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THE regional specialty of the Beni is this gorgeous Blue-throated Macaw, which we were all thrilled to see so well. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
As the subtitle of this extension suggests, the Beni is a very birdy place! Less well known than their larger cousin, the Pantanal, the seasonally flooded wetlands of the region are nevertheless astounding in their abundance of life. The sheer numbers of Jabiru, Capybara, ibis, vultures, caracaras, egrets, whistling-ducks, caimans, Southern Screamers, and other birds and animals leave you gobsmacked… Then there are all the smaller species that astound once you start looking and listening! We were lucky to have been able to see some of the specialties of the region, such as Blue-throated Macaw, Plain Softtail, and Velvet-fronted Grackle, before the big cold front hit. The change in weather was striking (and chilling!), and birding became a bit harder in the face of the cold wind. But one must take advantage of opportunities, and seeing the big migration event of martins and swallows that were stopped because of the strong headwinds was quite a sight!
Birding the Beni is always a pleasure, and it was doubly so to enjoy it with you all. Glad you got to see this amazing corner of the world before we departed on the main Bolivia tour!
--Dan Lane
Note: Don't forget, too, to have a look at the separate triplist for the main section of this tour.
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
There is something decidedly prehistoric about a Greater Rhea. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – It's hard to consider these huge paleognaths as birds rather than mammals!
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) – A couple of birds at the SC airport showed well.
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – Odd-looking geese that were rather common in the Beni.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – The rarer of the two whistling-ducks.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
COMB DUCK (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Sarkidiornis melanotos sylvicola) – A single bird flying over Viru-Viru airport.
ORINOCO GOOSE (Oressochen jubatus) – Seen on four days. So great!
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Seen on three days.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – One seen in the scope in the gallery forest.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari) – The least common of the three American storks.
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – We saw several stork congregations, but the group of 30 that blocked our forward movement on the road was impressive. What were they boycotting? Fewer lungfish?
A Jabiru roadblock was a delay we were more than happy to suffer through. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – Only at the lake at Havana.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – The "French Vanilla" heron, and one of the rarest of the bunch in the Beni.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – More of a forest ibis than the rest we saw.
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus) – Also called "Whispering Ibis".
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – The Beni's natural morning alarm clock.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – Good numbers of this strangely beautiful ugly bird on this tour.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
We were treated to exceptional views of this striking Sunbittern. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – At one point, we watched one lose ownership of a snake to a Great Black Hawk! How/why would a vulture capture a snake?!
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – One seen on our second day, probably an over summering boreal migrant. The species has yet to be documented breeding in South America. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – Common "fishing hawk" we saw every day in the Beni.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – A common large hawk of open country in Bolivia. Those rufous wing patches are eye-catching.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – Seen every day in the Beni.
ROADSIDE HAWK (MAINLAND) (Rupornis magnirostris saturatus) – The form of Roadside Hawk in Bolivia is quite striking with its black and rufous-banded tail, chocolate hood, and pale orange belly.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – One dark morph seen near Santa Cruz city was the sum total for the extension.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Wow, a lovely bird seen for an extended period our first morning in the Beni was nice!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Gray-necked Wood-Rail has been split, and this is now the name of the form found from Costa Rica south.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – One of the more common open country birds, we had this mini-crane daily in the Beni.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus) – Although this form looks distinctive compared to more northern Black-necked Stilts, there is a large area of interbreeding in Peru.
A pair of Blue-and-yellow Macaws were checking out a nest cavity. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) – A small group flew over our lodging our last day in the Beni, seen by Brian and me.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – The first to pick up the alarm in the llanos.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda) [b*]
HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica) – Eric picked this rare migrant out after our first lunch around Trinidad. [b]
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) – This and the next few boreal migrant shorebirds were around the oxbow lake at lunch our first day in Trinidad. [b]
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis) [b]
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) [b]
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – Similar to our Wilson's Snipe, we saw these on the day we drove up to Cutal.
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – Seen daily in the Beni. [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – A daily sight in the Beni.
BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS) (Rynchops niger cinerascens)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – Daily sightings.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui) [a]
Participant Brian Stech shared this stack of handsome Campo Flickers.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Several heard and a few seen in the gallery forest of the Mamore.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Seen our day at La Habana, when several were along the edge of the lake there.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – Feathered muppets we enjoyed daily.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Nice views near Trinidad.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – A bird showed well for us by the lake at La Habana.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – One hanging around the house at Cutal.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Only around Viru-Viru airport.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – Large flights over the open country near La Verde.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Setopagis parvula) – Good views our night drive from La Verde.
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata) – Many on the return from La Verde.
A Black-fronted Nunbird surveys the understory for its next meal. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis) – A few passed over the day we returned to Trinidad. [a]
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – The hermit we saw at La Habana.
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi) – A fairly common hummer that seemed to prefer the flowering Erythrina trees.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – Replacing the next in the Beni.
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus) – One bird seen our first evening around Santa Cruz city.
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura) – Rather a striking bird that responded well to scold tape.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – Several seen in the gallery forest along the Mamore.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Common in the gallery forest.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
White-wedged Piculet is a handsome little member of the woodpecker family. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – The largest toucan, and a gaudy one! The most memorable experience was probably the one foraging on the ground beside the road on our drive back to Trinidad.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – Candy-colored relatives of Red-bellied Woodpecker that we saw near Santa Cruz city.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros) – A fancy flicker we enjoyed on several days.
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris) – Another fancy flicker that likes termite mounds.
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) – A pair seemed to be pretty upset about the rain around the house at Cutal.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Daily.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Also daily.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – One our last day.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – At Viru-Viru.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – A couple nestlings gave us a great view on our drive out to La Verde, but others passed over the road as we returned to Trinidad. [N]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
The subspecies of Roadside Hawk is this region shows distinct plumage differences. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – A handsome Amazon we saw several times.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – Sparrow-sized parrots seen on three days.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea) – Daily.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – After seeing two pairs fight over a nesting hole, we saw this impressive macaw several times.
BLUE-THROATED MACAW (Ara glaucogularis) – Yes! Lyliam's site to the SE of Trinidad paid off! Four birds showed well, making our main target a success! [E]
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Only the birds around the hotel in SC. [I]
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – This may be one of the easiest places in the world to see this usually skulky species!
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
BOLIVIAN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus sticturus) – Nearly endemic to the country. Seen well near Santa Cruz city.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – A handsome open country antbird we saw on the way to the gallery forest.
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria) – A pair of this odd-voiced antbird showed well at La Habana.
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – After some work, a bird showed pretty well along the edge of the lake at La Habana.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus viridis) – Seen at La Habana, but common in most woodlands in the area. This species will surely be split into several at some point. This population will either be part of the "Amazonian" group (as suggested by Clements' list here) or may be on its own. Vocally, it's pretty different from other Amazonian populations.
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – A pair in the rain around the ranch house.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) – Seen near Santa Cruz, but heard in woodlands elsewhere.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – A rather silly-looking bird that we saw well on several days. Common in the Beni.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – One of the more distinctive "typical" woodcreepers in South America with that white eyebrow and throat.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – National bird of Argentina. Loud and obvious, especially with their characteristic nests.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – A pair in Santa Cruz performed well.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber) – Common in the Beni.
PLAIN SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga fusciceps fusciceps) – This, the nominate form, is considerably larger than other subspecies, and may well be a separate species. [E]
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – Seen well along the edge of the lake at La Habana.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa) – The jay of the furnariids, and a lovely bird!
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – The "Chew toy Spinetail" is common in the Beni, we saw it on several days. Like a Dickcissel in pattern.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – Another common Beni spinetail we saw most days.
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) – One seen well near Viru-Viru.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens australis) – Seen the day we left Cutal for Trinidad.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis inornata) – This population is presently part of "Plain-crowned" Spinetail, but it is actually part of the "White-lored" Spinetail group vocally. Expect to see that shift in the future!
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda) [a]
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Seen best near Santa Cruz city our first day.
The name Bran-colored Flycatcher is an accurate description but somehow does not do justice to this subtle beauty. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – A widespread species in much of the Neotropics.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – It's regular out here!
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – This is the nominate form found east of the Andes, which has been proposed as a separate species recently. [a]
HUDSON'S BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus hudsoni) – Pretty common in the Beni wetlands. [a]
SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus) – A couple good looks at handsome males of this strange tyrant. [a]
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) – Seen on at least four days. [a]
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – The most common of the Beni monjitas.
WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero) – A very attractive tyrant that acts rather bluebird-like.
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – Brian got us on the first of these on the lily pond of our Trinidad hotel.
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – Related to the Cattle Baron and the Cattle Mogul, but its calls are referred to as "decrees"
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) – A nice view of one of these shortly after our Blue-throated Macaw sighting.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – Seen our first full day in the Beni. The form here is likely M. s. pelzelni.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – The same species that occurs in the SW of the US.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – One of the more memorable sightings was of a Kiskadee grabbing a bat out of the air in front of us as we drove to El Cutal!
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – This largely replaces the next species in the Beni, but we did see the two together near our Trinidad hotel.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) – Pretty distinctive from other forms of Streaked Flycatcher by plumage and voice.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – A few individuals on the move back south to the Pampas. [a]
We enjoyed a wonderful view of these well-developed Aplomado Falcon chicks. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Pipridae (Manakins)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma sulphureiventer) – Not one of the more colorful manakins, but certainly a good one to see!
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) – By contrast, this one is very colorful, and we saw it well too!
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – After the passing of the big front, we saw large concentrations of austral migrants, particularly around Trinidad. [a]
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Seen best over the lake at La Habana.
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) – As in the past, a few were over the field with all the ducks on the road between Cutal and Trinidad.
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – Several of these North American migrants mixed in with flocks of Brown-chested Martins at Trinidad. [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – A great "Amazonian" sound we enjoyed on the extension and main tour. This form is relatively spotless, unlike Amazonian birds.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – Seen at Santa Cruz.
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – Nearly a Bolivian endemic, and common here in the lowlands of Beni and Santa Cruz.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola berlepschi) – Birds here in the Beni are white-bellied, unlike the gray-bellied ones in the arid intermontane valleys of the main tour.
The boldly patterned Green-barred Woodpecker showed nicely on several occasions. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – A very entertaining species to watch as it performs duets with flared and waggling tails and inflated throat sacs. Now considered a monotypic family.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – Seen in La Habana in the gallery forest.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – A daily sighting, largely of austral migrants. [a]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – A single bird near the start of the track leading into the macaw ranch was a late migrant. [a]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis) – Encountered on several days.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus) – Seen near Santa Cruz by the Rio Pirai.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata) – An iconic bird of the Beni and Pantanal, always a charmer!
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Seen near Santa Cruz.
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira) – This and the next species were seen in the gallery forest of La Habana.
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
LONG-TAILED REED FINCH (Donacospiza albifrons) – A pair showed really well along the road between Trinidad and Cutal.
Plumbeous Ibis were particularly vocal at dawn. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola) – Seen At Viru-Viru our first day.
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (EASTERN) (Embernagra platensis platensis) – A common and attractive finch in the open country of the Beni. This is a different form from that in the highlands on the main tour.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
LINED SEEDEATER (Sporophila lineola) – This was one of the species of seedeater in the big mixed flock we enjoyed near our lunch spot our first day in the Beni.
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera bicolor) – Seen on the first and last day in Beni.
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha) – This and the next four species were all in the big seedeater flock near lunch. Most were females, which are nearly inseparable, but a few of us got on males we could identify.
DARK-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila ruficollis)
RUFOUS-RUMPED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypochroma)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris) – The largest and most distinctive of the seedeaters in the area, seen on several days.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – A handsome tanager-finch we saw on a couple of days.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Encountered daily.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – Similar to our streaky sparrows (such as the Grasshopper), we saw this in the open grassland near La Verde.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Widespread in Amazonia, we saw this near lunch on our first day in the Beni.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (BLACK-RUMPED) (Pheucticus aureoventris aureoventris) – Seen near Santa Cruz. [a]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella superciliaris) – Smaller than other "meadowlarks", this is part of the red-breasted South American group.
VELVET-FRONTED GRACKLE (Lampropsar tanagrinus boliviensis) – Another Beni endemic form that should be separated off as a different species from the Amazonian form. [E]
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – A real eye-catcher we enjoyed on several days. One day near El Cutal, we had a flock of 70+ birds!
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – Bay-winged Cowbird has been split into two species (this and the Pale Baywing of NE Brazil)... and it's been shown not to be a cowbird, hence the change in English name.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Only seen our last day in Beni.
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus) – Formerly part of "Epaulet Oriole," but recent studies have shown that the yellow-shouldered forms of Amazonia are better considered a separate species from these chestnut-shouldered birds of eastern South America.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – A glowing orange oriole we enjoyed daily!
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – Often a retiring species, but we saw it on at least two days.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Only encountered one day.
This ornamental arrangement is a flock of Scarlet-headed Blackbirds. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – Seen the day we arrived in Cutal.
LESSER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio albiventris) – Several seen over the lake at La Verde.
BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis)
SILVERY MARMOSET (Callithrix argentata) – Seen near Viru-Viru.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – Seen near Viru-Viru.
WHITE-EARED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus donacophilus) – Seen and heard near Viru-Viru.
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus) – Also seen near Viru-Viru.
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Wow, everywhere!
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – Only a quick glimpse our morning looking for Blue-throated Macaw.
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous) – Seen well the morning we went for the macaws.
CRAB-EATING RACCOON (Procyon cancrivorus) – Like the last, we saw two of these nocturnal mammals as we drove to see the macaws.
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – Two of these large weasels were in a tree on the entrance in to La Habana.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 236 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa