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Unlike some other big cats, Jaguars take to the water quite readily. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
A friend once told me that there is nothing more tragic for a tour than naming it for something and not seeing it, so I am always a bit nervous when the time comes for us to look for Jaguars on this tour. Fortunately we have never missed it, and this tour was no exception as we watched and followed a female hunting for more than an hour. Although we did not witness a kill, it was fascinating to follow her through the meandering channels of the river as she swam in shallow waters looking for caiman.
That experience alone was worth the entire journey, but it was not the only encounter we had with this magnificent cat, but instead just one of many sightings, all of them magical and memorable. As for the birding we could not have asked for more, for we had excellent looks at the rare Cone-billed Tanager, a surprise appearance by a Black-banded Owl and a Crowned Eagle, excellent looks at several southern Amazonian specialties such as Gould's Toucanet, Black-girdled Barbet, Tooth-billed Wren, and Pink-throated Becard. The Pantanal lived up to its reputation as an amazing birding experience. with close-up looks at Agami Heron, more Jabirus than you could count, Hyacinth Macaws at our doorsteps, and a variety of noteworthy passerines such as Subtropical Doradito, Cinereous-breasted and White-lored spinetails, and the scarce Tawny-bellied Seedeater that winters in the Pantanal. What an amazing ride!
It never fails to amaze me that we can see so much on such a short tour and, just as importantly, have so much fun while we are at it.
Let's do it again some time!
Cheers, Marcelo
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
BIRDS
Rheidae (Rheas)
We studied this female Jaguar hunting along the riverbank for almost an hour. (Video by guide Marcelo Padua)
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
BRAZILIAN TINAMOU (Crypturellus strigulosus) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – This is a common species in the Pantanal, but our first sighting of this incredible bird was right by the airport.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – This is the most common species of Whistling-duck in the Pantanal.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Although the birds at Gardens of the Amazon are wild ones. They have learned that the area around the lodge is safe and there is plenty of food around the Capybara feeders, so they are around the lodge most of the time.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – This species looks pretty dull when sitting, but when they take off you can see a real flash of color.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – It is amazing how loud and abundant this species is in the Pantanal. Something we learned on our first morning in the Pantanal.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster) – This handsome Guan is common around Rio Claro Lodge and we got excellent views on our first morning in the area.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Especially common on the Cuiaba River.
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – This handsome is species, like any Curassow is hard to find in many areas where hunting is still going on. Fortunately for us this is not the case in the Pantanal and we enjoyed wonderful looks at this bird.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
Ciconiidae (Storks)
Well, since this Jabiru pair bothered to build such an enormous nest, might as well... (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – Although the Hyacinth Macaw is the symbol of the Pantanal for many birders, the locals would point out the Jabiru as the symbol of the pantanal. The reason for that becomes evident as soon as you enter the pantanal and see dozens of these huge storks scattered around. What a sight!
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – Seen flying by a few people. Unfortunately we could not convince it to come back out.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Abundant in the pantanal where it is common to see both the adults and juveniles, which look very different, at this time of the year.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Hundreds of individuals in breeding attire!
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami) – Certainly one of the highlights of our visit to the pantanal and one that is really hard to see, but with some patience we all got good looks at it.
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – Although not as rare and shy as the Agami Heron, it is just as striking.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
Patience was the key for all of us to get a good look at the gorgeous Agami Heron. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – This is the Yellow-headed Vulture found in the Pantanal. On this tour we cross the divisor between the range of Lesser Yellow-headed and Greater Yellow-headed, which is found at Gardens of the Amazon.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – A northern visitor which is usually not expected in the area at this time of the year, but some times the first time migrants hang around for one year before making the journey back. This was probably the case with this individual that we saw from a boat at Porto Jofre.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) [*]
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – A group of birds flying low over the town of Novo Diamantino was fun to watch.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – At one of our lodges in the pantanal these hawks have become habituated to fetching piranha thrown by the boatmen, creating some wonderful photo opportunities and guaranteeing some fabulous looks at these handsome hawks.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
CROWNED EAGLE (Buteogallus coronatus) – I had seen this bird not too far from where we had it last year, but It sure was a surprise to see it again so close to the road. I hope it becomes a regular on our tours.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
Spotting this Crowned Eagle was a rare treat. Hopefully it will become regular at this location. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Luckily for us this handsome Wood-rail is abundant in the Pantanal and quite tame too. So we had wonderful looks at it.
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis)
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Porzana albicollis) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Thousands of them in the pantanal.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – We had close up views of this spectacular bird on the Cuiaba river. always a treat.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – This is the more common of the Terns we saw on the tour.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Surprisingly this Pigeon was responsible for some of the most interesting observations of the tour for me. We had a singing adult just a few feet away from our boat in perfect lighting conditions and we were able to observe Fork-tailed Palm-swifts attacking these pigeons in flight in order to extract feathers from their backs which they use as nesting material, a behaviour that is known as Kleptoptily and was first described by Bret Whitney in 2007.
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – The Gardens of the Amazon is an excellent place to see this shy species of Ground-dove.
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris) – In my opinion the most handsome of the Ground-doves and fortunately relatively easy to see in the Pantanal.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
This elegant shorebird is a Collared Plover. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – Although a common and widespread species, this bird is always a hit with its funky hair due and neat foraging behaviours.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – One of the first species we found in the Pantanal.
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) – For some reason they were really hard to see this year. [*]
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Common in the Pantanal.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – This ferocious predator's song always helps bring in a lot of birds and every now and then brings the bird itself.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – This charismatic species of Owl is often found even in towns like we did on our tour.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) – One of the highlights of the tour and the first record for the Gardens of the Amazon.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – This is the largest of Nighthawks and we saw hundreds of them in the Pantanal.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – Always fun to watch as these birds fill the sky at dusk over the rivers of the Pantanal.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Common indeed!
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) – Unfortunately this bird only made a brief appearance and not everyone got on it before it flew.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus nigrescens) – We know where the birds roost, so we had great looks.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
We savored an incredible look at this Black-banded Owl, a first at Garden of the Amazon. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – These birds nest right on the ground of the lodge, so we got great looks at them going in and out of their nests right by the lodge.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – This is a hard one to find, but we managed to connect with it in the Pantanal.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – Somewhat common at the Gardens of the Amazon where we had great looks at it.
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – This is the species that was know until recently as the White-tailed Trogon, the current name is a result of a split.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – The only species of Trogon found in the Pantanal.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – Common in the Pantanal where it can even be seen on the electrical wires by the road.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – By far the hardest of Kingfishers to see in south America.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) [*]
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) – This species was first found at the Gardens of the Amazon on our tour last year and since then it has been seen regularly in the area.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris melanosterna) – There are several disjunct populations of Brown Jacamar and they are quite distinctive, so keep track of where you see them as more than one species may be involved.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
Spotted Puffbird (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – Named after the handsome markings on its bill. We had great looks at Gardens of the Amazon.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii) – The Genus Selenidera is composed of several ornate species and this is no exception, what a treat!
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus) – A common species in the Pantanal.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – This species replaces the Little Woodpecker at Gardens of the amazon.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) – One of the Pantanal specialties and one that we saw extremely well during our tour.
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – We managed to get one bird to fly across an open area allowing for pretty good flight views.
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
Gould's Toucanet is a regional specialty. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PAINTED PARAKEET (PAINTED) (Pyrrhura picta microtera)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – Although this species is introduced in many areas where it occurs, It is native here and we saw many of them.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea)
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – Hands down the star of the Pantanal and the greatest thing is that it is relatively common.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – There is a roosting site for these macaws near Gardens of the Amazon which always makes for a wonderful sunset spot.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata)
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana)
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – Having a pair of these beautiful Macaws circle our boat twice was a real treat.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – The areas we visit on the tour are right on the border of the division between Scaly-headed and Blue-headed. Scaly-headed occurs in the Pantanal and is replace by its congener in the amazon.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – Abundant in the Pantanal.
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus) – Not a common bird at the Gardens of the Amazon, but we managed to pull one of them out into view.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus) – A representative of the Slaty-antshrike complex which was divided into five species a few years ago.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
The intimacy of the experiences we share with these amazing creatures is stunning. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) [*]
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) [*]
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata) – Always close to water, this small antwren can be hard to spot some times but we got lucky with this one this time.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Always present with the mixed species flocks.
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – This species barely makes it into the Pantanal, but we had excellent views of the male and the female on our tour.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigrescens)
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus ochrolaema) [*]
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata) – If only all the Antbirds were this cooperative, they could end up on people's list of favorite birds.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata)
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hemimelaena) – Great looks at this handsome Antbird that lives in the understory.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia concolor) – This is a scarce species at Gardens of the Amazon, but we managed to bring one into view.
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – This fascinating species of woodcreeper uses its highly adapted bill to probe cracks on tree trunks and their bark in search of its food.
This Rusty-backed Antwren leaned in for a good look at us. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – One of the five species closely associated with Mauritia Flexuosa palm trees.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum) [*]
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) [*]
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber) – Always fun to see their impressive nests made almost entirely of sticks.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – A riverside specialist which we saw extremely well on the tour.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – This distinctive bird is placed on its own genus and features one of the most ornate throat patterns of any spinetail.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – This tiny bird makes an incredible journey every year when it descends from the Andes, where it breeds, to winter in the Pantanal.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata) – The pantanal is probably the best place to see this range restricted species.
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) [*]
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – The smallest passerine in the world, but we managed to find it and get great looks at it too.
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor) – During the tour I misidentified this bird as Helmeted Pigmy-tyrant. I later realized that this was in reality a Snethlage's Pigmy-tyrant.
A solid argument can be made for Swallow-tailed Kite as the most graceful soaring bird. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – It may be common, but that does not stop me from thinking it is a very handsome bird.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) [*]
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – The birds found in the Pantanal are winter visitors from Argentina.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) – This quiet species can be hard to spot at times, but a little Owl tooting bought one into view for us.
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – These birds have become so habituated to the human presence at Porto Jofre, that they sometimes follow us around in hopes that we flush some insects for them.
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – This species is more often heard than seen, but this time we got the best of it.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Unlike nest parasites, the Piratic Flycatcher steals the nest from other birds and then lays its eggs, incubates them and raises its own chicks. Hence the name.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) [*]
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
This iridescent gem is a Fork-tailed Woodnymph. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – This minute species is among the most beautiful species of Manakins in my opinion, and we had good looks at it at Gardens of the Amazon.
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri) – A southern Amazonian specialist which we saw well at Gardens of the Amazon. [*]
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) [*]
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus) – Its loud song echoes through the rivers of the amazon like a car alarm that never stops.
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) [*]
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – These birds were pushed north by a cold front. They are not common in the Pantanal.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Common along the many bridges on the Transpantaneira.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
Spotting a Great Potoo on its day roost is always exciting. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – We barely make it into the range of this range restricted species on this tour. But we managed to see it very well near Porto Jofre.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – This handsome bird was treated for a long time as a member of the Wrens family. A few year ago it was elevated to the status of a monotypic family which makes perfect sense as there is no other bird quite like it.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – Most people are shocked to find out that this is the national bird of Brazil, a country that has so many wonderful birds to choose from. However its beautiful song and the fact that it commonly found in towns makes it dear to Brazilians and so it makes sense that a bird that people would relate to becomes the national bird.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola) [*]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata) – Even though it is a common bird in the pantanal the excitement of seeing the first one is always overwhelming.
CONE-BILLED TANAGER (Conothraupis mesoleuca) – Undoubtedly the star of Gardens of the Amazon, this species was only known by the type specimen for many years until it was rediscovered a few years ago at Emas National Park. Fortunately we have seen it regularly at Gardens of the Amazon.
Cone-billed Tanager -- one of the rarest birds in the world. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – Often found with canopy flocks, but we had one bird pretty low and displaying its crest on our last morning at Gardens of the Amazon.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – The sayaca Tanager replaces the Blue-gray Tanager in the Pantanal.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Always great to see this colorful gem, even if moving around quickly in the canopy.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – This is not a bird we get very frequently at Gardens of the Amazon, I suspect they move into the area when there is a greater abundance of food.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – The most common bird at feeders in the Pantanal.
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha) – A scarce austral migrant which we saw extremely well near Porto Jofre.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
Tropical Screech-Owl was one of seven owl species we tallied on the tour. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis) – This is not a common species in the pantanal but we had great looks at one during our stay at Piuval.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
WHITE-BROWED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella superciliaris) [a]
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – If all the Blackbirds were this handsome they could be my favorite birds.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – This Oropendola nest parasite is often seen near the colonies of oropendolas waiting for a chance to lay its eggs.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – Literally thousands of bats come out at dusk near the Cuiaba River every day creating a wonderful show just after sunset every day.
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles belzebuth) – A single individual seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – By far the most abundant mammal in the Pantanal and one that the Jaguars love to hunt.
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – Unlike many otters this species is quite social and we saw a large family group foraging along the river on one of our boat outings.
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – Just check out the video. No need to say anything.
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
Jaguar wasn't the only mammalian highlight of the tour. We were thrilled to watch charismatic Giant Otters as well. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 334 bird taxa and 12 mammal taxa