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The huge and beautiful Hyacinth Macaw is perhaps the most iconic bird of the Pantanal. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
I am always fascinated by how different a tour can be from one year to the next. This year's Jaguar Spotting tour was particularly interesting, as much of the bamboo at Garden of the Amazon was in seed, a rare phenomenon that usually happens only once every fourteen years. Thanks to that phenomenon, there was an abundance of Slate-colored Seedeaters, a species that migrates wherever bamboo is seeding; it had never been recorded at Garden of the Amazon before! Another bird that was more abundant than usual was the Cone-billed Tanager, which feeds on seeds and loves bamboo. That was good for us, as it's one of our main targets of the tour! Meanwhile, in the Pantanal, some early cold fronts had brought in austral migrants that we usually don't get to see on the tour, such as White-napped Xenopsaris and White-banded Mockingbird. We even recorded a Yellow-breasted Crake, another new bird for the tour.
But in the end, this tour really boils down to one thing… Jaguars! After all, the tour is named for them. Well, once again we had incredible looks at these magnificent cats, enjoying prolonged views and watching some interesting behavior, including a female with a juvenile that we saw briefly but well.
Let’s see what next year will be like. I am sure it will be fascinating again!
-- 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
And here's the star of the show -- the one with the marquee billing. We had great looks at multiple Jaguars again this year. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – Seen several times during the tour, but seeing a male displaying for several females on the first day of the tour was particularly memorable.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – We watched three individuals on the road for about ten minutes at Gardens of the Amazon, and saw it again in the Pantanal.
BRAZILIAN TINAMOU (Crypturellus strigulosus)
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – Seen almost daily in the Pantanal, where we even had a pair behind the rooms of the Porto Jofre hotel.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – A big concentration of these ducks near the start of the Transpantaneira.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Always nice to see this species, which has been introduced to so many parts of the world, in their natural habitat.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – Very abundant in the Pantanal.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) [*]
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster)
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – The birds we saw in the Pantanal.
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – A single individual got flushed by our group and sat in a nearby tree for a quick look.
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – Several individuals seen in the Pantanal.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – This huge stork has the second largest wingspan of all land birds in the New World, losing only to the Andean Condor. Its common name is derived from an indigenous name which refers to its swollen neck. We saw several of them on a daily basis in the Pantanal.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – Great concentrations of these birds migrate to the Pantanal during the dry season to take advantage of the abundance of trapped fish and to reproduce.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Very common in the Pantanal where we saw literally thousands of them.
Buff-necked Ibis was a common bird, seen even on the grounds of one of our hotels. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – Seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal, where they are much more abundant.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) [*]
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – One of the fun moments of the tour was watching one of these birds fly off (sounding an alarm) after being flushed by a Jaguar.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Spotted by Judy in the Pantanal.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Another good spot by Judy.
Watching a male Greater Rhea shake his booty for some admiring females was certainly memorable! Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus) – This species migrates to the Pantanal during the wet season. We saw hundreds of them migrating out of the Pantanal during our visit.
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – A common bird on the tour, even showing up in the gardens of our hotel at Porto Jofre.
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 species we saw repeatedly in the Pantanal.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – A boreal visitor which is usually in North America at this time of the year. The bird we saw was probably a first-year bird that will stay here this year and return to North America next year to breed. [b]
Red-throated Piping-Guans put on a good show at Gardens of the Amazon. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – Always a hard bird to find. We had one sitting on a wire by the road on our way to Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Very common in the Pantanal, but the first one Rick spotted was particularly nice as it was eating a snail in great light.
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus)
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens gracilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – We saw two color morphs of this bird on the drive from Gardens of the Amazon to the Pantanal.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – We gave the expression "fishing for a bird" a totally new meaning with this one!
We had spectacular looks at a new bird for the tour -- Yellow-breasted Crake. Wow! Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED CRAKE (Porzana flaviventer) – This was the first time we had this handsome crake on this tour -- and we had spectacular looks at it.
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Mustelirallus albicollis) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – This was the best year yet for Sungrebe sightings on this tour.
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) – Common along the sandbanks of the Cuiaba River.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Very common in open areas, even occurring in good numbers on the lawn around the landing strip in Cuiaba.
Yellow-billed Cardinals are common in the Pantanal. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – This minute plover is often found with the larger and more colorful Pied Lapwing.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – The smaller and less common of the two terns we saw on the tour.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – It is always a pleasure to see these elegant birds flying so close to the water's surface.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – This intricately patterned pigeon is common at Gardens of the Amazon, but we had particularly good looks at it around the lake where we saw the Cone-billed Tanager.
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – The standard large pigeon of the Pantanal.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
Our "English" name for the mighty Jabiru comes from a similar indigenous name -- which refer to that distinctively swollen throat. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – A close relative of North America's Inca Dove.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – A smaller and much more brightly colored relative of the Squirrel Cuckoo. It likes marshy areas, and we saw it well in the Pantanal.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – One of those common but visually striking species that we saw regularly on the tour.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Seen very well on our drive into the first lodge in the Pantanal.
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) – Some authorities consider this to be a separate species from the birds found north of the Amazon.
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – It was great fun to see the adult with a chick on a nest.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – This minute owl is quite widespread, ranging from South America all the way to Texas, but the Pantanal is probably the best place in the world to see one.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – The largest of the nighthawks, present in large numbers in the Pantanal during the austral winter.
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) – Seen flying over the river at dusk at Gardens of the Amazon.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – This species is closely associated with water, and comes out to forage in large numbers over the rivers at dusk and dawn. They provided us with an incredible spectacle as they took to the skies, followed by Bulldog Bats, with a dramatic sunset in the background.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – We managed to flush one from its roost during the day.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – A very common bird along the road in the Pantanal.
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) – We saw one in flight as we waited for our rescue vehicle in the Pantanal after our bus broke down.
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) – We called one in for some brief looks at Gardens of the Amazon.
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – Always an incredible bird to see.
Apodidae (Swifts)
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – A very distinctively shaped swift, which we saw during our boat trips from Gardens of the Amazon.
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – These neat swifts nest right in the palm trees in our lodge's garden.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
Checklist time. In a boat. While waiting for nightbirds to make an appearance. With a glass of wine as a treat. What more could you ask for?! Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – A very small hermit which we saw briefly at Gardens of the Amazon.
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – A very localized hermit that we saw well during our visit to the pantanal.
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi) – We had incredible looks at a male displaying for a female.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – The most common species of hummingbird in the Pantanal.
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – This species was recently split from the White-tailed Trogon. We saw it at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
The Grayish Baywing was formerly considered to be a cowbird, but genetic evidence showed otherwise. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – Undoubtedly the hardest of the kingfishers to see in South America.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – It took quite a bit of effort to locate this large puffbird in the canopy, but once we found it, we ended up getting some great looks at it.
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) – A very striking puffbird that we found at the Cone-billed Tanager lake.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – A lot less common than the Black-fronted Nunbird and found only in terra firme forest.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Formerly known simply as Swallow-wing, this species was something of a taxonomic mystery until recently, when genetic studies showed that they are closely related to the other puffbirds.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris melanosterna) – Seen on electrical wires near the lodge at Gardens of the Amazon.
The widespread Black-collared Hawk is a fish specialist. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis) – This understory jacamar is often hard to bring into view, but it was totally worth devoting the time to see this handsome species.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi) – A southern Amazonian endemic which we saw extremely well.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – The smallest of the aracaris that we saw on the tour.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus) – A southern Amazonian endemic.
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii) – This brightly colored toucanet is a southern Amazonian specialty. After trying for it several times, we found one cooperative individual and managed to get some great looks at it.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – Common and widespread, but always a crowd pleaser.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – Some authorities treat this subspecies as a separate taxon which occurs south of the Amazon. We saw it well at Gardens of the Amazon.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus) – Another species with significant morphological differences throughout its range. The subspecies we saw is "ariel" which occurs south of the Amazon.
Brown Jacamars proved quite photogenic around the lodge at Gardens of the Amazon. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons) – This is the species of piculet we saw at Gardens of the Amazon; the males sport a golden forehead.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus) – The piculet we saw in the Pantanal, with males sporting a red forehead.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – Common in the Pantanal.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – These spectacularly colored woodpeckers live in groups. We saw them extremely well around a lake at Gardens of the Amazon.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – This is one of those birds with several subspecies (precisely nine) that might end up being split some day. The birds we saw belong to the subspecies "olivinus".
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris) – Readily seen in the pastures around Piuval.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – It was a real treat to connect with this fabulous woodpecker at Gardens of the Amazon. It was a bit challenging, at it was high up in the canopy, but we got pretty good looks at it in the end.
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) – A Pantanal specialty which we saw very well.
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – This species is mainly Amazonian but its range extends to the northern Pantanal. We saw a bird really well during a boat trip at Rio Claro Lodge.
The terrestrial Red-legged Seriema stalks pastures, grasslands and open woodland in search of its varied prey. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – One of the most common and widespread woodpeckers of the tour.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – This massive woodpecker was seen very well during one of our walks at Gardens of the Amazon.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Another widespread woodpecker which we saw well on the tour.
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – Always a great bird to see, the Red-legged Seriema is one of two species in the family Cariamidae which is restricted to South America.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – It was incredible to see one of these emerge from the forest chasing a Ringed Woodpecker as we floated down the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Seen along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – A common South American species, especially along the roads, which they patrol constantly in search of roadkill.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Not as common as the Southern Caracara but equally fond of roads, where they often find easy meals.
This little Tropical Screech-Owl showed very nicely on our drive in to our first lodge in the Pantanal. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – This striking falcon is highly specialized in eating snakes.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Seen along the road from Gardens of the Amazon to the Pantanal, especially along agricultural fields.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – A pair of birds seen really well on the side of the road.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – Seen sitting along the rivers on perches from which they launch to strike butterflies, bats, and anything else they can get a hold of.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – Common in the Pantanal, where their massive nests announce their presence even before you see them.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri) – Common.
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera) – This one is an Amazonian relative of the Yellow-chevroned Parakeet, and is somewhat scarce on this tour route. We found them feeding in a fruiting tree along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Unfortunately, we only saw this one flying by along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – The birds in the Pantanal belong to the "siy" subspecies, and feature a very prominent white eye ring, which is completely absent in other subspecies.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Common at Gardens of the Amazon, where they replace the Scaly-headed Parrot, which occurs in the Pantanal.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – The Amazonian geographical replacement for the Turquoise-fronted Parrot.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – The most common parrot in the Pantanal.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – Seen in the Pantanal, where it occurs in much smaller numbers than the Turquoise-fronted does.
SANTAREM PARAKEET (MADEIRA) (Pyrrhura amazonum snethlageae) – Common around Gardens of the Amazon. This species was split from Painted Parakeet a few years ago.
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – Perhaps the most iconic bird of the Pantanal, and one that we saw very well on most days there. It was particularly nice to see them right around our rooms at Porto Jofre.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea) – Seen in great numbers in the Pantanal, especially in the fields around Piuval.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – This is one of several species closely associated with Mauritia palm groves. We saw them well at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana) – Great looks at a pair of birds around the "Macaw" lake at Gardens of the Amazon.
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – A small macaw seen very well in the Pantanal.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – Present in large numbers at the "Macaw" lake near Gardens of the Amazon.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) – Seen in flight several times around Porto Jofre.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis) – They roost around the cabins at Gardens of the Amazon and are often seen around the rooms in the morning, sitting on coconut trees.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – Another bird we saw well around Gardens of the Amazon.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
Our fabulous Scissor-tailed Nightjar on the last night of the tour made for a nice grand finale. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – Common in the Pantanal.
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus) – Great scope views of this large antshrike, which is always close to water.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Perhaps the most widespread of the antbirds, and one that we saw well on a couple of occasions.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – Seen well at Gardens of the Amazon.
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 is the one found at Gardens of the Amazon.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni) – This is the slaty-antshrike found in the Pantanal.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) – Always a tricky bird to see but -- with lots of effort -- we managed to pull one into view briefly.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) – A common presence in mixed species flocks in the Pantanal.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – It's always tough to get a look at this tiny antwren, since it lives in the canopy of Amazonian forest, but we managed to lock onto one, even if it WAS at an unfavorable angle!
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) – Another canopy antwren which had us all wishing for a neck rub after seeing it.
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata) – Seen well along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Found with understory flocks at Gardens of the Amazon.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Another member of understory flocks at Gardens of the Amazon.
The brightly colored Gould's Toucanet is a southern Amazonian specialty. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris) – The only canopy antwren in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – This is the geographical replacement of Large-billed Antwren in the Amazon.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – Present with understory flocks at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – Highly localized in the Pantanal. It took a bit of work but we got great looks at it.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – Far more common than the Black-bellied but every bit as beautiful.
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata) – Much like the slaty-antshrike group, the former "warbling-antbird" was split into several species a few years back. We saw this one at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens) – Common near water at Gardens of the Amazon.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – Often heard and rarely seen, as it favors dense vine tangles, but we managed to pull one into view on this tour.
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria) – The Pantanal representative of the genus Cercomacra. We had some good looks at it from a boat at Rio Claro Lodge.
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – It was very entertaining to see these minute antbirds displaying, as they shook their tails and fanned them, displaying the characteristic white band.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata) – Another species that is closely associated with water.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (PALLENS) (Myrmeciza hemimelaena pallens) – Great looks at this striking antbird, which forages close to the ground, around Gardens of the Amazon.
The handsome Black-faced Dacnis is widespread across the Amazon Basin. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) – This bird was calling a lot but would not come in, so we got off the trail and ended up having some of the best views I have ever had of the species! However, this did not come without price, as several of us (myself included!) realized we were covered with seed ticks as we returned to the main trail.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – This species has 15 subspecies and is likely to be split into at least 5 different species, so it's a good idea to keep track of where you've 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.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Common around Gardens of the Amazon.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-COLORED) (Dendrocolaptes certhia concolor) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – A massive woodcreeper which we saw very well in the Pantanal.
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – This neatly patterned woodcreeper came in for close inspection at Gardens of the Amazon.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus dorbignyanus) – This subspecies is the Pantanal representative of the group. [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni) – These are the birds found at Gardens of the Amazon.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – A common and widespread woodcreeper that favors disturbed forest.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – What a fascinating creature, and one which clearly illustrates how strong the forces of evolution can be.
Though found across much of northern South America, the Capped Heron is nowhere common -- and thus much of its life history is very poorly known. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – Common in the Pantanal.
RONDONIA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus) – This is a recent split from Lineated Woodcreeper.
SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS (Xenops tenuirostris) – This was a bit of a surprise for me. We found this bird along one of the trails at Gardens of the Amazon.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – Seen with the mixed species flocks at Gardens of the Amazon.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Seen well in the Pantanal.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – Heard several times but the birds were not responding. We finally saw one well around the "Macaw" Lake.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – Common along the rivers in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – Its Dutch oven shaped nest is responsible for the entire family being called ovenbirds.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber) – Common in the Pantanal.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – Always close to water in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa) – Sometimes called Gray-crested Chacholote.
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – This striking spinetail is the sole member of its nearly unpronounceable genus.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – Common in the Pantanal.
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia) – We had great looks at this spinetail along the Transpantaneira.
We saw Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures repeatedly in the Pantanal. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora) – A Pantanal specialty which we saw very well.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – This tyrannulet lives in the canopy of Amazonian Forest. We saw it at Gardens of the Amazon.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – Always easy to identify due to its habit of rocking its body from side to side.
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – These minute flycatchers breed way up in the Andes and migrate to the Pantanal for the winter.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) [*]
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) – Seen well in the Pantanal.
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) – An austral migrant seen well from the tower at Cristalino. [a]
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – This species is the smallest passerine in the world!
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor)
The group checks out a canopy bird -- oh, for a neck rub afterwards! Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
FLAMMULATED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus flammulatus) – We first found this bird at Gardens of the Amazon a few years ago -- a discovery that constituted a big range extension for the species.
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) – Seen well near Porto Jofre.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Seen a number of times in the Pantanal.
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) [*]
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris) – The name is longer than the bird; when it's seen well, this is a handsome species.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – This species has several different populations with significant variation in song and appearance, so there may be more than one species involved. The bird we saw belongs to the subspecies "pallescens".
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) [*]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – Subspecies "bimaculatus".
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Another austral migrant coming from Argentina. [a]
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Seen along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus) – A great spot by Andreas on the drive to Gardens of the Amazon.
The White-bellied Seedeater is always found near water. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – Common in the pastures of the Pantanal.
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – We managed to see this common bird displaying its red crest.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) [*]
SIBILANT SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator) – This species was recently split, with a few former subspecies becoming new species. This was the nominate subspecies, and thus retained the original Latin name.
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) – An inhabitant of the dry forests of the Pantanal.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – The most common Myiarchus flycatcher on this tour route.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Seen well around the lake where we saw the Cone-billed Tanagers at Gardens of the Amazon.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Seen daily on the tour.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
We found White-wedged Piculets in the Pantanal. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – We only saw one bird fly across the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – The most characteristic sound of the Amazon.
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) [*]
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – Great looks at an adult male feeding on a Cecropia tree.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata) – We had great looks at a fantastic adult male.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) [*]
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
WHITE-NAPED XENOPSARIS (Xenopsaris albinucha) – A rare austral migrant which we saw well around the fields near Porto Jofre. [a]
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – A close relative of North America's Rose-throated Becard.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus) – Seen along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) – Tough to see, as it inhabits the canopy in the Amazon, but with some effort and a serious neck workout, we managed to see one.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – Its loud song is often heard in the Amazon but seeing one is always tricky. We managed to pull one in and got pretty good looks at it.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – Common in the Pantanal.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Sitting on the electrical wires near the lodge at Gardens of the Amazon.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Common along the rivers in the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
TOOTH-BILLED WREN (Odontorchilus cinereus) – A southern Amazon endemic which we saw well on the tour.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
The Southern Tamandua is primarily nocturnal, though it is sometimes seen roaming around during the day. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – We just barely made it to the northern limit of this bird's distribution in the Pantanal.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola) – Usually the first responder to the pygmy-owl tape in the Pantanal.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – People are always surprised when I tell them that this is the national bird of Brazil, but it is widespread and has a beautiful song that people can relate to.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
SLATY THRUSH (EASTERN) (Turdus nigriceps subalaris)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
The Rusty-backed Antwren may be common, but it sure is beautiful! Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – This is a rare austral migrant that is rarely seen in the Pantanal. [a]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – The cardinal found at Gardens of the Amazon.
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata) – The common cardinal of the Pantanal. That doesn't make it less beautiful though!
CONE-BILLED TANAGER (Conothraupis mesoleuca) – This was our best year yet for this species -- due largely to the seeding bamboo.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
Guira Cuckoos were common, but always nice to see. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – This species replaces the Blue-gray Tanager in the Pantanal.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – This was a good year for the Tangara tanagers as there were lots of fruiting trees in the area.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) [*]
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – The boat trips at Gardens of the Amazon produced several great birds, including this handsome dacnis, which was feeding on some flowers along the river.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
It's always fun to see a Great Potoo on a day roost. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha) – This austral migrant was present in lower numbers than usual, but we managed to find one near Porto Jofre. [a]
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED SEEDEATER (Sporophila schistacea) – This bamboo specialist had never been recorded at Gardens of the Amazon, but with the bamboo in seed, they showed up in good numbers.
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – Always a spectacular bird to see, specially when the male raises its crest.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris) – The sparrows in the genus Arremon are truly spectacular, and this is one of the best looking ones.
The Barred Antshrike is among the most widespread of the antshrikes -- but it's still nice to see them as well as we did. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella superciliaris)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – This gorgeous blackbird lives in marshes that contain Papyrus.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – Formerly known as Baywing Blackbird.
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)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
The Red-billed Scythebill's is well-named for its distinctive beak. Photo by participant Rick Thompson.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – These are the bats we saw clinging to the underside of a tree trunk over the water.
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – One of the great spectacles of the Pantanal is seeing thousands of these bats flying over the rivers of the Pantanal at dusk.
SILVERY MARMOSET (Callithrix argentata) – The birds in the Pantanal belong to the subspecies "melanurus", which several authors consider a separate species called Black-tailed Marmoset.
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles belzebuth)
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla)
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) – This was another great year for Jaguars on this tour. We managed to see them more than once, and enjoyed everything else that was out there while we looked for them!
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 369 bird taxa and 18 mammal taxa