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Giant Anteaters can be hard to see -- but not on this tour! Aguape seems to be the epicenter for these odd animals; we saw an astounding NINE on one drive! Photo by participant Peter Bono.
This was such a fun tour! This was a new region of Brazil for me, and I had long wanted to visit both the Pantanal and Emas National Park, in particular, so I was really excited when the opportunity to co-lead this tour came my way. I sensed quite a bit of anticipation from all of you as well, and I think it's safe to say that none of us came away disappointed with what we saw and experienced. And how could we, when we tallied roughly 400 species of birds, including prizes like the spectacular Hyacinth Macaw, fantastic displaying Streamer-tailed Tyrants, and the stunning Blue Finch, and met up with so many of South America's most sought after and charismatic large mammal species? Some of those sightings are still getting my heart racing!
We kicked off the tour in the Pantanal, splitting our time between two very different, yet equally wonderful venues in the southern part of the region. Fazenda Aguape was a charming, quiet ranch in the middle of a mosaic of savanna, dry forest, and farmland, and it held a rich variety of wildlife. The aforementioned Hyacinth Macaws, nesting in a hollow palm right next to the dining area were definitely a highlight, but the Fazenda also offered up local specialties like beautiful Blaze-winged Parakeets, skulking Chestnut-capped Foliage-gleaners, and a twitchy Planalto Slaty-Antshrike, not to mention more Giant Anteaters than any of us even imagined would be possible to see on one trip. And San Francisco's vast rice-growing operation harbored an astounding number of birds with Maguari Storks, Southern Screamers, Bare-faced Ibis and many more in sometimes unbelievable numbers. Ash-throated Crake, Striped Owl, and striking Pale-crested Woodpeckers were among the many other bird highlights here, and the mammals weren't bad either, with plenty of Ocelots and a Jaguar being standouts.
Next, we moved on to the remote and magnificent grasslands of Emas National Park, which gave us a glimpse of what much of this region of Brazil must have looked like a century ago. Here in the scrubby savannas, we enjoyed a bunch of very local specialties, from Campo Miners feeding on the scorched path of a recent fire, to charming Cock-tailed Tyrants performing display flights over unburnt stretches of taller grass. Coal-crested Finch, Sharp-tailed Tyrant, White-rumped Tanager, and Black-throated Saltator were among the many other fantastic finds in the grasslands, as was the rare and local White-winged Nightjar we saw so close and so well on our night drive. Gallery forests in the park gave us Helmeted Manakins, White-striped Warblers, and (for some) the rare Russet-mantled Foliage-gleaner, among others, and the mammal show was headlined by a huge Brazilian Tapir feeding on the roadside. Oh, and I should mention the scarce Pampas Cat we found in a field of cane stubble en route to the park, too!
Changing gears and flying east, we landed in the city of Belo Horizonte then drove up onto the lower slopes of Cerro Cipo, where a bunch of other cerrado specialists awaited us. In our brief time there, we added the very local Cipo Canastero, the previously mentioned Blue Finch, cute Gray-backed Tachuris, Cinnamon Tanager, and several hummingbirds, including stunning Hyacinth Visorbearers and dainty Horned Sungems. And we rounded out our visit with three nights at the wonderful Santuario Caraca, an amazing place not only for the Maned Wolf that comes in for nightly feedings on the terrace (albeit sometimes quite late at night) but also for its abundance of birdlife, with plenty of southeastern endemics spilling over the mountains onto the "dry" slope in the reserve. Among the many standouts here were a pair of Robust Woodpeckers, Serra Antwren, the gorgeous White-bibbed Antbird, a nesting pair of Swallow-tailed Cotingas, and a trio of sublime tanagers: Rufous-headed, Brassy-breasted, and Gilt-edged.
We wrapped up the trip with a visit to the historic village of Ouro Preto, which has a few gilt edges of its own, a memorable finish to an awesome two weeks in the country. Thanks to all of you for joining Marcelo and me on this superb safari. We had a great time guiding you all throughout the trip, and look forward to seeing you all on another one sometime soon.
--Jay
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)
This Magpie Tanager was flummoxed by its reflection in a truck mirror. Or maybe it was just admiring itself! Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) Tinamidae (Tinamous)
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus)
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens)
LESSER NOTHURA (Nothura minor) [E*]
SPOTTED NOTHURA (Nothura maculosa)
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis)
Guira Cuckoos were a daily sighting -- at least until we moved to Belo Horizonte. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura) BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) [N]
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
The Red-billed Scythebill is among the most widely distributed of woodcreepers; we saw it well several times in the Pantanal. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
RUFOUS-THIGHED KITE (Harpagus diodon)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (BAY-WINGED) (Parabuteo unicinctus unicinctus)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
This male Rusty-backed Antwren was seemingly mesmerized by our pgymy-owl mob tape, sitting for long minutes right out in the open. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
SLATY-BREASTED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides saracura)
UNIFORM CRAKE (Amaurolimnas concolor) [*]
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Porzana albicollis)
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) [b]
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
This Red-winged Tinamou scuttled around between a stubble field and some gallery forest for long moments before finally finding some tall grass to hide in. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) [N]
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) [b]
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis) [b]
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (Calidris subruficollis) [b]
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) [b]
GIANT SNIPE (Gallinago undulata)
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
Heading out along the placid Aquiduana River. Photo by participant Charlotte Byers.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba)
Strigidae (Owls)
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
A White-tailed Goldenthroat on a nest along one of the canals at San Francisco allowed us to get great close looks. Photo by participant Peter Bono.
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
STRIPED OWL (Pseudoscops clamator)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (NATTERERI) (Lurocalis semitorquatus nattereri)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
WHITE-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Eleothreptus candicans)
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Apodidae (Swifts)
A couple of Striped Owls were a highlight of our second night drive at San Francisco. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
SOOTY SWIFT (Cypseloides fumigatus) WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
BISCUTATE SWIFT (Streptoprocne biscutata)
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca)
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus)
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)
HYACINTH VISORBEARER (Augastes scutatus)
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris)
HORNED SUNGEM (Heliactin bilophus)
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi) [N]
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
BRAZILIAN RUBY (Clytolaema rubricauda)
STRIPE-BREASTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster squamosus)
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis)
WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
SURUCUA TROGON (Trogon surrucura)
Momotidae (Motmots)
The Great Black Hawk is a real generalist when it comes to prey items -- and fish is certainly on the menu. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
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)
The Grayish Baywing is a "new" species, split from the Bay-winged Cowbird in the most recent taxonomic updates. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus guttifer) WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)
CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis mixtus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
YELLOW-EARED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis maculifrons)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros) [N]
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
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) [N]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
The dry savanna around Emas was studded with termite mounds -- and home to a smoky fire. Photo by participant Charlotte Byers.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) [N]
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
YELLOW-FACED PARROT (Alipiopsitta xanthops)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
BLAZE-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura devillei)
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) [N]
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea)
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday)
A pair of Hyacinth Macaws nesting in a palm tree right outside the dining room at Fazenda Aguape gave us great views and photographs. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa) [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus)
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
SERRA ANTWREN (Formicivora serrana)
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa)
We saw Red-legged Seriemas daily around Aguape and Emas NPs, often quite close. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
OCHRE-RUMPED ANTBIRD (Drymophila ochropyga) DUSKY-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila malura)
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera)
WHITE-BIBBED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza loricata)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata)
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SPOTTED BAMBOOWREN (Psilorhamphus guttatus) [*]
WHITE-BREASTED TAPACULO (Eleoscytalopus indigoticus)
ROCK TAPACULO (Scytalopus petrophilus)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
CAMPO MINER (Geositta poeciloptera)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLANALTO WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) [N]
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura)
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
RUSSET-MANTLED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla dimidiata)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rectirostris)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
Exploring the historic town of Ouro Preto made for a nice finale to the tour. Photo by participant Peter Bono.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber) FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi)
CIPO CANASTERO (Asthenes luizae)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) [N]
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)
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)
A confiding pair of Masked Water-Tyrants around a pond at Caraca were fun. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri affinis) MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
GRAY-BACKED TACHURI (Polystictus superciliaris)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
OLIVACEOUS ELAENIA (Elaenia mesoleuca)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) [N]
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura)
SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans)
GRAY-HOODED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes rufiventris)
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
SHARP-TAILED TYRANT (Culicivora caudacuta)
Some great spotting by Marcelo gave us out-of-the-bus views of a flyby male Long-winged Harrier at Emas NP; what a gorgeous bird! Photo by participant Bill Byers.
EARED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis auricularis) [*] HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps)
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa) [N]
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-RUMPED) (Myiobius barbatus mastacalis)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
CRESTED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus lophotes)
VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus) [N]
GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus)
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) [N]
STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (Gubernetes yetapa)
SHEAR-TAILED GRAY TYRANT (Muscipipra vetula)
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
COCK-TAILED TYRANT (Alectrurus tricolor)
We had outstanding views of this male White-winged Nightjar during one of our night drives at Emas NP. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
SIBILANT 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)
We had multiple great views of the fancy Plush-crested Jay. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
SWALLOW-TAILED COTINGA (Phibalura flavirostris) [N]
Pipridae (Manakins)
PALE-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma pallescens)
SERRA DO MAR TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysolophum)
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata)
SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata)
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
We only saw a single Tropical Parula, but it a very cooperative one! Photo by participant Bill Byers.
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus) [N]
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
GRAY-EYED GREENLET (Hylophilus amaurocephalus)
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)
Gilt-edged Tanager was one of the fancier tanagers we saw during the tour. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
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)
Maned Wolves are normally shy and wary creatures, so seeing one out in the open (which we FINALLY did after a couple of no-show nights) was a real treat. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) SLATY THRUSH (EASTERN) (Turdus nigriceps subalaris)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus)
WHITE-STRIPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucophrys)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola) [*]
WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
A displaying trio of Streamer-tailed Tyrants (two of them here) were good fun. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus) MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea)
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
RUBY-CROWNED TANAGER (Tachyphonus coronatus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) [N]
GOLDEN-CHEVRONED TANAGER (Thraupis ornata)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana)
BRASSY-BREASTED TANAGER (Tangara desmaresti)
The group enjoys the cerrado around Emas. Photo by participant Peter Bono.
GILT-EDGED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoventris) SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
BLUE FINCH (Porphyrospiza caerulescens)
CINEREOUS WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza cinerea)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
LESSER GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides ypiranganus)
PALE-THROATED PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra longicauda)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
The White-rumped Tanager was one of the very localized species we found in the scrubby savannas of Emas NP. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
DUBOIS'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila ardesiaca) DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
COAL-CRESTED FINCH (Charitospiza eucosma)
BLACK-MASKED FINCH (Coryphaspiza melanotis)
PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator atricollis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava flava)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)
YELLOW-RUMPED MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes guirahuro)
BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius)
The Yellow Anaconda we spotted in San Francisco was probably at least three meters long! Photo by participant Peter Bono.
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus strictifrons)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus) [N]
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) [N]
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) [*]
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus)
MASKED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus personatus)
A gorgeous Blue Finch belted out his song one morning. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya) BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
GIANT ANTEATER (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
SIX-BANDED (YELLOW) ARMADILLO (Euphractus sexcinctus)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
CAVY SP. (Galea/Cavia sp.)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
MANED WOLF (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
STRIPED HOG-NOSED SKUNK (Conepatus semistriatus)
PAMPAS CAT (Felis colocolo)
Capybaras were plentiful -- and photogenic -- in the Pantanal. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
OCELOT (Felis pardalis) JAGUAR (Panthera onca)
BRAZILIAN TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris)
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
PAMPAS DEER (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
This trip also featured a few memorable reptiles. Here is a brief list of the ones I noted on the trip list:
Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare): Especially plentiful at San Francisco.
Paraguayan Caiman Lizard (Dracaena paraguayensis): one sleeping in a shrub on a night drive at an Francisco.
Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus): an impressively large one (~3 meters) at San Francisco.
Giant Ameiva (Ameiva ameiva): this is the large lizard we were calling Amazon Racerunner. Seen at Aguape by the bird bath.
Golden Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin): I believe this is the large tegu we saw at San Francisco.
Brazilian Lancehead (Bothrops moojeni): the pit viper we saw along the river at Emas NP.
Totals for the tour: 403 bird taxa and 20 mammal taxa