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Field Guides Tour Report
Alta Floresta & the Pantanal, Brazil 2012
Jun 15, 2012 to Jul 1, 2012
Bret Whitney & Marcelo Padua

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.


The symbol of the Pantanal according to the local inhabitants, the massive Jabiru is truly an impressive bird, especially so in flight. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

Our 2012 tour was anything but ordinary. It started off with the strangest weather pattern I have ever seen in the Pantanal, as the dry season lingered on for much longer than usual, then the rains fell hard when they were supposed to have stopped, flooding the Pantanal much later than the usual. I can't state with absolute certainty that this had a positive impact on the tour, yet I have to say that it sure seemed that way.

Our group was another factor that contributed to make this an exceptional tour, as our particular mix was above the average both in terms of experience in birding and spotting skills which, combined with the weather conditions that had the birds behaving really well, created the ideal conditions for a birding "perfect storm."

Our luck started with the raptors as we decided to visit an area I had recently scouted. Tom spotted a Crowned Eagle perched in the distance, and we had some excellent scope views of this Cerrado specialist, which we'd never seen before on this particular tour. Later that day we spotted a soaring Ornate Hawk-Eagle. While the raptors were indeed off to a good start, they only got better as we moved into the Amazon, where we saw a juvenile Harpy Eagle on the nest. We then continued on to our lodge, where we spiced things up a bit more by having great looks at Black Hawk-Eagle, Crested Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, White-browed Hawk, a Cryptic Forest-Falcon in the scope, and several other great raptors that were icing on the cake. It is truly a rare treat to have seen such an impressive array of birds of prey!

The raptors alone would have made this an extraordinary tour, yet there were many other great accomplishments as well, one of them being an impressive 13 species from the puffbird family recorded on the tour. That means that we had every species possible in the area we covered, from the most difficult to see (Collared Puffbird, Rufous-necked Puffbird, and Rufous-capped Nunlet) to the most common (Swallow-winged Puffbird and Black-fronted Nunbird). As if that was not enough we saw 19 of the 20 species of woodpeckers possible for the area, 8 of which we saw from one single spot in a period of less than two hours, including the White-fronted Woodpecker which is not common in this area and had not been seen on this tour in years. We also saw all 5 species of kingfishers (including the shy Green-and-rufous and the minute American Pygmy Kingfisher) and all 3 species of storks found in South America, and recorded an impressive 29 species of parrots, 21 hummingbirds (none of them seen at feeders), as well as an impressive 34 species of antbirds.

In the Pantanal the birding was excellent (as it always is!), and we had great looks at Hyacinth Macaws, Southern Screamers, Jabirus, and all the birds that you'd expect to see in a place that is so famous for the birding. What we did not expect (although we had hoped for!), however, was to see not one but three Jaguars in one morning, two of which were mating and gave us an incredible insight of the life of these magnificent cats.

This was indeed an extraordinary tour and one that will live in my memory for many years to come, and I feel privileged to have been there and to have witnessed what we saw. I hope you all feel the same way and that we can meet again some day and go chasing another perfect storm!

-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
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – Common around our lodge at Piuval!
Tinamidae (Tinamous)


A flashy Roseate Spoonbill provides a convincing argument that bald is beautiful! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
BRAZILIAN TINAMOU (Crypturellus strigulosus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) [*]
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – Seen on several days in the Pantanal, especially towards Porto Jofre where it is very common!
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – If you can call the Screaming Piha the sound of the Amazon, you can safely say that the Chaco Chacalaca is the sound of the Pantanal. It is just impossible to get away from it!
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster) – The Transpantaneira is certainly the best place in the world to see these beautiful guans.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – These are the piping-guans that we saw in the Pantanal. As you move farther north you get into the range of Red-throated.
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – This shy forest species can be hard to see well and we had glimpsed it two times on the tour before getting scope views of a bird that was up in a tree.
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – Common in the Pantanal where they are not hunted and have become so habituated to human presence that they will even wander around the lodge buildings at Curicaca.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari) – By far the least common of the three storks that occur in the Pantanal, but we had some really good looks at them this year.
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – The Jabiru is for the locals the symbol of the Pantanal, and when you see so many of them, the reason for it soon becomes clear.


Herons just don't come much prettier than the wonderful Capped Heron. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Abundant in the Pantanal where the abundance of fish can support so many birds that feed on fish!
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – The birds in the Pantanal are darker and sound very different from the ones in North America. I really think that if genetic analysis were done on these birds they would be split!
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – This is quite a handsome heron and we were able to see both the adults and the juvenile birds that exhibit the plumage that gives this bird its name.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – The South American equivalent of the Great Blue Heron; these birds are quite common in the Pantanal.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – These small herons were in their best plumage during our tour.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Not common in the Pantanal but we spotted a few of them!
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – By far one of the most beautiful herons I know. I never get tired of getting scope views of this colorful heron.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – These nocturnal herons can be hard to find, but they are fairly common in the Pantanal during the dry season!
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – Although common in the Pantanal, this species is not found in many places and we had great looks at them.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – You just can't get tired of seeing these strange and beautiful birds.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)


There's really no question as to why these are named Large-billed Terns, is there? (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – The Greater Yellow-headed Vulture was only described in 1964 by Alexander Wetmore, who realized that there were two distinct taxa that had very different proportions and coloration especially in the underwing pattern. It was then split from Lesser Yellow-headed which is common on the southern portion of this tour and gets replaced by the Greater Yellow-headed as we move into the Amazon.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Although we usually see this bird on the tour, they are usually scarce in the area. But this year we had several sightings around Cristalino.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – We were treated to a rare look at one of these birds perched. A sight that is far from common.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – This is one that is not seen on every tour and we managed to see early on the trip near Chapada.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – By far the most common raptor in the Pantanal, where it feeds on abundant apple snails and crabs.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – One of the many great spots by Tonia on the tour!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens gracilis)
WHITE-BROWED HAWK (Leucopternis kuhli) – Another rare raptor seen on this tour. We were tipped by a friend about a pair that had been seen in an area a few days before and surely enough they showed up for us!
WHITE HAWK (Leucopternis albicollis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
CROWNED EAGLE (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus) – This bird was not expected on this tour, but a few days before the tour I had gone scouting in an area near Chapada and decided to go there with the group. It was a pleasant surprise to see this bird which was spotted by Tom!
ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris)
GRAY HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albicaudatus)
CRESTED EAGLE (Morphnus guianensis) – I have to admit this was only my third sighting of a Crested Eagle and it was impressive to see it from the tower at Cristalino. Fortunately we spotted the bird before the rain came that morning.
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – This is the one bird that needs no comments. We were lucky that the nest was active and had great looks!
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – A couple of birds in flight on the way to Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – One bird flew over us in Chapada!
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – This was an all time best tour for this species which we saw 3 times, including an impressive bird that was waaaayyyyyy up there and suddenly went into a dive that had all of us speechless after it disappeared behind the trees!
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) – Like all forest-falcons, this one can be hard to see as they are incredibly shy birds. But this one stuck around long enough for everyone to have amazing scope views.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) [*]
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Very common in the Pantanal!
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Especially common around Chapada dos Guimaraes where we saw them more than once.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Way to go Tonia!
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – It is always nice to see these birds patrolling the rivers at dusk when they hunt for bats and Owl Butterflies.
Cariamidae (Seriemas)


The dapper Pied Lapwing is a common sight along the major rivers in the Amazon Basin. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Seeing the pattern of the wings of this bird is always a treat.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – Unfortunately this shy bird was only seen by a couple of people.
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajanea)
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Porzana albicollis) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – There is no better place to see limpkins than in the Pantanal during the dry season. We saw hundreds of them.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – This handsome lapwing is common along larger rivers with sand banks in this area, and we had some really nice looks at them.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – It was really fun to see the Greater Yellowlegs sitting right next to Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpipers. A true workshop for the identification of these birds in nonbreeding plumage.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – Although far less common than the Large-billed Tern in the areas we visited, we had several good looks at this handsome tern.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – Always fun to watch them as they fly so low over the surface of the water doing their thing!
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – Actually a very handsome pigeon if you get a good look at it.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – The most common ground-dove in the Pantanal!
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – This patterned dove is a close relative of the Inca Dove from the US.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – This species is far more often heard than seen, but we had some good looks at Cristalino.
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
CRIMSON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura perlata)
PAINTED PARAKEET (PAINTED) (Pyrrhura picta microtera) – We had fantastic looks at this handsome parakeet at Cristalino.
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – Always nice to see a bird that has been introduced to so many places in the area where they belong.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Aratinga acuticaudata) – Although we only had them flying over, the light was great and we could see an amazing amount of detail.


Jabiru may be the symbol of the Pantanal for the locals, but for many birders, it is the spectacular Hyacinth Macaw that best represents the region. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea)
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – Always a crowd pleaser, but then again they are big, blue, and they seem to love people. So what is there not to like?
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata)
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana)
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – I have seen some well behaved birds in my life, but these birds seemed to be operated by remote control!
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
DUSKY-BILLED PARROTLET (Forpus modestus) – Always around the clearings at Cristalino!
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri) – The birds in the Cerrado and Pantanal!
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera) – Replaced the previous species once we got into the Amazon, where we saw them well!
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED PARROT (Pionites leucogaster) – Really nice looks just after having seen the displaying Amazonian Umbrellabirds
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Fly by views only!
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – Replaces the previous species in the Pantanal!
BLUE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
KAWALL'S PARROT (Amazona kawalli)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) [*]
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus) – We had great scope views of this unique species.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – We had one of these handsome cuckoos just a few feet away from us on the Canopy tower.
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus) – One bird flew across the road and a few lucky people got on it.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) [*]
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) [*]
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – A common sight around Chapada dos Guimaraes and on the way to Cristalino, where these birds have moved in recently due to the clearing of the forest.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Seen well in the Pantanal.
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) – Just look at the picture. No comments!
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)


If only all owls were as cooperative as this handsome Black-banded Owl! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – We saw hundreds of these large nighthawks, including a number of them roosting behind our lodge in the Pantanal!
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – Always fun to see them as they come out to forage over the water at dusk!
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) – Congratulations on your 3000th species Jenny!
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus nigrescens) – One of the regular guests at Cristalino where they roost over the rooms!
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Seen during daytime on river islands on the Teles Pires!
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
LONG-TAILED POTOO (Nyctibius aethereus) [*]
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – One female from the tower!
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
CINNAMON-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis nattereri) – We had excellent looks at this hermit in the Pantanal!
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – Barbara spotted some flowers and decided to check them out. We were all pleased with the results!
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris)
HORNED SUNGEM (Heliactin bilophus)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi)
FIERY-TAILED AWLBILL (Avocettula recurvirostris)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – We managed to find a bird on a nest. A real treat!
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon aureoventris)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) [*]
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – Formerly known as Violaceous Trogon.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Formerly known as Blue-crowned Motmot!
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – Although this species is hard to see well due to its habits, we saw it on three different occasions on our tour.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – Another hard kingfisher to see that we saw well. With this one we completed all 5 species possible in South America!
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
BROWN-BANDED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus ordii)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia)
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) – One of the hardest puffbirds to see on this tour, but we had amazing looks at this handsome puffbird!
STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus striolatus torridus) – It was looking like this would be the only member of the family that was going to get away, but we came up with a pair of birds just as we were leaving Cristalino, making this officially the best year ever for puffbirds on this tour!


One of an impressive 13 species of puffbirds recorded on the tour- the Rufous-necked Puffbird. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus maculatus)
RUFOUS-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila rufa)
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET (Nonnula ruficapilla)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) [*]
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – This neat jacamar replaces the Yellow-billed south of the Amazon River.
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea) – Really neat looks at these birds catching insects on the rocky outcrops at Cristalino!
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – We saw a pair of these massive jacamars really well at Cristalino!
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi) – We had great looks at this southern Amazon endemic at Cristalino!
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) – These neat aracaris have modified feathers on their heads, hence the name!
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus) – Another great spot by Tonia. Way to go!
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – Great spot by Martha!
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – Seeing these birds displaying was a real treat!
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum) – This is one that we had not seen on this tour in many years. Hopefully they are back for good and we will start seeing them again in the near future.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – We had great looks at these ornate woodpeckers at Cristalino!
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – Always within a few feet from water, these handsome horneros are common along the rivers in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – We saw this species well, even seeing the unique pattern on their throat!
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) [*]
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia) – Very cooperative!
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) [*]
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora) – We saw it really well and still no white lores. Another case of a badly named bird.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – We saw them at Cristalino, but they were not cooperative.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – Another one that was looking like it was going to get away. But we came back for a second round and had great looks at it.
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) [*]
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum) – Great looks at a bird foraging with a mixed species flock!
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) [*]
PARA FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus paraensis) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) [*]
SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS (Xenops tenuirostris) – Unfortunately it would not come closer for a better view, but that is the way that birding goes some times.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
SPOT-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Certhiasomus stictolaemus) – One of the hard ones to find, but we had one moving along with a mixed species flock.


Fruiting trees can be a magnet for hard to see species, and the one at Cristalino drew in a troop of normally shy White-nosed Bearded Saki Monkeys, lucky for us! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) [*]
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) [*]
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – Now that is a proper woodcreeper!
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia concolor)
PLANALTO WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – This species replaces the Spix's Woodcreeper south of the Teles Pires river. It is always fascinating to see in such a short period of time two species of birds separated by just a few meters.
SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – If only all woodcreepers were this distinctive, it would be a lot easier to work on them!
LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – What a fascinating and bizarre bird. That long bill is used to probe cracks in trees in search of small insects that it feeds on.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus) – It was a lot of fun watching a female eating a caterpillar.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus) – This Cerrado specialist was seen well at Chapada dos Guimaraes.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) [*]
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops)
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
SATURNINE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes saturninus) – We saw well both the male and female!
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris)
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma)
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – We managed to see well this canopy specialist!
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) – Seen only by Dona Eugenia. [*]
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula hauxwelli) – Working on this species is always a welcome break from looking up into the trees, since it never goes much higher than 4 feet!
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – A regular at mixed species flocks which we saw well!
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) [*]
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis bicolor)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis emiliae) – Another case of two distinctive birds separated by the Teles Pires. This sub-species is the one we saw when we were at Cristalino Lodge.
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – It was nice to see a small family group of these birds.
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei) – A bamboo specialist which can be really hard to see.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria) – Just one more of the Pantanal specialties that we saw so well.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys)
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata)
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda)
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata) [*]
RUFOUS-FACED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla rufifacies) – Always a hard one to see, but with some persistence we finally managed to get a good look at one.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) [*]
BARE-EYED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina gymnops) [*]
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – It is always a treat to see one of these army ant followers.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) [*]
SPOTTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus macularius) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita snethlageae) – Fabulous looks at a very responsive adult male!
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – A common bird, but it was a lot of fun watching it build a nest.
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri affinis)
CHAPADA FLYCATCHER (Suiriri islerorum) – The Chapada Flycatcher was only described to science in 2001, when it was split from Suiriri Flycatcher. We were privileged to have the two species on the same tree and compare them side by side.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
BEARDED TACHURI (Polystictus pectoralis) – The Bearded Tachuri is a migrant from the south and due to habitat destruction on its breeding grounds it has become very rare. Seeing one in the Pantanal is a difficult feat, but we have located one bird and we have been able to see it for the last three years on the same territory.
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – It is amazing to think that these minute birds breed way up in the Andes and then they come down to the Pantanal to winter. Makes me appreciate them that much more knowing how tough these little birds have to be to make such a journey!


At a paltry 2.5" in length, the Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant is the smallest Passerine in the world. The photo above is roughly life-sized! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) –
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) [*]
AMAZONIAN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus obscurior) – We had some good looks at this seldom seen flycatcher.
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) [*]
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava)
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – We had some great looks at this minute bird that is the smallest Passerine of the Americas.
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus)
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor) – The Teles Pires River is a barrier for many species and this is another one that does not make it to the other side of the river. This one occurs on the "Alta Floresta" side of the river.
WHITE-BELLIED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus griseipectus)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) – After much work, only a couple of people got on this hard to see flycatcher that likes to stay up high and does not move much.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum) – Although common along the rivers in the Amazon, this intricately patterned bird is always a treat to see.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos) [*]
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (Onychorhynchus coronatus) [*]
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – This is one of those birds that you just have to stumble on, as they are not vocal and do not respond to tape (if you have any tape!). We were lucky to spot one and watch it flycatching for quite a while before moving on.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – We had one mobbing a pygmy-owl. (or at least it thought so!)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Another good spot by Barbara!
GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus)
STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (Gubernetes yetapa)
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – I know they are common and not that special looking, but I think we all got a kick out of seeing one of these smart little birds following a man raking grass in order to catch insects flushed by him!
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum)


What a treat it was to witness the displays of several bizarre male Amazonian Umbrellabirds! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) [*]
DUSKY-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda)
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) – Showed well in response to the pygmy-owl recording!
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) [*]
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Regularly seen along the rivers on this tour route!
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – A Mauritia Palm specialist which we saw well on our way back to Alta Floresta.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – Seeing several adult males lekking was certainly one of the highlights of the tour for me!
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – Great looks at an adult male from the observation tower!
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) [*]
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – We saw these strange looking birds a few times, including one individual carrying nesting material.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – What a gorgeous little bird. This species is particularly hard to see as well as we did due to its size.
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri)
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata) – Elvis did not die. He just turned into a manakin!
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola regina) [*]
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus)
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda)
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra rubrocapilla) – Is there any way of not being thrilled by seeing an adult male displaying in the scope. I think not!
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
THRUSH-LIKE SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra) [*]
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – We had fantastic looks at these small canopy specialists which were placed in with the cotingas until recently.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – A female only!
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus)
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis) – The only greenlet present in the Pantanal. The Ashy-headed Greenlet is a pretty snazzy one if compared to the rest of the bunch!
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – Very vocal and living in the canopy, the Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo is one of many birds in the Amazon that is more often heard than seen. After hearing them a lot we finally managed to see one.
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus) – We had great looks at these Cerrado specialists at Chapada dos Guimaraes.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)


The ubiquitous Rufous-bellied Thrush- Brazil's national bird. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus hypostictus)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
TOOTH-BILLED WREN (Odontorchilus cinereus)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – The Fawn-breasted Wren has a relatively small world range, and on this tour we barely make it to its range. But we had some really nice looks at them.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – One of the coolest sounding birds I know, and we saw it really well.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola) – These brave little birds are always among the first responders to the recordings of pygmy-owl tapes!
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – It may come as a surprise to many that the Rufous-bellied Thrush is the national bird of Brazil. After all Brazil has so many spectacular endemics. But the song of the thrush is so melodious and so known by Brazilians that it stole the spot from much flashier contestants.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis) – Seen only by Joyce.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
WHITE-BELLIED WARBLER (Basileuterus hypoleucus)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveolus)
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis) – One of the many Cerrado endemics which we saw at Chapada dos Guimaraes.
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) – It is always a treat to see these birds doing their elaborate display!


One of a stellar lineup of tanagers, the always stunning Black-faced Dacnis. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – If only this species wasn't so common, people would do anything to see a bird like this!
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Does a bird called Paradise Tanager really need any comments? It is just spectacular!
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – We saw a group of these birds on the rocky outcrops at Cristalino eating some fruit from a shrub. A great addition to the tour since they are not so common there.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – We had this bird so close that I could hardly focus my binoculars on it.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator atricollis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha) – This species breeds in the south and winters in the Pantanal where we saw them really well.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata)
COAL-CRESTED FINCH (Charitospiza eucosma) – These nomadic finches are hard to come by in this region at this time of the year. But we were lucky enough to find some.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus) [*]
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris) – I have said it before and I will say it again. If all sparrows looked this nice. they could be one of my favorite groups.
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni) – We were able to see both the male and the female of this species.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
WHITE-BROWED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella superciliaris)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – These marsh specialists are relatively common in the Northern Pantanal but it is always a treat to see them.


This Jaguar appears to be a little bored with us, but that feeling was definitely not mutual! Easily one of the most memorable moments of the tour was seeing three of these massive cats in a single morning! (Photo by guide Marcelo Pdua)

UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius)
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus yuracares) [*]
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
WHITE-EARED OPOSSUM (Didelphis albiventris)
WHITE-LINED SAC-WINGED BAT SP. (Saccopteryx perpicillifer)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – Hundreds of these bats come out at dusk to forage over the Cuiaba river.
LITTLE BROWN MYOTIS (Myotis lucifugus)
SILVERY MARMOSET (Callithrix argentata) [*]
NIGHT MONKEY SP. (Aotus sp.) [*]
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) [*]
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
RED-HANDED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta belzebul) [*]
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya)
WHITE-NOSED BEARDED SAKI MONKEY (Chiropotes albinasus) – These beautiful monkeys are usually shy and hard to see, but we came across a family group at Cristalino that was feeding on fruit and they stuck around allowing us to have great looks at them!
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
WHITE-WHISKERED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles marginatus)
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
RED-RUMPED AGOUTI (Dasyprocta agouti)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – A family group stuck around for quite a while giving a wonderful insight of their behavior.
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – Seeing three of these magnificent cats in one morning was a real treat. I am sure those images will never be forgotten by any of us.
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 522 bird taxa and 23 mammal taxa