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The habitat of the rare Cone-billed Tanager (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
This particular offering of our Jaguar Spotting tour was quite different from previous ones in many ways. First, we had to run the tour later in the year to avoid the Fifa World Cup madness that took over Brazil in the months we usually offer this tour; this date shift accounted for a number of sightings: a number of waders that we usually do not see on the tour including Upland, Pectoral, Spotted, and White-rumped sandpipers; other birds that migrate regionally, like the hundreds of Greater Anis that were moving through the area; and some completely unexpected bonuses such as Plush-crested Jays, the Black-bellied Thorntail, and the Long-tailed Potoo we saw so well (we had three species of potoos on dayroosts during the tour).
Another major change was the fact that the hotel where we usually stay to look for the Jaguars was fully booked, so we ended up staying instead on a Boat Hotel, an experience that was very pleasant as we had the place entirely to ourselves, which made the experience more intimate and saved us quite a bit of travel time between our headquarters and the best areas for Jaguars.
Weather was warmer but it did not detract from our experience as we took advantage of our comfortable lodges to hide away from the midday heat whenever possible. And although a few things were quite different, others were much the same: the food was excellent, the lodges were comfortable, the birding was top class, with remarkable views of the usual highlights such as Cone-billed Tanager, Hyacinth Macaws, Jabirus, and plenty of woodpeckers, spinetails, and nightbirds to go around.
As for the Jaguars, we did remarkably well in that department, too, with a total of five sightings of four different individuals, and a total of thirteen hours of observation (thanks Peter for the accounting!). During these sightings we saw them sleeping, drinking, watched two males fighting over a female, and much more.
All these things combined with a great group of people -- who enjoyed wildlife and most of all loved having fun -- made for a memorable tour. I hope I get to see all of you again on another birding adventure soon.
--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)
A thirsty Jaguar comes down to the river for a drink. This was one of four individuals seen on the tour! (Video by guide Marcelo Padua)
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal, but seeing three of these birds strolling along in front of our vehicle was certainly a treat.
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens)
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – With a name like that hearing it is almost as important as seeing the bird. We saw it and heard it very well.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – It is always interesting to see a bird that has been introduced to so many areas where they actually belong.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – The Screamers might have gotten the fame but we quickly found out who the real noise makers of the Pantanal are.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) [*]
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster) – This handsomely patterned Guan is a common visitor of the feeders at pousada Rio Claro.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – The relative abundance of this species in the Pantanal is a great indicator that hunting is not a problem in the area.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
Ciconiidae (Storks)
Southern Screamer is always a crowd pleaser. (Photo by participant Cliff Hensel)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – A lot of active nests in the pantanal when we visited the area.
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) – This is certainly one of the hardest Herons to see in South America and although the views were brief it was very nice to connect with this species.
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – One individual sunning itself in the scope was quite memorable.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Always interesting to be able to compare the plumage of the adults and juveniles of this species.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Really close looks at this striking heron by the side of the Transpantaneira Road.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – Abundant and quite tame around Porto Jofre.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
The striking Bare-faced Curassow is a common species in the Pantanal. (Photo by participant Cliff Hensel)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – The bird we saw was a juvenile that is probably spending the year in the area before making the long journey back to North America. Oddly these birds do not breed in South America.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens gracilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – It was looking like we were going to miss this one but Ann spotted one along the road at the last minute.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – We saw one go into the reeds on one of our boat trips around Porto Jofre but we were able to call it back out and it came so close that it as hard to focus the binoculars on it.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – These handsome Lapwings nest on sand banks along the Cuiaba river during the dry time of the year and we saw several of them as We searched for Jaguars.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
A Jabiru inspects its nest after feeding the juveniles. (Photo by participant Cliff Hensel)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Just one of many waders we usually do not see on this tour and got it thanks to running it a little later in the year.
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda) – The very first bird seen on the tour and one that we saw just as we pulled out of the airport.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – One of the many magical moments on the tour was seeing the Black Skimmers on the Cuiaba River as we cruised up the river after having boarded our boat Hotel.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – A nice spot by Peter.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – We had some very solid evidence of nesting for this species.
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – This species migrates from the Amazon to the Pantanal during the beginning of the rains and we caught hundreds of them migrating along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta)
Sungrebes are usually hard to see well, but this one put on a show for us. (Photo by participant Ken Havard)
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – Great scope views of this species in the daytime.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
LONG-TAILED POTOO (Nyctibius aethereus) – This was the first time we recorded this species on the tour and we had excellent views of it roosting.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Apodidae (Swifts)
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – This species nests on Mauritia Palm trees and there are lots of them around gardens of the amazon, so we could watch them going into their nests.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
CINNAMON-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis nattereri)
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
BLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL (Discosura langsdorffi) – A female seen well on the tour. This is the first time this species was recorded at Gardens of the Amazon.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
The eye-catching Spotted Puffbird kept us entertained while we looked for Cone-billed Tanager. (Photo by participant Ken Havard)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
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)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – Amazing views of this species which was the last of a clean sweep of all South American species of Kingfishers.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris melanosterna)
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis) – This year the Blue-cheecked Jacamar made us work hard for it but we ended up getting excellent looks at it.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii) – Incredible looks at a displaying male.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) [*]
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – We found a bird feeding young on a nest.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) – Although I cannot agree with Margaret on Woodpeckers versus Manakins, I have to admit that there are some really cool Woodpeckers and this one is certainly one of them.
Brown Jacamars live in family groups and are readily found on the trails at Gardens of the Amazon, (Photo by participant Ken Havard)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – Our first sighting of this species was quite fun as we spotted a bird really far in a farm field. Luckly for us the farm had a phone number posted on the entrance so I was able to contact the owner and ask for permission for our group to enter their property. The look on the faces of the owners of the farm as a bunch of Birders marched in their property determined to get good looks at a Seriema as almost as good as the looks we got at the bird.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – This species specializes in feeding on wasps larvae. Quite a dangerous way of living!
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Scope views of an individual perched on a post by the side of the road.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
NANDAY PARAKEET (Nandayus nenday)
SANTAREM PARAKEET (MADEIRA) (Pyrrhura amazonum snethlageae)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Aratinga acuticaudata)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea)
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – If you had to choose one bird to be the most Iconic bird of the Pantanal, this would certainly be it.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata)
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis)
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis) – Roosting right outside our rooms at Gardens of the Amazon.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
A relaxing afternoon drifting down the river produced great looks at this Amazonian Umbrellabird. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – Amazing looks at birds feeding on ripe guava at eye level.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) [*]
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus)
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) [*]
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – A regular attendant of mixed species flocks at Gardens of the Amazon.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris) [*]
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) [*]
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigrescens)
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) [*]
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – This charismatic Antbird is always found near water and we had great looks at them.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata)
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) [*]
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – This obligate Army Ant follower is always a tricky bird to see and only Ken and I managed to lay eyes on it this time.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SPOT-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Certhiasomus stictolaemus)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
A cooperative male Pink-throated Becard: a least some bird names make sense! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – A Southern Amazonian endemic which we saw extremely well.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni) – The two forms of Buff-throated Woodcreepers We saw on the tour have been considered by some as separate species. This particular form is the one we saw at Gardens of the Amazon.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) – One of the few Woodcreepers that specializes in foraging in the Canopy. Luckily for us the Canopy was not very high where we saw it, so we got great looks at it.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – Another Mauritia Palm specialist which is common around Gardens of the Amazon.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – The bird does not look all that impressive, but like many furnariids it builds a spectacular nest out of sticks that can be more than two meters long.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – As far as spinetails go this is one of the most intricately patterned species there is.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)
This female Masked Gnatcatcher picked the perfect branch to have her photo taken by participant Cliff Hensel.
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata) – I know the name does not inspire a great desire to see this species, but this bird actually has a rather small range in Brazil and the Pantanal is the best area to see one.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – It is so tiny that it actually took some people quite a bit of time to realize it was a bird and not an insect.
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor) [*]
FLAMMULATED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus flammulatus)
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – We had great looks at one as it gathered nesting material at Gardens of the Amazon.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – An Austral Migrant from southern Brazil and Argentina.
GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus)
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – The word Monjita means little Nun in spanish and the birds from the genus get that name because many of them have a black and white pattern.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
Participant Cliff Hensel snapped this shot of a Black-faced Dacnis right outside his room at Gardens of the Amazon.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – The bird is named Piratic because unlike many species which parasitize other birds nests this species actually steals the nests of other birds by driving them away but it sits on its own eggs and raises its young.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – This intriguing cotinga is quite scarce at Gardens of the Amazon so We were quite lucky to have such great looks at it.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata)
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) [*]
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus) – Manakins Rule! (Sorry Margaret, but I had to say it.)
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) – We found a nesting bird on the Cuiaba River.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) [*]
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus)
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)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops) – I have to admit that this was a completely unexpected surprise. We found a group of these birds along the road on the way to Gardens of the Amazon.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
A Yellow-rumped Cacique displays on its nest. (Photo by participant Ken Havard)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – Thousands of birds Migrating through.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – We were on the very edge of the distribution of this species, but we saw it really well.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Although a common species they are always fun to watch. Especially when they are displaying.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata)
CONE-BILLED TANAGER (Conothraupis mesoleuca) – Once again we managed to lay eyes on this rare bird and we even saw it twice.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
This responsive male Rufous-bellied Euphonia put on quite a show for our group. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – Seen extremely well right by the rooms at Gardens of the Amazon.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris) – All the birds in this genus are quite handsome and we got some really nice looks at this one in the Pantanal.
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus)
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius)
These accommodating Giant Otters kept us entertained between one Jaguar sighting and the next. (Video by guide Marcelo Padua)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Watching this bird pick ticks off a Capybara was certainly very entertaining.
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, 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
Participant Peter Vale captured this amazing shot of a Jaguar with his point-and-shoot camera.
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
SOUTH AMERICAN FLAT-HEADED BAT (Neoplatymops matogrossensis)
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya)
MONK SAKI MONKEY (Pithecia monachus)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles belzebuth)
SIX-BANDED (YELLOW) ARMADILLO (Euphractus sexcinctus)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)
JAGUAR (Panthera onca)
BRAZILIAN TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris)
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other relevant sightings included:
Tegu (Tupinambus tegu)
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Paraguaian Caiman ( Caiman yacare paraguariensis)
Totals for the tour: 355 bird taxa and 15 mammal taxa