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This hulking subadult Harpy Eagle was a great find at Cristalino! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Our Alta Floresta and Pantanal tour has always been a hit, and the reason is quite simple: excellent venues, comfortable lodging, and fantastic birding. But this year's tour came with an interesting twist as we changed the dates of this trip to avoid the FIFA World Cup, which was to take place in Brazil during the usual time frame of our tour. So we started the tour earlier and closer to the end of the rainy season. Although there was clearly more water than normal, it had very little impact, and the birding was as it always is -- spectacular.
We started things at Chapada where we connected with a Dot-eared Coquette and saw more Coal-crested Finches than we could count, both of which are migrants and are not normally expected. Another surprise was a Spotted Nothura, which we saw on a recently harvested field -- it's a bird that is rare in the area and has not been recorded around Chapada for a while. The usual suspects like Chapada Flycatcher, White-rumped Tanager, White-banded Tanager, and Black-throated Saltator were also present, making our short stay there worth every minute.
Our next stop was Cristalino Jungle Lodge, where the river had reached record-high levels this year but had receded just enough to leave the trails clear for our group, This allowed us to make good use of the great trail system from the lodge and to enjoy time at both towers. It is hard to highlight just a bird or two here, but the subadult Harpy Eagle that landed practically above our group and allowed prolonged scope views and the Crested Eagle that we only saw due to the rains one night before we left the lodge both deserve an honorable mention. What a treat!
The Pantanal was -- as it always is -- smooth sailing, with woodpeckers galore, Hyacinth Macaws, and Jabirus. How can we go wrong? The answer is simple, we just can't.
Thanks for joining the tour, and I hope to see you in the field again somewhere soon!
--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)
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) [*]
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) [*]
This view gives a pretty good idea of why it can be difficult to spot a Spotted Nothura... (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)
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) – An omnipresent creature in the Pantanal. It seems you just cant get away from them.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster)
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – A bird walking in the middle of the trail was certainly a treat.
A male Bare-faced Curassow (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – Perhaps as Iconic for the Pantanal as the Hyacinth Macaw.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) – This is probably the hardest South American Heron to see and we managed to see it twice on the same tour.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami) – This was a bit of a surprise to me. More than one bird seen in the spotlight up high on trees on the Cristalino River.
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi) – This bird occurs in very low numbers in the area and we were lucky to spot some of them.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Red-billed Scythebill -- gotta be good at dancing around the palm spines! (Photo by participant Randy Siebert)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – Seen from the floating deck at cristalino by Lenny and me during a mid day break.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
CRESTED EAGLE (Morphnus guianensis) – On our last night at Cristalino a heavy rain damaged a bridge on the way back to town forcing us to take a detour. I ended up spotting a Crested Eagle perched on a tree with a prey item that we could not identify. Lucky Us!
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – We were walking on a trail when we heard some loud and seemingly irritate Macaws. Next thing we knew there was a Harpy Eagle perched almost directly over head.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) – One bird flew by the tower at Cristalino Jungle lodge just before we reached the top platform.
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens gracilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – This species was recently split from the Gray Hawk from North America.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – This species move in to the Pantanal during the dry season to nest on sand banks along rivers. As the water was higher than usual they were scattered around just waiting for the water levels to go down, so that they could choose their nesting spot.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
The lovely little Long-tailed Ground-Dove (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris) – This minute Ground-dove is one of the prettiest ones in my opinion.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – This handsome relative of the Squirrel Cuckoo is a canopy dweller which we saw very well from the canopy tower at Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
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)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – This is the largest of the Caprimulgids and seeing them take flight at dusk is always impressive.
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – Always a treat to see these birds roosting on the roofs of the cabins at Cristalino.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – This is the most common species along the river at Cristalino.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
Apodidae (Swifts)
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – This species is closely associated with Mauritia Palms as they nest inside hanging dead leafs.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
CINNAMON-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis nattereri)
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – This is the very tiny Hermit that Alan spotted at the Harpy Eagle nest site. Unfortunately not everyone got to see it.
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi)
FIERY-TAILED AWLBILL (Avocettula recurvirostris)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
DOT-EARED COQUETTE (Lophornis gouldii) – Seen right outside our Lodge at Chapada dos Guimaraes.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
Along the Rio Cristalino (Photo by participant Glenda Brown)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly known as White-tailed Trogon.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – This species was known as Blue-crowned Motmot until recently but it has been split into two species. This taxon is found east of the Andes in low elevations.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Prolonged scope views of this shy forest species.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Chapada Flycatchers (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
BROWN-BANDED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus ordii)
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis)
STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (EASTERN) (Nystalus striolatus torridus) – A recent paper was published on Handbook of the Birds of the World splitting Striolated Puffbird into three species. Keep tabs on it to find out which ones you have seen.
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus maculatus)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Very similar to Black-fronted, but this species favours Terra Firme forest while the other one prefers to stay closer to water.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra) – Always a hard one to find, but with a bit of work we pulled one up.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi) – We saw this southern amazonian endemic from the tower at Cristalino.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) – Another highlight which we saw on the very first day at Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii) – This is one of those birds that makes you wonder what forces of nature drives a bird to evolve into something this colorful. A true work of art.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis mixtus) – Unfortunately it was not seen by everyone in the group, nevertheless it was a great find.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) [*]
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
The always impressive Ringed Woodpecker (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – Glenda spotted this one for us feeding with a mixed species flock.
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) [*]
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – A great spot by Dough M. from the tower as the fog started to dissipate in the morning.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) [*]
SLATY-BACKED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mirandollei) [*]
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – This interesting species specializes in attacking wasps nests to feed on its larvae. Quite a way to make a living.
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
CRIMSON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura perlata)
SANTAREM PARAKEET (SANTAREM) (Pyrrhura amazonum amazonum)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea)
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – Probably the most wanted bird for most people who come on this tour and they never disappoint. We had plenty of great views of this magnificent parrot.
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) – This Macaw has in beauty what it lacks in size, just a lovey bird.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
DUSKY-BILLED PARROTLET (Forpus modestus)
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
WHITE-BELLIED PARROT (Pionites leucogaster)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Seen only in flight.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
KAWALL'S PARROT (Amazona kawalli)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus) – The distinctive shape of this Parrot in flight is responsible for Its intriguing name: Accipiter like.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
Spotted Tody-Flycatcher (Photo by participant Randy Siebert)
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus) – Great looks at this beautiful Antshrike.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus)
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
SATURNINE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes saturninus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) – A nuclear species of mixed understory flocks that we saw several times on the tour.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma)
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) [*]
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata) – Close up views of this bird from a boat on the Cristalino River.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis)
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis bicolor)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – A scarce bird in the Pantanal where it only occurs in edges and inhabits dry forest.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa)
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei) – A bamboo specialist that seems to be getting harder to find each year as large tracts of bamboo are coming to the end of its life cycle.
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) [*]
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda)
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (PALLENS) (Myrmeciza hemimelaena pallens) – Seen on our last morning at Alta Floresta.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax)
BARE-EYED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina gymnops) – Always a challenging bird to see as it specializes in following raiding Army Ants and is easily startled.
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) [*]
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) [*]
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata) – I have to admit this one had me sweating for a while as it took quite a bit of time to come in, but once it did it put on quite a show for us.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita snethlageae)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
Wild macaws, like these Red-and-greens, are always a good indicator of the remoteness and undisturbed nature of an area. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – The Olivaceous Woocreeper complex has several distinctive populations and will likely be split into several taxa. Keep track of where you have seen them to be able to cash in when they get split.
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – By far the most striking Woodcreeper in my opinion.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-COLORED) (Dendrocolaptes certhia concolor) [*]
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) [*]
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) [*]
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – This is one of several species that do not cross the Juruena River, therefore it was nice to see it at Alta Floresta.
SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) – Replaces the Elegant Woodcreeper at the Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
CURVE-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (SNETHLAGE'S) (Campylorhamphus procurvoides multostriatus) – Excellent view of this distinctive Woodcreeper. Its highly adapted bill is used to probe dead bamboo in search of insects.
Coal-crested Finch (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS (Xenops tenuirostris) [*]
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
DUSKY-CHEEKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops dorsalis) – Great looks at this species that is sometimes called Bamboo Foliage-Gleaner.
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata)
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – Unlike the Synallaxis Spinetails, the Genus Cranioleuca tends to be found higher in trees. We saw this species very well as it moved though the forest with a mixed species flock at Cristalino.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri affinis)
CHAPADA FLYCATCHER (Suiriri islerorum) – Seen extremely well, we even saw the diagnostic display that helps separate this species from the very similar Suiriri Flycatcher.
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – The fact that this minute bird Breeds in the Andes and migrates to the Pantanal during the winter never ceases to amaze me.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata) – This distinctive Cerrado was seen very well at Chapada dos Guimaraes.
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava) – This species is usually pretty cooperative, but this year it just seemed to be following us around.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus)
WHITE-BELLIED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus griseipectus) – Formerly considered conspecific with White-eyed Tody-Tyrant. But recent studies elevated it to full species level.
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) [*]
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
Marcelo tests the hypothesis: Are the trees big in the rainforest? (Photo by participant Glenda Brown)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Birds like this make you appreciate a tower even more. It would be virtually impossible to get great views like the ones we got from the ground.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) [*]
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – This one gave us quite a bit of work, but after a bit of persistence we got some nice looks at it.
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)
GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus) – Although the name of this bird might sound like something you ought to drink the word Monjita actually means little nun.
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda)
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) – A.K.A. White-eyed Attila
Cocoi Heron (Photo by participant Randy Siebert)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) [*]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – This species has the longest latin name of any species. What a mouth full!
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – Another great tower bird.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) [*]
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola regina)
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) [*]
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla) – Seen displaying on a lek.
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda)
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – Close up views of this neat canopy dweller.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – We only managed to get a quick look at a female of this species.
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – One of those birds that is easily heard but not often seen. This time we won the battle.
The delightful little tree-topper: White-browed Purpletuft (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
TOOTH-BILLED WREN (Odontorchilus cinereus) – A southern amazonian endemic which we saw very well.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus hypostictus)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – We saw two very distinguishable populations of this bird on the tour. This one is the one found in the pantanal and Chapada and is plain gray on the chest and belly while the subspecies Hypostictus was seen at Alta Floresta and shows bold spots on the belly and chest.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – We barely make it into the range of this range restricted species on this tour
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
GUIANAN GNATCATCHER (Polioptila guianensis) – It was a bit frustrating to try to single out this bird in the middle of a canopy flock but it was very nice to see this bird as it is quite scarce in the area.
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – It always comes as a surprise to people that this rather dull and common bird is the national bird of Brazil, but Its beautiful song can be heard in most Brazilian cities making it a part of the culture and folklore of many regions of Brazil.
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola) – A well behaved bird jumped right into view for our group.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – Seen along the Cristalino River.
Curl-crested Aracaris (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)
RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER (Lamprospiza melanoleuca) [*]
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) – Watching these distinctive Cerrado endemics display is always a treat.
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)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Replaces the similar Sayaca Tanager in the Amazon.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Just how many colors does that bird have. It seems to me that I find a new one every time I see one.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – This may be a widespread and common species but I never get tired of watching these little guys doing their little display flights over and over again.
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha)
COAL-CRESTED FINCH (Charitospiza eucosma) – This is a nomadic species and is usually present in very low numbers, but this year they were just everywhere and many young birds were present too. They are certainly having a good year.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
A pair of Yellow-chevroned Parakeets excavating an arboreal termitarium (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni) – This species was considered a warbler until recently but genetic studies have shown that it is in fact more closely related to tanagers.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – If only all blackbirds were this handsome they could become my favorite family.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
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) – This is probably the most drab Euphonia I know.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) [*]
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
LESSER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio albiventris)
[SILVERY] MARMOSET (Callithrix [argentata] sp.)
AZARA'S NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus azarae) – Great looks at these poorly know mammals on the first day of the tour.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) [*]
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
RED-HANDED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta belzebul)
WHITE-NOSED BEARDED SAKI MONKEY (Chiropotes albinasus)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles belzebuth)
Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SOUTHERN TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus didactylus)
CAVY SP. (Galea/Cavia sp.)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)
COUGAR (MOUNTAIN LION) (Puma concolor)
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other notable sightings:
Spectacled Caiman
Paraguayan Caiman
Tegu Lizard
White Witch Moth
Totals for the tour: 454 bird taxa and 22 mammal taxa