A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

Brazil: Minas Gerais & Tocantins 2022

May 20-June 5, 2022 with Marcelo Barreiros guiding

Field Guides Birding Tours
The group, and our friend and local guide Marcelo Lisita, in front of our hotel in Alto Paraíso do Goiás. Photo by our driver Tião.

It's been a long time since the last tour, but the birds were there, waiting for us!! With a few different things on our itinerary, the tour is even better, with more opportunities to see endemic birds. This year we had a strong cold front come to SE Brazil just before the tour start, and it made our job a little bit harder for the first week.

The birds in Botumirim, Peruaçu NP and Lapa Grande State Park were quiet because of the weather, but we worked at it and had nice looks at the big star, Blue-eyed Ground Dove. Two birds were seen, being very quiet, and covering themselves against the cold wind. Other highlights for the area were Hyacinth Visorbearer, White-browed Antpitta, Ornate Hawk-eagle, Caatinga Black-tyrant, and a pair of Moustached Woodcreepers seen very nicely. Beyond that, we also saw Sao Francisco and Saffron-billed sparrows, Reiser's Tyrannulet, Rusty-breasted Nunlet and some other great birds.

After that, we flew to Brasilia and drove to the two new localities for the tour, Terra Ronca State Park and Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, both in the state of Goiás. We had a great start around the Lapa Grande cave with some great looks at Jandaya Parakeet and Bat Falcon, and we heard our main target for that area, the Pfrimer's Parakeet, later in the afternoon.

On the next day we saw a group of these parakeets in the scope, eating some flowers for a few minutes around the Angelica's Cave. After that, we drove to the next destination, Alto Paraíso do Goiás on the border of Chapada dos Veadeiros NP. That same day we saw some good birds like White-rumped Tanager, Chapada Flycatcher and Curl-crested Jay. We spent 3 nights in that great place, so we had time to see great birds like Collared Crescentchest, Sharp-tailed Tyrant, Russet-mantled Foliage-gleaner, Black-masked Finch, and many other good ones.

After that, we flew to the state of Tocantins, one of the newest states in Brazil, stablished in 1990 and homeland for great endemic birds. The Praia Alta hotel was great, as always, and the birding places also wonderful. The hotel is right by the Formoso river, a nice tributary of the great Araguaia river, where we saw the endemics Crimson-fronted Cardinal, the undescribed spinetail sp, similar to Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Bananal Antbird, and other nice birds like Orinoco Goose, Yellow-collared Macaw, Undulated Tinamou, and we had a great look at a Pheasant Cuckoo.

The huge rice fields around the hotel are also very birdy, with lots of ducks and storks, with more Maguari Stork than usual this year, and also some Long-winged Harriers, Yellowish Pipit, and a few Marsh Deer. On the way back to the capital of the state, Palmas, we saw one of the hardest woodpeckers to see in Brazil, Kaempfer's Woodpecker, which is restricted to bamboo patches in Central Brazil. A female was seen very well by everybody!

As we had another day in Palmas, we went to a different area, called Taquaruçu, where a great friend of mine lives, Andre Grassi, a good birder and guide. He took us to a nice Cerrado area and we saw the elusive Ocellated Crake!! A great addition for our list. Beyond that, we also saw Yellow-faced Parrot, Checkered and White woodpeckers, Blue Finch and another great look at Horned Sungem. A great morning before flying to São Paulo and on to the US.

Thanks for the tour, guys!

Abraços.

—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


Rheidae (Rheas)

GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana)

Page 1, number 1! Seen a few times during our time at Lagoa da Confusão area.

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus)

Fantastic moment by the Formoso river, a bird was seen walking (and singing!!) towards us looking for the tape recording.

TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa)

Another Tinamou seen on the tour, this one walked across the road in front of the group at Peruaçu NP.

Anhimidae (Screamers)

HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Horned Screamer - Nice looks near Lagoa da Confusão. Nice photo by participant Kathy Brown.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

ORINOCO GOOSE (Oressochen jubatus)

A highlight seen really well along the Formoso river during a canoe trip.

MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)

BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

RUSTY-MARGINED GUAN (Penelope superciliaris)

CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)

PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)

RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)

PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)

BLUE-EYED GROUND DOVE (Columbina cyanopis) [E]

Maybe the big star for the tour, a pair of this rare and critically endangered dove was seen warming themselves during a chilly morning. We were able to see them in the scope for a few minutes.

BLUE GROUND DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)

A not common view for this bird, with at least 100 individuals eating rice on the road at Lagoa da Confusão.

LONG-TAILED GROUND DOVE (Uropelia campestris)

Nice looking dove seen well at the rice fields near to our hotel at Lagoa da Confusão.

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)

GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)

PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus)

In what was maybe a top 5 moment on the tour, a very responsive bird came in straight to the recording and remained in there for several minutes.

LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)

After a heavy rain we saw a completely wet bird in a flooded forest area at Lagoa da Confusão.

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)

DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)

A couple of birds seen nicely on the tour.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (BAND-TAILED) (Nyctiprogne leucopyga majuscula)

Several birds seen by dawn and dusk in front of our hotel along the Formoso river.

BAHIAN NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne vielliardi) [E]

YES! A bird only found along the São Francisco river and its tributaries. We managed to get just in time to see the birds starting to go out and feed. Great moment!

Apodidae (Swifts)

GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)

FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)

A pair of the rare and critically endangered Blue-eyed Ground Dove. Digiscoping video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.

PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)

HYACINTH VISORBEARER (Augastes scutatus)

An adult male seen briefly near Botumirim.

WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris)

HORNED SUNGEM (Heliactin bilophus)

One of the most beautiful hummers in the country, this little beauty was seen very well a few times this year.

BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)

AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)

Both male and female seen during the tour.

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)

DRY-FOREST SABREWING (Campylopterus calcirupicola) [E]

Another restricted hummer, this one only lives in the dry forest in Central Brazil area.

SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)

FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)

GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)

Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)

HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)

AZURE GALLINULE (Porphyrio flavirostris)

Nice looks on the Praia Alta hotel entrance road.

OCELLATED CRAKE (Micropygia schomburgkii)

On the very last morning of the tour, we managed to see at least 2 birds near Palmas. Thanks to our friend Andre Grassi for taking us to the place.

Heliornithidae (Finfoots)

SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)

A little bit of the gorgeous Peruaçu National Park. Video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.
Aramidae (Limpkin)

LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)

COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)

LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)

BLACK SKIMMER (INTERCEDENS) (Rynchops niger intercedens)

Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)

SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)

Fantastic bird!! It's always nice to see it.

Ciconiidae (Storks)

MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari)

In bigger numbers than last time; we saw it a few times on the rice fields.

JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria)

WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)

Anhingidae (Anhingas)

ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Another great sunrise in the Cerrado habitat!! Photo by guide Marcelo Barreiros.

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)

WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)

A few nice looks along the Formoso river riverine forest.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)

BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)

BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)

ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)

ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus)

Early in the morning at Peruaçu NP, we saw a big raptor flying over our heads and landing on the other side of the cliffs. After a couple of minutes looking for it, we saw an adult Ornate Hawk-Eagle in the scope.

BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)

SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)

LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)

Nice bird, not seen very often. We saw it twice, flying low over the rice fields at Lagoa da Confusão.

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)

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)

BARN OWL (Tyto alba) [*]

Strigidae (Owls)

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)

BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)

Trogonidae (Trogons)

GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)

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Great shot by participant Kathy Brown of a quiet Rusty-breasted Nunlet.

SURUCUA TROGON (Trogon surrucura)

Nice looks at the beginning of the tour.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)

Nice Cerrado specialty seen a few times.

SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus maculatus)

Nice looks at Peruaçu NP. A bird perched above its nest by the road.

RUSTY-BREASTED NUNLET (Nonnula rubecula)

Great moment at Lapa Grande state park!

BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)

SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)

Galbulidae (Jacamars)

RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)

Seen only once along the Formoso river.

BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari)

TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)

CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

SPOTTED PICULET (Picumnus pygmaeus)

One of the three Piculet species seen on the tour.

WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus)

WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus guttifer)

WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)

Another bird only seen on the very last day of the tour near Palmas.

YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)

CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Dryobates mixtus)

Thanks to our friend Andre for this one too!

LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)

CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)

LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)

CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) [*]

KAEMPFER'S WOODPECKER (Celeus obrieni) [E]

Great bird!! Another main target for the tour, we saw a female in the scope on our way back to Palmas after some great days at Lagoa da Confusão.

OCHRE-BACKED WOODPECKER (Celeus ochraceus) [E]

Seen well a couple of times.

A nice moment in Alto Paraíso do Goiás: This tiny Sharp-tailed Tyrant came to feed right in front of us. Digiscoping video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.

YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)

GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)

CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)

Cariamidae (Seriemas)

RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)

Seen once, on the way back to Palmas.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]

SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)

LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)

Nice looks around the Terra Ronca cave.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)

SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)

BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)

YELLOW-FACED PARROT (Alipiopsitta xanthops)

We had a few brief looks during our days at Alto Paraíso do Goiás and on the last morning, two birds came to the recording and landed right in front of the group in great light!

TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)

ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)

BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)

MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura frontalis)

PFRIMER'S PARAKEET (Pyrrhura pfrimeri)

LIFER! Outstanding bird, so colorful. After a couple of hours looking for them, we saw a group of these rare birds eating some fresh flowers in the canopy. What a great moment!!

Pfrimer's Parakeet - The rare parakeet only found in a small portion of humid forest along the Serra Geral mountain range. Digiscoping video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.

PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea)

CACTUS PARAKEET (Eupsittula cactorum)

JANDAYA PARAKEET (Aratinga jandaya)

Another beauty seen very well.

GOLDEN-CAPPED PARAKEET (Aratinga auricapillus)

YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis)

Great moment along the Formoso river. A group of birds came in close to us to eat some flowers.

BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)

BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) [*]

RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)

WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

SILVERY-CHEEKED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus cristatus)

Nice looking antbird seen well at Montes Claros.

GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus)

Nice looks along the Formoso river.

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (CAATINGA) (Thamnophilus doliatus capistratus)

This race has spots instead of bars, and is only found in Caatinga habitat.

RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus)

PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)

VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)

STRIPE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmorchilus strigilatus strigilatus)

CAATINGA ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus sellowi)

Seen well a couple of times.

BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)

LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)

Male and female seen on the Lagoa da Confusão area.

NARROW-BILLED ANTWREN (Formicivora iheringi) [E]

Great bird seen well near Botumirim.

WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)

BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster)

Nice looks near Botumirim.

RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa rufa)

BANANAL ANTBIRD (Cercomacra ferdinandi) [E]

Another target for this tour, seen really well in Tocantins state.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Sao Francisco Sparrow - Great shot by participant Kathy Brown.

BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda)

Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)

COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata)

Always nice to see this little beauty.

Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)

RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata lineata)

Grallariidae (Antpittas)

WHITE-BROWED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus ochroleucus)

We had some brief looks near Botumirim.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (OLIVACEOUS) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylviellus)

LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)

A very elegant Woodcreeper.

MOUSTACHED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes falcirostris franciscanus) [E]

YES!! Great moment at Peruaçu NP. At least three birds were around, and we saw two of them very well.

STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) [*]

BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)

STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)

RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)

One of the coolest Woodcreepers, well adapted to get insects in the deepest holes with that long curved bill.

NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)

SCALED WOODCREEPER (WAGLER'S) (Lepidocolaptes squamatus wagleri)

Great looks at Peruaçu NP.

STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)

WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)

PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)

RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)

SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura) [*]

RUSSET-MANTLED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla dimidiata)

A very quiet bird came in to the recording for a few minutes, above our heads near Alto Paraíso do Goiás.

RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (RUFOUS-FRONTED) (Phacellodomus rufifrons rufifrons)

RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina reiseri)

Fantastic looks along the Formoso river.

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)

UNDESCRIBED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis sp. nov.) [E]

Another special target, this one only occurs along the Araguaia river and its tributaries.

OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata)

A single bird seen foraging on the ground near Botumirim.

PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)

Pipridae (Manakins)

PALE-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma pallescens)

After several attempts in Alto Paraíso do Goiás, we found three birds foraging by the trail. Great looks!

HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata)

What a bird!! A Manakin who does not dance like most of the others, this one is also gorgeous and very vocal. We had some great looks on the tour.

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)

The Bahian Nighthawk gave us a great show along the São Francisco river. Video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.

GREENISH SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis virescens) [*]

WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)

Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)

BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius atricaudus)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)

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The rarely seen Pheasant Cuckoo captured by participant Kathy Brown.

STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis)

A pair of birds seen at Praia Alta hotel.

HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus)

PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)

ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) [*]

OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps)

Two birds seen nicely at Lapa Grande state park.

RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)

A single bird seen well along the Formoso river.

SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens)

YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)

CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri bahiae)

Very similar to the Chapada Flycatcher, distinguished mainly by their voices. We had great looks at both species at Alto Paraíso do Goiás.

CHAPADA FLYCATCHER (Suiriri affinis)

MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)

YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)

SHARP-TAILED TYRANT (Culicivora caudacuta)

A tiny flycatcher, only found on Cerrado habitat. We had one of the greatest looks I've ever had at Alto Paraíso do Goiás.

FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)

GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)

PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)

SMALL-HEADED ELAENIA (Elaenia sordida)

HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura)

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)

SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)

LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)

LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)

REISER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias reiseri) [E]

Another main target for this tour seen really well. We saw two birds foraging with a canopy flock at Lapa Grande state park.

PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus)

Yellow-collared Macaw feeding along the Formoso river. Digiscoping video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.

AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava)

Nice looks along the Formoso river.

BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)

EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)

TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)

Seen doing its traditional flight at Lapa Grande state park.

FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)

SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)

CAATINGA BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus franciscanus) [E]

One of the main targets in dry forest habitat, we saw a male very well at Peruaçu NP and later on the tour another male at Lapa Grande state park.

VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus)

Two birds seen near Botumirim.

GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus)

WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)

BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)

A single bird seen on the way to Alto Paraíso do Goiás.

WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)

LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)

RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)

ASH-THROATED CASIORNIS (Casiornis fuscus)

Both Ash-throated and Rufous Casiornis seen well on the tour.

SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)

LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)

RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)

SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

A female Kaempfer's Woodepecker seen on our way to Palmas. Digiscoping video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

GRAY-EYED GREENLET (Hylophilus amaurocephalus)

Nice looks near Botumirim.

ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)

Seen well in the area of Lagoa da Confusão.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus)

A nice Cerrado specialty seen well near Alto Paraíso do Goiás.

WHITE-NAPED JAY (Cyanocorax cyanopogon)

Donacobiidae (Donacobius)

BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)

Nice pair of birds displaying on the Praia Alta hotel entrance road.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)

TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata)

A big group of birds seen early in the morning near Alto Paraíso.

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)

WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)

A single bird seen perched on the wire at Alto Paraíso.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)

MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis)

Nice looks near Alto Paraíso.

MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)

BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)

LONG-BILLED WREN (Cantorchilus longirostris bahiae)

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Two Crimson-fronted Cardinals found along the Formoso river. Great shot by participant Kathy Brown.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)

RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)

CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens)

After a long time calling it, we managed to see a bird walking on a recently burned rice field at Lagoa da Confusão.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)

YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)

SAO FRANCISCO SPARROW (Arremon franciscanus) [E]

Great looks at Lapa Grande state park.

SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)

Another nice looking Sparrow seen at Lapa Grande state park.

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Leistes superciliaris)

CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)

SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)

This Cacique has this name because it does not nest in colonies like the other ones.

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)

EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)

CAMPO TROUPIAL (Icterus jamacaii)

A few brief looks on the first part of the tour.

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)

CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus)

Both races seen on the tour.

FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava flava)

Field Guides Birding Tours
The group in front of the ancient drawings at Peruaçu National Park.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

RED-COWLED CARDINAL (Paroaria dominicana)

CRIMSON-FRONTED CARDINAL (Paroaria baeri) [E]

A great endemic only found along the Araguaia river basin. We had some great looks during our days in Tocantins state.

CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus)

Seen well a couple of times.

WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)

SCARLET-THROATED TANAGER (Compsothraupis loricata)

A nice surprise for me to see this bird in Lagoa da Confusão. This bird is not common in that area.

HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)

CINEREOUS WARBLING-FINCH (Microspingus cinereus)

Fantastic looks at Botumirim.

GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)

WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)

SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)

BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Stilpnia cayana)

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)

GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)

CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)

BLUE FINCH (Porphyrospiza caerulescens)

It's always nice to see this little beauty. We had a couple of nice encounters along the tour.

WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea)

One of the most charismatic birds found in the Cerrado habitat, for sure!!

ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana)

SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)

WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)

PALE-THROATED PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra longicauda)

A bird not seen very often, this one was seen very well near Botumirim.

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)

COPPER SEEDEATER (Sporophila bouvreuil)

PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)

RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris collaris)

A black-and-white morph seen a couple of times at Lagoa da Confusão.

BLACK-MASKED FINCH (Coryphaspiza melanotis)

Another great Cerrado specialty seen very well on the tour. We saw both male and female near Alto Paraíso.

PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus)

BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)

BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltatricula atricollis)

BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)

GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)


MAMMALS

TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus)

TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus geoffroyi)

BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)

CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)

The biggest Rodent in the world.

TUCUXI (Sotalia fluviatilis)

A few brief looks along the Formoso river.

SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)

MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)

Great looks on the rice fields at Lagoa da Confusão.

A male Marsh Deer with his "friend" Cattle Egret walking along the rice fields at Lagoa da Confusão. Digiscoping video by guide Marcelo Barreiros.

RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)


HERPS

BOA CONSTRICTOR (Boa constrictor)

A big one, about 7 feet long, seen near our lodge at Lagoa da Confusão.

BLACK CAIMAN (Melanosuchus niger)

Big Black Caiman seen near to the docks at Praia Alta hotel.


Totals for the tour: 340 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa