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Our group explores the Anavilhanas Archipelago on one of our many boat outings. (Photo by participant Cliff Hensel)
Our Rio Negro Paradise tour started with a great surprise this year. A new observation tower had just been opened, and we took advantage of it by visiting it twice on the tour and seeing lots of great canopy birds, such as Amazonian Pygmy-Owl, Spot-backed Antwren, and Guianan Toucanet at eye level. Presidente Figueiredo was also kind to us with incredible views of Yellow-backed Tanager, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Crimson Topaz, and a surprise appearance of a Harpy Eagle that was the highlight of the tour. The Hammock camp was as usual a lot of fun, and we even got a few hammock converts who were really in love with their hammocks after a few days. But whether you liked the hammocks or not everyone enjoyed being able to just go birding right from our camp, and seeing a Harpy on a nest, Capuchinbirds, countless mixed species flocks, White-winged Potoo, and many other birds just a few minutes away from our camp would have been the highlight of the tour...were it not for the boat. Ahh the Boat… the reason the tour is called Rio Negro Paradise is that we are able to spend several nights in the same comfortable accommodation with excellent food. From our floating base we are able to bird a different spot every day -- or simply enjoy the birds from our top deck as we cruise along the river. It just doesn't get any better than that!
During eight days we explored the river and enjoyed wonderful looks at several specialties which included Cherrie's Antwren, Plumbeous Euphonia, Red-and-white Spinetail, Riverside Tyrant, and many more. We finished things off with a great day in the city of Manaus that included a visit to the tower, a tour of the opera house, and a fabulous dinner at Junior's house. What a fabulous tour this was for Bret and me...we are already looking forward to returning next year!
--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)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) – One bird was flushed and seen briefly by a few participants.
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
This King Vulture was seen right from our camp grounds near Manaus. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Always nice to see this bird in its native habitat.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
VARIABLE CHACHALACA (Ortalis motmot) – Great looks right on the grounds of our hotel in Manaus on our first day. A nice way to start the tour.
MARAIL GUAN (Penelope marail)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
CRESTLESS CURASSOW (Mitu tomentosum)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
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)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
Seeing a Harpy in the wild is always a treat, but seeing three surpassed all of our expectations! (Video by guide Bret Whitney)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – A great spot by Kathy.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – A distant bird was spotted from the tower on the last day of the tour.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – One bird flew over us while we were birding at Anavilhanas.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – Harpy Eagle galore with three sightings including an active nest with one adult and one chick and great looks at an adult hunting near Presidente Figueiredo.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus)
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Close up views of a pair from the tower in Manaus on our last day.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
BLACK-FACED HAWK (Leucopternis melanops) – one of the highlights of the tour was seeing a pair of these rare raptors together even copulating at one point.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
A Gull-billed Tern flies away with an egg just after stealing it from a nest. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) [*]
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) – We spotted a group of 17 individuals on a field as we headed up the amazon and back to Manaus.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – Three birds on a recently formed island on the Solimoes River. It was very interesting to see them predating nests in the area.
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) – We were lucky to see the neat display flight of this species several times.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
Seeing a Black-bellied Cuckoo this well is a rare treat. (Photo by participant Cliff Hensel)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) [*]
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Abundant in the Anavilhanas archipelago.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – We had this bird just a few feet away from the new tower in Manaus.
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – A pre breakfast owling session produced some good looks at a Spectacled Owl.
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) – Heard many times, but it wasn't until the very last day that we connected with this canopy dweller. Fortunately we were on the tower and had incredible views of this minute owl.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – Several individuals nesting on a recently formed island.
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – We saw both song types of this species side by side on the Negro.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
After several tries we finally had incredible looks at Rufous Potoo, a rarely seen bird. (Video by guide Bret Whitney)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
WHITE-WINGED POTOO (Nyctibius leucopterus)
RUFOUS POTOO (Nyctibius bracteatus) – This year it was harder than usual to find this bird, but persistence paid off and we ended up having great looks at one in the end, which made it even more rewarding.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
CRIMSON TOPAZ (Topaza pella) – Once again our stake out spot produced incredible looks at this spectacular hummingbird.
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – A few people saw this bird feeding on some flowers around our hotel in Presidente Figueiredo.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
STREAK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis rupurumii) – Fabulous looks at one bird sunning itself.
GREEN-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus theresiae)
GREEN-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax viridigula)
RACKET-TAILED COQUETTE (Discosura longicaudus) – We connected with one female of this scarce bird.
BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – Fantastic views of a bird feeding on morning glory.
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
PAVONINE QUETZAL (Pharomachrus pavoninus) – After quite a bit of work Bret pulled one in for excellent views using his "secret weapon"
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) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
The Green-and-rufous Kingfisher can be hard to see well, but this time it cooperated nicely. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – Seen only by Mike.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) [*]
GUIANAN PUFFBIRD (Notharchus macrorhynchos)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) – One of many great birds spotted by Margaret during the tour.
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis)
RUSTY-BREASTED NUNLET (Nonnula rubecula) [*]
BLACK NUNBIRD (Monasa atra) – Found North of the Amazon where we had repeated views of this handsome member of the puffbird family.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Replaces the later south of the Amazon.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris)
GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula galbula) – Excellent looks at this handsome Jacamar in the Anavilhanas.
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET (Capito niger) – Seen through the Scope from the tower feeding on a flowering tree.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
GREEN ARACARI (Pteroglossus viridis)
GUIANAN TOUCANET (Selenidera piperivora) – Excellent views of this colorful bird from the new tower in Manaus.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus) – One of the first birds seen on the tour and quite an impressive sighting too as we saw it flying into a nearby tree and watched it kill and eat a young bird.
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) – Great Looks.
This Waved Woodpecker came in for close up views, much to Margaret's delight. Well, actually, to everyone's! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PICULET SP. (Picumnus sp.) – The bird we saw is a hybrid between Barred and Varzea Piculet. We have seen this a few times over they years.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – A bird that is colonizing the area following the deforestation from the south. A sad reminder that the clearing of the forest is still going on.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
GOLDEN-COLLARED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis cassini)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus) – We went to our usual spot to look for it but things were not looking good for a while when Eric spotted it at the last minute for us.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) – It was fascinating to watch this bird doing a little display "dance". The first time I have seen that.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – Close looks at one adult with a juvenile near the mouth of the Madeira.
WAVED WOODPECKER (Celeus undatus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – One of the many examples of how covenient it is to stay on a boat for several days was seeing this species at eye level from the top deck of our boat.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) – Seen briefly as it flew by.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma) – We saw a massive rookery of this species as we navigated back to Manaus.
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)
A rest stop on our way to the hammock camp resulted in great views of this Fasciated Antshrike. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus) – Excellent scope views at a pair of birds on the Madeira.
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus)
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
TUI PARAKEET (Brotogeris sanctithomae)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
SAPPHIRE-RUMPED PARROTLET (Touit purpuratus)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
CAICA PARROT (Pyrilia caica)
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus)
DUSKY PARROT (Pionus fuscus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus) – The birds we saw are representative of the nominate race and show a great amount of white on the forehead. A trait that we got to see very well through the scope.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – A rest stop on our way out of the Hammock camp ended up producing excellent views at a male and a female.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus)
BLACKISH-GRAY ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus nigrocinereus)
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus punctatus) – Formerly known simply as Slaty Antshrike this group got split into several species and although the Northern Slaty-antshrike was elevated to full species status the species still holds four sub species of which the one we saw is the nominate.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) [*]
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus cinereiceps)
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
A Glossy Antshrike was one of the nice birds we got on our last birding stop before heading back to Manaus. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
RUFOUS-BELLIED ANTWREN (Isleria guttata) – This is one of very few forest Antwrens that forages close to the Ground and is quite scarce in the area but we managed to get excellent looks at it.
BROWN-BELLIED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla gutturalis)
STIPPLE-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla haematonota) [*]
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) [*]
CHERRIE'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula cherriei) – This minute antwren is a canopy specialist so we were quite happy when we managed to see it below eye level from the top deck of our boat.
KLAGES'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula klagesi)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis)
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LEADEN ANTWREN (Myrmotherula assimilis) – An island specialist which we saw very well in the Anavilhanas archipelago.
SPOT-BACKED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dorsimaculatus)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea) [*]
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra tyrannina) – We were having incredible views of this bird when a Harpy Eagle flew across the road and landed close to us.
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris)
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Subspecies Ardesiaca
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) – Undoubtedly this river island specialist is one of the most distinctive of Antbirds and we saw it very well on our tour.
BLACK-HEADED ANTBIRD (HELLMAYR'S) (Percnostola rufifrons subcristata)
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla leucostigma)
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza ferruginea)
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons)
RUFOUS-THROATED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys rufigula) [*]
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius)
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus)
SPOT-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Certhiasomus stictolaemus)
How can a Dusky Antbird compete with a Harpy Eagle? The answer is simple. It can't... (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) [*]
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Fantastic looks from the new tower in Manaus.
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Hylexetastes perrotii)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) – The individual we saw belongs to a rare and poorly known subspecies named beauperthuysii
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)
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor)
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus) [*]
PLAIN SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga fusciceps obidensis) – This subspecies is quite distinctive from the nominate and will likely be split in the future.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) –
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula)
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata)
SCALED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca muelleri)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
RED-AND-WHITE SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis mustelinus)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
Bret's freshly cut trail yelded several great birds including this handsome Ruddy Spinetail. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – Seen right on the grounds of our hotel in Manaus.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) [*]
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
BROWNISH ELAENIA (Elaenia pelzelni)
RUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA (Elaenia ruficeps)
RIVER TYRANNULET (Serpophaga hypoleuca)
MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER (Mionectes macconnelli) – One day it was so hot that we found a bird that was just sitting motionless for several minutes allowing us to get some great scope views of this species.
OLIVE-GREEN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes virescens)
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes) [*]
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer) – Replaces the Slender-footed north of the Amazon.
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava)
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis)
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
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)
TODY-TYRANT SP. (Hemitriccus sp. nov.?) [*]
PELZELN'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus inornatus)
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
PAINTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum pictum) – Great looks at this ornate little flycatcher from the tower.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) [*]
Participant Cliff Hensel captured the moment when this Dull-capped Attila caught a large dragonfly.
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos)
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius barbatus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior)
RIVERSIDE TYRANT (Knipolegus orenocensis) – We got to observe the neat display flights of this scarce Knipolegus tyrant.
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) [*]
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) [*]
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) – Fascinating to watch it foraging and catching an enormous Dragonfly which it ate on a perch just a few meters from us.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator)
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
PALE-BELLIED MOURNER (Rhytipterna immunda)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – A rare Campina specialist that we don't see on most tours.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
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)
THREE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Conopias trivirgatus)
ISLAND STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes [maculatus] sp. nov.)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – Nesting on a low tree in Presidente Figueiredo with two chicks in the nest.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
Yellow-throated Flycatchers like to perch at the very top of the trees, so we were very fortunate to get excellent views of this one from the tower. (Photo by Guide Marcelo Padua)
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GUIANAN RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus carnifex) – Great looks at this stricking cotinga in Presidente Figueiredo as it was foraging on the fruits of a palm tree.
GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola rupicola) – Now the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock is on a league of its own. Seeing it on a Lek was certainly one of the highlights of the tour.
CAPUCHINBIRD (Perissocephalus tricolor) – Seen right around the hammock camp saving us a long hike to the lek.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum)
TINY TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes virescens)
WHITE-THROATED MANAKIN (Corapipo gutturalis)
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens)
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
YELLOW-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus flavivertex)
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – A gorgeous adult male sitting still at point blank range was a real treat.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
WHITE-FRONTED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix serena)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major) – Excellent views of this species which specializes in seazonally flooded forest.
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) – A recent split from Thrush-like Schiffornis. [*]
This cooperative Wire-tailed Manakin put on quite a show for our group. (Video by guide Bret Whitney)
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) [*]
GLOSSY-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus surinamus) [*]
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – This species is closely related to the Rose-throted Becard from North America and we saw it extremely well around the Hammock camp.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus) [*]
BROWN-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus brunneiceps)
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus) [*]
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Hylophilus muscicapinus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – Seen incredibly well on our last morning from the tower. The birds in the area feature a white "moustache" which is not present on birds south of the Amazon.
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – The areas around Manaus are some of the most important wintering grounds of this North American Migrant.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
WING-BANDED WREN (Microcerculus bambla) – This year the Wing-banded Wren was more cooperative than the usual walking almost right up to our group.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
This handsome Red-billed Pied-Tanager was seen very well from the tower in Manaus. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
COLLARED GNATWREN (Microbates collaris)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
GUIANAN GNATCATCHER (RIO NEGRO) (Polioptila guianensis facilis) – Another hard to see bird that we were able to connect with thanks to Bret's trail.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Right around our hotel in Manaus.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER (Lamprospiza melanoleuca) – This bird came so close to the tower that we could almost touch it.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus)
RED-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus phoenicius)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-BACKED TANAGER (Cyanicterus cyanicterus) – We don't see this white sand forest specialist too often on the tour. But this year after a bit of work we had great looks at it.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
DOTTED TANAGER (Tangara varia)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)
Found only in campina, the White-naped Seedeater is rarely seen. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Tanagers in the genus Tangara are notorious for being colorful but this one really takes it to another level.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes nitidus)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae) – It was very nice to see this species side by side with the similar Bicolored Conebill to be able to study well the subtle differences that distinguish the two species.
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
LINED SEEDEATER (Sporophila lineola)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
WHITE-NAPED SEEDEATER (Dolospingus fringilloides) – A rare Campina specialist which we saw extremely well this year.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
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) – Seeing them doing display flights on a recently formed island early in the morning was a real treat.
Reaching the Amazon river came with a major change in the avifauna. This Oriole Blackbird is one of many birds that we saw once we left the Rio Negro and entered the "white" waters of the Amazon. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – The Moriche Oriole used to be treated as a separate species until recently but it is now lumped with the Epaulet Oriole and we had great looks at one in Presidente Figueiredo.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) [*]
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
PLUMBEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia plumbea) – Always the hardest of the Euphonias to see but we found a responsive male and got great looks at it this year.
GOLDEN-SIDED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cayennensis)
MAMMALS
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis)
GREATER WHITE-LINED BAT (Saccopteryx bilineata)
GHOST BAT SP. (Diclidurus virgo)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis)
GOLDEN-HANDED TAMARIN (Saguinus midas)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus) – Once again we were able to connect with these rarely seen mammals on a day roost.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
BROWN BEARDED SAKI MONKEY (Chiropotes satanas) [*]
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus) [*]
PALE-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus tridactylus)
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans)
NEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL (Sciurillus pusillus) [*]
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis)
TUCUXI (Sotalia fluviatilis)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other relevant sightings included:
Brown Tree-boa (Corallus hortulanus)
Fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox)
Gladiator tree-frog (Hypsiboas rosenbergi)
Marine Toad (Bufo marinus)
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Red-nosed Tree-rat (Phyllomys brasiliensis)
Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)
Totals for the tour: 433 bird taxa and 18 mammal taxa