For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
After a long hike up a mountain at Cristalino Jungle Lodge, our group was rewarded with spectacular views of this male Fiery-tailed Awbill just ten feet away. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
This was a strange year for this tour owing especially to weather, which always plays a major role in any birding tour. The rivers were quite high due to the fact that the rainy season had ended much later than it usually does, and yet the forest was very dry because it had not rained at all since the end of the rainy season. On top of everything, the cold fronts that come from the south started much earlier than they usually do, resulting in a birding scenario that is different from everything we have seen in the past (and by different I don't mean it was better or worse, I just mean things were not as they usually are). For example, at Cristalino the mixed species flocks were few and far apart, and the activity at the towers was much lower, but on the other hand some fruiting trees produced an amazing spectacle of tanagers, honeycreepers, euphonias, and dacnises, all right around our lodge. And the activity along the river was intense as there was very little water in the forest, allowing us to take some relaxing and productive boat trips that produced great looks at many birds, including a very cooperative Zigzag Heron.
In the Pantanal the change in weather was made obvious by the presence of many austral migrants, including some that we usually don't see on the tour, such as a very obliging White-banded Mockingbird. And this was not the only thing that was different, as upon arriving at one of our lodges we found the place in great disrepair. As a result, we decided to change our plans and return to a place where we had stayed earlier in the tour--and ended up having some amazing looks at a Yellow-breasted Crake.
Everyone who came along had signed up for a trip with one Marcelo and got two for the price of one as we invited Marcelo Barreiros, another Brazilian leader, to join me on the tour. He contributed greatly with his birding skills, knowledge, and leadership to the enjoyment of the tour. Keep an eye out for his name on our upcoming tours as you will probably see a lot more of him!
This was a fascinating year to lead this trip -- it was very interesting to see how the change in weather can affect things, but it was also a great trip filled with exciting bird sightings, fun people, and memorable experiences.
I can't wait to see what next year will be like!
--Marcelo Padua
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
The boat trips along the Cristalino River were very productive and provided great encounters with mammals and birds alike. This Sunbittern was one of many great birds we saw on such trips. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – Common in the Pantanal, especially in the fields around Piuval Lodge.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus)
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – It is always nice to see a bird that has been introduced to so many places in its natural environment.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – It's loud song is perhaps the most characteristic sound of the Pantanal.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – This is the species present at Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster) – This is the one in the Pantanal.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Replaces the Red-throated Piping-guan in the Pantanal.
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – Our tour coincides with the beginning of the breeding season for these massive Storks so we were able to See several of them on their massive nests.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) – We took a long boat trip upstream on the cristalino river and scored some incredible looks at this secretive heron which we managed to pull out onto an open branch.
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – A few individuals seen on the lake at Piuval. The birds in the pantanal are very different from the North American Birds and may very well be a separate species.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Common in the Pantanal.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – The South American equivalent of the Great Blue Heron from the US.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
This tour is designed to hit the Pantanal during the breeding season of many waterbirds. Jabirus were often seen flying to and from nests at several stages of reproduction, ranging from just getting the nest ready to just-laid eggs to chicks being fed. Photo by participant Bill Fraser.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – This handsome Heron is a common sight in the open fields in the pantanal often being found quite a ways away from water.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Especially common along the Cristalino river but we also saw a few in the Pantanal.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – You need just the right light to see the green on this bird. Fortunately it is fairly common and eventually we managed to get one bird in good light displaying all of its colors.
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – This species is restricted in Brazil to a small area in the South and to the Pantanal.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – The roseate spoonbill migrates to the pantanal to breed in the winter but this year they were present in low numbers.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – A great spot by Jeff on the very first day of the tour.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Seen from the bus around Chapada dos Guimaraes.
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – A common sight along the rivers in the Pantanal.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – We had scope views of a perched bird on our way back to Alta Floresta.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) – Always a hard one to see. We had one with a prey item from one of the towers at Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens gracilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
BLACK-FACED HAWK (Leucopternis melanops) – Seen through the scope through the canopy from one of the towers at Cristalino.
WHITE-BROWED HAWK (Leucopternis kuhli) – Another bird we managed to see from the tower at Cristalino.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – A recent split from the Gray Hawk which occurs in North America.
Even the most driven birders would agree that watching this Jaguar hunting along a river was the highlight of our tour. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – It was fascinating to watch this bird as it transformed into something else entirely as it spread its wings and displayed for us right in the middle of the road.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
YELLOW-BREASTED CRAKE (Hapalocrex flaviventer) – An unexpected turn at the end of our tour had us changing our lodging for the last night and as a result we ended up having great looks at this gorgeous crake.
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – A recent update published by Cornell this august splits the Gray-necked Wood-Rail into two species. The birds we saw in the Pantanal are now called Gray-cowled Wood-Rail
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
AZURE GALLINULE (Porphyrio flavirostris) – Seen on the lake around Piuval Lodge.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Betsy spotted our first one from a Bridge in the Pantanal. We later had two more sightings.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
DARK-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia viridis) – One of the highlights of the tour. We were walking along a trail and heard these birds walking away from the trail and in a combined effort with Francisco, our local guide, we managed to pull them back to the trail and even had one of them standing in the middle of the trail for superb looks at these shy forest birds.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Southern Lapwings are common birds in Brazil but I had never seen a concentration as large as we did this year in one field that had hundreds of them.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris) – Great looks at this ornate Ground-dove in the Pantanal.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – In the same area where We saw the Zigzag Heron.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – On our last morning in Alta Floresta we took some time to scout a new lodge and do some birding there. During our lunch break we were entertained by a nest full of Guira Cuckoo chicks and the adults coming by to feed them.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
Our tour focuses on the southern Amazon and the Pantanal, but we start things off with a couple of days of birding in the Cerrado habitat, which has plenty of specialties of its own like this handsome Curl-crested Jay. Photo by participant Bill Fraser.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – Confusing yet educational as we had both Squirrel Cuckoo and the Black-bellied around at the same time way up in the canopy.
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus) [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Fabulous scope views of Chicks on a nest with an adult.
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi)
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – The largest of the Nighthawks.
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – On the roof of one of the buildings around Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
LONG-TAILED POTOO (Nyctibius aethereus) – A late night visit to the tower produced a quick but very close view of this hard to see Potoo.
Apodidae (Swifts)
GREAT DUSKY SWIFT (Cypseloides senex) – This is somewhat unusual to see on this tour but there were some mixed with a group of White-collared Swifts around Chapada dos Guimaraes.
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – Fork-tailed Palm-Swifts make their nests out of feathers and Saliva and in order to gather feathers they chase other birds and tear feathers from their backs. We witnessed this behavior first hand as one of these swifts chased a Pigeon near a lake around Alta Floresta.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – A brief look at this Hermit but its characteristic square tail made it easy to ID this bird.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – This tiny hermit was so close to us that we had to look at it without binoculars.
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – Marcelo Barreiros spotted one of these feeding on some mistletoe in the Pantanal.
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Great looks on the road back to Alta Floresta.
FIERY-TAILED AWLBILL (Avocettula recurvirostris) – One of the highlights of the tour was seeing this unique hummingbird so well.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – We found a female sitting on a nest.
This Yellow-breasted Crake seen on the last morning of our tour was a nice way wrap up a wonderful trip. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – Seen right on the grounds of our hotel in Alta Floresta.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – A female seen around Chapada dos Guimaraes.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly known as White-tailed Trogon.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – Formerly known as Violaceous Trogon
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Formerly known as Blue-crowned Motmot.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – It is always fun to see all five species of Kingfishers in South America on one tour and this one is certainly the hardest of them all.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
BROWN-BANDED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus ordii)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
EASTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (TORRIDUS) (Nystalus striolatus torridus)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus maculatus)
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET (Nonnula ruficapilla) – We had two of these shy understory dwellers in the scope at the same time. What a treat.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Much more conspicuous than all the other members of the family and a constant presence along the rivers in the Amazon.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
The different weather this year manifested itself in different ways, and Roseate Spoonbills were present in smaller numbers than usual, but we only really need one that looks like this to be thrilled. Photo by participant Bill Fraser.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi) – It was fascinating to watch this southern amazonian specialty building a nest. It was the first time I ever saw one nesting.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) – Some birds jump out at you when you see them on a field guide and this is certainly one of them so we all wanted to see it and it took quite a bit of work to see them properly but we got them eventually.
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons) – Found with a Mixed species flock around Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus)
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) [*]
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – Great scope views of this ornate woodpecker.
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – One of two members of a family of birds restricted to South America. We saw it well around Chapada and in the Pantanal.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Four birds in the scope showing every possible angle.
Zigzag Herons are among the hardest birds to see in South America, but the high water levels and a little bluetooth magic resulted in some of the best looks I've ever had at this bird. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – It was fascinating to watch it chasing an Owl butterfly along the Cristalino River.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
KAWALL'S PARROT (Amazona kawalli)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
DUSKY-BILLED PARROTLET (Forpus modestus)
WHITE-BELLIED PARROT (Pionites leucogaster)
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus)
CRIMSON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura perlata) [*]
SANTAREM PARAKEET (SANTAREM) (Pyrrhura amazonum amazonum) – This species is a recent split from Painted Parakeet.
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – This is certainly the most Iconic bird of the Pantanal and they are very common around our hotel at Porto Jofre.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana)
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – This small macaw is something of a Pantanal specialty.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
It’s a good thing macaws are so loud, as we could hear these Red-and-green Macaws long before we could see them, so we were ready for them when they flew right over the road at Chapada dos Guimaraes. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus)
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus) – The Slaty-Antshrike complex was split into five species a few years ago and we saw two of them on this tour. This one is the one found at Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) [*]
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
SATURNINE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes saturninus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) – A constant presence with the understory mixed species flocks.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) [*]
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri)
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – We had great looks at both the male and female of this species in the Pantanal.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – This species occurs in a very small area on this tour route so we were very lucky to get a good look at it.
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei)
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens)
MANU ANTBIRD (Cercomacra manu) [*]
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) – This species has several distinctive populations and will likely be split into a few species in the future. The bird we saw belongs to the subspecies Similis.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys)
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus ochrolaemus)
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – Seen right from the Boat Dock at Cristalino.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata)
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax)
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius)
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) [*]
XINGU SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (TAPAJOS) (Willisornis vidua nigrigula)
The first couple of days of the tour presented us with lots of great views of unique birds such as this Red-legged Seriema. Photo by participant Bill Fraser.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata) – This species was fairly common around Chapada dos Guimaraes but it has become harder to find in recent years, so I was very pleased to see this bird well during our visit specially since the Crescentchests were removed from the Tapaculo family recently and a new family was created for them.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – This species has 15 subspecies and is likely to get split into at least 5 different species so it is good to track where you have seen them. The birds we saw are part of the (Amazonian) group and belong to two separate subspecies. Transitivus in the Amazon and Griseicapillus in the pantanal.
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) [*]
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus inornatus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (UNIFORM) (Hylexetastes perrotii uniformis) – We saw this impressive Woodcreeper at the base of the new tower at Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – This species illustrates well the speciation process in the amazon caused by rivers. as the Juruena River (which we crossed on the way to Cristalino) separates the Elegant Woodcreeper on one side and the Spix's Woodcreeper on the other.
SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) – This is the species occurring at Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus dorbignyanus) – Some authorities treat this bird as a separate species from the birds found at Cristalino.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
LAYARD'S WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes layardi) – A recent split from Lineated Woodcreeper.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – Found with an understory mixed species flock at Cristalino.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – Seen on the way to Cristalino and around the new lodge we visited in Alta Floresta. This bird is highly specialized in Mauritia Palm trees.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) [*]
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata) – A great spot by John.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) [*]
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – One of two spinetails in the genus Cranioleuca we saw on the tour and while this species travels with mixed species flocks in the forest the Rusty-backed Spinetail is found in the vegetation immediately adjacent to water.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
Canopy towers are the best way to see birds like the White-browed Purpletuft that lives at the very top of trees in Amazonia. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) [*]
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – This Tyrannulet inhabits the tops of trees in the Amazon so even though we had good looks at it from the ground we were certainly glad to see them again from the towers at Cristalino.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
CHAPADA FLYCATCHER (Suiriri affinis)
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – This tiny flycatcher breeds way up in the Andes and migrates to the Pantanal in the winter every year.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) [*]
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava)
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi) – Despite of its name this bird is a flycatcher and after quite a bit of work around Chapada dos Guimaraes we managed to get good looks at one.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus)
WHITE-BELLIED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus griseipectus) [*]
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) – Great looks at this Tody-tyrant that is often heard but rarely seen. We managed to see this canopy specialist at eye level.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos) [*]
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (Onychorhynchus coronatus) – It was very strange to see this bird moving along the understory with a mixed species flock.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – One of many Austral migrants we saw in the Pantanal.
Birds such as the White-banded Mockingbird live much further south, but they will sometimes make it this far north in colder years. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
CRESTED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus lophotes)
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – A common and somewhat dull looking bird. At least until you see one displaying its crimson red crest.
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – The most common Myiarchus on the tour.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – This bird holds the title of the bird with the longest latin name in the world. We saw it from the new tower at Cristalino.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – Great looks at this brilliantly colored bird from the tower at Cristalino.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata) – Great looks at this spectacular manakin as we drove from Piuval from Pouso Alegre.
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri)
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) – A great spot by Roy.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra)
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
Kingfishers are abundant on this tour, and this Ringed Kingfisher is one of five species that inhabit South America, all of which we saw on the trip. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major) [*]
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – This species used to be considered a Cotinga and was transferred to the Tityra family a few years back. We had several good looks at them on the tour.
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) [*]
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) [*]
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus) – Great looks at this unique looking Cerrado specialty.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLACK-COLLARED SWALLOW (Pygochelidon melanoleuca)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
TOOTH-BILLED WREN (Odontorchilus cinereus)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus hypostictus) – This is the subspecies we saw in the Amazon.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – This is the subspecies we saw in the Pantanal.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – We barely made it into the range of this species. Porto Jofre i the northern limit of the range of this species.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
Some fig trees were in fruit around the lodge at Cristalino, presenting us with a parade of colorful birds such as this Turquoise Tanager. Photo by participant Bill Fraser.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – This was an unexpected surprise as this is an austral migrant that we have never recorded on the tour.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus)
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) – We had great looks at a displaying pair.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – One of many great birds that showed up at the fig trees near the lodge.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
DOTTED TANAGER (Tangara varia) – Seen well from the tower at Cristalino. One of the hardest tanagers to find in the area.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Showed up regularly at the fig trees near the lodge.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis) – A fruiting tree near the old tower at cristalino produced great looks at this handsome tanager.
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
Guans are often hunted for their meat, but the Pantanal is a safe haven for the Chestnut-bellied Guan, which is abundant in the areas we visited. Photo by participant Bill Fraser.
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha) – A rare austral migrant.
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
COAL-CRESTED FINCH (Charitospiza eucosma) – Seeing this nomadic bird is always a bonus and we got great looks at them this year.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – This is a close relative of the Grasshopper Sparrow.
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – Our driver spotted one of these on our way to Porto Jofre.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus yuracares)
On the last night of the tour, participant Jeff Arzooyan presented us with this song he wrote about the tour, bringing back a lot of memories of the trip we were winding up and generating a few good laughs. Video by guide Marcelo Padua.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
SILVERY MARMOSET (Callithrix argentata)
NIGHT MONKEY SP. (Aotus sp.) – Feline Night Monkey showed up right around our lodge at Chapada dos Guimaraes.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch)
RED-HANDED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta belzebul)
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles belzebuth)
WHITE-WHISKERED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles marginatus)
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
CRAB-EATING RACCOON (Procyon cancrivorus)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – The high point of our tour was watching a Jaguar hunting along the edge of the river for several minutes.
BRAZILIAN TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris)
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 464 bird taxa and 23 mammal taxa