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The amazing Slaty Bristlefront...and we saw it amazingly well! Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
This short tour is a dream come true for many birders, as there are few places where one can spend so many days without having to change lodges and yet have such a productive trip. Getting settled into a room and not having to pack a suitcase every couple of days is a big appeal, and so is the fact that this tour is packed with Atlantic Forest endemics, many of which are extremely rare; several can be seen right on the grounds of our lodge.
I have to admit I was a little intimidated before leading this tour as John Rowlett had been guiding it for several years -- and so I especially wanted to make it a great one. Right off the bat we were faced with some unusually cold weather as an a typical cold front parked itself over Southeast Brazil for the entire duration of the tour! In spite of this challenge we did remarkably well with the many taxa endemic to the Atlantic forest that are possible here, and our results actually may have been helped by the overcast conditions we had during most days.
Itororo lodge is conveniently located near the town of Nova Friburgo, and although we stay very close to the town it really fells like we are hours away from civilization as the lodge is tucked into the mountains and the birding is fantastic right on the grounds. Several great species visit the feeders on a daily basis, among them Dusky-legged Guans, Saffron Toucanet, Green-headed Tanager, Scale-throated Hermit, and White-throated Hummingbird. The trail system from the lodge also produced memorable encounters with birds such as Half-collared Sparrow, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Long-trained Nightjar, Variegated Antpitta and many others.
The lodge is also conveniently located to visit a variety of habitats and different altitude gradients, and we were able to run several daytrips to different birding sites, where we picked up a number of high-elevation species such as Itatiaia Spinetail, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, and Black-and-gold Cotinga. Additionally, a visit to the lowlands at REGUA resulted in fabulous views of Unicolored Antwren, Sungrebe, White-flanked Antwren, and Scaled Antbird.
Other trails closer to the lodge made for some productive birding, too, with great looks at Slaty Bristlefront, Spot-billed Toucanet, Mantled Hawk, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, and a wide range flock birds seen a number of times.
We also took a full day to venture a bit further inland and came back having seen Serra Antwren, Three-toed Jacamar, Blue-winged Macaw, and several other species that inhabit more open country.
In spite of some challenging weather we came away with a lot of great birds, and I loved leading this tour and really look forward to doing it again next year!
Best to all, and good birding ahead,
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)
SOLITARY TINAMOU (Tinamus solitarius) – A rare look at one of these birds walking along the trail ahead of us on the CEDAE Trail.
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Common around REGUA
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Common around REGUA
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – Found in much smaller numbers than Whistling-ducks around the ponds at REGUA
White-collared Foliage-gleaner, another Atlantic Forest endemic, often hangs upside down as it searches for insect prey in concealed spots. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura) – a regular visitor of the feeders at Itororo Lodge
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
SPOT-WINGED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus capueira) – A highlight of the tour. We played some tape and one individual flew in from several yards away, flying right through our group and later walking towards us on the open trail ahead. One of those once in a lifetime experiences for the leaders.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – Common around the airport in Rio
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – Another bird that is more easily seen around Rio
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Seen around the ponds at REGUA
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Near the airport in rio and at REGUA
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Seen readily in pastures whenever we drove through some agricultural areas
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – A close relative of the Green Heron.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – This colorful heron is usually found along rivers and we saw them on a couple of occasions on the tour.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Found around REGUA
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Common and abundant throughout the tour
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – A little less abundant then the Black Vulture but seen almost every day on the tour.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – One individual flying seen from the CEDAE trail
RUFOUS-THIGHED KITE (Harpagus diodon) – This is one of the more common raptors in the Atlantic forest so it was a bit surprising that we only saw it once but I guess the cold weather may have played a part in it.
Scale-throated Hermit, one of the various specialty hummers we saw on the tour. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – A regional migrant which we saw on the day we visited more open country.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Another bird typical of open country habitat. We saw one in some pasture near duas Barras.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – This widespread hawk has several subspecies and the bird we saw in Southeast Brazil belongs to the magniplumis subspecies
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – This species was placed until recently on the genus Buteo and after much discussion taxonomic work the boundaries of the genus have been revised. For those of you who may be interested in finding out more about this I recommend reading the proposals #282,377 & finally 460 which ended up placing this bird in the Geranoaetus genus which was previously a monotypic genus.
MANTLED HAWK (Pseudastur polionotus) – A great spot by Jan allowed us to get some very nice looks at this scarce atlantic forest endemic.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Formerly known as Gray-necked Wood-rail [*]
SLATY-BREASTED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides saracura) – An atlantic forest endemic that was seen or heard on most days.
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Mustelirallus albicollis) – Seen on the day we drove through more open country as went to Sumidouro
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – Good views near in the marsh near the blue-winged macaw's nest.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – This was a bit of an unexpected find. A single bird swimming around the ponds at REGUA
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – A common bird in city parks and open areas.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
The big Rusty-barred Owl was one of our nightbirding prizes. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
SOUTH AMERICAN TERN (Sterna hirundinacea) – Common around the airport in Rio
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – This is a species that is far more often heard than seen but we got nice scope views of one on the tour
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Unlike the White-tipped this species is a forest bird and can be quite hard to see but we managed to find one on the grounds of our lodge.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Seen very close to our lodge at Itororo
RUSTY-BARRED OWL (Strix hylophila) – We were waiting for the Long-trained Nightjar to show up when we heard it vocalizing and called it in for fantastic views a few minutes later.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis derbyanus)
LONG-TRAINED NIGHTJAR (Macropsalis forcipata) – The cold weather certainly impacted it and it took more work than usual but we eventually got great looks at one adult male
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
The beautiful Streamer-tailed Tyrant is among the open-country species we saw on one of our daytrips out from the lodge. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca) – This elegant hummingbird is one of the most common species that visits the feeders at Itororo lodge
SAW-BILLED HERMIT (Ramphodon naevius) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) [*]
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)
SCALE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis eurynome) – Present in small numbers at the lodge's feeders but seen on a daily basis
FRILLED COQUETTE (Lophornis magnificus) – Peter deserves all the credit for spotting this one and we all got fabulous views thanks to him
BRAZILIAN RUBY (Clytolaema rubricauda)
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
GREEN-CROWNED PLOVERCREST (Stephanoxis lalandi) – Fabulous views of a few males on a lek in Macae de Cima
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis)
The star-flecked Large-tailed Antshrike is among several "big" antbird prizes possible on the tour. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis)
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus cyanus)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
SURUCUA TROGON (Trogon surrucura) – Seen excavating a nest on a termite colony right by the side of the road.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus chrysochloros) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
RUFOUS-CAPPED MOTMOT (Baryphthengus ruficapillus)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BUFF-BELLIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus swainsoni) – Always a hard one to find and we had them at a pretty good distance but they sat around long enough for everyone to get a good scope look at them
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
CRESCENT-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila striata) – Andy had a staked out territory for us and we just had to show up and play the tape to get some wonderful looks at one
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
THREE-TOED JACAMAR (Jacamaralcyon tridactyla) – After a long drive to see these unique Atlantic forest endemics we had just enough time to enjoy good looks at them before it started pouring rain.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (SPOT-TAILED) (Galbula ruficauda rufoviridis)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SAFFRON TOUCANET (Pteroglossus bailloni) – A regular visitor of the lodge's feeders
The Nova Friburgo valley, covered with lush woodlands rich with Atlantic Forest endemics. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
SPOT-BILLED TOUCANET (Selenidera maculirostris) – This area is the best place I have ever visited to see this colorful and handsome Toucanet and we had multiple looks at different individuals throughout the tour
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (ARIEL) (Ramphastos vitellinus ariel) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – This is a species of open habitats that has colonized the area with the clearing of the forest for pasture
YELLOW-EARED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis maculifrons)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula erythropis) – Despite the name the subspecies found in the area sports a rather conspicuous red throat
WHITE-BROWED WOODPECKER (Piculus aurulentus)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (CAMPO) (Colaptes campestris campestris)
BLOND-CRESTED WOODPECKER (BLOND-CRESTED) (Celeus flavescens flavescens)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) [*]
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – One bird on a nest and another essentially performing for our group
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
A handsome White-browed Woodpecker, photographed by guide Marcelo Padua.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
PLAIN PARAKEET (Brotogeris tirica)
PILEATED PARROT (Pionopsitta pileata) [*]
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEET (MAROON-TAILED) (Pyrrhura frontalis frontalis) – A common sight at the feeders and one particular individual that was molting its tail feathers was such a regular visitor that we would just call it Shortie
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
SPOT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Hypoedaleus guttatus) – A canopy antshrike that can be quite hard to see but we managed to pull one into good viewing
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea) – Several great looks at this dinosaur of a bird
LARGE-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena leachii) – Seen at Pico da Caledonia and later on right by the lodge. What a smart looking bird!
TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa)
WHITE-BEARDED ANTSHRIKE (Biatas nigropectus) – This endemic antshrike favors dense patches of bamboo and therefore can be quite challenging to see but this came right into the open for us
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus ruficapillus)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus)
White-bearded Antshrike is another "big" antbird endemic prize, one that typically hangs out high in the trees, thus this view. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
SOORETAMA SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ambiguus)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens caerulescens)
STAR-THROATED ANTWREN (Rhopias gularis) – Always nice to see a species of antwren that likes to stay below eye level for a change
SPOT-BREASTED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus stictothorax)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis mentalis)
RUFOUS-BACKED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus xanthopterus) – Great looks at this high altitude specialist at Pico da Caledonia
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (SILVERY-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris luctuosa)
UNICOLORED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula unicolor) – A scarce lowland species which we saw remarkably well at REGUA
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus rufimarginatus) [*]
SERRA ANTWREN (Formicivora serrana interposita)
BERTONI'S ANTBIRD (Drymophila rubricollis)
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila genei)
OCHRE-RUMPED ANTBIRD (Drymophila ochropyga)
DUSKY-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila malura)
SCALED ANTBIRD (Drymophila squamata)
STREAK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Terenura maculata) – This minute Antwren travels with canopy flocks and is often very hard to see.
A view of the coastal mountains so typical of this part of Brazil. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera)
WHITE-BIBBED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus loricatus) – A striking antbird that forages in the leaf litter
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
BLACK-CHEEKED GNATEATER (Conopophaga melanops)
RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata) – This one made us work much more than usual for it and we worked on several individuals before getting a look at one which was strange as this species is usually quite responsive. The birds in the area belong to the subspecies vulgaris.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) – Amazing scope views of this rarely seen bird
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SPOTTED BAMBOOWREN (Psilorhamphus guttatus) – Another skulker that we saw extremely well during our tour.
SLATY BRISTLEFRONT (Merulaxis ater) – Simply parading in the open for us. What a treat!
WHITE-BREASTED TAPACULO (Eleoscytalopus indigoticus)
MOUSE-COLORED TAPACULO (Scytalopus speluncae) – We did very well with Tapaculos on this tour having great looks at every single possible species.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – Another group we did very well with, seeing most of them extremely well
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona campanisona) [*]
SUCH'S ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza meruloides) – Seen twice on the tour
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza ruficauda)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
RUFOUS-BREASTED LEAFTOSSER (RUFOUS-BREASTED) (Sclerurus scansor scansor)
The lovely little Pin-tailed Manakin, photographed by guide Marcelo Padua.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (OLIVACEOUS) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylviellus) – Do your best to keep track of which subspecies of Olivaceous Woodcreepers you have seen as they are likely to get split into several taxa someday
PLAIN-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla turdina)
WHITE-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes albicollis) – Seen or heard on most days of the tour at Itororo
LESSER WOODCREEPER (LESSER) (Xiphorhynchus fuscus fuscus)
BLACK-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus falcularius)
SCALED WOODCREEPER (SCALED) (Lepidocolaptes squamatus squamatus) – Seen on the feeder at the lodge on our very first day of the tour
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura nematura)
WHITE-COLLARED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops fuscus) – Jay spotted one of these guys for us and we ended up having wonderful views of it as it foraged
PALE-BROWED TREEHUNTER (Cichlocolaptes leucophrus leucophrus) – This species is specialized in foraging in bromeliads and we had good looks at one on the CEDAE trail. The subspecies we saw is the nominate form and it is likely that the two subspecies will be split in the future
SHARP-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Heliobletus contaminatus)
BLACK-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor atricapillus) – An understory flock follower which we saw well on the Theodore trail
Pale-browed Treehunter, photographed by guide Marcelo Padua.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
WHITE-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia amaurotis)
OCHRE-BREASTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia lichtensteini) – Seen with understory flocks on a couple of occasions
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
WHITE-EYED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus leucophthalmus)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
ORANGE-EYED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus erythrophthalmus)
FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi) – It may not look like much but a name like that just makes you want to see it and we had good looks at them as well as their neat nest from which they get their name
ITATIAIA SPINETAIL (Asthenes moreirae) – This species is restricted to very high altitude and sometimes we have to hike much further up the hill to see it. Fortunately we found one relatively low down and had great looks at it
PALLID SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pallida)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
RUFOUS-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis ruficapilla)
GRAY-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinerascens) – One of the hard ones to see as they are usually pretty shy. We had them on two occasions on the tour.
SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
Maroon-bellied Parakeets are regularly heard screeching through the treetops in the Atlantic Forest here. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola flaveola) – A neat bamboo specialist that was seen well en route to Sumidouro
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
OLIVACEOUS ELAENIA (Elaenia mesoleuca)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
GRAY-HOODED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes rufiventris) – Oddly we only saw this species once, fortunately that is all it takes.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – The common Phylloscartes with the mixed species flocks
SERRA DO MAR TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes difficilis) [*]
ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (BURMEISTER'S) (Phyllomyias burmeisteri burmeisteri)
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
GRAY-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseocapilla) – Seen right around the rooms at Itororo lodge
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi) – An intriguing flycatcher that was seen near Duas Barras
EARED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis auricularis) – The genus Myiornis comprises some of the smallest passerines on earth so they are always a treat to see
DRAB-BREASTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus diops) – A bamboo specialist that tends to stay tucked in to thick bamboo patches and can be quite hard to see but fortunately for us we found an obliging bird
HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus) – Seen a few times on the tour and although it is quite a striking bird (as far as Tody-Tyrants go) the fact that it builds a hanging nest is no remarkable at all as many flycatchers do the same thing
Green-crowned Plovercrest, another of the endemic hummers. This species gathers in leks where the tiny males give their simple calls incessantly. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps)
GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (SOORETAMA) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens sulphurescens) – Another species that is likely to get split into several taxa
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa) [*]
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-RUMPED) (Myiobius barbatus mastacalis)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (EULER'S) (Lathrotriccus euleri euleri) [*]
CRESTED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus lophotes)
BLUE-BILLED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cyanirostris) – Seen nicely at the upper reaches of the pico Caledonia
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (Gubernetes yetapa) – Always a crowd pleaser with its fabulous territorial displays
SHEAR-TAILED GRAY TYRANT (Muscipipra vetula) – A very distant individual seen through the scope on the first day of the tour
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta) – Another striking flycatcher with a charming display
Gray-hooded Attila, photographed by guide Marcelo Padua.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – This common and unassuming flycatcher transforms itself entirely when it fluffs up its feathers and displays its brilliant red crest
GRAY-HOODED ATTILA (Attila rufus) – The book just does not do this bird justice. What a handsome flycatcher
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Common around the lodge
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Great looks at a pair of birds displaying
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill)
SHARPBILL (Oxyruncus cristatus) – Placed in its own family the Sharpbill is always a treat to see and we had the good fortune of seeing it twice on the tour
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
HOODED BERRYEATER (Carpornis cucullata)
BLACK-AND-GOLD COTINGA (Tijuca atra) – Andy spotted a singing male for us on our way down from Pico Caledonia and we were able to enjoy great looks at it through the scope
A female Giant Antshrike -- these birds are truly huge for a passerine, at about 12 inches long. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
GRAY-WINGED COTINGA (Tijuca condita) [*]
BARE-THROATED BELLBIRD (Procnias nudicollis)
SWALLOW-TAILED COTINGA (SWALLOW-TAILED) (Phibalura flavirostris flavirostris) – Andy had a staked out pair for us which was a real treat as this species is a migrant in the area and can be very hard to find
Pipridae (Manakins)
SERRA DO MAR TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysolophum) – Seen nicely on the road to Mace de Cima
SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata)
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris) – A nice adult male seen well on one of the trails near the lodge
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus gutturosus)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
GREENISH SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis virescens)
SHRIKE-LIKE COTINGA (BRAZILIAN) (Laniisoma elegans elegans) – This rare species is more closely related to Becards than Cotingas. Always scarce and hard to find but we have been able to show this bird on the tour regularly over the years
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
GRAY-EYED GREENLET (Hylophilus amaurocephalus) – This species was a bit of a surprise for me but we just made it far enough inland to get out of range of the Rufous-crowned Greenlet and into the range of this species.
RUFOUS-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus poicilotis)
This bird has such a dismissive name that most of us want to see it just for that reason: Drab-breasted Pygmy-Tyrant! Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus thoracicus)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus) – A handsome Jay from open habitats that has moved into areas where the forest has been cleared
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
LONG-BILLED WREN (Cantorchilus longirostris) – This lowland species was seen nicely at REGUA
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes) – Common around the lodge
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – Few people know it but the Rufous-bellied Thrush is the national bird of Brazil
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (RUFOUS-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
The lovely Blond-crested Woodpecker can be inconspicuous. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) [*]
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara) – Formerly known as White-rimmed Warbler
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus) – This species is usually found in more open habitats so it was a bit of a surprise for me seeing this bird showing up at the feeders around the lodge regularly
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
OLIVE-GREEN TANAGER (Orthogonys chloricterus) [*]
CHESTNUT-HEADED TANAGER (Pyrrhocoma ruficeps) – A Bamboo specialist that was seen extremely well on the road to Macae de Cima
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
RUBY-CROWNED TANAGER (Tachyphonus coronatus) – Common around the feeders at the lodge allowing us to have multiple looks at them and even see the the "Ruby-crown" that is often concealed
BRAZILIAN TANAGER (Ramphocelus bresilius) – One of the many lowland species added to our list on our visit to REGUA
DIADEMED TANAGER (Stephanophorus diadematus)
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota melanonota)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
Black-goggled Tanager is found in the Atlantic Forest understory. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
AZURE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanoptera) – Having both the Azure-shouldered Tanager and the Sayaca Tanager visit the feeders at the lodge regularly was very helpful to show the differences between these two species
GOLDEN-CHEVRONED TANAGER (Thraupis ornata)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (STRIPE-BELLIED) (Tangara cayana chloroptera)
GREEN-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara seledon) – One of the most striking birds seen on the tour
RED-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanocephala) – Seen in good numbers with mixed species flocks at CEDAE Trail
BRASSY-BREASTED TANAGER (Tangara desmaresti)
GILT-EDGED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoventris)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla) – Great looks right around the lodge
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis insignis)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
UNIFORM FINCH (Haplospiza unicolor) – Seen well on the trails around the lodge
We close our images from this tour with this Black-cheeked Gnateater, a ping-pong ball of a bird that can easily go undetected except by its occasional harsh call or long trilled song in the understory. But it's a lovely visual when we spot it. Photo by guide Marcelo Padua.
BAY-CHESTED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza thoracica) – A high altitude specialist that was seen well at Pico Caledonia
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera cinereola)
BUFFY-FRONTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila frontalis) [*]
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-THROATED GROSBEAK (Saltator fuliginosus) – Nicely seen on the CEDAE trail
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
HALF-COLLARED SPARROW (Arremon semitorquatus) – Usually a shy forest dweller but the overcast weather may have contributed to this bird's confidence in foraging right in the middle of one of the trails as Itororo Lodge
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus) – Common in marshes
YELLOW-RUMPED MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes guirahuro)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – This species parasitizes the nests of Crested Oropendolas and we were able to see them attempting to get into the nests of the Oropendolas
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – A male displaying on its nest was a real treat to see
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia pectoralis) [*]
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
WHITE-TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus jacchus)
BROWN HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta fuscus) [*]
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – A great spot by Andy resulted in some nice scope views of one.
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Common around the ponds at REGUA
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 299 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa