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Birding in the Pantanal is clearly a difficult task-- the deck chairs appear to completely lack any cushioning. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
This year’s Safari Brazil was another excellent tour packed with all the ingredients that have made this trip a perennial success with Field Guides clients. The birding was excellent, the landscapes were amazing, and the mammals were abundant, making this an excellent itinerary for the person visiting Brazil for the first time as well as the experienced birder.
We kicked things off at Pousada Caiman, where the abundance of birds and wildlife was almost overwhelming at times -- including Hyacinth Macaws flying by all the time, Southern Screamers just a few steps away from the rooms, a Narrow-billed Woodcreeper nesting in the courtyard from the lodge, more Undulated Tinamous than a person could ever dream to see, and amazing mammals such as Brazilian Tapir and Giant Anteater seen extremely well.
We then continued on to Emas National Park, where we got caught in a lightning storm that turned out to be one of the most impressive events of the trip. I have to be honest, I never again want to find myself as close as we were to extreme weather -- but I loved being there and witnessing it. The rains also brought out one of Emas's most famous spectacles, firefly larvae that illuminate hundreds of termite mounds like Christmas trees, truly an unforgettable experience. The birding at Emas was also world class, with a great number of Cerrado endemics that included the odd Cock-tailed Tyrant, Sharp-tailed Grass-Tyrant, Black-masked Finch, Lesser Nothura, White-rumped Tanager, and many other birds that are more widespread but rarely seen, such as the impressive Giant Snipe!
Minas Gerais was a complete change in the landscape, but the birding continued to be every bit as good as we searched the mountains at Cipo for rarities such as the Cipo Canastero, Blue Finch, Gray-backed Tachuri, Cinnamon Tanager, Horned Sungem, Hyacinth Visorbearer, and others, while Caraca gave us a sample of Brazil’s Atlantic forest with birds such as Tufted Antshrike, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Spotted Bamboowren, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Pin-tailed Manakin and many others.
This variety is what makes this tour such a rewarding experience: a good sample of three major habitats with an incredible diversity of landscapes, fauna, flora, and cultures. And this is the reason I love doing this tour -- I can't wait to do it again next year! Abracos, --Marcelo
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – Most of this tour is right in the heart of the range of these birds and we saw them most days of the tour!
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – We had several good looks at these tinamous. Mostly because this was a very dry year and they were coming to the edge of water to drink, but at one point we had three birds in one field of view chasing each other. Quite a treat!
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) – It was great fun watching our local Guide "herd" this bird into view for us.
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) – Emas National park is a great place to see these birds and we saw them well.
LESSER NOTHURA (Nothura minor) – A flushed bird seen flying!
SPOTTED NOTHURA (Nothura maculosa) – We had one in the middle of the road on our way back to Campo Grande. Good looks!
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – Scope views right outside our lodge at Caiman!
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – This was a very dry year in the Pantanal and all species of ducks were far less abundant than usual, but we saw quite a few Muscovys.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – Common in the Pantanal where their loud songs constantly reminded Us of their presence.
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura) – Dusky-legged Guans are common around the buildings at Caraca and we had excellent looks at them!
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – A common Cracid in the Pantanal where they are not hunted!
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari) – By far the least common Stork on this route, but we managed to pick one up on our return to Campo Grande.
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – Always a hard bird to find, but with some work we managed to see one!
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
A Crane Hawk enjoys its hard-earned reward, a snake that it pulled out of a burrow in the ground. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Not common in the areas we visited, but we had them in the scope one day at Pousada Caiman!
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – This handsome Ibis is limited, in Brazil, to the western areas of the country south of the Amazon, making the Pantanal the best area for seeing this bird. And we had great looks at it!
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – Seen on most days of the Tour!
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – This handsome Hawk is a fishing specialist and was always present around the lakes and ponds at Caiman!
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni) – This was a particularly good year for seeing Long-winged Harriers near Emas. We even had one hunting on around the outskirts of town one day.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – This species has several subspecies and the ones that occur in the Pantanal are ssp. flexipes. We saw one individual trying to pull a snake out of a hole in the ground.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – Common at Emas!
MANTLED HAWK (Pseudastur polionotus) – It is always a treat to find this Atlantic Forest Endemic. We had one at Caraca!
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – On our first day en route to Caiman. What a way to start the tour!
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – This one took a lot of work and patience, but several people managed to connect with it.
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
SLATY-BREASTED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides saracura)
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Porzana albicollis) [*]
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – We kept hearing this Rail and looking for it without locating it. Untill we looked up a tree and there it was. To this day I am still wondering what it was doing up there.
They don't call this a Giant Snipe for nothing--just look at that bill! We had absolutely incredible views of this monster snipe, which is not an easy feat. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – The Pantanal has to be the best place in the world to see these birds.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – Seen by Harry and Niels Only!
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus)
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – We flushed one of them around the Lake at Caiman!
GIANT SNIPE (Gallinago undulata) – What a treat. This rarely seen snipe was worth all the work that it took to get to our spot for it. It came in and landed just a few feet away from our group allowing excellent studies.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – A good spot by Andy!
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Beverley spotted one for Us at Caraca!
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – We had these shy Ground-dove in the scope allowing great looks for everyone!
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris) – This is one of the hardest ones to come across, but we knew just where to look!
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)
Given that this Great Potoo was on the exact same perch where we found it a year ago, one could be forgiven for thinking it was a stuffed bird! It really isn't though. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
TAWNY-BROWED OWL (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana) [*]
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – We found one of these Owls roosting around one of the lodges at Caiman, and although this is a common and widespread species you should keep track of where you see it as more than one species may be involved. The bird we saw was subspecies nacurutu.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – These charismatic owls are a common sight at Emas Park!
RUSTY-BARRED OWL (Strix hylophila) – Wow, we worked hard to dig this one up this year. But perseverance paid of and we had pretty good looks at it.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus longirostris) – This nightjar is fond of rocky areas and we know a place just like that. Great looks!
LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus parvulus)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – It was there, on the same branch of the same tree as last year. As a leader I have to appreciate a bird that behaves so well!
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Apodidae (Swifts)
GREAT DUSKY SWIFT (Cypseloides senex)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – One day at Caraca we looked up and the sky was just filled with them. An unforgettable sight!
BISCUTATE SWIFT (Streptoprocne biscutata) – The name Biscutate refers to the fact that the collar on it is broken into two shields. A trait that can be quite hard to see when they are flying around with hundreds of White-collared Swifts, but careful studies revealed some of them among the flocks at Caraca.
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – These minute Swifts make their nests on dead palm leafs (especially Mauritia flexuosa) from feathers of birds that they tear from other birds in flight!
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – A hard to see hermit that likes visiting bromeliad flowers. Unfortunately not everyone managed to connect with it as it moves around very quickly and does not sit still for very long.
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)
SCALE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis eurynome)
HYACINTH VISORBEARER (Augastes scutatus) – With a tiny world range this is certainly the most special hummer on this tour and we had great looks at it. [E]
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris)
HORNED SUNGEM (Heliactin bilophus)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus) – Common around Caraca!
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis)
One of the mammalian highlights of the tour was this Maned Wolf that visited the monastery at Caraca. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
SURUCUA TROGON (Trogon surrucura) – This is an Atlantic Forest endemic which we picked up at Caraca!
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus)
CRESCENT-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila striata) – It was not until the very last day that we managed to pick up this Atlantic Forest endemic, which had not been seen on this tour in a few years.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – Seeing a jacamar taking a dust bath in the scope in the middle of the road is something that does not happen every day! I have to admit It was one of my favorite experiences from the trip.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus cirratus)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus albosquamatus)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus guttifer)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis mixtus) – Always a hard one to find. We had brief looks at Cipo!
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
YELLOW-EARED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis maculifrons)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
One of the key targets in the Pantanal- the beautiful Blaze-winged Parakeet. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
ROBUST WOODPECKER (Campephilus robustus) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – These bizarre looking birds are relatively common at Emas national Park and we had good looks at them!
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
NANDAY PARAKEET (Nandayus nenday)
BLAZE-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura devillei) – Perhaps the most important bird in the Pantanal for this tour and we managed to bring them close and bellow eye level. Unforgettable!
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Aratinga acuticaudata)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
GOLDEN-CAPPED PARAKEET (Aratinga auricapillus)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea)
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – Fortunately these birds are quite common around Caiman and we had plenty of excellent looks at this Pantanal Icon!
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – It was starting to look like we were going to miss this one on the tour when a pair of them flew over the gas station where we were filling the tank for the bus. Surreal!
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis)
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
YELLOW-FACED PARROT (Alipiopsitta xanthops) [E]
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
LARGE-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena leachii) [E]
TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa) [E]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – The Barred Antshrike is perhaps the most widespread member of the Thamnophilid family, with many subspecies composing the species. The birds we saw belong to the subspecies difficilis.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus) – A Cerrado specialist which we saw well at Emas National Park.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
Widespread though it may be, the Red-billed Scythebill is always an impressive bird to see. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) [*]
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
SERRA ANTWREN (Formicivora serrana)
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa)
OCHRE-RUMPED ANTBIRD (Drymophila ochropyga)
DUSKY-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila malura) – We had unusually good looks at this shy antbird!
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera)
WHITE-BIBBED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza loricata)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata) – The Crescentchests were placed in the Tapaculo Family until recently when they were allocated in their own family, composed of four species of which only the Collared Crescentchest occurs in Brazil. The bird we saw belong to the subspecies rufescens
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SPOTTED BAMBOOWREN (Psilorhamphus guttatus) – Talk about hard work. This one made us work hard for a couple of brief looks at it, but I think it was totally worth it!
WHITE-BREASTED TAPACULO (Eleoscytalopus indigoticus)
ROCK TAPACULO (Scytalopus petrophilus) – Although this bird has been seen on our tours for many years it only was elevated to full species status a couple of years ago and this was our second group to see it after it was split. And it behaved nicely for us!
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
CAMPO MINER (Geositta poeciloptera) – The Campo Miner favours recently burned areas and We were able to verify this as we found one in an area that had burned just a few days before!
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLANALTO WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – This massive Woodcreeper is one of the most impressive members of the woodcreepers for me. I am really glad we had great looks at it!
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
SCALED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes squamatus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Hylocryptus rectirostris)
WHITE-EYED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus leucophthalmus)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
ORANGE-EYED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus erythrophthalmus)
FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi)
CIPO CANASTERO (Asthenes luizae) – I have to admit I was getting ready to give up on this bird. We had been to the area once before without any success, then we came back and walked and walked and the bird just did not seem to be there. When all of a sudden we found it on the highest of ridges and got it in the scope. I think I was happier than the first time I saw this species.
An unusually cooperative Orange-eyed Thornbird gave us superb views. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PALLID SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pallida)
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
RUFOUS-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis ruficapilla)
GRAY-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinerascens) – This was quite a surprise for me as this bird is usually a really hard to see, but we found a pretty responsive bird and got great looks at it!
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri affinis) – They were waaay out there, but we chose a tree and brought them right next to our safari vehicle for excellent views!
CHAPADA FLYCATCHER (Suiriri islerorum)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
GRAY-BACKED TACHURI (Polystictus superciliaris) – We found a pair of these tiny flycatchers at Cipo.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura)
SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
SHARP-TAILED TYRANT (Culicivora caudacuta)
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi) – We had a long day ahead of us and we did not have much time to work on this bird. We went out there determined to see it got out of the bus, heard the bird, called it and left. Precision birding at its best!
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) [*]
RUFOUS-SIDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus rufomarginatus) [*]
EARED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis auricularis)
DRAB-BREASTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus diops) [*]
HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus) – You just have to see a bird with a name as cool as this!
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Watching one of these birds building a nest near our hotel at Cipo was a real treat!
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – We saw both the nominate and the pallescens subspecies on our tour!
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
CRESTED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus lophotes)
VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus)
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) [*]
A good bus driver is a big asset on any tour; when they also spot birds like this nesting Swallow-tailed Cotinga, they're keepers! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero)
STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (Gubernetes yetapa) – Talk about a bird with personality. I just never get tired of watching them display!
SHEAR-TAILED GRAY TYRANT (Muscipipra vetula) [E]
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
COCK-TAILED TYRANT (Alectrurus tricolor) – Certainly one of the most memorable experiences from this tour is seeing these odd tailed flycatchers flying over the grass fields at Emas!
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
RED-RUFFED FRUITCROW (Pyroderus scutatus) – We had great looks at this enormous cotinga at Caraca.
SWALLOW-TAILED COTINGA (Phibalura flavirostris) – Our bus driver spotted a bird on the nest for us allowing close up scope views.
Pipridae (Manakins)
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris) – You all know just how much I love manakins and this one is pure class. Manakins Rule!
It's not a Marcelo tour without manakins! Here's one of his favorites, a fantastic male Pin-tailed Manakin. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
GREENISH SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis virescens)
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis) – Although this is currently treated as the same species as the North American birds it is clear that more studies need to be done to determine the taxonomic status of this bird, as they are clearly not the same thing!
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) – Great looks at Caiman!
OCHRE-BREASTED PIPIT (Anthus nattereri)
HELLMAYR'S PIPIT (Anthus hellmayri) [*]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus)
Southeastern Brazil has more than its fair share of stunning endemic tanagers, this gorgeous male Rufous-headed Tanager for example. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata) – These are the common Cardinals in the Pantanal!
CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – Seen several times around the buildings at Caraca!
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) – This cerrado endemic is always a treat to watch, especially when they are displaying!
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
RUBY-CROWNED TANAGER (Tachyphonus coronatus) – One of those cases where the feature for which a bird is named is rarely seen!
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
GOLDEN-CHEVRONED TANAGER (Thraupis ornata) [E]
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana)
GILT-EDGED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoventris)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla) – We had great looks at this really neat Tanager.
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
BLUE FINCH (Porphyrospiza caerulescens) – Walking all over the place trying to find a Cipo Canastero had its advantages. Finding a Blue Finch and getting great looks at it was one of them!
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
LESSER GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides ypiranganus)
PALE-THROATED PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra longicauda)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
DUBOIS'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila ardesiaca)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
COPPER SEEDEATER (Sporophila bouvreuil)
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha)
MARSH SEEDEATER (Sporophila palustris) – We hit Emas this year at the right time to find these rare seedeaters!
CHESTNUT SEEDEATER (Sporophila cinnamomea)
COAL-CRESTED FINCH (Charitospiza eucosma) – This is a nomadic species which may or not be present. Fortunately they were around and we had great looks at an adult male!
The Pantanal is easily one of the best places anywhere to see Giant Anteater. We saw several, with this one allowing us within a few feet of it! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator atricollis) – Really common at Emas where we had great looks at them.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
WHITE-BROWED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella superciliaris)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – If all Blackbirds were this handsome they could become my favorite group!
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)
YELLOW-RUMPED MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes guirahuro) – Another charismatic Blackbird with lots of attitude. I love watching them!
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius)
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) – This species is quite similar to Shiny Cowbirds and can be hard to tell apart, but they are relatively common around Caiman and we saw them well!
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus strictifrons)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus) [E]
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) [*]
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus)
MASKED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus personatus)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
GIANT ANTEATER (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) – One of the highlights of the tour was seeing one of these magnificent creatures just a few feet away from our group, as well as seeing two females carrying their young on their back.
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla)
SIX-BANDED (YELLOW) ARMADILLO (Euphractus sexcinctus)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans) – Seen right from the courtyard at Caraca!
CAVY SP. (Galea/Cavia sp.)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
HOARY FOX (Lycalopex vetulus)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
MANED WOLF (Chrysocyon brachyurus) – Seen at Emas and at Caraca.
CRAB-EATING RACCOON (Procyon cancrivorus)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
TAYRA (Eira barbara)
STRIPED HOG-NOSED SKUNK (Conepatus semistriatus)
BRAZILIAN TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris)
WILD BOAR (Sus scrofa)
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari)
PAMPAS DEER (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 395 bird taxa and 24 mammal taxa