A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Bolivia's Avian Riches 2022
September 9-25, 2022 with Dan Lane & Micah Riegner guiding
After a four-year hiatus it was great to get back to Bolivia, an often-overlooked country with enormous habitat diversity, dazzling hummingbirds, seriemas, mountain-tanagers, tapaculos and endemic macaws. We began our aventura in Santa Cruz. Just 50 years ago, Santa Cruz was a small dusty town, but now it’s exploded into one of the largest modern cities in Bolivia. We birded at the Viru Viru Airport and along the Rio Pirai where we saw Bolivian Slaty-Antshrike, White Woodpeckers and a slew of migrant shorebirds along the river. We then had a fun morning at Lomas de Arena Regional Park, at the southern edge of the city, where we saw Chaco and White-eared Puffbirds, White-bellied Nothuras and were serenaded by a pair of Red-legged Seriemas from 15 feet away! I think I lost a bit of my hearing after that!
We left the hot lowlands of Santa Cruz and drove to Refugio los Volcanes, one of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever seen. Picture colossal red sandstone cliffs cloaked with humid forest and a sky dotted with King Vultures, Andean Condors and Military Macaws. Some of the highlights from our stay at Los Volcanes were seeing Ochre-cheeked Spinetail, Slaty Gnateater, huge flocks of Mitred Parakeets and Rufescent Screech-owl. A day of rain made for a muddy departure, but our skilled team of drivers got us out safely and we continued on towards Samaipata, then Comarapa, where we spent several days birding the inter-Andean dry forest. But dry it was not. The cold front continued to dump sheets of rain on us the following days but, despite such weather, we saw many of the specialties, including Red-fronted Macaw, Cliff Parakeet, Bolivian Blackbird, Gray-crested Finch, Olive-crowned Crescentchest, Giant Antshrike, Red-tailed Comet and Cream-backed Woodpecker. The woodpecker was an amazing save by Carlos, our eagle-eyed driver. We had spent two afternoons looking for it in an area where we generally have good luck finding it. Toward the end of the second afternoon, we were getting ready to head back when Carlos yelled “carpintero!” from up the road. We rushed over to where he was parked and there was a glorious male Cream-backed Woodpecker, way way up the slope. What a nice conclusion to our time in Comarapa!
The highlands of Cochabamba host a number of the Bolivian endemics and specialty birds. We dedicated a day to birding the high elevation Polylepis woods and later the dry Puna grassland of Cerro Tunari where we saw Cochabamba Mountain-Finch, Wedge-tailed Hillstar, Tawny Tit-Spinetails and Giant Conebills and no fewer than six species of ground-tyrant all scuttling along on the windswept Puna. A couple unexpected bonuses were the Ornate Tinamous and Gray-breasted Seedsnipes right along the road!
The following three mornings we worked the cloud forest slopes of the Chapare Region below Cochabamba, starting low at a site called Miguelito and gradually working our way up in elevation to tree line at the Corani Reservoir. Some of the many dazzlers that stand out from those mornings include the Green-throated Tanagers, Blue-banded Toucanets, Versicolored Barbets and Black-and-chestnut Eagles we saw at Miguelito, the Golden-headed Quetzal, Trilling Tapaculo, White-rumped Hawks and Band-tailed Fruiteaters at the Corani Pipeline Road and the Black-hooded Sunbeams, Undulated Antpittas, Huayco Tinamou and Stripe-faced Wood-quail we saw at the Corani Reservoir Road.
The final chapter of the tour let’s call Birding from La Paz: The Coroico Highlands, Lake Titicaca and Berlepsch’s Canastero. The first morning , we stepped out of the bus to the frigid, thin air of La Cumbre. We were at 16,000 feet, the highest point of the tour. As Carlos, Benita and Ervin prepared us a hot breakfast, we scanned the scree slopes dotted with pairs of Andean Geese. From La Cumbre we dropped into the Pongo Valley where we enjoyed more oxygen and pulled up Scribble-tailed Canastero, Andean Hillstar and d’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant. The boulder fields below were covered in Southern Viscachas, rabbit-like rodents adapted to the high Andes. Another cold front brought more rain for us that afternoon, dampening activity, but we were able to see Diademed Tapaculo, Orange-browed Hemispingus and Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher before driving down to the Rio Selva Lodge for the night. On our way back up to La Paz we birded the Yungas and saw Upland Antshrikes, Sharp-tailed Stream-creeper, the mythical Scimitar-winged Piha, and a chatty pair of Fulvous Wrens. Our final day of the tour we birded Lake Titicaca and the road to the little Andean town of Sorata. Before reaching the lake, we made two stops, one in the dry Puna where we saw Short-billed Pipits and Darwin’s Nothuras and one in the moist, boggy Puna where we saw Correndera Pipit. I ended up losing my sandal in that marsh. I had wandered out, away from the group, in hopes of flushing up a Puna Snipe for folks. There were some scattered cows, which I eyed carefully. Suddenly, one of the bulls started running in my direction, so I sprinted away from it and, in doing so, my leg sank knee-deep in the mud, leaving my sandal behind. Sadly, there was no way to retrieve my beloved sandal, which will become fossilized into a layer of shale, high in the Andes.
We concluded the tour by birding first along the shores of Lake Titicaca, where we saw the endemic Titicaca Grebe, then near Sorata, where we had our picnic lunch on a dry scrubby hillside and saw a pair of Berlepsch’s Canasteros, our final endemic of the tour. From La Paz we flew to Trinidad to kick off our Bountiful Beni extension; Dan will be reporting on the Blue-throated Macaws, Great-billed Seed-Finches and Great Rufous Woodcreepers we saw there. There were numerous people we’d like to thank for making this such a great trip. First, we’d like to thank Caroline in our office who made all our reservations. We’d also like to thank Carlos, Benita and Ervin who took such great care of us along the way--driving us long windy mountain roads, keeping us fed with juicy salteñas, hot soups and sandwiches in the middle of nowhere and providing us with a constant flow of “aguita, cocacola, fanta, esprite.” Dan and I would like to thank you all for partaking with us in this incredible trip and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
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)
A few of these giants of the South American grasslands were seen as we left the Viru Viru Airport.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HOODED TINAMOU (Nothocercus nigrocapillus) [*]
Heard along the Old Coroico Road.
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
Heard at Refugio los Volcanes.
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
A rather unfortunate set of events left us without seeing this species. We heard one at Refugio los Volcanes and were bringing it down into view with my bluetooth speaker, when suddenly one of the lodge dogs appeared on the scene and chased it off. All we heard was an explosion of wing beats as it blasted up the slope.
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens rufescens) [*]
Heard at Lomas de Arena.
HUAYCO TINAMOU (Rhynchotus maculicollis)
Estupendo! We heard one calling off the Corani Reservoir Road and Dan spotted it way down the slope. We promptly got it in the scopes and watched it as it scuttled around in the tall grass.
ORNATE TINAMOU (Nothoprocta ornata)
Another great spotting by Dan! These were on the Puna slopes of Cerro Tunari. We watched them for several minutes as they foraged right out in the open!
WHITE-BELLIED NOTHURA (Nothura boraquira)
We few crossed the sandy road at Lomas de Arena.
DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii)
Our day at Lake Titicaca we flushed a few from the dry Puna. Daphne almost stepped on one before it shot out from under her feet!
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus)
Several pairs of these large conspicuous geese were out on the slopes of La Cumbre above La Paz.
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides alticola)
We encountered a few on the high elevation ponds we passed on the tour.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
There were a few on the pond near the Viru Viru Airport.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata garleppi)
We had two encounters with this species, first at the bridge in the Yungas below Cochabamba and also at the river near Coroico .
PUNA TEAL (Spatula puna)
CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera orinoma)
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (WHITE-CHEEKED) (Anas bahamensis rubrirostris)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Anas georgica spinicauda)
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera)
ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca)
We saw several males at Laguna Alalay in Cochabamba.
ANDEAN DUCK (Oxyura ferruginea)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
Our best looks were along the lower stretch of the Coroico Road.
YUNGAS GUAN (Penelope bridgesi)
This used to be Dusky-legged Guan until recently. We came across this species a couple times around Comarapa.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
We saw a surprising number at Refugio los Volcanes.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STRIPE-FACED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus balliviani)
This observation deserves a gold star! We were birding the Corani Reservoir Road, when Carlos drew our attention and said that three Stripe-faced Wood-Quail had attempted to cross the road just ahead of the bus. Dan was able to draw them up the slope into view for everyone. What an incredibly rare encounter!
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
The distant line of pink at Laguna Alalay.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)
The South American version of Eared Grebe. We saw a handful at Laguna Alalay.
TITICACA GREBE (Rollandia microptera)
One of the most endangered birds of the tour. We watched several along the reed-lined shore of Lake Titicaca.
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
SILVERY GREBE (ANDEAN) (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis)
We saw just one at Laguna Alalay.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa)
The high elevation version of Picazuro Pigeon.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
The voice of Plumbeous Pigeon in Bolivia is distinctive from the Amazonian type. We encountered several around Los Volcanes and the lower Coroico Road.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)
The common ground dove in the dry parts of Bolivia.
BARE-FACED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae)
A pair flew by while we birded at Cerro Tunari.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
LARGE-TAILED DOVE (Leptotila megalura)
Heard almost everywhere we went at Refugio los Volcanes. We eventually got great looks.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata)
We had an above average experience with White-throated Quail-Dove. It flushed as we ascended the Coroico road and it landed on a branch still in view. Carlos pulled the bus up and we were all able to get a great look.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
These strange terrestrial cuckoos were common around Santa Cruz.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) [*]
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
A few darted around overhead as we birded the Miguelito area.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Huge flocks of these spectacular swifts swirled overhead at various locations of the tour.
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
Small flocks of these austral migrants present in the lowlands around Santa Cruz.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
We picked out a few mixed in with the Sick's Swifts.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus)
Some darted across the road as we drove to Cochabamba.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (AMAZONIAN) (Phaethornis malaris bolivianus)
Finally, after having heard the bird at various sites, one hovered in view along the lower Coroico Road.
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei) [*]
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae)
Dan spotted one along the river near Rio Selva.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
There was one right outside our hotel in the middle of Cochabamba.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
We had views near Refugio los Volcanoes and at the bridge at Rio Selva.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
We had a very close encounter with one along the Coroico Road in the rain.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (INORNATA) (Adelomyia melanogenys inornata)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
This spectacular hummer of the humid Andes was at the Corani Pipeline Road and the Coroico Road.
RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus)
It was cool to see several at a flowering Eucalyptus above Comarapa.
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus estella)
We had fantastic looks at a male coming to some cactus flowers near Pongo.
WEDGE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus adela)
Almost a Bolivian endemic. Some spill over the border into Argentina. We had great looks at a male on our way up Cerro Tunari.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
One of the most common hummers we encountered in the humid Andes.
BLACK-HOODED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis pamela) [E]
Wow! I never get tired of looking at them. We were fortunate to see several at treeline along the Corani Reservoir Road.
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata inca)
One hovered super close to us along the Corani Pipeline Road.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer)
This handsome hummer with a striking rufous tail was at several of our birding stops in the humid Andes. Our best looks were along the Coroico Road.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
This colossus of a hummingbird was along the Corani Reservoir Road.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas gigas)
We had several great looks along the dry slopes of Cerro Tunari.
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)
A female showed up at Lomas de Arena.
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
Common in the dry forests around Santa Cruz and into Comarapa.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
The most common hummer at Refugio los Volcanes. We found a nest under an overhang along the side of the road.
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
We saw a couple at Lomas de Arena.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (HYPOLEUCA) (Elliotomyia chionogaster hypoleuca)
These were common around Comarapa.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
We drew one out of the reeds at Laguna Alalay.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons)
Distant views at Laguna Alalay.
GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea)
The ponds at La Cumbre near La Paz are often a good place to see this species. This year was no exception.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
The most common coot of the tour.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
A flock patrolled the shallow water of the Rio Pirai our first morning of birding near Santa Cruz.
ANDEAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra andina)
These were at Laguna Alalay.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
Common in the open fields of the high Andes.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
We saw one on the mudflats of Laguna Alalay.
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus)
What a fabulous experience we had with a flock on Cerro Tunari! We also saw some at La Cumbre near La Paz.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda)
One flew overhead at the Viru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz.
HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica)
Just one individual was at Laguna Alalay.
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii)
I always enjoy seeing these in the high Andes. We saw some at Laguna Alalay and La Cumbre near La Paz.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos)
A couple were on the mudflats at Laguna Alalay.
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor)
Lots were in the shallows of Laguna Alalay.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Common on the lakes of the high Andes.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
One patrolled the rapids below Rio Selva.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi)
A common sight along the drives in the high Andes.
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ANDEAN IBIS (Theristicus branickii)
Two flew over us as we were trying to find Bolivian Antpitta on the Corani Reservoir Road.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus)
We had numerous fabulous encounters with condors, perhaps the most memorable was the flock of 18 that circled above us near Comarapa.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
A long ways off in the valley at Refugio los Volcanes.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (TROPICAL) (Cathartes aura ruficollis)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
There were a few in the lowlands near Santa Cruz.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
We watched some copulating at our Miguelito stop below Cochabamba.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
It was somewhat of a surprise to see this species so high in the Andes at the Corani Pipeline Road.
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori)
A pair circled high overhead at Miguelito.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)
One shot through the parking lot at the Viru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz.
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
We enjoyed a scope view of one atop a hillside near the Corani Reservoir.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
SOLITARY EAGLE (Buteogallus solitarius)
Wow! While birding in the rain near Comarapa we came across an astonishingly close Solitary Eagle perched right off the side of the road. It was so huge it made the hornero nest it was sitting next to look like a grapefruit.
ROADSIDE HAWK (SOUTHERN) (Rupornis magnirostris saturatus)
These handsome southern Roadside Hawks were common throughout the trip, even up into the Andes near Cochabamba.
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous)
This was one of my most wanted birds of the tour! We had great looks at both an adult and a juvenile circling above the Corani Pipeline Road.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
Seen at Refugio los Volcanes and Cerro Tunari.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Strigidae (Owls)
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) [*]
Heard at Refugio los Volcanes.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
We inadvertently called one into view at the Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
The Corani Pipeline Road is a good area to see this species. We had great views this year!
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) [*]
Heard at Miguelito and the lower stretch of the Coroico Road.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus submontanus)
We had a super inquisitive male investigate our breakfast area at Miguelito. We couldn't have asked for better views!
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota pilcomajensis)
After hearing one calling for several minutes along the trail at Refugio los Volcanes, we finally found a window to get the scope on it.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
We saw a cooperative pair at Lomas de Arenas.
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus)
Also at Lomas de Arena.
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis)
This fancy puffbird of the Yungas was at Miguelito.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
We saw one near the lake at the Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor)
We saw a couple of these colorful barbets our morning at Miguelito.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis)
We saw some at Miguelito and along the Coroico Road.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
A couple distant views at Refugio los Volcanes.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus)
The piculet of the high elevations.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
We saw a pair near a nest cavity at Lomas de Arena. The cavity was about the diameter of a quarter.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
A small family group was near the Rio Pirai.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
We saw some towards the end of our morning of birding at Lomas de Arena.
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)
This cactus-loving woodpecker was common around Comarapa.
STRIPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates lignarius)
The Ladder-back look-alike near Comarapa.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
CREAM-BACKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus leucopogon)
We dedicated two afternoons to try to find this impressive woodpecker near Comarapa. Right at the 11th hour Carlos yelled "carpintero" so we rushed back to where he was and saw the bird way up the slope. What a save!
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
The woodpecker we saw along the lower stretch of the Coroico Road.
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (BLACK-CROWNED) (Colaptes rivolii atriceps)
This handsome woodpecker was along the Corani Pipeline Road.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
Seen at Lomas de Arena.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (GOLDEN-BREASTED) (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus)
This population is found in the dry Andean valleys. Seen near Comarapa.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola)
We had a couple nice encounters with Andean Flicker, one along the road up Cerro Tunari and one near Lake Titicaca.
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
A pair foraged in a field near the Rio Pirai.
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
This deserves a gold star! Late in the morning at Lomas de Arena we heard the loud honking of a pair of Red-legged Seriemas. Dan called them in and they came running right at us, stopping maybe 15 feet away. They called back and it was so loud we almost needed earplugs. Check out the Santa Cruz video for the full effect.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
Heard at Refugio los Volcanes.
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
Common in the mountains. We had great looks at an adult and juvenile side-by-side near Sorata.
CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
One shot across the marsh where we saw the Corendera Pipit.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY-HOODED PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aymara)
On the dry slopes of Cerro Tunari.
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]
This bamboo specialist was heard at Miguelito.
MONK PARAKEET (CLIFF) (Myiopsitta monachus luchsi)
We drove a ways up the Mizque River Valley to see this distinctive form of Monk Parakeet which only nests in cliffs of Central Bolivia.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
BLACK-WINGED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca melanotis)
A couple shot by along the side road at Siberia.
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
We had nice looks at Lomas de Arena. The white orbital skin really stands out on this species.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) [*]
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
The common Amazona in the lowlands around Santa Cruz.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
A couple pairs flew by in the Yungas near Siberia.
COBALT-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
We had nice close views of a pair at Lomas de Arena.
GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura molinae)
Seen a few times throughout the tour, perhaps our closest views were right along the road near Saipina.
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
RED-FRONTED MACAW (Ara rubrogenys) [E]
Despite the oncoming storm, we managed to get a view of a pair sailing overhead near Saipina.
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris)
Refugio los Volcanes is a great place to see Military Macaw. We scoped a small flock above the lodge.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-HEADED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus acuticaudatus)
These were the Blue-crowns at the Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-HEADED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus neumanni)
The Blue-crowns of the Comarapa area. We had great looks a them along the road to Saipina.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus)
We saw both the feral population in Santa Cruz and the wild ones around Refugio los Volcanes.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea)
Wow! After several minutes of trying to see a male in the dense understory along the side of the road above Comarapa, it decided to perch out in the open. It then darted across the road.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)
We heard one along the road above Comarapa and saw one on the Coroico Road.
BOLIVIAN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus sticturus)
Despite the crazy wind along the Rio Pirai, we managed to pull a bird into view.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
We saw the population in the dry forest near Comarapa and the all black Yungas population near Cochabamba.
UPLAND ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aroyae)
This one took some effort, but we all finally got on a pair along the lower Coroico Road.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
We saw a pair along the trail at Refugio los Volcanes.
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
Close encounters at Refugio los Volcanes.
WESTERN FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena maura)
A pair of these skulkers sneaked around us at Refugio los Volcanes.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maximiliani)
One of my favorite birds in Bolivia. We had great looks at one above Comarapa.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
SLATY GNATEATER (Conopophaga ardesiaca)
Any day with a gnateater is a good day. We had prolonged scope views of one sitting low in the understory at Refugio los Volcanes.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera)
I was not expecting we'd see one, let alone watch one fly across the road! Had Tom Johnson been with us, he would have gotten an amazing flight shot. Certainly one of the best birds of the tour.
BOLIVIAN ANTPITTA (Grallaria cochabambae)
After a couple different attempts we were able to bring one into view along the Corani Reservoir Road.
RUFOUS-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaria erythrotis) [E*]
A point of great frustration. Dan and I each had gotten it in the scopes, but when we called the group over it had vanished, never to show again.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi)
We "bluetoothed" a bird into view along the Corani Reservoir Road.
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi)
Despite the rain, we managed to pull one into view and we could see the frosty forehead. This was the bird first discovered by our very own Bret Whitney back in 1993.
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris)
Probably our best tapaculo experience of the tour. We set up the bluetooth speaker and it brought in the bird like a magnet, right into view.
BOLIVIAN TAPACULO (Scytalopus bolivianus)
Some of us got on one along the creek bed at Refugio los Volcanes.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona) [*]
Heard at Refugio los Volcanes.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SLENDER-BILLED MINER (Geositta tenuirostris)
The miner we saw at La Cumbre near La Paz.
COMMON MINER (ALTIPLANO) (Geositta cunicularia titicacae)
The miner along the road to Sorata.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus viridis)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus)
We had prolonged looks at one attending an ant swarm at Refugio los Volcanes.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (TSCHUDI'S) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus brevirostris)
Soon to be split from Ocellated Woodcreeper. We had decent looks at Refugio los Volcanes.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
One scaled the trunks at the Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis bangsi)
The close pair of woodcreepers at Miguelito.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
We saw a few near Santa Cruz.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
At Lomas de Arena. We later saw several in the Beni.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
We got on one along the cloud forest road near Siberia.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
Seen in the clearing at Refugio los Volcanes despite the rain.
ROCK EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus andaecola)
We drew one in from way up the slope at Cerro Tunari.
BOLIVIAN EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus harterti) [E]
After frustrating views near Comarapa, we had soul-satisfying views at Cerro Tunari.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
One of the most ubiquitous birds in Bolivia. We saw them just about everywhere!
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura)
Count yourself lucky if you were able to get on this shy furnariid of shaded Andean streams.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)
Laguna Alalay is often a good place to see this Marsh Wren-like ovenbird.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris)
The more common of the two Cinclodes, found in a variety of habitats at high elevations.
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis)
This species is more restricted to fast-flowing streams. We had nice looks at Cerro Tunari.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
We got on this rather small foliage-gleaner at our Miguelito spot below Cochabamba.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
We worked on pulling this one into view near Siberia on our drive to Cochabamba.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Dendroma rufa boliviana)
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
This shy and secretive ovenbird of mossy understory we saw our morning at Miguelito.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger squamiger)
One of my favorites of the Andean highlands. We got great looks at one in a feeding flock along the Coroico Road.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Sylviorthorhynchus yanacensis)
We ran into a few on Cerro Tunari and also at Pongo below La Paz. Generally in Polylepis, but occasionally in other habitats.
BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps)
We had nice scope views of one on Cerro Tunari.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
The thornbirds at Lomas de Arena.
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps)
The thornbirds in the dry forest around Comarapa.
SPOT-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus maculipectus)
We saw this species at a pullout along the drive to Cochabamba.
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (RUSTY-VENTED) (Asthenes dorbignyi dorbignyi)
We had our best looks at this species above Comarapa.
BERLEPSCH'S CANASTERO (Asthenes berlepschi) [E]
One of the most range-restricted birds of the tour, found only in the dry valley above Sorata. It took us a relatively short time to come across a pair.
SCRIBBLE-TAILED CANASTERO (Asthenes maculicauda)
By far the most cooperative of the canasteros we encountered. It sat right up on a rock in front of us and vocalized near Pongo.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis)
The other canastero we saw near Pongo.
BLACK-THROATED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes harterti) [E]
Another Bolivian endemic! We saw this one near our breakfast spot along the Corani Reservoir Road.
MAQUIS CANASTERO (Asthenes heterura)
This difficult-to-see canastero was on Cerro Tunari.
LIGHT-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albiceps)
We saw both subspecies of this handsome spinetail. The rufous-crowned form was near Siberia and the white-crowned form was along the Coroico Road.
STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)
The common spinetail in the dry forest near Comarapa.
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
We had great close views at Lomas de Arena.
OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata)
This handsome little spinetail was sneaking around in the understory at Refugio los Volcanes.
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)
The spinetail we saw early on at Lomas de Arena.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
Common in the humid Andes. We heard them in several spots and got on one at Miguelito.
Pipridae (Manakins)
YUNGAS MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia boliviana)
We saw a group of males in the understory at Refugio los Volcanes.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BAND-TAILED FRUITEATER (Pipreola intermedia)
The fruiteater along the Corani Pipeline Road.
WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila)
This strange cotinga we saw on one of the stops on our way down to Saipina.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
A very cool cotinga of high stunted forests in the Andes. We saw some along the Corani Reservoir Road.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
It was kind of a surprise to see one at our breakfast spot near Rio Selva.
SCIMITAR-WINGED PIHA (Lipaugus uropygialis)
We had tricky viewing with all the fog, but nonetheless we were looking at one of the rarest birds in Bolivia! Dan was the first to describe the flight display this piha and figured out that they prefer flat top ridge lines at a specific elevation in the Yungas.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
We had nice looks at a male near our lunch spot at Siberia.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra)
This fancy little marshbird was at Laguna Alalay.
MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER (Mionectes macconnelli)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (ALBIDIVENTER) (Leptopogon superciliaris albidiventer)
We got on this one at Miguelito.
YUNGAS TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus spodiops)
This tiny tyrannid was in the Yungas at Miguelito.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
We had this one along the lower stretch of the Coroico Road.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)
Seen at Refugio los Volcanes and along the road towards Coroico.
OCHRACEOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias ochraceiventris)
We saw this scarce flycatcher of the Yungas on the Coroico Road. It was in a feeding flock with Orange-browed Hemispingus.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum bolivianum)
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri suiriri)
We saw a couple at Lomas de Arena.
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri)
Seen near Siberia the day we drove to Cochabamba.
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
The most common tyrannulet of humid Andes.
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris)
The tit-tyrant we saw above Comarapa.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
We saw a couple in the dry scrub on the slopes of Cerro Tunari.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
We had great looks at one at Lomas de Arena.
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
A couple darted around in the rapids at Rio Selva.
WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda)
We saw a few around Santa Cruz and Comarapa.
STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla)
This dainty flycatcher has a distinctive "sneeze-trill" song. We saw a pair at Lomas de Arena.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri)
The gorgeous tyrannulet at Refugio los Volcanes.
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis)
BOLIVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius bolivianus)
We had great looks at one at Miguelito and in the fog along the Coroico Road.
RUFOUS-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides)
These are common in the dry forest around Comarapa.
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
UNADORNED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus inornatus)
They were in the exact same spot at Miguelito where we had them in 2018! Again, we had great scope views.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) [*]
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
These were in the dry forest around Comarapa.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (AUSTRAL) (Pyrocephalus rubinus rubinus)
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus)
We had awesome views at Pampa Grande. It was even doing a flight display.
SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus)
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus)
We did extremely well on ground-tyrants at Cerro Tunari. Tascanowski's was the one that was perched on the cliff.
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus)
The most common ground-tyrant in the fields at Cerro Tunari. Also seen at La Cumbre.
WHITE-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albifrons)
The largest (and easiest to identify) of the grount-tyrants in Bolivia. We saw one at Cerro Tunari and at La Cumbre near La Paz.
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha)
There were a few of these running around the Puna at Cerro Tunari.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)
We scoped one out at Cerro Tunari.
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora)
Also at Cerro Tunari.
RUFOUS-WEBBED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus rufipennis)
One was perching on power line near our lunch spot on the way to Cochabamba.
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
One sat on a fence post at Cerro Tunari.
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
We saw one through the mist along the Coroico Road.
RUFOUS-BELLIED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fuscorufus)
One sat right out in the open along the Corani Pipeline Road.
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (KALINOWSKI'S) (Ochthoeca frontalis boliviana) [*]
GOLDEN-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca pulchella)
This skulker made a momentary appearance along the Corani Pipeline Road.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (MAROON-BELTED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris thoracica) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
We had nice looks at one along the Corani Reservoir Road.
D'ORBIGNY'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca oenanthoides)
One sat on a telephone line near Pongo.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) [*]
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) [*]
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
These were in the treetops at Refugio los Volcanes.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
A super cooperative individual sat right off the side of the road near Rio Selva.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
This vireo of the high elevation cloud forests was at Miguelito.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus)
Another highlight was watching the curious flock of White-collared Jays inspect us at the Corani Reservoir Road.
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
In the cloud forest at Miguelito.
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
Common around Refugio los Volcanes. We were also surprised to find some around the Corani Pipeline Road at such high elevation.
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
We never tired of seeing these around Refugio los Volcanes.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes)
The swallows we saw along the Corani Pipeline Road.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
These are generally higher in elevation than the Pale-footed Swallows. We saw them along the Corani Reservoir Road.
ANDEAN SWALLOW (Orochelidon andecola)
And higher yet are Andean Swallows. We saw some at La Cumbre, La Paz.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
These handsome swallows were around Rio Selva.
SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)
We saw a flock in Saipina taking shelter from the rain. These nest on the cliffs in the Mizque River Valley.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola saturata)
We encountered a few around Comarapa.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
This diminutive cloud forest dweller was at a few of our birding stops. We had our best views along the Corani Pipeline Road.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
Common around Santa Cruz. Some were even building a nest at our hotel.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
We saw a pair in the dense understory along the Rio Pirai.
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus)
Another difficult skulker. We drew one into view at Lomas de Arena.
FULVOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia fulva)
We had just fabulous looks at a pair in the Yungas along the Coroico Road.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (WHITE-CAPPED) (Cinclus leucocephalus leucocephalus)
We watched one at the Paracti Bridge in the Chapare region above Miguelito.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus)
The mockingbirds at Lomas de Arena.
BROWN-BACKED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus dorsalis)
As we approached Cochabamba we were on the lookout for this species in the dry scrubby habitat and sure enough, we found a pair right off the side of the road!
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (RALLOIDES) (Myadestes ralloides ralloides) [*]
SPECKLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus maculatus)
This was at the exact same spot where we had it in 2018 along the Corani Pipeline Road. It was nice to see it again!
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis)
The solitaire that sounds like a camera malfunctioning. Seen along the Coroico Road.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (RUFOUS-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis contemptus)
One was at the ant swarm at Refugio los Volcanes.
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
These were pretty common in the lowlands. They do a distinctive tail wiggle when they land.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater fuscater)
We had great looks in the humid forest along along the Corani Pipeline Road.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (ANTHRACINUS) (Turdus chiguanco anthracinus)
The common thrush of the dry habitats in the Andes. We had no shortage of these on the tour!
ANDEAN SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps)
This handsome thrush was along the Siberia side road.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
In the Yungas of the Chapare area.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
SHORT-BILLED PIPIT (Anthus furcatus)
We saw one at Laguna Alalay and in the Puna around La Paz.
CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera)
A specialist of soggy meadows in the high Andes. We found one on our way out to Lake Titicaca.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
We had nice close views along the road at Miguelito.
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
The common euphonia in the lowlands around Santa Cruz.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
The siskins we saw around Comarapa.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus)
We saw an entire flock feeding just off the edge of the road on the way to Sorata.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
Seen at various cloud forest stops along the tour.
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
WHITE-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon torquatus)
This large handsome brushfinch was at our birding stop near Siberia.
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
Some split this as Moss-backed Sparrow. We saw some right along the side of the road on our way to Comarapa.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Seen almost every day of the tour!
BOLIVIAN BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes rufinucha) [E]
We were lucky with this species this year. We saw some near Siberia and at various points in the Chapare Region.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (RUSSET-BACKED) (Psarocolius angustifrons alfredi)
We got into this specie's range at the lower end of the Coroico Road.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens)
The small green oropendolas around Refugio los Volcanes and the lower Coroico Road.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
We had no shortage of these on the tour!
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (BOLIVIAN) (Cacicus chrysonotus chrysonotus)
We saw some at our lunch spot on the Coroico Road through the rain and the fog.
VARIABLE ORIOLE (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED) (Icterus pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
These were all over the place around Santa Cruz.
BOLIVIAN BLACKBIRD (Oreopsar bolivianus) [E]
A denizen of the dry rocky cliffs along the Mizque River Valley. We caught up with them near Saipina.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)
A few darted past us at Lake Titicaca.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (SOUTHERN) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis velata)
The yellowthroat we saw that rainy morning in the lodge clearing at Refugio los Volcanes.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
Despite the wind from the oncoming cold front we called out a pair along the Rio Pirai
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (BOLIVIAN) (Basileuterus tristriatus punctipectus)
The Basileuterus at Miguelito.
CITRINE WARBLER (BOLIVIAN) (Myiothlypis luteoviridis euophrys)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)
This was an unexpected bonus at Refugio los Volcanes! Typically they're lower in elevation.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata)
We saw these in the cloud forest near Siberia.
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata)
Common around Refugio los Volcanes. We managed to see them just about every outing.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART (Myioborus brunniceps)
The common redstart around Comarapa.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
We enjoyed watching this species near Siberia.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
A male and female posed nicely in the dry forest near Saipina.
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
We watched a male right outside the lodge at Refugio los Volcanes.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris)
It's always fun to see this massive grosbeak. We had outstanding views at Lomas de Arena.
ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia brissonii)
The Blue Grosbeak equivalent in this part of South America. We saw some near Comarapa.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
We saw these at the lake at the Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
We watched one foraging in some Cecropias at Miguelito.
ORANGE-BROWED HEMISPINGUS (Kleinothraupis calophrys)
Dan heard them from out the window as we drove down the Coroico Road, so we pulled over and got out to see them. They were in a feeding flock with Pearled Treerunner and Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (URUBAMBAE) (Thlypopsis superciliaris urubambae)
RUSTY-BROWED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus erythrophrys)
RINGED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus torquatus)
We saw a few around Comarapa.
BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus melanoleucus)
We saw some right along the road on our way to Comarapa.
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
I love seeing these at Refugio los Volcanes.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Buthraupis montana montana)
I'm always struck by how huge these are. We saw a flock along the Corani Reservoir Road.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sporathraupis cyanocephala)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
One of my personal favorites! We found flocks along the Corani Reservoir Road and the Coroico Road.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (BOLIVIAN) (Anisognathus somptuosus flavinucha)
The loud warbling song of Blue-winged Mountain Tanager adds a nice background to the humid cloud forest. Heard several and saw one along the road near Siberia.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Dubusia castaneoventris)
The Siberia side road is where we saw this cloud forest gem.
RUFOUS-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Pseudosaltator rufiventris)
We found a few on our way up Cerro Tunari.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
A pair showed momentarily above us as we birded the lower stretch of the Coroico Road.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Rauenia bonariensis)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
One of the most common and widespread birds in Bolivia. We saw them virtually every day.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
GREEN-THROATED TANAGER (Stilpnia argyrofenges)
There are very few places to see this species, the Miguelito area below Cochabamba is one of the best. We had great views of both male and female during our morning there.
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis)
We saw some at Refugio los Volcanes, then again at Miguelito.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
The Miguelito area is often a good place to find this species. We saw a few during our morning there.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
We saw a brilliant blue male near the lodge at Rio Selva.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
We saw a close pair off the side or the road at Refugio los Volcanes.
GIANT CONEBILL (Conirostrum binghami)
Wow! One of the highlights of the tour. A pair of these remarkable nuthatch-like conebills worked the red flaky trunks of the Polylepis trees near our lunch spot on Cerro Tunari.
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris)
This guy played hard to get along the road to Sorata. He just didn't want to come into view for very long.
GRAY-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa carbonaria) [E]
Another Bolivian endemic! We saw this species multiple times throught our time in the highlands.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
It was very nice to watch one at some pink flowers along the Corani Pipeline Road.
BLACK-HOODED SIERRA FINCH (Phrygilus atriceps)
Seen on Cerro Tunari.
PERUVIAN SIERRA FINCH (Phrygilus punensis)
Small flocks were along the road to Sorata.
GLACIER FINCH (Idiopsar speculifer)
This used to be called White-winged Diuca-Finch. We saw some on Cerro Tunari and at La Cumbre near La Paz.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)
Some were along the side road we walked near Pongo.
GRAY-CRESTED FINCH (Lophospingus griseocristatus)
The closest thing to a Juniper Titmouse in Bolivia. We were fortunate to find several around Comarapa.
BAND-TAILED SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina alaudina)
This species looks a bit like a junco. We saw some the morning we walked through the puna around La Paz.
RUFOUS-SIDED WARBLING FINCH (Poospizopsis hypochondria)
We had nice close looks at a pair near the breakfast spot on Cerro Tunari.
BOLIVIAN WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza boliviana)
We watched a pair on the dry slopes of Cerro Tunari.
COCHABAMBA MOUNTAIN FINCH (Poospiza garleppi) [E]
This was definitely the best experience I've had with this species! A pair flew in and landed right in front of us on Cerro Tunari. I put a short clip of them in the Cochabamba video.
BRIGHT-RUMPED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis uropygialis)
Some of us got on a flock amongst the many ground-tyrants on Cerro Tunari.
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens)
There was a small flock near our lunch spot on Cerro Tunari.
SAFFRON FINCH (PELZELN'S) (Sicalis flaveola pelzelni)
These were common in the lowlands around Santa Cruz.
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (WESTERN) (Embernagra platensis olivascens)
This high elevation form of Great Pampa-Finch was at Pampa Grande above Comarapa.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (BICOLORED) (Sporophila leucoptera bicolor)
We had nice looks at a male at Lomas de Arena.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
Abundant, especially around Comarapa.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
These were around Rio Selva near Coroico.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
A couple were around our breakfast spot at Rio Selva.
BLUE-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)
Common around Comarapa and Cochabamba.
MAMMALS
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
The capuchins at Refugio los Volcanes provided us entertainment during lunch one afternoon.
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus)
One was hanging out on the grounds of Refugio los Volcanes. We also saw one at Siberia.
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus)
MONTANE GUINEA PIG (Cavia tschudii)
We saw several in the highlands throughout the trip.
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata)
We watched an interesting interaction between an agouti and a flock of Plush-crested Jays at Refugio los Volcanes. The agouti was caching nuts un a hole and the jays were attempting to rob them.
SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium viscacia)
We were walking along the side road at Pongo, when suddenly a pair of Viscachas appeared on the boulders to our right. We rounded the bend and there were at least 20 more of them sitting all around us! What a delightful animal to watch.
Totals for the tour: 465 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa