It’s a shame that Bolivia seems to be such a “well-kept secret” in birding circles, as it is truly a worthy hotspot in its diversity of birds and stunning landscapes! We explored the varied habitats of this great country, seeing an impressive number of bird species along the way (nearly 500)! Our local crew were outstanding as always, providing great logistical support and meals, and we never were lacking for views. Whether it be the sweeping open landscapes in the lowlands of Santa Cruz, the stunning red sandstone cliffs at Refugio los Volcanes, the rugged arid valleys around Comarapa and the Frente Roja Reserve, the forest-encrusted Andean slopes of the Chapare and Coroico regions, or the big sky country of the Altiplano between La Paz and Lake Titicaca, we always had something to look at! And the birds themselves were outstanding too.
We enjoyed the throngs of birds along the entrance road to Lomas de Arena near Santa Cruz, dizzying flocks of parrots and macaws over Refugio los Volcanes, staging of endemic Red-fronted Macaws at Frente Roja Reserve, the stunning Red-tailed Comet showing off his fine tail plumes on the slopes of Cerro Tunari, the secretive Huayco Tinamou that Carlos managed to see with his sharp eyes, the rare and local Scimitar-winged Piha along the “road of death” by La Paz, or the fuzzy Titicaca Grebe on that great lake that is shared with Peru… The birds we encountered on this tour are many and vivid!
I hope you will carry these memories and more with you from this tour, and will travel with us again in the future to see other sights such as these. Until then, keep them binoculars at hand and baile con Dios!
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
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana)
HOODED TINAMOU (Nothocercus nigrocapillus) [*]
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) [*]
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens rufescens)
Seen at the airport grasslands near Santa Cruz.
HUAYCO TINAMOU (Rhynchotus maculicollis)
Carlos' sharp eyes got us on this often-impossible-to-see bird on the mountainside by Corani reservoir!
ORNATE TINAMOU (Nothoprocta ornata)
Seen in the edge of puna on Cerro Tunari.
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii)
Down in the arid agricultural and shrubland on the slope of Cerro Tunari, thanks to Diane for spotting!
WHITE-BELLIED NOTHURA (Nothura boraquira)
This was at Lomas de Arena, where Michigan Don spotted it and we all got fine views!
DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii)
This one we kicked up in the dry puna between La Paz and Titicaca.
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus)
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides alticola)
RINGED TEAL (Callonetta leucophrys)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata garleppi)
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)
ANDEAN DUCK (Oxyura ferruginea)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
YUNGAS GUAN (Penelope bridgesi)
Kathleen got some of us on two of these at a water tank on the road through the wooded foothills south of Comarapa. They slipped away before all could see them, though.
WHITE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile grayi)
Split from Blue-throated Piping-Guan, and not rare at Los Volcanes.
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum)
Wow! The front car heading down to Los Volcanes got to see this bird on the road ahead. Unfortunately, it disappeared into the forest before others could see it, but we heard it booming the day we departed.
STRIPE-FACED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus balliviani) [*]
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)
TITICACA GREBE (Rollandia microptera)
Nice views by the wharf at the hotel on the shore of Titicaca.
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
SILVERY GREBE (ANDEAN) (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)
BARE-FACED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
LARGE-TAILED DOVE (Leptotila megalura)
Our best views were by the bridge below our breakfast spot at Cerro Tunari.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata)
Carlos told us where to see this by Frente Roja, and it didn't disappoint!
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) [*]
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus)
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus)
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (AMAZONIAN) (Phaethornis malaris bolivianus)
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus)
This was at the SC Botanical Garden.
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)
At the feeders near Samaipata.
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris)
Wow! This was a new one for me in Bolivia, and it is coming to feeders by Samaipata! Obviously we'll make that a usual stop on the tour from now on!
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (INORNATA) (Adelomyia melanogenys inornata)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus)
A real stonker that we saw well on Cerro Tunari!
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus estella)
This one showed well at Pongo.
WEDGE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus adela)
Great views on the slopes of Cerro Tunari.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
BLACK-HOODED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis pamela) [E]
A stunning endemic we really enjoyed at treeline by the Corani reservoir!
GOULD'S INCA (Coeligena inca inca)
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer)
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
Nice views near the Corani reservoir.
RUFOUS-BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus addae)
Recently split by Clements'/ebird from Booted Racket-tail, we had a glimpse on the Miguelito road.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas gigas)
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)
Carlos is a god! He spotted this bird at an incredible distance off the side of the road. Even though we stopped specifically because he'd had it here before, that spot was unbelievable!
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (HYPOLEUCA) (Elliotomyia chionogaster hypoleuca)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea)
Close views at La Cumbre, but a larger concentration on the lake on the road back from Sorata.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera)
A large concentration trying to make the best of the last remaining water at Guapilo.
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
ANDEAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra andina)
Two of these attractive high-elevation avocets at Laguna Alalay, and another two on the shore of Titicaca.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi)
Carlos did it again by spotting these grouse-like shorebirds at La Cumbre above La Paz! Great bird.
GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus)
Shortly before the last, we saw a pair of these.
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) [b]
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) [b]
Quite possibly the least-expected bird of the tour! We spotted this at Laguna Alalay, and it could be only the 4th documented record for Bolivia!
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii) [b]
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis) [b]
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) [b]
PUNA SNIPE (Gallinago andina)
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) [b]
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Diane and Kathy glimpsed this species on one of our walks on the main road at Los Volcanes. Shame we couldn't all get on it! Their description was intriguing, though, as it suggested the Andean form meridionalis, which is not (as far as I know) documented in Bolivia!
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ANDEAN IBIS (Theristicus branickii)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus)
eBird tallies at least 15 on the tour (and there may have been a few more that I didn't make lists for)! That's not a bad haul!
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Nice views of 3 on the descent from Los Volcanes, but another as we headed to Cochabamba from Frente Roja was a surprise.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (TROPICAL) (Cathartes aura ruficollis)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
This one was in the airport grasslands at Santa Cruz.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
A crazy "roost" of dozens on the ground at Laguna Guapilo!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatus)
The bird we saw in the foothills near the main road as we departed Los Volcanes was a Sharp-shinned, but I'm not positive which form. Based on where we were, it's more likely to be "plain-breasted" but I can't rule out "rufous-thighed."
SOLITARY EAGLE (Buteogallus solitarius)
After a brief flyby, we were rewarded with nice perched views of an adult on the road through the deciduous forest south of Comarapa.
ROADSIDE HAWK (SOUTHERN) (Rupornis magnirostris saturatus)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous)
Nice views at the Corani Pipeline sideroad.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
Surprising to see this one in the foothills of La Paz!
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) [a]
Seen in the foothills on two days.
RUFESCENT SCREECH-OWL (Megascops ingens)
Mediocre views of this at Los Volcanes as it zipped by.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus submontanus)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota pilcomajensis)
Formerly part of "Blue-crowned Motmot" which has since been split into several species.
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor)
At Miguelito, one of the "usual spots" for the species.
CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus derbianus)
This was at Los Volcanes.
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena cucullata)
A distant scope view from Tablas Monte, and a brief one on the Coroico road.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus)
This and the next species get "fuzzy" around where they come together. We had this one in the mountains of Santa Cruz for sure... not so sure about La Paz.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
This species is found in the lowlands of Santa Cruz, but the type locality (the place from where the species was first described to science) is in the foothills of La Paz, and I'm pretty sure that the piculet we had around our lodging near Coroico was actually this species, not Ocellated.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
Nice views at Lomas de Arena.
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)
In the arid intermontane valleys, this species is closely tied to columnar cacti.
STRIPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates lignarius)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
At the Miguelito road. This species, usually in the lowlands, does get surprisingly high in Bolivia.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (BLACK-CROWNED) (Colaptes rivolii atriceps)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
This was the form we had at Lomas de Arena.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (GOLDEN-BREASTED) (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus)
This was the form we had in the arid intermontane valleys.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) [*]
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Daptrius megalopterus)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
A bit of a surprise at Laguna Alalay!
GRAY-HOODED PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aymara)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]
ANDEAN PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus orbygnesius)
Nice! This is a very unpredictable species. A huge flock passed through before breakfast our day on Cerro Tunari.
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
This was the form we saw at Lomas de Arena.
MONK PARAKEET (CLIFF) (Myiopsitta monachus luchsi)
This is the form (sometimes considered a separate species) we encountered near Frente Roja reserve.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) [*]
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
COBALT-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura molinae)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
A bird over Santa Cruz city was curious. Was it an escaped cagebird or wild?
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
RED-FRONTED MACAW (Ara rubrogenys) [E]
Wow, what a great experience watching these birds staging before heading to their evening roost at Frente Roja!
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris)
Mostly high-fliers over Los Volcanes.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-HEADED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus neumanni)
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea)
After winds made it impossible to try above Comarapa, we succeeded in finding a male on the road to Sallique. What a great (nay: Giant!) bird!
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)
Above Comarapa, a bird gave us great views as it sat on an exposed stick in the brush.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus)
BOLIVIAN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus sticturus)
This near-endemic was easy to see our first morning by the Rio Pirai.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
UPLAND ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aroyae)
At Miguelito, a pair played hide-and-seek, but we tagged them out eventually.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
WESTERN FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena maura)
OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maximiliani)
A very friendly individual gave us nice views above Comarapa.
SLATY GNATEATER (Conopophaga ardesiaca)
BOLIVIAN ANTPITTA (Grallaria cochabambae) [E]
Fantastic and extended views of this recently-split (from Rufous Antpitta) and endemic species!
RUFOUS-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaria erythrotis) [E]
Seen on two days at Empalme and Corani Pipeline.
LEYMEBAMBA ANTPITTA (Grallaricula leymebambae) [*]
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi)
Ha! I don't think I've heard a tapaculo singing from *inside* an aquaduct before!
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) [*]
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris)
Great views at Empalme had us smiling! A trilling experience.
BOLIVIAN TAPACULO (Scytalopus bolivianus)
We actually got views of this at Los Volcanes.
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona) [*]
SLENDER-BILLED MINER (Geositta tenuirostris)
COMMON MINER (ALTIPLANO) (Geositta cunicularia titicacae)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus viridis)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus lineatocephalus)
A pair showed well at Miguelito.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (TSCHUDI'S) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus brevirostris)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
ROCK EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus andaecola)
Wow, what a response from this bird as it crossed the gully at Cerro Tunari and perched in the tree almost in arm's reach!
BOLIVIAN EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus harterti) [E]
Just managed to hook and reel in this endemic on the road departing Frente Roja Reserve.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Dendroma rufa boliviana)
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus)
A skulky furnariid that showed for us at Miguelito.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger squamiger)
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Sylviorthorhynchus yanacensis)
Just before lunch on Cerro Tunari, we had a fine view of this ruddy bird.
BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps)
SPOT-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus maculipectus)
A nice show by a pair of these local specialties near Torrecillas on the Siberia ridge.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (RUSTY-VENTED) (Asthenes dorbignyi dorbignyi)
BERLEPSCH'S CANASTERO (Asthenes berlepschi) [E]
A disappointing showing at Sorata, probably due to the leaflessness of the shrubs thanks to the drought.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis)
I think this may be the first time we've had this one on the tour (at least while I've been guiding). It was in the shrubby grassland at the Coroico reservoir road.
SCRIBBLE-TAILED CANASTERO (Asthenes maculicauda)
Our usual, extroverted friend came in to check us out at Pongo.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis)
At Pongo near La Paz.
CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta)
At the top of Cerro Tunari.
BLACK-THROATED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes harterti) [E]
MAQUIS CANASTERO (Asthenes heterura)
Brief glimpses in the scrub of the Cerro Tunari road.
LIGHT-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albiceps)
STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata)
Nice views of this little skulker at Los Volcanes.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis certhiola)
Seen at the SC Botanical Garden.
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) [*]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
YUNGAS MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia boliviana)
After mediocre views at Los Volcanes, we did much better at Miguelito.
BAND-TAILED FRUITEATER (Pipreola intermedia)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata)
WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla)
Great views of this often scarce bird at the Corani Pipeline road.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
A female showed for us at breakfast at the La Selva resort near Coroico.
SCIMITAR-WINGED PIHA (Lipaugus uropygialis)
This came together well, and what a stonker! A species that is relatively seldom seen, but we've got a special spot that has been reliable. Two birds gave us a great show.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (ALBIDIVENTER) (Leptopogon superciliaris albidiventer)
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi)
Wow! Perhaps one of my favorite birds of the tour, especially how tame it was!
WHITE-BELLIED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis albiventris)
A nice find above Refugio los Volcanes. This is a species we regularly miss!
YUNGAS TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus spodiops)
A challenge, but I think most folks got a view on the side track off the Miguelito road.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)
OCHRACEOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias ochraceiventris)
A rather attractive flycatcher of the cloud forest at the upper end of the old Coroico road.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum bolivianum)
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri suiriri)
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
SOUTHERN MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Nesotriccus murina)
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) [a]
We caught a glimpse of this austral migrant along the road at Lomas de Arena.
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)
We had a brief, but good, view of this elaenia in the semi-deciduous woodland near the bottom of the Coroico road.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
Overlapping with the similar Sierran, this one differed by the duller wingbars.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (WHITE-BELLIED) (Serpophaga subcristata munda)
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis)
BOLIVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius bolivianus)
FULVOUS-CROWNED SCRUB-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
Formerly called "Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant" but a split cause the change in name.
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides)
Cute little tyrants that do a lot of duets in the arid scrub of the central valleys.
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) [*]
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) [*]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) [*]
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (AUSTRAL) (Pyrocephalus rubinus rubinus)
PLUMBEOUS BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cabanisi)
Great bird! A fine male showed well for us at Empalme on the Siberia ridge.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus)
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus)
This and the next two species were at La Cumbre above La Paz.
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus)
WHITE-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albifrons)
This was the largest of the ground-tyrants, we saw it on the seedsnipe peat bog at La Cumbre.
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) [a]
This and the next two species were at Cerro Tunari. This one was most numerous high up, as birds were migrating south to breeding grounds in Patagonia.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) [a]
RUFOUS-WEBBED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus rufipennis)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
RUFOUS-BELLIED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fuscorufus)
GOLDEN-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Silvicultrix pulchella)
An understory skulker we glimpsed a few times at the Corani pipeline road.
MAROON-BELTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca thoracica thoracica) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
D'ORBIGNY'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca oenanthoides)
Took a bit of work, but we eventually tracked down a pair of these shrubline tyrants at Pongo in La Paz.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
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)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus)
A group of these elegent jays showed well at Tablas Monte.
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
ANDEAN SWALLOW (Orochelidon andecola)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)
Nice views of this mirror-image species to our Purple Martin as they flew over the Frente Roja Reserve.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola saturata)
The form on the main tour, in the arid intermontane valleys, is the gray-breasted one. They have white breasts in the Beni.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (UNSPOTTED) (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus)
FULVOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia fulva)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (WHITE-CAPPED) (Cinclus leucocephalus leucocephalus)
A few lucky folks got onto this streamside bird.
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus)
Stu got us on this lovely species at Lomas de Arena.
BROWN-BACKED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus dorsalis)
As per usual, we got this one on the road as we headed to Cochabamba.
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (RALLOIDES) (Myadestes ralloides ralloides)
SPECKLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus maculatus)
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis)
Seen fleetingly on two days in the cloudforest.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (RUFOUS-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis contemptus)
Several views of this skulker on our hike at Refugio los Volcanes.
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops)
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater fuscater)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (ANTHRACINUS) (Turdus chiguanco anthracinus)
ANDEAN SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps)
Great views of this thrush on our Siberia morning.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
PUNA PIPIT (Anthus brevirostris)
Formerly part of Short-billed Pipit, which has been split.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanocephala)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
Only Diane got on this one.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
A species that, as it is presently defined, is distributed from Mexico to Argentina in cloud forests. No doubt, it will be split up in the future, so bear in mind that we saw subspecies argentinus in Santa Cruz, fulvigularis in Cochabamba, and bolivianus in La Paz. Also, the members of Chlorospingus were considered tanagers (and called "Bush-tanagers") until recently, when DNA evidence showed that they were in fact American sparrows.
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
WHITE-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon torquatus)
Formerly part of Stripe-headed Brushfinch, which has been split into several species. This is the southernmost of that complex, and barely enters Peru and Argentina.
MOSS-BACKED SPARROW (Arremon dorbignii)
Until recently, considered part of Saffron-billed Sparrow, but that species has been split up.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
BOLIVIAN BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes rufinucha) [E]
FULVOUS-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes fulviceps)
Spectacular views of this local species (on the tour route at least) at Cerro Tunari.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (RUSSET-BACKED) (Psarocolius angustifrons alfredi)
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (BOLIVIAN) (Cacicus chrysonotus chrysonotus)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED) (Icterus pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris)
So, a bit of an after-the-fact identification, but two of these were perched on a conifer along the road into Lomas de Arena, and their strange calls drew my attention and alerted me that they weren't the expected Shiny Cowbirds.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
BOLIVIAN BLACKBIRD (Oreopsar bolivianus) [E]
Nice views of this endemic Bolivian genus at the feeders of Frente Roja Reserve.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
YUNGAS WARBLER (Basileuterus punctipectus punctipectus)
Until recently considered part of Three-striped Warbler, now restricted to the southernmost couple of taxa found from Puno, Peru, east into Bolivia.
CITRINE WARBLER (BOLIVIAN) (Myiothlypis luteoviridis euophrys)
This is a species with several fairly vocally distinct forms, likely to be split up at some point.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata)
RIVERBANK WARBLER (Myiothlypis rivularis)
Formerly called "River Warbler" but a name change was required to avoid overlap with a European species.
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata)
A common bird around Refugio Los Volcanes.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART (Myioborus brunniceps)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris)
ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia brissonii)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
ORANGE-BROWED HEMISPINGUS (Kleinothraupis calophrys)
A near endemic that is quite a lovely bird. Took a bit of effort, but eventually we scored it!
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Sphenopsis melanotis castaneicollis)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (URUBAMBAE) (Thlypopsis superciliaris urubambae)
RUSTY-BROWED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus erythrophrys)
A rare one we saw well near Torrecillas our day on the Siberia ridge.
RINGED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus torquatus)
BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus melanoleucus)
Common in the arid intermontane valleys of central Bolivia.
THREE-STRIPED HEMISPINGUS (Microspingus trifasciatus)
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Buthraupis montana montana)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sporathraupis cyanocephala)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (BOLIVIAN) (Anisognathus somptuosus flavinucha)
This southernmost form of the species is quite distinct in plumage and (especially) voice. Expect a split sometime in the near future.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Dubusia castaneoventris)
RUFOUS-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Pseudosaltator rufiventris)
Formerly called "Rufous-bellied Saltator" and it's hard for me to break the habit. Seen well on Cerro Tunari.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TANAGER (Iridosornis jelskii)
Seen our day returning to La Paz from Coroico.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Rauenia bonariensis)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
GREEN-THROATED TANAGER (Stilpnia argyrofenges)
Whew, after a few "slip the net" attempts, we finally got some views of this at Miguelito.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
GIANT CONEBILL (Conirostrum binghami)
Unfortunately only a brief view for some folks after our lunch on Cerro Tunari.
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis)
A sharp-looking little tanager we saw near Corani reservoir.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris)
Replaces the next near to Peru.
GRAY-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa carbonaria) [E]
A country endemic that is widespread in the higher elevations.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca)
Like the next, but with glaring yellow eyes.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
BLACK-HOODED SIERRA FINCH (Phrygilus atriceps)
Brief views on Cerro Tunari.
PERUVIAN SIERRA FINCH (Phrygilus punensis)
GLACIER FINCH (Idiopsar speculifer)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)
GRAY-CRESTED FINCH (Lophospingus griseocristatus)
A titmouse-like finch of the dry valleys in central Bolivia.
BAND-TAILED SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina alaudina)
In the dry puna with the Puna Pipit.
DRAB HEMISPINGUS (Pseudospingus xanthophthalmus)
RUFOUS-SIDED WARBLING FINCH (Poospizopsis hypochondria)
BOLIVIAN WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza boliviana)
This near-endemic finally showed for us on Cerro Tunari, expertly spotted by Diane.
COCHABAMBA MOUNTAIN FINCH (Poospiza garleppi) [E]
Kathleen got us on these large and lovely endemic finch-tanagers on Cerro Tunari.
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens)
SAFFRON FINCH (PELZELN'S) (Sicalis flaveola pelzelni)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
This sparrow-like tanager was in the grassland near the SC airport thanks to Kathy.
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (WESTERN) (Embernagra platensis olivascens)
So this species occurs in two forms in Bolivia. This highland one, and a lowland one we saw in the Beni.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
Amazing that this was the only Sporophila of the main tour! Not one we usually encounter.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BLUISH-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Formerly part of "Grayish Saltator" which has been split into three species. This one is the widespread one in Amazonia and adjacent South America.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)
Widespread in the Andes.
BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis)
AZARA'S NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus azarae)
A bit of a surprise was seeing this nocturnal monkey in the afternoon at the SC Botanical Garden.
WHITE-EARED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus donacophilus)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus)
Mostly in the humid cloudforest.
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus)
Seen on our second day in Santa Cruz.
MONTANE GUINEA PIG (Cavia tschudii)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata)
SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium viscacia)
These were a big hit at Pongo in La Paz.
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare)
Argentine Black-and-white Tegu (Salvator merianae)
Lava Lizard sp. (Tropidurus sp.)
Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
Yellow-headed Sideneck (Podocnemis unifilis)
Walker's Slender Snake (Galvarinus attenuatus)
Totals for the tour: 494 bird taxa and 11 mammal taxa