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.
This gorgeous male Wedge-tailed Hillstar was voted the bird of the tour. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
Once again, we pulled off another visit to South America's best-kept birding secret: Bolivia. Although landlocked, Bolivia competes with the likes of Venezuela and Ecuador in having one of the most diverse avifaunas in the world, in a tier just behind the likes of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. And our tour gave us an idea of why: the sheer variation of habitats available! We have few (if any?) tours that span the changes from nearly flat tropical savanna, humid foothill forest, dry intermontane forest and desert scrub to humid montane forest, above-treeline grasslands, and altiplano.
And we had a good run of birds, too! A total of 438 species, with highlights including two magnificent hillstars: the charismatic (and endemic) Wedge-tailed, and the more widespread but still lovely Andean. We also managed to net other memorable birds, such as the colorful Hooded Mountain-Toucans that lounged beside us after gorging on some fruits, the boldly colored (but skulky) Olive-crowned Crescentchest that moused around in montane scrub before (at long last!) making itself visible to us, the pair of Andean Avocets resting in an altiplano marsh, the graceful Swallow-tailed Kites enjoying thermals over humid montane forests, the surprisingly colored Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, the Giant Conebill pair that showed up out of nowhere and sang away as we gawked, the chubby Barred Fruiteater that piped off like a steam whistle now and then, the Scissor-tailed Nightjar that paraded his long tail in front of us at dusk, the Gray-breasted Seedsnipe that, despite sitting beside us, escaped notice until we flushed them up, the moth-like Short-eared Owl we watched as it enjoyed its lunch, or (of course) Keith's plastic bag (you didn't think I'd remember that, did you, Keith?).
These sightings, but also the good company, made this tour quite memorable. I hope we have another opportunity to meet up again and raise our binoculars to toast more good birds! Until then, "buen pajareando y que nos vemos pronto!"
Dan Lane
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)
We were all surprised and delighted to see this Tataupa Tinamou walk out in the open on the golf course! (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HOODED TINAMOU (Nothocercus nigrocapillus) [*]
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) [*]
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) – A bird out on the golf course, completely oblivious to us, at Laguna Volcan was a treat! How often do you see that?
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens rufescens) – A few seen well at Viru-Viru.
HUAYCO TINAMOU (Rhynchotus maculicollis) – Dasterdly beasts that we couldn't see! [*]
ORNATE TINAMOU (Nothoprocta ornata) – One bird, spotted by Keith, gave us a run for our money, but it didn't turn out to be a Nothura, as we were hoping.
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED NOTHURA (Nothura boraquira) – Keith spotted one of these small tinamous crossing the road at Lomas de Arena.
DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
COMB DUCK (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Sarkidiornis melanotos sylvicola) – A very distant flock at Lomas de Arena pretty much had to be this species, but sadly few folks got on them (and we couldn't approach closer thanks to high water).
ANDEAN GOOSE (Chloephaga melanoptera)
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides alticola)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – 12 Brazilian Teal were at the pond at Pulquina. That's a lot of teal!
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata garleppi) – A pair at Cerro Tunari was nice.
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera orinomus)
RED SHOVELER (Anas platalea) – Three birds at Alalay seem to be regulars.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (WHITE-CHEEKED) (Anas bahamensis rubrirostris)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Anas georgica spinicauda)
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna)
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera) – Formerly part of "Speckled Teal" which was subsequently split up.
ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca) – An incredible 50 or so at Alalay was the most I’ve ever seen there!
MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus) – Missed them at the ‘usual spot’ at Laguna Volcan, but managed to see three at the Pulquina pond near Comarapa.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Adults with downy young at Alalay were cute. [N]
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
Gray-bellied Seedsnipe was one of our high-elevation successes. (Photo by participant Keith Betton)
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Also at Lomas de Arena.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STRIPE-FACED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus balliviani) [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – One at Laguna Volcanes was a surprise, but several at Alalay were more expected.
TITICACA GREBE (Rollandia microptera) – At Titicaca, just where we predicted they'd be!
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – Good numbers at Laguna Volcanes
SILVERY GREBE (JUNINENSIS) (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis) – One bird (noticed by Keith) at La Cumbre.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – At Titicaca.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – This and many of the following species were at Laguna Volcanes, which is quite high for several of the 'lowland' herons.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – One in an altiplano marsh was nice.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi) – Several mixed in with Puna Ibis made for a good comparison... until the park guards showed up...
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
We caught up to this very cooperative Purple Gallinule at Laguna Volcanes. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
TURKEY VULTURE (TROPICAL) (Cathartes aura ruficollis) – This and Rock Pigeon were the only survivors of the 'every day bird' competition.
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Several in the foothills were nice.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus leucurus) – One at Viru-Viru before the arrival of the last participants was set to right by one spotted at Lomas de Arena.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – At least 25 moving to a roost site was a nice sight at the SC Botanical Garden.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – One seen briefly as it soared high over the Miguelito pipeline area.
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatus) – The individual at Lomas de Arena was the lowland subspecies erythronemius, and the ones we saw in the Andes were the highland subspecies ventralis.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (MAINLAND) (Rupornis magnirostris saturatus) – These birds look quite different from more northerly populations, but they seem to interbreed broadly in SE Peru.
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – Great experience with one of these rare raptors! Called it in for views and it sat there until we were bored.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – This species presently contains "Red-backed" and "Puna" hawks. If these should ever be split in the future, both were seen on the trip (mostly Red-backed, but Puna was seen well where we had Puna Miner).
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – A pair of this crake showed pretty well at Laguna Volcanes.
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – One at Laguna Volcan was nice.
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Among the easiest of the rails to see... although it took its sweet time to show itself at Alalay!
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – Great perfomance at Laguna Volcanes!
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons) – Numbers at Alalay are growing steadily, even though they were only noted in Bolivia (at this site) for the first time in 2008! They almost outnumber Slate-colored Coot now!
GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea) – A nesting colony at the lake near Sorata allowed us looks at chicks and honking big adults. [N]
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Also called "Andean Coot".
Aramidae (Limpkin)
Perhaps the most unexpected sighting of the tour was this Short-eared Owl. There are likely fewer than a dozen records for the species in Bolivia. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus) – This form is fairly distinct in appearance and voice from northern Black-necked, but the two forms interbreed extensively around Lima, Peru.
ANDEAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra andina) – A pair resting in the Achacachi marshes was very nice!
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Alalay was our shorebird hotspot on this tour. [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii) [b]
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) [b]
PUNA SNIPE (Gallinago andina) – One or two flushed from the pipit marsh along the highway between La Paz and Titicaca.
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor)
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi) – A pair showed well in the bogs above La Cumbre.
GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus) – Shortly after enjoying the last species, a pair of this one flushed from beside the vehicle.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – The other 'everyday bird' winner. [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
This Band-tailed Pigeon posed nicely for us. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – One particularly bold bird perched just beside us on the Road of Death.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Bolivian foothill populations sound quite different from most others, although no taxon has been described for them.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae)
BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – The same species that reaches Texas. Common and widespread in South America.
LARGE-TAILED DOVE (Leptotila megalura) – This year was a banner year for seeing this species! We saw no fewer than about 5 at Laguna Volcan, then singles around Comarapa and Siberia… It was difficult to convince people that it is a hard bird!
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata) [*]
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – A pair did a good job of not showing well for us at Laguna Volcanes.
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) – A silhouette in the pre-dawn light.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) – A bird at the Achacachi marshes was only my second record for Bolivia (there may be fewer than 10 for the country)! We watched it hunting, then catching and eating a prey item. A lifer for at least two folks!
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) – A bird showed well in flight at Laguna Volcanes.
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata) – A great performance by a long-tailed male at Tambo.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei) – Seen at close quarters at Laguna Volcanes.
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys inornata) [*]
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi)
RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganura) – Mostly females seen well, but a few flashy males showed briefly, perhaps best at Cerro Tunari.
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus estella) – After a brief view at our lunch spot on the drive from Cochabamba to La Paz, we had better luck with a nice male at Pongo.
Glittering-bellied Emerald is a wide-ranging species in South America but always a treat to see. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
BUFF-THIGHED PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia assimilis) – Quick views of a bird on the Road of Death.
BLACK-HOODED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis pamela) – Great views of this stonker! That rump... [E]
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Not quite as brilliant as the previous.
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata inca) – These buff-collared birds have been proposed as a separate species.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer)
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – Keith and Rick each spotted one of these honkin big hummers on days 10 and 12 respectively.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas gigas) – Yep, pretty big!
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer) – A young male molting in adult plumage at Lomas de Arena was great, the first time I’ve had it on the tour.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – That Jetson's scooter sound is a great way to locate males.
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster hypoleucus) – This southern subspecies is pretty distinctive (by voice, at least) from Peruvian birds. One to keep an eye on...
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – Carlos spotted this gem!
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) [*]
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus submontanus) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota pilcomajensis)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus) – These birds sometimes separated from the Brazilian ones (then called "Caatinga Puffbird").
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – It took a while for everyone to get on the lovely male at Miguelito, but I think we were successful in the end.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) – Paul noticed the first one at Miguelito, and we had them a few more times later.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena cucullata) – Our ‘long day’ at the Nor Yungas started with a distant pair calling (only I got to see one across the valley). We eventually gave up on them and drove down the road, and at the next stop another pair started bill-rattling just beside us, and came in for fantastic looks, lazing away in fornt of us after foraging. Shortly thereafter, a *third* pair started calling upslope nearby! Wow.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Guira Cuckoo always seems to be having a "bad hair" day. (Photo by participant Paul Koker)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus) – The one seen at Lomas de Arena.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum) – The 'cactus woodpeckers' in the desert scrub around Comarapa.
STRIPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis lignarius) – Much like the North American Ladder-backed Woodpecker, we had nice views of a few females near Comarapa.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis nigriceps) – Great views of a male at the Corani Hydroelectric road.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) [*]
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii atriceps) – A handsome bird, even though the Bolivian form is greener-winged than more northerly birds (and sounds a little different, too).
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (GOLDEN-BREASTED) (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus) – This highland form (also getting into the Chaco) is fairly distinctive from the true Green-barred of the Pantanal, Beni, and points east. Thanks to Ann-Charlotte for spotting it!
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – Keith's sharp eyes once again nailed this desired target. Good thing, too, since the river cut us off from arriving at the best spot for the species at Lomas de Arena!
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Thanks to Keith for spying this bird on the ground at the Achacachi marshes.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura molinae) – A naughty pair at the SC Botanical Gardens were advancing their species *right in front of us*!
MONK PARAKEET (CLIFF) (Myiopsitta monachus luchsi) – Probably separable as a species, but the work that will finally result in this status has yet to be published.
GRAY-HOODED PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aymara) – Cute lollypops with wings.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-CROWNED) (Aratinga acuticaudata acuticaudata) – The birds flying over the SC Botanical Garden.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (HIGHLAND) (Aratinga acuticaudata neumanni) – These were the pink-billed birds around Comarapa.
MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
RED-FRONTED MACAW (Ara rubrogenys) – Distant views this year, but still a pretty nice experience. That sad captive individual at our hotel in Comarapa was a heart-breaker, though. [E]
The picturesque cliffs at Laguna Volcanes (Photo by participant Paul Koker)
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
BLACK-WINGED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca melanotis) – Several in flight over the Empalme sideroad forest in Siberia showed moderately well. Still better than my normal experience (“none”).
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – Flyovers at the SC Botanical Garden.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea) – Aargh! [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus) – Nice views on the ridge above Comarapa.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus) – A pair or two at Laguna Volcanes showed well.
BOLIVIAN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus sticturus) – Good views at the SC Botanical Garden.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – Interesting to have seen a mostly black one at Empalme one day, then a mostly gray one only about a kilometer away!
UPLAND ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aroyae) – A pretty responsive male at Miguelito was nice.
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maximiliani) – Always a crowd-pleaser, and this year's made us work for it, which made the final good views that much sweeter!
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
SLATY GNATEATER (Conopophaga ardesiaca) – Crappy views at Laguna Volcanes were upstaged by much better views at Miguelito.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula cochabambae) – A very obscured scope view at Corani reservoir will have to do.
RUFOUS-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaria erythrotis) – After hearing many, we finally saw one (thanks to Carlos!) at the Corani hydroelectric road. [E]
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris boliviana) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) – Wow, all four tapaculos seen!
BOLIVIAN TAPACULO (Scytalopus bolivianus) – That white forehead blaze is a good thing to watch for.
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – After some cat-and-mouse, this one hopped out in the open for a few seconds.
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) – Seen right at the type locality!
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
Guide Dan Lane documented this Straight-billed Woodcreeper, one of seven woodcreepers seen on the tour.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
COMMON MINER (ALTIPLANO) (Geositta cunicularia titicacae)
SLENDER-BILLED MINER (Geositta tenuirostris)
PUNA MINER (Geositta punensis)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus viridis) – One likely to be split into several species soon. The present form may be part of the Amazonian species, or may be a species apart.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus lineatocephalus) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis bangsi)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
ROCK EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus andaecola)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – One sticking its head out of a nest hole in a Cecropia tree was cool! [N]
BOLIVIAN EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus harterti) – Nice views of this endemic. [E]
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – Everywhere in the lowlands and 'Valle' country.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)
PLAIN-BREASTED EARTHCREEPER (Upucerthia jelskii)
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Formerly called 'Bar-winged Cincldes'.
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – A pair at Cerro Tunari was fleeting.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger squamiger) – The nominate form, with its lovely golden spots, is sharp!
BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps)
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis)
PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (BERLEPSCHI) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides berlepschi) – After missing it at our usual spot, we managed to see one at the Puna Miner spot.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – Our first of four thornbirds for the tour!
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps)
SPOT-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus maculipectus)
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (CREAMY-BREASTED) (Asthenes dorbignyi dorbignyi) – Another species complex ripe for splitting. If it is, this population will remain 'dorbignyi' as it is the nominate form.
BERLEPSCH'S CANASTERO (Asthenes berlepschi) – Highly localized and endemic... and hanging on despite the habitat fragmentation it's suffered around Sorata. [E]
SCRIBBLE-TAILED CANASTERO (Asthenes maculicauda) – Scribbles seen. Check. Moving on.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – At Pongo, La Paz.
CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta) – At Cerro Tunari.
BLACK-THROATED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes harterti) – Nice views in both Cochabamba (subspecies bejaranoi) and La Paz (nominate harterti). [E]
MAQUIS CANASTERO (Asthenes heterura) – After wasting time on one bird at Cerro Tunari, we gave up and tried at another likely spot and *bingo*!
LIGHT-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albiceps) – Both discolor (the buff-crowned form from Cochabamba) and albiceps (the white-crowned birds from La Paz) seen well!
One of the rarities we caught up to in the high-elevation Polylepis habitat was this Tawny Tit-Spinetail. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – The Dickcissel of spinetails, which showed well at Lomas de Arena.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – A pair at Laguna Volcanes was unexpected.
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Common and pesky (because it can be hard to see) little pip-squeaks.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis certhiola) – This population is a 'bridge' between the grayer western Amazonian birds and the fawn-breasted White-lored Spinetail (S. albilora) to the east. In the end, I expect this population to be merged with the latter (it is indistinguishable by voice).
OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata) – Not much better than the Azara's for difficulty of seeing.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum bolivianum) – Best identified by the bic razor they carry in their vest pocket.
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri suiriri)
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – A complex of forms, but I'm not exactly clear which one the birds in the Bolivian yungas represent: nominate or chilensis?
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura obscura)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda) – Common in the Valle region around Comarapa and at Cochabamba city.
STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla) – One seen well at the SC Botanical Garden.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (ALBIDIVENTRIS) (Leptopogon superciliaris albidiventer) – Vocally very distinct from other populations of this species, I expect it to be split soon.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis) – A cute tyrannulet (aren't they all?) we saw well at Siberia.
BOLIVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius bolivianus) [*]
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Well named!
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – Another cute tyrant we enjoyed near the top of the 'Road of Death'.
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides)
YUNGAS TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus spodiops) – Views were had nearly simultaneously with Upland Antshrike.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)
OCHRACEOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias ochraceiventris)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (VERMILION) (Pyrocephalus rubinus rubinus) – Southern birds (such as these) sound different from those from North America and the Pacific coast of South America. Expect a split in the coming years...
Our view of the Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth wasn't exactly action-packed -- but it was cool nevertheless! (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) [a]
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus) – This was at Pongo in La Paz.
PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis) – This was at La Cumbre in La Paz. [a]
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus) – This one was at Cerro Tunari and at the Puna Miner spot.
WHITE-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albifrons) – The huge ground tyrants in the bog at La Cumbre. [a]
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) – After a brief view at Cerro Tunari, we had a flock at the Giant Coot lake near Sorata. [a]
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) – These were at the Corani Reservoir.
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
GRAY-BELLIED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis micropterus) – A nice bird at the Alalay lakeshore. [a]
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
RUFOUS-BELLIED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fuscorufus) – Responsive birds at Corani hydroelectric road.
RUFOUS-WEBBED BUSH-TYRANT (Polioxolmis rufipennis)
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (KALINOWSKI'S) (Ochthoeca frontalis boliviana) – One eventually responded at the Road of Death.
GOLDEN-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca pulchella) – Nice views at the Corani hydroelectric road.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (MAROON-BELTED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris thoracica) – Those white headlights really show well!
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
D'ORBIGNY'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca oenanthoides) – One at the village where we stopped for yellowfinches on the approach to Cochabamba.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [a*]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – The birds in Cochabamba city are a peculiar large subspecies with a washed out yellowish belly called 'bolivianus'. They sound much like other kiskadees elsewhere, so I doubt they'd be anything separable down the road, but Bolivia is the only place that the species gets up to the treeline (we heard one at 3150m)!
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Paul noticed one at Viru-Viru and more were at Lomas de Arena. [a]
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BAND-TAILED FRUITEATER (Pipreola intermedia) – Nice views at Corani hydroelectric road and Road of Death.
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata) – Great views of a few at Road of Death.
WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila) – Whiny newborn baby sounds around Comarapa.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla) – Good spotting on this one!
Pipridae (Manakins)
YUNGAS MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia boliviana) – Difficult birds showed for most at Laguna Volcanes and Miguelito.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
White-browed Conebill is one of the many species that occupy a narrow elevational band in the Andes.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus) – A sharp-looking jay we enjoyed at the Road of Death.
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata) – Seen in the dry Valles region around Comarapa.
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
ANDEAN SWALLOW (Orochelidon andecola) – Seen at Corani Reservoir, the Puna Miner spot, and La Cumbre.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Nearly an 'everyday bird', but we missed it on day 9.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – These are the unspotted form of the Beni and Pantanal.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – Nearly a Bolivian endemic, we saw it well at the SC Botanical Garden.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola saturata)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus leucocephalus) – One at Cerro Tunari was a nice find.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides ralloides) – Some views of this rather somber-plumaged songster on the Road of Death.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) [*]
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – Regular in the Santa Cruz foothills.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) – A rather attractive songster we enjoyed on the Empalme side road in Siberia.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater fuscater)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (ANTHRACINUS) (Turdus chiguanco anthracinus) – The common thrush of most of the higher elevations.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
The White-banded Mockingbird breeds primarily in central Argentina but disperses north to Bolivia. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – Also at Lomas de Arena.
BROWN-BACKED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus dorsalis) – A lucky spotting on the approach to Cochabamba netted us a fine pair along the road.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
SHORT-BILLED PIPIT (Anthus furcatus) – The dry-altiplano pipit.
CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera) – The marshy-altiplano pipit.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (SOUTHERN) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis velata) – Several around the lake at Laguna Volcanes.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (BOLIVIAN) (Basileuterus tristriatus inconspicuus) – These birds have a much higher-pitched voice than birds from southern Peru (such as at Manu) and north. I suspect a split in the near future.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis euophrys) – Another bird with a very different Bolivian population, both vocally and in appearance.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata)
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata) – Common around Laguna Volcanes.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – A few birds around Miguelito.
BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART (Myioborus brunniceps) – Fairly common in humid and dry montane habitats.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – Only in truly humid montane habitats.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
ORANGE-BROWED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus calophrys) – Nearly an endemic to Bolivia, we enjoyed watching one perform his dawn song from a wire.
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Hemispingus melanotis castaneicollis) – A pair of these skulky birds were royally frustrating to see, but eventually showed.
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps) – Warblerlike; we enjoyed it at Siberia and the Road of Death.
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops) – With a name like this, it is a must-see! We saw a female (ungoggled) bird at Laguna Volcanes.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – Replaces Blue-gray Tanager in this part of South America.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis) – About the only tanager we encountered in the dry habitats.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana montana)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – Quite a lovely tanager we enjoyed in most high-elevation humid environments.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus flavinuchus) – This subspecies, found from about Manu and south, is very different in voice from birds to the north of that site. A split is eminent.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike can be found in most of the countries in Central and South America, and being very vocal it's frequently recorded on lists daily. But it is always a delight to actually see one this well. (Photo by participant Paul Koker)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Delothraupis castaneoventris)
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – Thanks to Rick for spotting our first one at Miguelito.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – A really striking tanager we enjoyed at Miguelito.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
GREEN-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara argyrofenges) – Also called "Straw-backed Tanager" the Miguelito site is the most reliable place I know for the species!
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre)
GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – Another great bird spotted by Rick in the Polylepis at our lunch spot on the way to La Paz.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris)
GRAY-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa carbonaria) – A pretty widespread endemic in the mountains. [E]
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – That glaring yellow eye is noteworthy!
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – A really beautiful bamboo specialist we enjoyed on the Road of Death.
BLACK-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus atriceps)
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis)
MOURNING SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus fruticeti) – A few at our lunch stop on the road from Cochabamba to La Paz.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus)
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus) – One or two around our Short-billed Pipit site in the altiplano.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – The highest-nesting bird in the world. Glad it could come down to visit with us at La Cumbre.
GRAY-CRESTED FINCH (Lophospingus griseocristatus) – Nearly endemic, and a strange titmouse/finch intermediate.
BOLIVIAN WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza boliviana) – Seen at Cerro Tunari.
RUFOUS-SIDED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza hypochondria)
RINGED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza torquata)
BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza melanoleuca) – One of the most common of the warbling-finches on the tour.
COCHABAMBA MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Compsospiza garleppi) – Nice looks at this endemic at Cerro Tunari and our Cochabamba-La Paz drive lunch stop were nice! [E]
Blue-throated Piping-Guans occupy a wide variety of forest habitats. We found ours for the trip at Lomas de Arena. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – Only at the little village on the drive from Comarapa to Cochabamba.
SAFFRON FINCH (PELZEN'S) (Sicalis flaveola pelzelni) – I'm still not certian if birds in the lowlands and highlands are the same form... my review of the taxonomy of the species doesn't help resolve this question, but it's a vexing one for me, as they seem duller and more streaked in the highlands.
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – Only at the edge of Titicaca.
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (WESTERN) (Embernagra platensis olivascens) – These birds are a different form from those in the Beni.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera bicolor) – One at Lomas de Arena was of the black-backed Bolivian form.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Fairly common in the highlands.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – Seen our first three days in the lowlands, these are actually tanagers (as are most of the finches in Bolivia!).
RUFOUS-BELLIED SALTATOR (Saltator rufiventris) – An abnormal saltator we encountered at Cerro Tunari.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Common and obvious in the drier highlands, but still attractive.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
WHITE-BROWED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon torquatus) – Formerly part of 'Stripe-headed Brush-Finch', this form is nearly endemic to Bolivia.
BOLIVIAN BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes rufinucha) – Formerly part of 'Rufous-naped Brush-Finch', this one is endemic to Bolivia. [E]
FULVOUS-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes fulviceps) – A fetching dry-habitat brush finch we enjoyed at Cerro Tunari.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Yup.
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus) – As a nice twist, we now know this 'tanager' is actually a 'finch' based on genetic studies.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava) – This is one of the former tanagers that we now know to be a cardinal relative! This population is from the 'highland' group, should the species be split up.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – A South American relative of Rose-breasted and Black-headed grosbeaks, and also rather attractive.
ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa brissonii) – We tried to see some in the dry Valle area around Comarapa, but they weren't playing well.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
The high-elevation plateau, or Altiplano, of the central Andes, is second only in area to Tibet. (Photo by participant Paul Koker)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi) – Everywhere in the Santa Cruz lowlands.
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Seen well at Alalay and Titicaca.
BOLIVIAN BLACKBIRD (Oreopsar bolivianus) – An endemic genus (when not merged into Agelaioides) to Bolivia, and one that is quite common around Cochabamba. [E]
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius) – Not truly a cowbird, as it doesn't parasitize other birds' nests. Instead, it is parasitized by Screaming Cowbird (but mostly in Brazil).
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED) (Icterus pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus) – Formerly part of 'Epaulet Oriole', but that species has been split and the more northerly forms merged with 'Moriche Oriole'.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (BOLIVIAN) (Cacicus chrysonotus chrysonotus) – Southern birds sometimes separated from northern ones due to the lack of yellow on the wing, but in central Peru, they seem to interbreed freely.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons alfredi)
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – The common oropendula of the lower humid Andean slopes.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – Bolivia's most common lowland oropendula.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
THICK-BILLED SISKIN (Spinus crassirostris) – A nice look at one in the Polylepis at our lunch spot between Cochabamba and La Paz.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – A male showed well on the Road of Death.
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus) – Really a lovely siskin. Too bad it's always up so high!
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Can't escape this one until you get to really high elevations!
MAMMALS
BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis) – Same as the one in the Hill Country of Texas.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – In the SC Botanical Gardens.
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – Also at the SC Botanical Gardens.
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus)
MONTANE GUINEA PIG (Cavia tschudii)
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata)
CULPEO FOX (Pseudalopex culpaeus)
We had a wonderful adventure across Bolivia together. Thanks for joining Dan and the rest of us at Field Guides! (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 435 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa