrannus melancholicus .....................................
___Couchs Kingbird
Tyrannus couchii ..................................................
___Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus ...............................................
___Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus forficatus .............................................
INCERTAE SEDIS
___Gray-collared Becard
Pachyramphus major ...........................................

Status

Habitat

2BCm, 4Bw

tc

6Cb?

2ABw

ts

2CDE?w

cpo?

5?AE?w

tsd

3DEr?

po

5Bv

1ABCw

sf

5AEw

3AEw

1BCr

tc

5AE?w

td?

2Bm, 5w

1Ab

2ABr

tr

1Br

1ABr

ts

3Bb

2Bb

ts

4Ar

1ABb, 3w

1ABm

tsf

1Am

2CDr, 4Bw

cpt

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(11)

(14)

___Rose-throated Becard
Pachyramphus aglaiae ........................................
___Masked Tityra
Tityra semifasciata ...............................................
___Black-crowned Tityra
Tityra inquisitor ....................................................
LANIIDAE (Shrikes)
___Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus .............................................
VIREONIDAE (Vireos & Allies)
VIREONINAE (Typical Vireos)
___White-eyed Vireo
Vireo griseus ..........................................................
___Bells Vireo
Vireo bellii ..............................................................
___Blue-headed Vireo
Vireo solitarius .....................................................
___Yellow-throated Vireo
Vireo f lavifrons .....................................................
___Huttons Vireo
Vireo huttoni .........................................................
___Warbling Vireo
Vireo gilvus ............................................................
___Brown-capped Vireo
Vireo leucophrys ...................................................
___Red-eyed Vireo
Vireo olivaceus ......................................................
___Yellow-green Vireo
Vireo f lavoviridis ..................................................
CYCLARHINAE (Peppershrikes)
___Rufous-browed Peppershrike
Cyclarhis gujanensis ............................................
CORVIDAE (Jays, Magpies & Crows)
___Green Jay
Cyanocorax yncas ................................................
___Brown Jay
Cyanocorax morio ................................................
___Mexican Jay
Aphelocoma ultramarina ....................................
___Tamaulipas Crow
Corvus imparatus .................................................
___Common Raven
Corvus corax .........................................................
HIRUNDINIDAE (Swallows)
___Purple Martin
Progne subis ..........................................................
___Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor ..............................................

Status

Habitat

2ABr

tr

2ABr

5?Abr

3AEw

3ABr

ts

5Am

ts

1ABCw

tc

3ABm, 5w

3DEr

po

3ABm, 5w

3Cr

3ABm

2ABb

3BCD?Er

tscop?

1ABCr

tc

1ABr

2DEr

po

2Ar

fv

3DEr, 5ABv

pof

3Am

3Amw

13

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___Violet-green Swallow
Tachycineta thalassina ........................................
___Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis ..................................
___Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia ......................................................
___Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica ....................................................
___Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota ...................................
PARIDAE (Titmice)
___Bridled Titmouse
Balaeophus wollweberi ........................................
___Tufted (Black-crested) Titmouse
Balaeophus bicolor atricristatus .......................
REMIZIDAE (Penduline Tits & Verdins)
___Verdin
Auriparus f laviceps ..............................................
AEGITHALIDAE (Long-tailed Tits & Bushtits)
___Bushtit
Psaltriparus minimus ..........................................
SITTIDAE (Nuthatches)
___White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis ..................................................
CERTHIIDAE (Creepers)
___Brown Creeper
Certhia americana ...............................................
TROGLODYTIDAE (Wrens)
___Rock Wren
Salpinctes obsoletus .............................................
___Canyon Wren
Catherpes mexicanus ...........................................
___Spot-breasted Wren
Thryothorus maculipectus ..................................
___Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus ...................................
___Bewicks Wren
Thryomanes bewickii ...........................................
___House Wren
Troglodytes aedon .................................................
___Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris ............................................
___White-bellied Wren
Uropsila leucogastra .............................................
REGULIDAE (Kinglets)
___Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula ................................................
SYLVIIDAE (Gnatcatchers)
___Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea ...............................................

Status

Habitat

4Am, DEr?

3Ar, 2m

3Am

1Am, 3Eb?

2Am

3DEr

po

4Ar

4Er

4DEr

po

4DEr

po

3DEr

po

4DEr, BCv

3BCDEr

1ABCr

tcs

5Br

3Er

od

4DEr, 2Aw

pos

4Aw

4?Ar

1ACBw

tc

1ABCw

tc

14

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TURDIDAE (Solitaires, Thrushes & Allies)

___Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis ............................................................
___Brown-backed Solitaire
Myadestes occidentalis .........................................
___Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus aurantiirostris .....................................
___Russet Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus occidentalis ..........................................
___Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus mexicanus ............................................
___Swainsons Thrush
Catharus ustulatus ...............................................
___Hermit Thrush
Catharus guttatus .................................................
___Black Robin
Turdus infuscatus .................................................
___Clay-colored Robin
Turdus grayi ..........................................................
___White-throated Robin
Turdus assimilis ....................................................
MIMIDAE (Mockingbirds, Thrashers & Allies)
___Gray Catbird
Dumetella carolinensis ........................................
___Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos .................................................
___Sage Thrasher
Oreoscoptes montanus .........................................
___Long-billed Thrasher
Toxostoma longirostre .........................................
___Curve-billed Thrasher
Toxostoma curvirostre .........................................
___Blue Mockingbird
Melanotis caerulescens ........................................
MOTACILLIDAE (Wagtails & Pipits)
___American Pipit
Anthus rubescens ..................................................
BOMBYCILLIDAE (Waxwings)
___Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum ..........................................
PTILOGONATIDAE (Silky-flycatchers)
___Gray Silky-flycatcher
Ptilogonys cinereus ..............................................
PEUCEDRAMIDAE (Olive Warblers)
___Olive Warbler
Peucedramus taeniatus .......................................
PARULIDAE (Wood-Warblers)
___Blue-winged Warbler
Vermivora pinus ...................................................

Status

Habitat

4Aw

2BCDEr

tcpo

3Er

3Dr

1CDb, 5w

cp

3ABm, 5w

3ABCDEw

tcpo

5CDr

cp

1ABCb, 3w

tc

1Cb, 4w

2ABm, 4w

3AEr?

6Em

4BCr

tcs

3Er

2BCr

ct

3AEw

lf

3ABCw

tc

3DEr, 4CBv

po

4DEr

po

4Bm, 5w

15

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(7)

(9)

___Tennessee Warbler
Vermivora peregrina ............................................
___Orange-crowned Warbler
Vermivora celata ..................................................
___Nashville Warbler
Vermivora ruficapilla ..........................................
___Crescent-chested Warbler
Parula superciliosa ...............................................
___Northern Parula
Parula americana ................................................
___Tropical Parula
Parula pitiayumi ...................................................
___Yellow Warbler
Dendroica petechia ..............................................
___Chestnut-sided Warbler
Dendroica pensylvanica ......................................
___Magnolia Warbler
Dendroica magnolia ............................................
___Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler
Dendroica coronata coronata ............................
___Yellow-rumped (Audubons) Warbler
Dendroica coronata auduboni ...........................
___Black-throated Gray Warbler
Dendroica nigrescens ..........................................
___Golden-cheeked Warbler
Dendroica chrysoparia ........................................
___Black-throated Green Warbler
Dendroica virens ..................................................
___Townsends Warbler
Dendroica townsendi ...........................................
___Hermit Warbler
Dendroica occidentalis ........................................
___Blackburnian Warbler
Dendroica fusca ...................................................
___Yellow-throated Warbler
Dendroica dominica ............................................
___Bay-breasted Warbler
Dendroica castanea .............................................
___Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia ......................................................
___American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla ...............................................
___Ovenbird
Seiurus aurocapillus ............................................
___Northern Waterthrush
Seiurus noveboracensis .......................................
___Louisiana Waterthrush
Seiurus motacilla ..................................................
___Kentucky Warbler
Oporornis formosus .............................................

Status

Habitat

3Bm

2ABw

tsf

2ABmw

2CDEr, 5Bv

cpo

3ABm, 5w

2AB, 3Cr

trc

3ABm
4ABm

4ABm

3Am, 4w

tf

3DE, 5CBAw

po

5Bw

5CDm

cp

1ABCw

tc

2CDEw

cpo

4DEw

po

4ABm

4Bw

tr

4Bm

ABCw

tc

4Bm

3Bw

5Aw

ml

2Bw

3Bm, 5w

16

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(5, 8)

___Mourning Warbler
Oporornis philadelphia ........................................
___MacGillivrays Warbler
Oporornis tolmiei .................................................
___Common Yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas .................................................
___Altamira Yellowthroat
Geothlypis f lavovelata ..........................................
___Hooded Yellowthroat
Geothlypis nelsoni .................................................
___Gray-crowned Yellowthroat
Geothlypis poliocephala .......................................
___Hooded Warbler
Wilsonia citrina ....................................................
___Wilsons Warbler
Wilsonia pusilla ....................................................
___Canada Warbler
Wilsonia canadensis ............................................
___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 .........................................................
THRAUPIDAE (Tanagers)
___Red-crowned Ant-Tanager
Habia rubica .........................................................
___Red-throated Ant-Tanager
Habia fuscicauda .................................................
___Hepatic Tanager
Piranga f lava ........................................................
___Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra ........................................................
___Western Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana .............................................
___Flame-colored Tanager
Piranga bidentata .................................................
___White-winged Tanager
Piranga leucoptera ...............................................
___Yellow-winged Tanager
Thraupis abbas .....................................................

Status

Habitat

4ABm

sf

4ACm, 5w

sf

3Aw

3Ar

mf

4Er, 5CAw

df

3Ar

3Bm, 5w

1ABCw

tsc

4Bm

3DEr, 4BCv

poc

5Pr

3Br

1AB, 3Cr

tc

3BCr

sf

1DEb, Cw

poc

3ABw

4Br

3ABr

3DEr, 5CBv

poct

2ABw

4Bw

2CDEr, 4Bv

poc

3Br

3Br

17

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___Scrub Euphonia
Euphonia affinis ...................................................
___Yellow-throated Euphonia
Euphonia hirundinacea ......................................
___Elegant Euphonia
Euphonia elegantissima ......................................
EMBERIZIDAE (Emberizine Finches)
___Blue-black Grassquit
Volatinia jacarina .................................................
___White-collared Seedeater
Sporophila torqueola ...........................................
___Yellow-faced Grassquit
Tiaris olivacea .......................................................
___Rufous-capped Brush-Finch
Atlapetes pileatus ..................................................
___Olive Sparrow
Arremonops rufivirgatus .....................................
___Spotted Towhee
Pipilo maculatus ...................................................
___Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps ...............................................
___Rusty Sparrow
Aimophila rufescens .............................................
___Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina .................................................
___Clay-colored Sparrow
Spizella pallida ......................................................
___Vesper Sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus ............................................
___Lark Sparrow
Chondestes grammacus .......................................
___Savannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis .................................
___Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum ................................
___Lincolns Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii ...............................................
___Swamp Sparrow
Melospiza georgiana ............................................
___White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis ...........................................
___White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys ........................................
___Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis ......................................................
CARDINALIDAE (Cardinals, Grosbeaks & Allies)
___Grayish Saltator
Saltator coerulescens ...........................................
___Black-headed Saltator
Saltator atriceps ...................................................

Status

Habitat

3Ar

tf

2B, 4Cr

tc

3DEr, 4Cv

poc

1Ab, 3w

1Ar

2ABr

fs

1CDEr

cpof

2ABCr

tsc

2DEr

po

3Er

4Er

fd

3AEw

fo

4AEmw?

4AEw

3AEw

3Aw

4Aw

2Aw

sf

4Aw

6ABw

5AEw

fs

6Aw

5Br

2Br

18

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___Crimson-collared Grosbeak
Rhodothraupis celaeno ........................................
___Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis ...........................................
___Pyrrhuloxia
Cardinalis sinuatus ..............................................
___Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus .....................................
___Black-headed Grosbeak
Pheucticus melanocephalus ...............................
___Blue Bunting
Cyanocompsa parellina .......................................
___Blue Grosbeak
Guiraca caerulea ..................................................
___Indigo Bunting
Passerina cyanea ..................................................
___Varied Bunting
Passerina versicolor .............................................
___Painted Bunting
Passerina ciris ......................................................
___Dickcissel
Spiza americana ...................................................
ICTERIDAE (Blackbirds & Allies)
___Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus .............................................
___Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna ...................................................
___Melodious Blackbird
Dives dives .............................................................
___Brewers Blackbird
Euphagus cyanocephalus ....................................
___Great-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus mexicanus ...........................................
___Bronzed Cowbird
Molothrus aeneus .................................................
___Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater .......................................................
___Orchard Oriole
Icterus spurius ......................................................
___Hooded Oriole
Icterus cucullatus .................................................
___Bullocks Oriole
Icterus bullockii ....................................................
___Altamira Oriole
Icterus gularis .......................................................
___Audubons Oriole
Icterus graduacauda ............................................
___Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula ......................................................

Status

Habitat

2ABr

4Ar

sf

5AEw

fd

3Bw

3Eb, 4Bw

ot

3ABr

3Aw

2ABw

tf

4Aw

3ABw

sf

3Am

4Am

mf

3Ar

1ABr

1Aw

1Ar

vf

2ABb, 1w

vft

3Aw

3Am

ts

3ABb, 5w

5Aem

td

2ABr

2ABCr

tc

2ABw

19

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___Scotts Oriole
Icterus parisorum ................................................
___Yellow-billed Cacique
Amblycercus holosericeus ...................................
FRINGILLIDAE (Fringilline & Cardueline
Finches & Allies)
___House Finch
Carpodacus mexicanus .......................................
___Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostra ..................................................
___Pine Siskin
Carduelis pinus .....................................................
___Black-headed Siskin
Carduelis notata ...................................................
___Lesser Goldfinch
Carduelis psaltria .................................................
___American Goldfinch
Carduelis tristis .....................................................
___Hooded Grosbeak
Coccothraustes abeillei ........................................
PASSERIDAE (Old World Sparrows)
___House Sparrow
Passer domesticus .................................................

Status

Habitat

5Er?w?

3Br

ts

5Av, 4Er

fv

6CDEv

po

3DEw

po

3CDr

cp

4Av, 3Er

3ABCw

tc

1Cr, 4Bv

ct

3AEr

20

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appendix a
Species whose ranges include the Gomez Farias Region and which are expected to
occur there, but for which there seem to be no definite records.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
Eastern Screech-Owl (Otus asio)
Western Screech-Owl (Otus kennicottii)
Flammulated Owl (Otus f lameolus)
Chuck-wills-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis)
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)
Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailli)
Pine Flycatcher (Empidonax affinis)
Cassins Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferus)
Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea)
Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)
Spotted Wren (Campylorhynchus jocosus)
Veery (Catharus fuscescens)
Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus)
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)
Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica caerulea)
Canyon Towhee (Pipilo fuscus)
Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus)

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literature cited
(1) Amadon, D., and D. R. Eckelberry, 1955. Observations on Mexican birds. Condor.
57:65-79.
(2) American Ornithologists Union, 1998 (plus supplements), Checklist of
North American Birds, 7th ed. American Ornithologists Union, Washington,
D. C., 829 p.
(3) Eaton, S. W., and E. P. Edwards, 1948. Notes on Birds of the Gomez Farias
Region of Tamaulipas. Wilson Bull. 60:109-114.
(4) Harrell, B. E., 1951. The Birds of Rancho del Cielo, An Ecological Investigation
in the Oak-Sweet gum Forests of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Unpublished MS thesis:
U. of Minnesota.
(5) Johnson, K., J. Johnson, R. Albert, and T. Albert. 1988. Sightings of Goldencheeked Warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia) in northeastern Mexico. Wilson
Bull. 100:130-131.
(6) Martin, P. S. 195la. Bicolored Hawk in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Wilson Bull. 63:337.
(7) _____. 195lb. Black Robin in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Wilson Bull. 63:340.
(8) Perrigo, G., R. Brundage, R. Barth, N. Damude, C. Benesh, C. Fogg, and J. Gower.
1990. Spring migration corridor of Golden-cheeked Warblers in Tamaulipas,
Mexico. American Birds. 44:28.
(9) Robins, C. R., and W. B. Heed, 1951. Bird Notes from La Joya de Salas, Tamaulipas.
Wilson Bull. 63: 263-270.
(10) Sutton, G. M. 1950. Ruddy Quail Dove in Tamaulipas. Condor. 52:93-94.
(11) _____. 195l. Empidonax albigularis in Tamaulipas. Auk. 63. 339.
(12) _____, and T. D. Burleigh, 1939. A list of the birds observed on the 1938
Semple Expedition to northeastern Mexico. Occa. Papers of the Louisiana
State Univ. Mus. of Zoo. 3:15-46.
(13) _____, R. B. Lea, and E. P. Edwards, 1950. Notes on the ranges and breeding
habits of certain Mexican birds. Bird Banding. 21:45-59.
(14) _____, and O. S. Pettingill, Jr., 1942. Birds of the Gomez Farias Region, Southwestern Tamaulipas. Auk. 59:1-34.
(15) Webster, F. S., Jr. 1974. Resident birds of the Gomez Farias Region, Tamaulipas,
Mexico. Amer. Birds. 28:3-10.
(16) Zimmerman, D. A., 1957. Notes on Tamaulipas Birds. Wilson Bull. 69:273-277.

22

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acknowledgements
I am deeply indebted to Juanita Coalson, the late John Hunter, Larry Lof, the late
Barbara Warburton, the Gorgas Science Foundation, and Fred and Marie Webster for
providing numerous opportunities over a 30-year period to do field work in the
region. I also thank F. P. (Tony) Bennett, Jr., Oscar Carmona, and Will Carter for
sharing their unpublished records with me. Will Carter and Mark Lockwood reviewed
a draft of this checklist and made several valuable suggestions which substantially
improved this final version. Thanks to Cliff Shackelford with Texas Partners in Flight
for the production of this checklist. Printing was made possible thanks to Texas Parks
and Wildlife, The World Birding Center and Pronatura Noreste. Permission to use the
Squirrel Cuckoo on the cover by the late George M. Sutton was graciously granted by
the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, University of Oklahoma.

______________________________
For common names of birds in Spanish,
please see: www.ibiologia.unam.mx/cnav/nc.html

23

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4200 Smith School Road

Austin, Texas 78744
www.tpwd.state.tx.us

2001 Texas Parks and Wildlife

PWD BK W7000-682 (8/01)
In accordance with Texas Depository Law, this publication is available at the
Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.

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