For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
We may as well start the tour visuals with a bang, and there's nothing quite like a Guianan Cock-of-the-rock male to do that! (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)
This is one of the most popular tours we offer to Brazil, so for the first time ever we decided to offer two departures back to back in order to clear a bit of the long waitlist, and the results could not have been better. I joined Bret as a second leader for the second tour, and as expected the first group had staked out all kinds of goodies for us, making our life a bit easier at times. But there was no shortage of unique sightings on the second tour, as is always the case with consecutive tours.
We kicked things off in Manaus birding some remaining patches of forest around the city with a little extra support from Pepe Rojas (who stuck around for a few extra days after co-leading the first tour). With three leaders and one of the most experienced groups of birders I have guided in some time, we cashed in on the goodies the city had to offer, with great looks at Dotted and Spotted tanagers, Red-billed Woodcreeper, Guianan Toucanet, and Caica and Dusky parrots right off the bat. We then bid farewell to Pepe and continued on our way to Presidente Figueiredo, where in just two days we had great looks at Rufous-throated Sapphire, Crimson Topaz, and Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, and then topped things off with some incredible views of the rarely seen White-naped Seedeater.
It was then time to bid farewell to civilization, and we headed deep into the forest, where we spent three nights sleeping in hammocks, eating excellent food, drinking pitchers of caipirinhas, and enjoying some fabulous looks at some of the rarest birds we could have hoped for. We emerged from the forest four days later with nothing less than White-chested and Guianan puffbirds, Dusky Purpletuft, Olive-green Tyrannulet, and Capuchinbird added to the list (two of which were lifers for me). It was then that the paradise part of the trip started: several days aboard our comfortable boat proved to be every bit as pleasant as we had hoped they might be and just as productive for birding as possible. Although there is no way for me to fully describe just how wonderful the following days were, the list of birds seen during our time aboard the Iracema speaks loudly of the value of being able to wake up every day at a different birding venue. Some of the avian highlights were Wire-tailed Manakin, Rufous and White-winged potoos, Leaden Antwren, White-plumed, Bicolored and Chestnut-crested antbirds attending antswarms, seven species of spinetails, Klages's and Cherrie's antwrens, Varzea and Lafresnaye's piculets, Zimmer's Woodcreeper and a recently split form of Ocellated Woodcreeper, and a perched Crested Eagle. By the time we got back to port in Manaus, every one of us was wishing we could just do it all over again, but before we left the boat for good we had another run at the tower in Manaus, a visit that proved more productive than our first and yielded great looks at Amazonian Pygmy-Owl, Guianan Gnatcatcher, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, and a Guianan Red-Cotinga. (Talk about Icing on the cake!)
Sadly, upon our return to Manaus I received some bad news about my wife's health and had to rush off without thanking each of you and expressing just how much I enjoyed our birding together. So I take this opportunity to tell you that my wife is now fully recovered and in perfect health, and that I thoroughly enjoyed birding with each of you and thank you for joining Bret and me on this wonderful adventure. Let's do it again some time!
--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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
Four species of potoos for the tour was a spectacular haul, and Rufous Potoo was the biggest star of them all. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) – A bird was flushed and a few people managed to get on it.
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – We saw them well around a lake near Manaus.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
VARIABLE CHACHALACA (Ortalis motmot) [*]
MARAIL GUAN (Penelope marail)
CRESTLESS CURASSOW (Mitu tomentosum) [*]
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – This is one of the species that are expanding their range into the area due to the clearing of the forest.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Although one of the most conspicuous birds in the area, seeing a nest is actually quite rare. Kent spotted one of these nests for us and we were able to see the chicks from the boat.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – We had excellent looks at this rarely seen raptor.
The wonderful Iracema was a fantastic base for the river portion of our journey. (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)
CRESTED EAGLE (Morphnus guianensis) – A bird was spotted from the top deck of our boat. Unfortunately, by the time we managed to stop the boat and turn it around it had flown so we could not improve the views, but through some photos we were able to confirm the identity of this rare raptor.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Our group rescued an injured bird from the side of the road and took it to manaus to be looked after by Veterinarians. The team of Veterinarians looking after it named it Ray and they said the bird was going to recover nicely!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Another great spot by Harry!
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
GRAY-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia crepitans) – A single bird was flushed on the trail and was seen just by Bret and Martin.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
On the boats our last morning in Jau NP (Video by guide Bret Whitney)
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – This is a bird that we do not expect to see and It was an excellent spot by Kent who saw the bird near Manaus.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – A pair of birds flew across the river allowing some good views of them.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – Excellent looks at this handsome cuckoo.
Collared Puffbird (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – Unbelievably good looks from the tower on our first visit. A bird flew in and landed just a few feet from us.
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)
PEARLY-BREASTED CUCKOO (Coccyzus euleri) [*]
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – A riverside specialist which makes local migrations. This year we saw lots of them.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – Not an Owl we usually get on this tour, but we went out after dinner one night and had excellent looks at it!
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – There is nothing like getting great looks at an Owl before breakfast to get the day started!
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) – This species lives in the Canopy of tall forest, so we were happy to see it in the scope the first time, but when we had one sitting right in front of us from the tower It really was icing on the cake.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – A group of these birds roosting on a recently formed island!
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus parvulus) – A migrant that we have seen on the past few tours. There are few records of this species in the area.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus nigrescens) [*]
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
WHITE-WINGED POTOO (Nyctibius leucopterus) – We had good scope views of this rarely seen specialty twice (at Camp 41 and Jau N.P.). What a treat!
RUFOUS POTOO (Nyctibius bracteatus) – This was certainly a great tour for Potoos and the Rufous Potoo was the best of them all.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
CRIMSON TOPAZ (Topaza pella)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
Dawn from the boat at the entrance to Jau National Park (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Bret Had staked out a nest for us from the previous tour. We had amazing looks at this bird in the scope.
GREEN-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus theresiae)
GREEN-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax viridigula)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata) – This is one that can be hard to find. We had excellent looks at it around the Anavilhanas.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – Seen on a river Island on our way down the Amazon!
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
GUIANAN TROGON (Trogon violaceus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – This is a recent split from the Blue-crowned Motmot.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
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 and we saw it extremely well.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
Pied Puffbird from the INPA tower (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia)
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) – Excellent looks at this understory Puffbird which is rarely seen!
WHITE-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fusca) – This is a bird that had not been seen on this tour for many years and a lifer for me. Seeing it on my Birthday was a special treat!
BLACK NUNBIRD (Monasa atra)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) – A great spot my Martin!
GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula galbula)
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra) – Seen extremely well around Presidente Figueiredo.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET (Capito niger)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) [*]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
GREEN ARACARI (Pteroglossus viridis) – Another great spot by Martin.
BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari) – Seen just by Harry.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara)
GUIANAN TOUCANET (Selenidera culik) – Excellent looks at this handsome bird including one feeding on palm fruit right at camp.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (Picumnus exilis) – We had great looks at a very obliging individual right in the city of Manaus.
VARZEA PICULET (Picumnus varzeae)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) [*]
GOLDEN-COLLARED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis cassini)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
Ladder-tailed Nightjar, perched low along the water's edge (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
WAVED WOODPECKER (Celeus undatus) – scope views near Presidente Figueiredo.
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) – This is one of very few sightings of this species in this area.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Aratinga pertinax)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata)
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus) – A pair of birds perched really close to our group, and then they came down to eye level for even better views.
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus) – Common around the city in Manaus.
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
TUI PARAKEET (Brotogeris sanctithomae)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
SAPPHIRE-RUMPED PARROTLET (Touit purpuratus) [*]
Festive Parrot (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
DUSKY PARROT (Pionus fuscus) – Another parrot that we saw extremely well on this tour.
RED-LORED PARROT (DIADEMED) (Amazona autumnalis diadema) – These parrots are a rare treat on this route, there is a population that migrates through the area around this time of year and we managed to see some of them migrating through.
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
BLACK-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena viridis) [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus) – Outstanding looks at the Male and Female below eye level.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) [*]
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) – Things were not looking to good for this species and we had to work until the last minute to get them, but when we did see them they were extremely cooperative.
BLACKISH-GRAY ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus nigrocinereus)
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus punctatus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) – We found the nest of this bird and the male was incubating the eggs when we saw it.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus cinereiceps)
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
BROWN-BELLIED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla gutturalis)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) [*]
CHERRIE'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula cherriei)
KLAGES'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula klagesi)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Always with the mixed species flocks!
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LEADEN ANTWREN (Myrmotherula assimilis) – Seen well at the Anavilhanas archipelago.
SPOT-BACKED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dorsimaculatus) – This is a canopy antwren, so we were extremely pleased to see it bellow eye level from the tower.
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Terenura spodioptila) [*]
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra tyrannina) [*]
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris) – Another Island specialist which we saw extremely well around Anavilhanas.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
Landing at Ilha Flexal (Video by guide Bret Whitney)
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) – Finally a colorful Antbird.
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) – This is one of the sharpest looking Antbirds in my opinion. Fortunately we got good looks at it.
BLACK-HEADED ANTBIRD (HELLMAYR'S) (Percnostola rufifrons subcristata)
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla leucostigma)
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza ferruginea)
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – It is always tough to connect with this Antswarm follower.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis)
CHESTNUT-CRESTED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina cristata) – Things were not looking too good for this one, but we went off the trail and called it in for excellent views after some work.
REDDISH-WINGED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis erythroptera) [*]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) [*]
SPOTTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus macularius) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) [*]
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – Found this one right around camp just as we were leaving on our last day.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis)
SPOT-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Certhiasomus stictolaemus) – I always think it is frustrating to have Woodcreepers named for parts that are on the underside of the bird, as you almost never get to see such features. But when you get to see the spots on the throat of a Spot-throated Woodcreeper, you know you have seen it well!
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) [*]
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) – There are about 8 subspecies of Long-tailed Woodcreeper and some of them are going to be split. The one we saw was the nominate bird.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WHITE-CHINNED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla merula)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – This one is one of my favorite woodcreepers and we had incredible looks at it including a bird flying across a river a couple of times which really makes its odd shape stand out.
Wire-tailed Manakin just glows in the forest understory. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus)
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Hylexetastes perrotii) – This is one of the hardest ones to get, but we managed to see it on the second day of the tour.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) – A recent paper suggests that the bird we saw is in fact a new species named Xiphorhynchus beauperthuysii. For more information visit the link bellow for the South American Classification http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop600.htm
CHESTNUT-RUMPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus pardalotus)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
ZIMMER'S WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex kienerii)
CURVE-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus procurvoides)
LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – This bird is entirely dependent on the presence of Mauritia flexuosa palm trees in most of its range.
RUFOUS-TAILED XENOPS (Microxenops milleri)
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor)
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum)
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus)
PLAIN SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga fusciceps obidensis) – The subspecies obidensis builds a very distinctive nest and is likely going to be split from the nominate bird once more work is done on them.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula)
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata)
SCALED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca muelleri) – One of the hardest ones to find and it was not until one of the last days on the boat that we connected with it, but once we found them we had fabulous views.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
RED-AND-WHITE SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis mustelinus)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) [*]
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex) – This river island specialist came in for better looks than the usual on this tour.
BROWNISH ELAENIA (Elaenia pelzelni)
RUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA (Elaenia ruficeps) – A white-sand forest specialist that was seen remarkably well near Presidente Figueiredo.
RIVER TYRANNULET (Serpophaga hypoleuca)
MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER (Mionectes macconnelli) – The bird was quite vocal, but unfortunately only a few people managed to get on it when it came into the recording.
OLIVE-GREEN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes virescens)
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
Birding in the campina reserve (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)
AMAZONIAN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus obscurior) – Finding this species in Jau national Park was a bit of a surprise for us, a pleasant one of course.
AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava)
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) – We had gone off the trail looking for an antswarm and although we did not get the Antswarm we were looking for, we had some incredible views of this rarely seen bird.
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis)
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – This is the smallest passerine in the world and it tends to spend quite a bit of time in the canopy, so it was very fortunate that we were at the same level as the bird when we saw it.
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus)
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor pallens)
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops zosterops)
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops rothschildi) – Kathy got us on this particular subspecies. It is nice to have seen them both as they may get split in the near future.
PELZELN'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus inornatus)
TODY-TYRANT SP. (Hemitriccus sp. nov.?) – It took some work, but we managed to get some really nice looks at this undescribed species of Tody-tyrant.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
PAINTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum pictum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) [*]
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos)
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) [*]
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius barbatus) – We watched this bird's incredible work weaving its intricate nest.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior)
AMAZONIAN BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilocercus) – Another fantastic spot by Kent and one that made everyone happy because this is one species that we do not get on every tour.
RIVERSIDE TYRANT (Knipolegus orenocensis)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda)
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus)
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus)
Whiskered Flycatcher hard at work on its nest (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator)
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
PALE-BELLIED MOURNER (Rhytipterna immunda)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – Ssp. phaeonotus.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
ISLAND STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes [maculatus] sp. nov.) – The birds found on river islands are quite distinctive as they are generally smaller, have a different song and only inhabit the river islands. Likely to be a separate species.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – Another Mauritia flexuosa palm specialist.
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GUIANAN RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus carnifex) – It was not untill the very last day of the tour that we saw this fabulous species, but we managed to get spectacular looks at it once we brought one into view.
GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola rupicola) – No comments, just look at the picture.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
CAPUCHINBIRD (Perissocephalus tricolor) – We saw several individuals of this bird that has one of the most fascinating songs in the bird world.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) – We had a rare sighting of a nest that was found by our local guide.
Pipridae (Manakins)
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum)
TINY TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes virescens) – Nicky the Greek!
WHITE-THROATED MANAKIN (Corapipo gutturalis)
WHITE-FRONTED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix serena)
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens)
YELLOW-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus flavivertex)
Our sighting of the fantastic White-naped Seedeater (Video by guide Bret Whitney)
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – I have to say it. Manakins Rule! And this one is especially nice.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra erythrocephala)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) [*]
DUSKY PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura fusca) – Seeing this bird was personally satisfying for me, first because it was a lifer on my birthday and second because It was my last purpletuft possible.
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus) – This is one of the hardest becards to come by and we saw it twice on the tour.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) [*]
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) [*]
GLOSSY-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus surinamus) – Great looks from the tower.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) [*]
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus) [*]
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus)
BROWN-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus brunneiceps)
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus)
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Hylophilus muscicapinus)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – The Slaty-capped Shrike-vireo's song is perhaps the most characteristic sound of the canopy flocks, but seeing one of them is always a challenge. We were fortunate enough to have it in the scope for great looks.
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) [*]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – This year they were a lot less common than in past years.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
A Large-billed Tern juggles lunch. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
COLLARED GNATWREN (Microbates collaris)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
GUIANAN GNATCATCHER (Polioptila guianensis) – Another rarely seen canopy flock species that we saw extremely well thanks to the tower.
GUIANAN GNATCATCHER (RIO NEGRO) (Polioptila guianensis facilis)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER (Lamprospiza melanoleuca) – What a sharp looking bird. Stunning views from the tower.
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – This is the most common Thraupis Tanager in the area.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Just how many colors is a bird allowed to have anyways? I do not know the answer, but the Paradise tanager must be pretty close to the limit.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes nitidus)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – A great spot by Kent. The subspecies we saw is violaceous.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae)
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana) – The first lifer of the tour for many and it was seen right from the breakfast table in the morning. What a way to start the day.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WING-BARRED SEEDEATER (Sporophila americana)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – What a handsome seedeater this one is and fortunately a common one.
WHITE-NAPED SEEDEATER (Dolospingus fringilloides) – Just watch the video will you? By far one of the best records of the trip.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes canadensis)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – It was a surprise to see this bird from the Tower. This taxa was considered a separate species until recently when it was lumped with the Epaulet Oriole, meanwhile the Epaulet Oriole that had rusty shoulders was awarded full species status and is now called Variable Oriole.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) [*]
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous) [*]
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
Something has this Amazonian Pygmy-Owl's full attention. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus yuracares)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (BLACK-TAILED) (Euphonia laniirostris melanura)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
GOLDEN-SIDED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cayennensis) [*]
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – An introduced species that is doing very well in some of the areas affected by human developing.
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
GREATER WHITE-LINED BAT (Saccopteryx bilineata)
GHOST BAT SP. (Diclidurus virgo)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
GOLDEN-HANDED TAMARIN (Saguinus midas)
BRAZILIAN BARE-FACE TAMARIN (Saguinus bicolor) – Seen right on the grounds of our hotel in Manaus. This is actually a rare and endangered species that has a tiny world range and is very threatened by the expansion of human occupation in the area.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus) – Always delightful to see these nocturnal primates during the day. We had a great time watching a family group that Junior had staked out for us.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
BROWN BEARDED SAKI MONKEY (Chiropotes satanas) – Unusually good views of this fabulous primate.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus)
PALE-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus tridactylus)
NORTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus igniventris)
NEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL (Sciurillus pusillus)
PACA (Cuniculus paca)
GIANT ARMORED TREE-RAT (Makalata grandis) – This is actually a very rare animal and has a very limited world range, but we have seen it repeatedly over the years in the same area.
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis)
TUCUXI (Sotalia fluviatilis)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other noteworthy records:
Yellow-footed Tortoise
Brown Tree-boa
Gladiator Tree-frog
Cane Toad
Green Iguana
Totals for the tour: 449 bird taxa and 19 mammal taxa