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Paradise Jacamars -- up close! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
The Amazon is one of those "Bucket List" places -- particularly if you’re a birder! But why is the Amazon so diverse, so amazing? Well, as I was trying to explain during the tour, the Amazon is thought to be one of the few regions in the world blessed with relatively continuous climatic conditions for the past tens of millions of years. While the higher latitudes have had to deal with glacial cycles, extreme shifts in rainfall, and ocean level rises and falls, the Amazon has had patches of humid tropical forests that probably maintained populations of many of the animals and plants that live there today, in fairly similar conditions.
That’s not to say that the Amazon hasn't been affected by the global climate shifts that affected the rest of the planet. Its forests expanded and contracted over the eons, the Andes rose in the past five million years, changing the course of the rivers that drained the basin, and sea in the western part of the basin eventually drained and left behind a huge tract of swampy forest and pockets of sandy soils. Also, with the rise of the young Andes, rich sediments were carried down and deposited along the banks of the rivers that drained the mountains. The patchwork of old, weathered sands (such as in the Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve or AMR), clays (up at ACTS lodge), and rich alluvial soils (such as around Explorama and Explornapo lodges) produced one of the phenomena we saw on our tour: different “terra firme” (non-flooding) forest types that translated into different birds. Add to these the flooding forests (“varzea” where the “whitewater” rivers invaded the forest, and “igapo” where tannin-laden waters flooded forests along backwaters away from the Andes-draining rivers). Then there are the islands that were either created from sediments that settled along the river channels, or carved off bends when the channels shifted. As we saw, each of these habitats held different assemblages of birds, and taken together—voila!—you have the incredible diversity of the Amazon! That’s a bit simplistic, but you get the idea…
With so many varieties and forms of flora and fauna, we were overwhelmed with sights, scents, and sounds on our ten days in the area. But several definitely etched their way into our memory banks as highlights. To be honest there were many, but those that came to mind at the final dinner included our experiences with various antbirds, like that fancy White-plumed, foraging around us along the trail at AMR as a large swarm of Eciton ants passed across the gap. Any tour with a Fiery Topaz is a good one, but when you see TWO (and both males with the long tail feathers, at that), you know things are going well! One group that we thoroughly enjoyed on this tour was the jacamar family; we saw five species and heard an additional one. The woodpeckers were also appreciated, as they are usually so colorful and full of character. The brown, crested members of genus Celeus were friendly, with the eye-catching Chestnut, Scale-breasted, and Cream-colored making appearances. The woodcreepers, different in their lifestyle, but similar in their mode of locomotion, also hit the group's sweet spot. Another special experience was seeing not one, but TWO, Nocturnal Curassows on Christmas night; I can’t imagine a better gift!
In addition to particular species or groups of birds were general experiences that we’ll take with us from this tour: enjoying the mixed flock of birds that passed through our tower tree on the ACTS canopy walkway, our quiet drift down the Rio Sucusari at dusk, and the joy of birding on cochas (lakes), such as the one on Isla Yanomono. And, of course, who will forget the connection we made with some less-than-usual animals: the company of Lorenzo and Raul, the trumpeters, who joined us on the paths (the one to enjoy a hike with us, the other to attack our shins), and the chortling of Charlie the Capybara!
These memories, and more, will stay with us. It was a pleasure to share them with you. Meanwhile, I hope you keep your eyes on the skies and your binoculars within reach, and perhaps we’ll see one another in the field again soon!
Good birding,
-- Dan
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) [*]
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) – Perhaps the tinamou we heard the most, primarily at AMR. [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
GRAY-LEGGED TINAMOU (Crypturellus duidae) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – Heard at the cocha at Isla Yanomono, and then we saw one flying there.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
NOCTURNAL CURASSOW (Nothocrax urumutum) – Wow! What a great Christmas gift! After hearing the odd booming song of this very difficult-to-see curassow, we enjoyed *two* birds roosting side by side in a tall tree!
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
Dusk falling over the Rio Nanay. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – The Great Blue-sized heron we saw on a few occasions along the edges of cochas.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Susan, after having lamented not having seen this small egret, was the one to spot them on the boat trip back to Iquitos!
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – The "French vanilla" heron.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) [*]
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – Of the two yellowheads, this one is found flying low over open habitats like river islands.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Of the two yellowheads, this one prefers primary humid forest.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Several of these northern migrants were along the rivers and lakes we visited. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – An impressive 7+ birds flew over the Rio Sucusari one morning as we headed to the Napo. Almost certainly, these were migrants, but where from?
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – A few of these fishing hawks showed well on Isla Yanomono.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – We enjoyed one of these widespread kites at the Malecon of Iquitos.
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus) – Heard and seen on several days, this species looks much like the last, but doesn't act like it.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – Several seen during the course of the trip, including what was probably an adult and juvenile that were circling over the Rio Napo... the juvenile looking like a Buteo!
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – A lovely adult flew in to investigate scold tape and then strutted about in a tree, showing off its shapely red legs.
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus) – Several of these attractive hawks perched for us to enjoy along the narrower creeks.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Perhaps this was the riverside subspecies?
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – One heard at AMR, but didn't come to playback. [*]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – A pair, including at least one dark morph, were circling in view of the departure gate at the Iquitos airport!
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – One adult flew by and was dive-bombed by a Plumbeous Kite... I think we paid more attention to the kite!
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Two birds showed well for us at Explorama Lodge, but we heard them also at Explornapo.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – A bird darted across the path on the younger river island we visited near the mouth of the Rio Sucusari.
BLACK-BANDED CRAKE (Anurolimnas fasciatus) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – Several at the Malecon, and later also along the edges of cochas.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
Slate-colored Hawks are regularly seen in flooded forest. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – Several of these little plovers showed well on that young, grassy island on the Napo.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Many of these familiar sandpipers from North America were around the flat, grassy island on the Napo. [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – One of our first birds of the tour! A first winter bird was at the wharf on the Rio Nanay.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – We only saw one of these small terns on the cocha at Isla Yanomono.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – After seeing many along the Amazon and Napo, and on several cochas, we saw a flock flying high and to the north over the Sucusari. Where were they going?
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Yup.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – The common pigeon along river and cocha edges.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Only seen our last evening on our Sucusari drift.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) [*]
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Heard on several days and seen on the first Napo river island we visited.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Heard on many days, and a bird on a nest at Explornapo was nice. [N]
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Wow, how could it be so hard to see a Hoatzin in the Amazon?! [*]
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – Fine looks at a bird at the start of the channel that led to the cocha on Isla Yanomono.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – Seen at AMR and also from the tower at ACTS. Similar to, but perhaps a bit more ornate than, the previous species.
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – Common along most waterways.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Common in grassy clearings.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – The only owl we saw, and wow, was it weird to see it sitting under the roof of the common room in Explorama, then come down and catch an insect on the floor!
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (TAWNY-BELLIED) (Megascops watsonii watsonii) – Heard (and nearly seen) at ACTS and Explornapo. [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) – Seen over the clearing at dawn at AMR, and again along the Sucusari.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – Somewhere around 20 individuals put on a good show over the Rio Nanay. It's a darned hard bird elsewhere in Peru!
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Several of these long-distance travelers were flying over Shimigay.
CHIMNEY SWIFT (Chaetura pelagica) – Several birds that looked good for this familiar species from North America were over Cocha Yarina. [b]
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis) – Similar to the last, we saw them as they drank from the Rio Sucusari on our evening drift.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – Perhaps the most common of the Chaetura swifts.
Lorenzo, the pet Gray-winged Trumpeter at Explornapo Lodge, pauses to preen. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – One of the most noticeable of the swifts on the tour, and the one Bret discovered stealing feathers from other birds as they flew by!
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
FIERY TOPAZ (Topaza pyra) – We had fantastic looks at two males as they foraged on flowers in the canopy of the forest around the ACTS walkway! What a snazzy hummingbird!
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – One seen well on Isla Mancocapac.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – A very curious bird flew right up to the boat at Cocha Yarina.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – We were inspected by one at AMR as we watched the army ant swarm.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Nancy spotted this lovely, white-bellied hummer from the ACTS tower.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – The rather drab hummer we saw on the first Napo island we visited.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – One at breakfast at AMR and another at Explorama were nice looks.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Kay got us on a female in the same tree as our tower.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – Mostly heard, but one flew by in front of us at Cocha Yarina.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly called "White-tailed Trogon," but that species was split into two (one on each side of the Andes).
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – Formerly Violaceous Trogon, but that species has been split into at least three.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Another victim of splitting, this had been called "Blue-crowned Motmot" for decades.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – The kingfisher we saw most.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – After resisting playback, this kingfisher of shaded waterways blasted by us along Shimigay.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – Several showed briefly at the treefall gap at AMR.
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) [*]
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) – A lovely puffbird we enjoyed on the walk from ACTS to the Sucusari.
RUSTY-BREASTED NUNLET (Nonnula rubecula) – Nancy got us onto this rather rare puffbird near the ACTS walkway.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – The common nunbird along edges and in varzea forest.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Nice views from the canopy tower.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) – A pair showed well around the clearing by the building at AMR.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – A common sight along rivers.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) – A small group responded well at AMR, showing off their red kingfisher-like bills.
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) – A pair around the treefall at AMR showed well.
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) – Nice view of a bird along the creek at Explorama.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) [*]
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea) – After some poor views against the sky at AMR, we had a pair behave well at the ACTS tower.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – A fine male showed well for us at AMR.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) – The barbet of river-edge habitats.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – A handsome and fairly common barbet of interior forest. First we saw the yellow-throated form punctatus at AMR and later the nominate auratus at the ACTS tower.
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – A male sang his quiet song from a Cercropia at Explornapo where we managed to get a scope view through the leaves.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – A small group showed briefly at Shimigay.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – The most common of the aracaris, and the one that prefers edges.
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – A group showed well at the ACTS tower.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – Seen first at AMR and later at the ACTS tower.
A Gray-fronted Dove nesting amid the lodge grounds. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – This toucan, although nearly identical to the previous, is a "croaking" toucan. In older books, it was called "Yellow-ridged Toucan."
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
PLAIN-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus castelnau) – We had nice views of this river-edge piculet on Isla Yanomono. It's nearly endemic to Peru.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – We saw this one on Isla Mancocapac.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – Similar looking to the last, we saw this species at AMR and again on the tower.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) – After a poor look at AMR, we had a great one at ACTS walkway.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) – One of the three crested brown woodpeckers we enjoyed on the tour, this one showed at AMR and again from the ACTS tower.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – A female came in and perched on a high limb over the creek at Explorama. Lovely bird!
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Luckily, this plague bird seemed not to take much interest in us at ACTS.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Common along rivers.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – One flew past along the Napo.
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus) – A distant bird being mobbed by toucans gave us a good show from the ACTS tower.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SAPPHIRE-RUMPED PARROTLET (Touit purpuratus) [*]
TUI PARAKEET (Brotogeris sanctithomae) – This and the next were mostly seen as dots flying across the sky.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) [*]
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus) – A common bird along larger rivers.
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva) – A fine Amazon parrot we saw on Isla Yanomono.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – The most common large parrot of the tour.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – A pair showed well as they inspected holes on the island on the Napo.
The Black-fronted Nunbird is the common nunbird along rivers. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) – Seen well from the ACTS tower.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura) – Several showed well around the grounds of Explornapo.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – Even though our first was not really "wild" but rather a hand-reared bird at Explorama Lodge, we did see some truly wild birds from the ACTS tower.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FULVOUS ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena fulva) – Cool! This huge antshrike was a nice bonus for our walk from ACTS to the Sucusari!
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis) – A couple of pairs were along the Nanay our first afternoon.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – A fine male of this widespread, but still sharp-looking, antshrike gave us good views on Cocha Yarina.
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) – An interior forest antrshrike we saw on our walk to ACTS from Explornapo.
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) – A satin-black antshrike we enjoyed on several river islands.
PEARLY ANTSHRIKE (Megastictus margaritatus) – A fine show put on by a trio on a trail at AMR.
BLACK BUSHBIRD (Neoctantes niger) – Although only seen by Nancy, we did enjoy the frustrating temptation of hearing the song of this rare, skulking antbird.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus) – This and the next species are leaders of understory mixed flocks in Amazonian forests.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli) [*]
STIPPLE-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla haematonota) – We saw this dead-leaf specialist our first morning at AMR.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LEADEN ANTWREN (Myrmotherula assimilis) – A river island specialist we saw from the boat at Cocha Yarina.
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) [*]
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) – This and the next species are canopy antwrens. This one was seen well from the ACTS tower...
ANCIENT ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus gentryi) – ... whereas this antwren was seen mostly as a silhouette from the ground at AMR.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – A lovely understory antbird we saw at the start of our walk from ACTS to the Sucusari.
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) – Similar to the last, but bright yellow below, we saw this on the ridge behind Explornapo.
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris) – Kay and Nancy got a look at this frustrating antbird that really had it in for us on the island on the Napo. Stinker.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Several birds hopped about on the path at that army ant swarm at AMR.
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon) – A female showed well at the dock at Explornapo.
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) – An island specialist that showed well at the first Napo island we visited.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) [*]
ALLPAHUAYO ANTBIRD (Percnostola arenarum) – A male showed very well our first morning at AMR.
SLATE-COLORED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla schistacea) [*]
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla leucostigma) – Just before we boarded our boat at the end of the hike from ACTS to Sucusari, we enjoyed a male a close quarters.
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza castanea) – A pair circled us in the short "chamizal" woodland at AMR.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) – Several birds at Isla Mancocapac teased us, but finally we saw a pair.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps) – Great views of a pair that circled us several times on Shimigay trail.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra)
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – One of Nancy's more wanted birds, we saw a small group well at the army ant swarm at AMR.
WHITE-CHEEKED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis) – A family group showed well near the treefall gap at AMR.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – A cute male showed well (after several minutes of trying to play it in) across the creek at Shimigay.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) – A male at the AMR antswarm was nice.
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – A family group didn't play fair on the Shimigay trail.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) – Wow, this individual along the trail from Explornapo to ACTS is perhaps the easiest gnateater to see anywhere!
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) – A bird snuck around us on the ridge above Explornapo.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis) – One showed in the dim understory on our second morning in AMR.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – Nice views from the ACTS tower.
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – A strange, snakey looking bird we enjoyed on Cocha Yarina.
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) [*]
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – The woodcreeper found at edges. We saw a pair well at Isla Yanomono.
DUIDA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes duidae) – Formerly called "Lineated Woodcreeper," this species has been split into four, and the one found north of the Amazon and west of the Negro (in Brazil) is this one.
The group canoeing on a lake embedded within a river island. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor) – An island specialist hornero, but also present at the Malecon at Iquitos.
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) – One eventually allowed us looks at the ACTS tower.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – We saw one on our first morning hike around AMR.
ORANGE-FRONTED PLUSHCROWN (Metopothrix aurantiaca) – One of the weirder members of the Furnariid family, this little canopy warbler-like bird has big orange legs and a colorful yellow and orange body. We saw it first on Isla Mancocapac and then the next day on Isla Yanomono.
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula) – One of the island specialist spinetails, we made its aquaintance on the first Napo island we visited.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – A bird showed with no prompting on the channel the led to Cocha Yanomono.
RUDDY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis rutilans) – One of the few forest interior spinetails, and one that was a life bird for yours truly! We had great views on two days at AMR.
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua) – This spinetail showed briefly on the flat, grassy island in the Napo.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – Sorry Susan, we did see some elaenias on this tour...
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex)
RIVER TYRANNULET (Serpophaga hypoleuca) – This little tyrannulet was on the grassy island on the Napo.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – A bird showed well in AMR our second morning.
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis) – Well-named, we saw several of this handsome tyrannulet on the grassy island.
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus) [*]
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum) – Common in river-edge growth.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – A pair came to the tower tree at ACTS to chip loudly.
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus) – We had fine views of a pair of this large flycatcher just after seeing the next species at Shimigay.
ORANGE-EYED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias traylori) – A species discovered by Ted Parker at Explornapo, we enjoyed a pair at Shimigay.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – This and the next two species visited our tower tree at ACTS.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (OLIVE-FACED) (Tolmomyias flaviventris viridiceps)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – A familiar friend from back home, we saw and heard these flycatchers in many areas. [b]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (CAMPINA) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus duidae) – This form was the one we heard in the chamizal at AMR. It will probably be split from the next at some point soon. [*]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior) – This was the dull brown flycatcher we saw well on the first Napo island.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Despite its name, this little tyrant is quite charming, in my opinion.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – A handsome open country tyrant we first saw from the Malecon and later a male perched in front of us on the flat grassy island in the Napo and sang his little heart out.
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) – We were lucky on this tour to see four attilas! This one was along the edges of Cocha Yarina.
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) – This attila was at AMR.
One of the benefits of being in a canopy tower is looking down on canopy birds such as this female Gilded Barbet. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – Finally, this attila showed in the forest near the ACTS walkway.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Like its larger cousin, but tied closely to the water's edge.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – Nice looks at this forest canopy flycatcher at AMR.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – Seen well on several days, usually near its preferred habitat of Mauritia palms.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BLACK-NECKED RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus nigricollis) – A truly handsome bird we enjoyed on our walk from ACTS to the Sucusari.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – A pair came right in and tail-shivered and fanned their throat feathers near the end of the Shimigay trail.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – At least three birds showed off at Isla Yanomono, and another was along the Sucusari a few days later.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – The electric blue cotinga in the canopy along the cocha at Isla Yanomono.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) [*]
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) [*]
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – Mostly fly-bys.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) [*]
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum) – Not much to look at, but a fairly good bird for Peru. We saw it at AMR.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra) – Mostly females seen on the tour.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – A lek on the hike to ACTS from Explornapo gave us some views of males.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – The first of the three tityras we saw.
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – A pair flew past us on Cocha Yarina.
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major) – On two occasions, we saw this bright rufous bird as it crossed a cocha in response to playback. One bird nearly landed on the boat, but I must have been looking the other way...
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – Seen as silhouettes, we had a small group in the canopy along Cocha Yarina.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – A female showed well on the ACTS platform.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – The bird we saw on Isla Mancocapac was the resident form solimoensis.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps) – A forest understory vireo that was part of a couple mixed flocks around ACTS.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) – A bird joined us in our tower tree.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – A small group on Shimigay were the only jays we saw!
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – A gaggle hung out around the mouth of the Sucusari.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Common around human habitation.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Very common, particularly around open river islands. [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – One of the most successful passerines in the Americas.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – This species replaces the next on Isla Mancocapac, where we heard it. [*]
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) – Seen well at AMR near the army ant swarm.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
COLLARED GNATWREN (Microbates collaris) – A pair hopped about us with tails cocked and wagging near the start of the ACTS walkway.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – A unique passerine that likes to be near still water.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
VARZEA THRUSH (Turdus sanchezorum) – Cool! A bird I had the pleasure co-describing with my mentor, John O'Neill, a few years ago. We saw it well at Explorama, where it would was not hard to find!
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) [*]
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Perhaps the most common thrush near clearings and rivers in the area.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – A bit of a surprise, those of us who went to the Malecon our final morning in Iquitos saw this migrant from North America. [b]
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – Another North American migrant that joined us in our tower tree.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
Queen Victoria waterlilies on a cocha. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – This and the next were on the islands we visited.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) [*]
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – A very attractive tanager we enjoyed at Explorama and Explornapo lodges.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – A fancy-pants tanager that wowed us at the ACTS tower.
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – A brief view of one at AMR.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – The flourescent yellow feet of this one are amazing.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – A pair of this honeycreeper greeted us at the chamizal in AMR. A rare bird in Peru!
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor) – Our first conebill on the first Napo island was this species. We later saw the next species and were able to compare them.
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – A common species around clearings and river edges.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) [*]
CAQUETA SEEDEATER (Sporophila murallae) – A handsome seedeater we saw well on the Napo islands.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – At the Malecon in Iquitos, we saw this odd tanager well.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Our best view was on the young Napo island.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – A pair showed briefly on our afternoon hike behind Explornapo.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – A tanager that's really a cardinal. We had it near the start of the ACTS walkway.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) – Near the last species, but it hardly showed itself. [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
Yes, it's a terrible picture, but getting even a glimpse of the rarely-seen Nocturnal Curassow -- let alone a picture of one -- is pretty cool! This was definitely our Christmas highlight. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – A handsome blackbird of river edges.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – The male of this species resembles our Yellow-headed Blackbird of the western US, but the female is quite different, and the voice is worlds apart!
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Females of the Amazonian form, riparius, are nearly as dark as the males!
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – A flashy oriole we saw first at AMR.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – A pair building a nest at the edge of the cocha at Isla Yanomono was nice. [N]
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – The only "everyday bird" of the tour!
BAND-TAILED CACIQUE (Cacicus latirostris) – Wow, we had a nice view of a few birds perched at the edge of the Napo across from the Sucusari. It turns out, there are very few photos of this species on the web!
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) [*]
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Also called "White-lored Euphonia" by some authors.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
WHITE-LINED SAC-WINGED BAT SP. (Saccopteryx perspicillifer)
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis) – This was the Tamarin we saw at AMR.
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – This Tamarin was present near ACTS.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus) – Several made noise outside the dining room at Explornapo one evening. [*]
YELLOW-HANDED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus torquatus) – The TIti we heard at AMR. [*]
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) – The Titi we heard as we hiked from ACTS to the Sucusari. [*]
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
MONK SAKI MONKEY (Pithecia monachus) – A small group of these monkeys made a getaway from us before we could see them at AMR. [*]
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – Our boatman managed to see this beast in the crown of a tree at the side of a cocha at Cocha Yarina.
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis) – This, the "pink" river dolphin, was in the Sucusari as we headed to the Napo one morning.
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – A brief view of this weasel relative as it considered crossing Shimigay creek using a tree trunk. Then it heard us see it and changed its mind!
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 333 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa