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.
Seeing several Cream-backed Woodpeckers this well was definitely one of the highlights of the tour. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
Bolivia, as per usual, didn’t disappoint with some amazing scenery, great birds, and the occasional logistical challenge. Roadwork caused a few delays but, on occasion, actually gave us an unexpected opportunity to see a good bird! That Hellmayr’s Pipit in Siberia and the side road to search (and successfully find!) Red-fronted Macaw and a few other targets along the Mizque were both happy results, for example. But the tour gave us some other great memories: high on the list were the astounding views of several Cream-backed Woodpeckers—a rather reasonable stand-in for the Ivory-billed! We also reveled in our luck with the difficult Scimitar-winged Piha, which showed in spades for us! The boldly-patterned White-eared Solitaire and the colorful Band-tailed Fruiteater were other birds that ranked high on our lists of species seen. Others we appreciated were the bold Brown Tinamou that crossed the track in front of us, the moxie of that male Andean Hillstar that inspected us up close, the majesty of the Andean Condors we saw on several days, the startling plumage of the Red-tailed Comet, and the equally captivating Black-hooded Sunbeam, the more muted beauty of the Cochabamba Mountain-Finch, and the escaped jailbird plumage of the Barred Fruiteater.
I thank you all for making this tour such a pleasure, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Keep binoculars close at hand, and I hope to join you in the field again in the near future!
Good birding!
Dan
Note: Don't forget, too, to have a look at the separate triplist for the Beni extension to this tour.
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
This bold Brown Tinamou uncharacteristically parading around in the open was terribly exciting. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) – Wow! An individual walked right across the trail in front of us at Refugio los Volcanes! Incredible!
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
HUAYCO TINAMOU (Rhynchotus maculicollis) [*]
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) – A bird flushed as we birded Cerro Tunari.
DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii) – Getting quick looks at a bird we flushed up on the Altiplano west of La Paz was as well as we could do.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor) – A bird at Laguna Alalay was nice. They seem to be regular there!
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus) – Well named!
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides alticola)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – A lost female at Laguna Volcan was a surprise!
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera orinoma)
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (WHITE-CHEEKED) (Anas bahamensis rubrirostris)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Anas georgica spinicauda)
SILVER TEAL (Anas versicolor) – I was very pleased that we managed to find a couple of this duck that is so rare and poorly known in Bolivia! It seems that an extreme drought in Bolivia has particularly affected the wetlands of the highlands, as we saw, causing many species to have to move to the few bodies of water we did visit or abandon some that dried up. Hope this drought will end soon!
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna)
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera) – Part of the former Andean Teal complex.
ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca) – Still present at Alalay, thankfully!
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea)
Participant Brian Stech shared this image of a gorgeous Whistling Heron.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Eric got us on the first of these rather tame guans while we were at Miguelito.
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (BRIDGES'S) (Penelope obscura bridgesi) – Several birds at Refugio los Volcanes were nice, and a few additional on the drive to Comarapa gave all the look they needed.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STRIPE-FACED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus balliviani) – Heard near treeline at Corani. [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)
TITICACA GREBE (Rollandia microptera) – Views on Lake Titicaca of this grebe were relieving given the news that Lake Poopo, the only other site where the species is known, has reportedly dried up!
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – After seeing several at Laguna Volcan, seeing some on that pond in the higher elevations of the Siberia area was a surprise!
SILVERY GREBE (ANDEAN) (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis)
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – One flying over Lomas de Arena was nice.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
One of the avian highlights of South America has to be seeing an Andean Condor this well. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – A bird at Laguna Alalay was a surprise!
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – A pair at Laguna Volcan was at the high end of its elevational range.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (TROPICAL) (Cathartes aura ruficollis)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Good numbers, and close views, of this impressive bird that is one of the emblems of the Andes!
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Three birds near Laguna Volcan were in a group of vultures comprising all the species listed here!
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – One of the birds we enjoyed at Empalme swooped down and captured a frog right in front of us!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni) – Guy was the only one to see this lovely harrier at Lomas de Arena.
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – Patty got us on this harrier in the highlands of Cochabamba.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – A couple of views of this Andean version of a Sharpie in the yungas.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – A startled White-tipped Dove just escaped (I think) the dive of one of these tropical "Cooper's Hawks."
The spiky crown of a Guira Cuckoo makes it look alert at all times. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – A somewhat confusing subadult bird circling over the road to Laguna Volcan was this species.
ROADSIDE HAWK (MAINLAND) (Rupornis magnirostris saturatus)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – A bird or two in the cactus desert near Comarapa caught our eye.
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – Another Guy-only bird.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – Most of the birds we saw were of the highland "Puna Hawk" type.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – Seen as we worked the drier highlands between Comarapa and Cochabamba.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – A bird seen on the old Coroico Road was probably an austral migrant heading back south to breeding grounds. [a]
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – Nice views of this sneaky crake at Laguna Volcan.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Recently split from Gray-necked Wood-Rail. We heard their cacophony at Refugio los Volcanes on evening. [*]
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Seen at Laguna Alalay.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – Easy at Laguna Volcan.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons) – A few still present on Laguna Alalay.
GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea) – Nesting on the high elevation lake near our Sorata site. [N]
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
ANDEAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra andina) – A pair was present on Alalay, no doubt displaced from some other higher-elevation body of water that has dried up from the drought.
Participant Brian Stech caught this Red-legged Seriema belting it out.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Only in the lowlands around Santa Cruz.
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – A few pairs at Alalay.
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus) – Nice views of this difficult high Andean bird.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii) – The common Andean sandpiper. [b]
PUNA SNIPE (Gallinago andina) – A couple flushed up between La Paz and Titicaca.
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) – Impressive numbers on Alalay. [b]
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – A lowland pigeon that is near its high elevation limit at Laguna Volcan.
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – Only in the lowlands around Santa Cruz.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Only around Titicaca.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – A widespread lowland pigeon, the Bolivian (and adjacent Peruvian) foothill population is quite distinctive in its voice, and appears larger, but is an undescribed form.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Guy was able to confirm that a pair of small doves we flushed up at Refugio los Volcanes were this species. A surprising locality!
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae)
BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
LARGE-TAILED DOVE (Leptotila megalura) – After hearing many of this yungas near-endemic, we finally saw some on Cerro Tunari.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Heard around our Coroico hotel. [*]
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) – Seen on two days in the yungas.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – A couple of birds at the site of our bus breakdown on the Coroico road.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Hearing the wind hissing through their wings is a rather amazing experience!
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus)
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus)
Beautiful scenery abounds in Bolivia like here at Refugio Los Volcanes. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei) – The common hermit of Refugio los Volcanes.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) [*]
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – Split from Green Violetear just this year.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – In the La Paz yungas.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (INORNATA (Adelomyia melanogenys inornata) – Evidence suggests that this form may be distinct enough to separate.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus) – What a gem! Seen on several days, but best at Cerro Tunari.
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus estella) – A great experience with this lovely high-elevation hummer at Pongo.
WEDGE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus adela) – A great show by a male at Cerro Tunari!
We had a fine viewing experience with this lovely Andean Hillstar. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
BLACK-HOODED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis pamela) – Wow, what a great experience with a snazzy hummer! BAM! Aqua rump! [E]
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer)
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – World's second largest hummingbird.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas gigas) – World's largest hummer, and a good swift mimic.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
SLENDER-TAILED WOODSTAR (Microstilbon burmeisteri) – Unexpected and much appreciated were two individuals we saw in the Bermejo area! [a]
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus) – A sharp hummer that is standard issue in the dry intermontane valleys of Bolivia.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster hypoleuca) – Another dry intermontane valley species. The form in Bolivia (and Puno, Peru, and Argentina) is quite different from the nominate of Peru, and is likely a different species.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – Nice views at Miguelito.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus submontanus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – A nice pickup by Carlos on the Laguna Volcan road and again at our Coroico hotel, since we missed it around Santa Cruz.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – One in the dry valley around Comarapa was odd enough, but another flying over Miguelito was a real surprise!
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru) – Great views at the 11th hour at Lomas de Arena!
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus)
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – A nice response from a pair of these cloudforest puffbirds at Miguelito.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – A candy-colored barbet that gave us a smile on the Coroico road!
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus atrogularis) – A green toucanet we saw above Coroico.
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) – The green toucanet we saw in higher elevation yungas.
Another endemic, Bolivian Brushfinch, gave us some fine views in the Yungas. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena cucullata) – Alright! We managed to bring a pair of these handsome toucans into view from quite a long way away at the Corani reservoir road.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – A surprising view of this, the largest of the toucans, flying along in the foothill forest near Bermejo!
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – The common large toucan around Bermejo.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – This group of piculets is a taxonomic mess in Bolivia. This one is the one we saw around Comarapa.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus) – This is the piculet we saw at Lomas de Arena.
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum) – The cactus woodpecker in the intermontane valleys. One of the few woodpeckers I know that often doesn't show any red (although there are a few red feathers on the crown on males).
STRIPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis lignarius) – It took some work, but eventually we got everyone good views of this "Ladder-back" like woodpecker.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – At Lomas de Arena.
DOT-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis frontalis) – Thanks to Brian for spotting this bird (which is very similar to the last... is it actually correct to consider them two species?) in the drier woodlands as we drove to Comarapa.
BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis nigriceps) – A very close family group at Empalme was nice.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – This and the next two are actually flickers!
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii atriceps) – Across-the-valley views at Chuspipata!
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus) – This is the high Andes form of the species we saw in the Beni as well.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – Wow! A bird up at Empalme (over 2000m elevation) was a complete surprise!
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
This Dot-fronted Woodpecker was found and photographed by participant Brian Stech.
CREAM-BACKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus leucopogon) – Wow! What a great experience with these impressive woodpeckers! First a pair spotted by Eric that really performed on the drive back to Comarapa, followed by another male shortly thereafter!
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – A great experience watching these modern "terror birds" sing and course through the fields 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) – A great view of one zooming around at dusk, no doubt hunting its namesake, at Refugio los Volcanes.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY-HOODED PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aymara)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – Dots in the sky. Always.
MONK PARAKEET (CLIFF) (Myiopsitta monachus luchsi) – Wow! What luck that Carlos and Guy got us on a flock zooming down the Mizque after we were turned away from the road where we usually get the birds by roadwork!
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
BLACK-WINGED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca melanotis) – Spectacular views of this difficult and range-restricted species at Miguelito and again in the Tablas Monte area and the La Paz yungas.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – At Miguelito, including perched birds.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
Nothing beats a fresh, hot breakfast in the field. Our support crew took good care of us. Photo by participant Dorothy Copp.
GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura molinae)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea)
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris) – Nice flybys by these impressive macaws over the Los Volcanes valley!
RED-FRONTED MACAW (Ara rubrogenys) – As a nice comparison to the last species we got distant but rather reasonable, views in the Mizque valley. [E]
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (HIGHLAND) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus neumanni) – This is the endemic subspecies found in dry intermontane valleys.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – After the introduced birds roosting on the walls of our Santa Cruz hotel, it was nice to see a few (thousand?) in the Refugio los Volcanes valley! The din!!
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea) – Ah, that's the way to keep us in suspense! After tantalizing distant responses from one or two birds in the dry valleys south of Comarapa, we had a male come in silently nearly to our feet before he burst into song on the road west of town!
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus) – Up close and personal views of this lovely item above Comarapa.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus) – Nice views of a pair near Laguna Volcan.
BOLIVIAN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus sticturus) – A male at Lomas de Arena performed well.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
UPLAND ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aroyae) – Alright! After a failed attempt at Miguelito, we had a pair that played hard to get, but eventually showed at our hotel in Coroico.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) – How weird it was to see this bird sitting out in the open on the ground (!) at Refugio los Volcanes!
This Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager was bursting with color. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maximiliani) – A sharp bird we saw in the arid scrub above Comarapa.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
SLATY GNATEATER (Conopophaga ardesiaca) – Usually a difficult bird to see... but it showed itself to us several times at Refugio los Volcanes.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis regulus) [*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (BOLIVIAN) (Grallaria rufula cochabambae) – A species that will be split into several species soon enough.
RUFOUS-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaria erythrotis) – An endemic (although it may have been found in Peru a few years ago) we saw on three days around Empalme and the Chapare. [E]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) – Truly a trilling experience to see this little gray mouse.
BOLIVIAN TAPACULO (Scytalopus bolivianus) – Fine views of this little monster with a white forehead blaze at Refugio los Volcanes.
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) [*]
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) – Man, did this bird give us a hard time. We wore one down eventually, though, and saw it well.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona) – A hard genus to see, to say the least! We had one strut by at Refugio los Volcanes.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
COMMON MINER (ALTIPLANO) (Geositta cunicularia titicacae)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus viridis) – Another species that will likely be split into several sooner or later. This subspecies is included with the Amazonian forms by Clements', but I rather expect that it can be singled out on its own due to a rather distinctive song.
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – At Miguelito.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus lineatocephalus) – Nice looks at this big ole' galumphing woodcreeper at our bus breakdown spot on the Coroico road.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (TSCHUDI'S) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus brevirostris) – Split by some as "Tschudi's Woodcreeper" this is the southern foothill form that we encountered several times in flocks at Refugio los Volcanes.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – A distinctive woodcreeper we saw both in the Santa Cruz lowlands and in the dry intermontane valleys farther west.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Seen in the yungas of the Coroico road.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
ROCK EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus andaecola) – Seen above our lunch stop on the drive from Comarapa to Cochabamba.
BOLIVIAN EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus harterti) – An endemic that we encountered in the dry valley to the south of Comarapa. Don't look like much, but man does it have spirit! [E]
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – A common fixture in much of eastern Bolivia.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Seen both at Alalay and Titicaca.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Until recently part of the Bar-winged Cinclodes, which has since been split into four species.
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – A pair showed briefly along the stream at Cerro Tunari.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum bolivianum) – Fair views at Refugio los Volcanes.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – Seen on the lower Coroico road.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) – Not to be confused with the species two above! This one we saw at Empalme.
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) – Seen at our bus breakdown site.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) [*]
Our successful pursuit of Gray-breasted Seedsnipe took us all the way up to La Cumbre at nearly 16,000 feet. Photo by participant Dorothy Copp.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger squamiger) – A rather smart looking furnariid we enjoyed in the upper yungas of La Paz.
BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps) – Bagged before breakfast at Cerro Tunari.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – Bagged before lunch at... well... you know.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – A pair of this lowland thornbird at Lomas de Arena.
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – This was the thornbird whose nests littered the landscape around Comarapa. We also had it at Cerro Tunari.
SPOT-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus maculipectus) – This thornbird was just above Comarapa. I believe it is the one featured in the 80s TV series.
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (CREAMY-BREASTED) (Asthenes dorbignyi dorbignyi)
BERLEPSCH'S CANASTERO (Asthenes berlepschi) – Our penultimate bird on the tour, and one of the most local endemics. [E]
SCRIBBLE-TAILED CANASTERO (Asthenes maculicauda) – A great show put on by this colorfully-named furnariid at Pongo.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis)
BLACK-THROATED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes harterti) – Another Bolivian endemic we enjoyed in the yungas of Cochabamba and La Paz, which netted us both subspecies. [E]
LIGHT-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albiceps) – Like the last, we enjoyed seeing both subspecies of this lovely species!
STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – The "chewtoy" spinetail showed for us at Lomas de Arena.
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) – Another we had at Lomas de Arena. Similar in many ways to the next, but differs by voice.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) [*]
OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata) – After hearing several, we had stunning looks at this lovely species on the slopes above Refugio los Volcanes as we walked out.
Scribble-tailed Canastero has a very limited range but we caught up to it well. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum bolivianum) – Best identified by the tiny little razors they carry around with them.
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri suiriri) – Love that scientific name!
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri) – Seen at Empalme.
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – So... just what color do they mean here?
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura obscura)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda) – Seen on several days in the Santa Cruz lowlands and up to Laguna Alalay.
STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla) – One seen at Lomas de Arena.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (ALBIDIVENTRIS) (Leptopogon superciliaris albidiventer) – This southernmost subspecies of the complex is quite distinct from the others and deserves separation from the remainder of the Slaty-capped group.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – This and the next showed for us at Refugio los Volcanes.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis) – Good looks at Empalme..
BOLIVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius bolivianus)
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – A colored dandy we enjoyed at Alalay and Titicaca.
HAZEL-FRONTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus simplex) – Mediocre views at Miguelito.
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – A kinglet like tyrant we saw at Lomas de Arena.
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides) – A rather adorable species we enjoyed in the dry scrub around Comarapa.
YUNGAS TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus spodiops) – After nearly giving up, this little stinker finally stuck its head out in the open for us at Miguelito.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps) – One of our last birds at Miguelito.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens) – Yet another complex that is on the cusp of being split up.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Nesting in the roof of the lunch shelter at Alto Sacramento! [N]
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea pallidior) – Seen well around the opening at Refugio los Volcanes. This form (also found east into Brazil) is quite different from those of the central and northern Andes, and likely can be separated at the species level.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (AUSTRAL) (Pyrocephalus rubinus rubinus) – This population, the nominate form from east of the Andes, is quite distinctive in voice and female plumage from those west of the Andes, and recent work suggests it may be distinct enough to separate.
ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas) – A fine pair in an altiplano marsh on the way from Titicaca to Sorata.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus)
SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus) – An unexpected female was at Laguna Volcan.
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) – A bird at Lomas de Arena.
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris)
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus) – On Cerro Tunari.
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus) – This and the next species were in the high elevation moonscape at La Cumbre.
WHITE-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albifrons)
Plush-crested Jay was one of the most fancily adorned large passerines we saw along the way. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) – Migrants at Cerro Tunari. [a]
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis) – Seen at several sites, but the least expected was the pair at Refugio los Volcanes.
RUFOUS-BELLIED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fuscorufus)
RUFOUS-WEBBED BUSH-TYRANT (Polioxolmis rufipennis) – A little bit of the "kestrel hovering" behavior was on display.
GOLDEN-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca pulchella) – Fine views of this lovely, if secretive, little tyrant at the Corani hydro road.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (MAROON-BELTED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris thoracica) – Most likely to be split from Slaty-backed at some point.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) [*]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – A rather familiar species to most. The highland birds around Cochabamba are interesting in being so large and pale.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) [*]
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – After hearing it a couple of times, a pair showed well at Alto Sacramento.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – Nice views from the bus as we went back up the Coroico road.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – A bird in the Mizque valley was nice.
We enjoyed wonderful views of the handsome little Light-crowned Spinetail. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Remarkably few encounters with this widespread tropical species.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BAND-TAILED FRUITEATER (Pipreola intermedia) – Nice views in the Chapare and again the La Paz yungas.
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata) – Fine views of a lovely male along the road near Chuspipata.
WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila) – An odd cotinga of the dry scrub.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla) – Thanks to Roky for spotting this excellent cotinga in the Chapare.
SCIMITAR-WINGED PIHA (Lipaugus uropygialis) – One of the most enjoyed birds of the tour (with reason)! We had three of them near Alto Sacramento! What a great experience... if only those dratted flies could have left us alone!
Pipridae (Manakins)
YUNGAS MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia boliviana) – Seen at both Refugio los Volcanes and again at Miguelito.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – A fine male showed well at Empalme.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – A bird at our hotel at Coroico was nice.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – That's one big vireo!
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus) – A great experience with a rapidly-moving flock near Chuspipata.
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – This and the next showed well in the lowlands.
What the Purplish Jay lacks in coloration, it makes up for it in character. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata) – A funny and rather rare swallow we enjoyed in the Mizque valley.
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes) – Quite common on this tour in upper elevation cloud forest.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – Seen on one day at the Corani reservoir road.
ANDEAN SWALLOW (Orochelidon andecola) – After several at higher elevations of Cochabamba, we had a huge collection of them over that pond at La Cumbre!
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – Roky spotted this, usually lowland, species in the Mizque valley.
SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans) – A collection of this austral migrant paused on the roof of the hotel at Laguna Alalay. A learning experience! [a]
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – A few of these North American migrants had reached Titicaca by the time we got there! [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – A loud feature of the forests at Refugio los Volcanes.
FULVOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia fulva) – Fine views of this rather musical wren on the Coroico road.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola saturata) – Grayer below than the birds we'd seen in the Beni.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides ralloides) – Nice views of this songster along the Coroico road.
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – Thanks to Guy for getting us on a fine bird as it sang at Alto Sacramento.
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – One of the most widespread thrushes in the country, it would seem!
SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) – Mostly frustratingly brief dashes as it darted from hidden perch to hidden perch.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater fuscater)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (ANTHRACINUS) (Turdus chiguanco anthracinus)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (RUFOUS-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis contemptus) – It was nice to confirm my "mystery" song as this species at Coroico. The southern Andean and eastern Brazilian forms of this species probably should be separated from the Amazonian ones.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus) – At Lomas de Arena.
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – A fine bird at Lomas de Arena.
BROWN-BACKED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus dorsalis) – Thanks to Carlos for getting us on a pair or two of this near-endemic as we drove to Cochabamba!
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
SHORT-BILLED PIPIT (Anthus furcatus) – Several of these singing pipits in the dry puna between La Paz and Titicaca.
CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera) – Tied more to wetter habitats than the last.
HELLMAYR'S PIPIT (Anthus hellmayri) – Cool! A nice surprise was a singing bird at a road construction stop in Siberia!
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (SOUTHERN) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis velata)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
The colorful streets of Coroico were bustling. Photo by participant Dorothy Copp.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (BOLIVIAN) (Basileuterus tristriatus punctipectus) – recently the subject of a recent pair of studies. It would appear the the birds from Puno, Peru, to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, probably deserve to be separated as a distinct species.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis euophrys) – This subspecies is quite different in plumage and voice from birds of central Peru and north, and should be separated at some point.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata) – Great views of this easily lured species at several sites in the humid yungas.
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata) – A common bird in the Bermejo area, and again at Coroico.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART (Myioborus brunniceps) – An attractive warbler that seems as common or more so in the arid montane forests as in more humid habitats.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – Replaces the last two in higher elevation humid yungas.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (URUBAMBAE) (Hemispingus superciliaris urubambae) – What is a "spingus" and how is this only half of one?
DRAB HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus xanthophthalmus) – An entertaining species as it shuffles across the leaves on the crowns of yungas trees.
THREE-STRIPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus trifasciatus)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps)
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops) – A rather distinctive tanager of semi-humid montane forests of the southern Andes (and another population in southern coastal Brazil).
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Bolivian population's males are a lovely satin black with a glowing magenta throat. The females are similarly sooty.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana montana) – A huge, bold tanager of high yungas.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – What an unlikely color scheme!
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
Another standout during our adventure was this White-eared Solitaire. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus flavinucha) – Another species where the southernmost form is so distinct vocally that it is screaming (almost literally!) to be split!
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia castaneoventris)
RUFOUS-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Pseudosaltator rufiventris) – Wow! So Clements has changed the name of this only-just-yesterday-a-saltator! DNA studies has suggested it is closest to the last species and the more northerly Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager. It sure don't look it though!
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – A common and showy, species in the more arid habitats of the tour.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – Nearly ubiquitous in Bolivia!
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – Although it is still placed here with the Thraupis tanagers, recent genetics suggest it is more closely related to the Anisognathus mountain-tanagers.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
GREEN-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara argyrofenges) – What a great bird! And I'm glad to see it still is fairly easy at Miguelito.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – A large group showed up at Refugio los Volcanes, suggesting they could have been austral migrants!
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – A fine high elevation species that showed briefly at the Corani reservoir road.
GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – What a great response form this nuthatch-like tanager at Cerro Tunari!
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) [*]
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris)
GRAY-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa carbonaria) – An endemic that is quite common at higher elevations. [E]
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
BLACK-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus atriceps) – Guy got us on this species at Cerro Tunari.
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – Similar to the last, but found in slightly wetter habitats in La Paz.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus)
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus) – A nice view of this junco-like finch in the altiplano puna between La Paz and Titicaca.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – The highest nesting bird in the world, it has been found nesting on glaciers over 5000m in elevation!
SLATY FINCH (Haplospiza rustica) [*]
GRAY-CRESTED FINCH (Lophospingus griseocristatus) – Like a thick-billed titmouse.
BOLIVIAN WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza boliviana) – Fleeting and rather frustrating views of this near-endemic on Cerro Tunari.
RUFOUS-SIDED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza hypochondria)
RUSTY-BROWED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza erythrophrys) – A very nice pair showed well at Cerro Tunari!
RINGED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza torquata)
BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza melanoleuca)
COCHABAMBA MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Compsospiza garleppi) – Great views on Cerro Tunari. [E]
BRIGHT-RUMPED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis uropygialis)
CITRON-HEADED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteocephala) – A lucky spot just after lunch the day we drove from Comarapa to Cochabamba!
The White-winged Diuca-Finch has been documented nesting directly on ice! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens)
SAFFRON FINCH (PELZEN'S) (Sicalis flaveola pelzelni)
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola)
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (WESTERN) (Embernagra platensis olivascens)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera bicolor) – Seen at Lomas de Arena.
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) – At Refugio los Volcanes.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – A nice view of this not-so-plain seedeater.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – A cardinal-like glowing finch of arid brushlands.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – This one does live up to its name... but it's kind of endearing just the same.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – No longer a tanager (hence the change of English name from "Bush-Tanager" to Chlorospingus). This is yet another very variable species that will no doubt be split into many species soon.
WHITE-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon torquatus) – Formerly part of the Stripe-headed Brush-Finch complex. Now nearly endemic to Bolivia.
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris) – Fine views of this sparrow at Refugio los Volcanes.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
BOLIVIAN BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes rufinucha) – A common and lovely endemic of humid yungas. [E]
FULVOUS-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes fulviceps) – Very attractive, and quite responsive at Cerro Tunari.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava) – This species has been split into two or three by some, this population called either "Highland Hepatic Tanager" or "Red Tanager".
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – After a poor experience at Refugio los Volcanes, we had a far better look at Miguelito.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) [a]
ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa brissonii) – A handsome large bunting related to North America's Indigo and Lazuli.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Adequately fills the niche of a Red-winged Blackbird in high Andean marshes.
BOLIVIAN BLACKBIRD (Oreopsar bolivianus) – Not hard to find around Cochabamba. [E]
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – Formerly called Bay-winged Cowbird, but it has been shown not to be a true cowbird (indeed, it is a host of one of the species of true cowbird). More recently has been split into two species, the other found in northeast Brazil.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED) (Icterus pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus) – Formerly part of Epaulet Oriole.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (BOLIVIAN) (Cacicus chrysonotus chrysonotus) – A fine experience with this montane icterid in the upper yungas of the Coroico road.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – A pair was pretty back lit at Refugio los Volcanes.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – A very lovely species we enjoyed at Miguelito and again on the Coroico road.
Having completed a tremendous tour, we were all aglow at the farewell dinner, particularly guide Dan Lane. Photo by participant Dorothy Copp.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus) – One fancy-looking finch we saw at the highest elevations.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – After hearing them at Refugio los Volcanes, we saw some at Miguelito.
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) – A strange choice to introduce to the altiplano. [I]
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus)
MONTANE GUINEA PIG (Cavia tschudii) – The cavy we saw at a few places in the highlands.
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – Seen around our hotel at Coroico.
SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium viscacia) – Seen among the boulders at Pongo.
LONG-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela frenata) – Patty and Dorothy saw this lanky mammal on the Coroico road.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 445 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa