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We found the Cock-tailed Tyrant at Emas National Park and at Canastra. One of the highlights of our tour was watching the amazing displays of the males. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
Out of our long list of Brazil tours, this one is a longstanding success, so when I decided to move it a couple of weeks earlier than usual, there was a lot to consider. I was worried that this move could have a negative impact on the migrant species we usually see on this tour. Still, I decided to move forward with the change, as any losses in species seen would be balanced by not having to deal with time changes due to daylight savings time, and changing the timing meant we were no longer coinciding with national holidays in Brazil that often resulted in very crowded places.
The result could not have been better, as we ran into several austral migrants that are usually gone by the time we visit the Pantanal, such as Black-capped Warbling Finch and White-banded Mockingbird, and I even got a lifer: the Ash-colored Cuckoo. Many of the other migrants were already showing up as well. For example, we ended up getting a great flock of seedeaters at Fazenda San Francisco that produced great looks at Tawny-bellied Seedeater and Rufous-rumped Seedeater, two scarce seedeaters that we do not see every year. We also wanted the tour to coincide with the spectacular show of lights put on by fire-fly larvae that glow on the termite mounds of Emas National Park at the start of the rainy season, and we were able to witness this phenomenon first hand as the first rains of the season came while we were there.
Finally, this was one of the best tours we have ever had for mammals, with nothing less than 29 species of mammals recorded on tour. These included a Jaguar with two cubs guarding a freshly killed Capybara, a Maned Wolf with three pups, a Jaguarundi, a few ocelots, Brazilian Tapir, a family of Giant Otters, and several Giant Anteater sightings. What a treat!
The birding was, as usual, of the highest magnitude, packed with unforgettable experiences, like combing through a field to look for a Lesser Nothura, watching a Hyacinth Macaw nesting in the garden of our lodge, enjoying the flight of the charismatic Cock-tailed Tyrant through the fields of Emas National Park, or viewing the minute Horned Sungem so well that you could actually understand where they get their name from. There was no shortage of spectacular sunsets, breathtaking scenery, and fun moments that made this one of the best years yet for the Safari Brazil tour, and on top of it all, I was able to have Willy Perez by my side sharing his enthusiasm, leadership skills and knowledge.
On the extension we had the good fortune of getting great looks at the Brazilian Merganser on the first day, and then we enjoyed some other great sightings such as Ochre-breasted Pipit, Golden-capped Parakeet, Rufous-capped Motmot, Brazilia Tapaculo and several others that complemented the experience so nicely.
I had a great time through it all, and hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. So thanks for joining us on this great trip, and I hope to meet you all again someday.
-Marcelo Padua
PS: This triplist reflects the birds seen on the main tour and on the extension. The letter M next to a bird’s name means it was seen on the Main Tour and the letter E indicates it was seen on the Extension. An asterisk following the letter means it was heard only on that section of the tour.
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
Hyacinth Macaws were another highlight; we even had a pair nesting in the gardens of the lodge at Aguape! Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – ME
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) – M*
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – M - Tinamous are often heard but hardly ever seen, but we managed to pull one into view at Fazenda Aguape.
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) – M
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) – ME* - We flushed a couple of individuals at Emas National Park and were able to see their characteristic red wings as they flew away from the road.
LESSER NOTHURA (Nothura minor) – M - This one required a group effort to see as we spotted one and spread out over an area and walked through the grass in hope of flushing the bird. We had just about given up when the bird took flight very close to us and granted us a great look at it. [E]
SPOTTED NOTHURA (Nothura maculosa) – M - Stu spotted them on the side of the road and the bird had chicks with it. A real treat to watch.
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – M
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – M
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – M
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – ME
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – M - Somewhat drab when it is sitting, but when it flies it reveals a gorgeous wing speculum.
BRAZILIAN MERGANSER (Mergus octosetaceus) – E - On our first day of the Extension we located a pair of birds and had prolonged views of them in the scope. We later saw them from the road again, allowing everyone to enjoy great looks at this incredibly rare species. [E]
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – M
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura) – ME* - A common sight around the gardens of Caraca.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – M
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – M
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari) – M - This is often a hard species to find but they are relatively common in the rice fields of Fazenda San Francisco.
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – M
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – M
We got some great views of the Red-legged Seriemas in the grasslands. Photo by participant Doug Overacker.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – M
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – M - A close relative of the Great Blue Heron from North America.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – M
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – M
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – ME
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – M
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – M - A great looking heron that favors grasslands over wetlands.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – M - A couple of individuals seen at Fazenda San Francisco.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – M
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – M
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – M
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus) – M
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – M - Even though this is a common sight in the Pantanal, the species only occurs in a small area of Brazil, the Pantanal and the Pampas of Southern Brazil.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – ME
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – M
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – ME
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – ME
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – M
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – M - We found this species in the Pantanal during a boat trip from Aguape. The birds in Brazil all come from North America where they breed.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – M - Brief looks at one at San Francisco where a bird flew by our boat.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – M
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – M
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – M
Participant Merrill Lester took this nice photo of a pair of Black-capped Donacobius.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – M
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni) – M
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – M
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – ME
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – M
CHACO EAGLE (Buteogallus coronatus) – M - This species is scarce and often hard to see. So seeing several individuals on our way to Emas National Park was a very welcome surprise.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – ME
HARRIS'S HAWK (BAY-WINGED) (Parabuteo unicinctus unicinctus) – M - Formerly known as Bay-winged Hawk. This species is quite scarce in the areas we visited but Fazenda San Francisco is a great place to see them.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – ME - One of the most common raptors along our route. We saw both the light and dark morphs of this species.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – ME
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – E
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
OCELLATED CRAKE (Micropygia schomburgkii) – E - Whilst looking at Brazilian Mergansers on the extension, I heard this bird calling nearby. We came back a couple of days later and convinced this shy and hard to see bird to show up for our group.
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – M Great looks at this species at Fazenda San Francisco.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – ME - Formerly known as Gray-necked Wood-rail.
SLATY-BREASTED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides saracura) – M
UNIFORM CRAKE (Amaurolimnas concolor) – M*
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Mustelirallus albicollis) – M
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – M - Great looks near the pond at Caraca Sanctuary.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – M
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – M - As a tour leader, it is always interesting to see how different things are from one year to another. In 2016, we had an incredible abundance of this species at Fazenda San Francisco but in 2017, there were just a few individuals scattered here and there.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – M
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – M
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – ME - A common sight in any grassy area in towns airports and by the road.
The Chalk-browed Mockingbird is common in much of Brazil; it is a lot like the North American Northern Mockingbird. Photo by participant Doug Overacker.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – ME
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda) – M - A Boreal migrant that was present in good numbers in the rice fields of Fazenda San Francisco.
GIANT SNIPE (Gallinago undulata) – M*
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – M
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – M
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – ME
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – ME
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – ME
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – ME
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina minuta) – M - This is the scarcest of the Ground-doves found on this tour. We found a small group of them at Fazenda Aguape.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – ME
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – ME - A close relative of the Inca Dove from North America.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui) – M
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris) – M - Another Ground-dove that occurs in small numbers. We found a few of them on an outing at Aguape lodge in seasonally flooded fields.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – M
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – ME - This species used to occur in relatively small numbers, but over the last 30 years the species has experienced an incredible population growth due to the clearing of habitat and implementation of agriculture. The species does particularly well in sugar cane fields.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – M - These miniature dinosaurs are a common sight along roads and in city parks in Brazil.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – ME
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – M - Its loud two-toned whistle is often heard but this species is hard to see. We managed to pull one into view on our way to the Pantanal.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – M
Participant Merrill Lester got this image of Marcelo's lifer Ash-colored Cuckoo!
ASH-COLORED CUCKOO (Coccycua cinerea) – M - We were tipped off about the presence of this poorly known and rarely seen species at San Francisco by a friend of mine, and surely enough, we were able to locate it and get great looks at it.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – M
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – M
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – M
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – M - We had a great look at this species that is widespread but always a treat to see. Jan spotted it at Aguape lodge.
TAWNY-BROWED OWL (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana) – M - Fabulous looks at this Atlantic Forest Endemic during our visit to Caraca Sanctuary.
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – M - Our local guides at Fazenda San Francisco knew of an active nest of this species and we were able to see the juveniles on the nest. The Great Horned Owl has several subspecies, and the one found in Brazil belong to the nacurutu subspecies.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – M
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – ME
STRIPED OWL (Asio clamator) – M - The rice fields at San Francisco are a great place to see this handsome owl as they are attracted to rodents that feed on the rice.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – M
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (NATTERERI) (Lurocalis semitorquatus nattereri) – M
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – M - Seen nicely at Fazenda San Francisco. This species feeds over water bodies at dusk and we found them on a night drive.
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris) – M - It was a bit hard to see this one this year but we found it at our usual spot at Cipo.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – M
WHITE-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Eleothreptus candicans) – M - Great looks at this rare species at Emas National Park. It is great to see that the population is bouncing back after it took a major hit with a massive fire that consumed 94% of the park a few years ago.
LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Setopagis parvula) – M* [*]
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) – M
LONG-TRAINED NIGHTJAR (Macropsalis forcipata) – M - A memorable sighting of an adult male at Caraca during an owling excursion.
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) – M* [*]
We saw the pretty Whistling Heron in grasslands. Photo by participant Doug Overacker.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) – M* [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – M
Apodidae (Swifts)
SOOTY SWIFT (Cypseloides fumigatus) – ME
GREAT DUSKY SWIFT (Cypseloides senex) – ME - Seeing this species at Emas National Park came as a bit of surprise this year. We later had great looks at them on the extension near Casca D'anta Waterfall.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – ME
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis) – ME - The most common swift throughout the tour.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – M - This species specializes on Mauritia flexuosa palm trees and we saw them near palm groves at Emas National Park.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca) – ME - We had an immature individual on the main tour and some more on the extension. The young birds feature a brownish whisker mark that is not present on the adult birds.
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – M - We found this incredibly range restricted species at Aguape Lodge as we birded the edge of the river.
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei) – ME
HYACINTH VISORBEARER (Augastes scutatus) – M - Endemic and range restricted, this species is one of the main reasons we visit Cipo and it did not disappoint as we found a few individuals.
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris) – ME
HORNED SUNGEM (Heliactin bilophus) – M - This was a real treat. We visited our "go to" spot for this species and found a few individuals. We had great looks at the male and the modified feathers on the the head that give this bird its name.
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi) – M - We found one individual sitting on a nest at Fazenda San Francisco.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – M
FRILLED COQUETTE (Lophornis magnificus) – M - An unexpected but welcome surprise at Caraca.
BRAZILIAN RUBY (Clytolaema rubricauda) – M
STRIPE-BREASTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster squamosus) – E - We used to get this species regularly at bird feeders on the extension, but sadly the feeders have been taken down and we really had to search hard for one, so we parked ourselves near a flowering bush and waited for some time. Our efforts were repaid with great looks at this distinctive species.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina) – M
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus) – ME
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura) – ME
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – M
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis) – ME - An Atlantic forest endemic that replaces the more widespread Fork-tailed Woodnymph at Caraca and Canastra.
We were lucky enough to see a Maned Wolf with cubs at Fazenda San Francisco, in addtional to the ones like this individual eating on the steps of the church in Caraca. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis) – M
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor) – M
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – M
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea) – ME - Seen particularly well at the gardens of our lodge at Caraca.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – M - Great looks at this colorful species in the Pantanal.
SURUCUA TROGON (Trogon surrucura) – ME - There are two subspecies of this Atlantic Forest Endemic; the birds we saw belong to the aurantius subspecies and they have an orange belly. As you move further south you come across the nominate birds and they have a red belly.
Momotidae (Motmots)
RUFOUS-CAPPED MOTMOT (Baryphthengus ruficapillus) – E - Great looks at this Atlantic Forest Endemic right behind our lodge at Canastra.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – M
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – ME
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – M
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – M - By far the rarest and hardest to see kingfisher of this tour. We had great looks at one during a boat trip at Fazenda San Francisco.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru) – ME
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus) – M - Some authorities consider this subspecies to be a valid species.
CRESCENT-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila striata) – M - A great look at this shy forest puffbird at Caraca.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – ME - We had an individual nesting in the river bank at Fazenda San Francisco.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – M
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – ME
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-BARRED PICULET (WHITE-BARRED) (Picumnus cirratus cirratus) – ME
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus albosquamatus) – M - This is the subspecies that occurs in the Pantanal.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus guttifer) – M - This is the subspecies we saw on our way to Emas National Park.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – M - An elegant Woodpecker that was seen extremely well on our first day in Campo Grande.
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum) – M - This species occurs in a very small area in Brazil and even within its range it is a very localized species. Our local guide at Aguape located them for us and we had great looks at them.
CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis mixtus) – M - Another scarce woodpecker that was seen remarkably well at Cipo.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – M
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – M
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros) – ME - The Green-barred Woodpecker is actually more closely related to Flickers than to Woodpeckers.
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris) – ME
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) – M - This species is the geographical replacement of the Blond-crested Woodpecker that is found further east.
BLOND-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavescens) – E
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – M
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – M
The Rufous-winged Antshrike lives in the cerrado, where we had some good looks at them. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – ME - Excellent looks at this bird, one of just two members of its family. This tour covers much of the native range of this bird that seems to be expanding its range as forest is cleared to give way to pastures.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) – M - I have to admit that I was not very hopeful when we got to the spot where we have seen this species for the last several years and found out that a lot of the vegetation had been removed. But the birds are still hanging in there and we got great looks at them.
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – ME
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – ME
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – M - This species appears to be quite large headed as a result of an adaptation to its diet, as the Laughing Falcon feeds almost exclusively on snakes. The "large head" is due to a cushion of feathers that protect the bird from a potential snake bite as it feeds on its prey.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – M
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – M - Relatively common at Emas National Park. The name Aplomado means lead-colored in Spanish and refers to the blue-gray color of the back of the bird.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – M - Although an introduced species in most places, the species is native to the Pantanal.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri) – M
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – ME - We saw two subspecies of this bird on the tour. The subspecies siy occurs in the Pantanal and has a prominent eye ring, and the subspecies melanoblepharus occurs in Minas Gerais.
YELLOW-FACED PARROT (Alipiopsitta xanthops) – M - A scarce and range restricted species that was seen nicely along the edges of Emas National Park. The species is quite gregarious and we found several individuals sitting together on a tree.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – M
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – M - Great looks through the scope at Aguape Lodge.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – E
BLAZE-WINGED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura devillei) – M - Great looks at this species at Aguape Lodge. This species occurs in a very small area between Brazil and Paraguay.
MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura frontalis) – E - The Atlantic forest replacement of the Blaze-winged Parakeet.
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – M - Definitely one of the highlights of this tour is seeing Hyacinth Macaws so close and so well. Especially so with one individual nesting right in the gardens of our Lodge at Aguape.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea) – ME
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday) – M - A common sight in the Pantanal but completely absent from the other areas we visit on this tour.
GOLDEN-CAPPED PARAKEET (Aratinga auricapillus) – E - The Golden-capped Parakeet is a Brazilian Endemic and can only be seen on the extension. We had great looks at them right from our lodge at lower section of the Canastra region.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – M - This is another species that is closely tied to Mauritia flexuosa palm groves.
Black-collared Hawk is widespread in Brazil. Photo by participant Doug Overacker.
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – M
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – M - A very common species around Emas National Park where they are attracted to the crop fields at the edge of the park.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis) – M
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – ME
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
LARGE-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena leachii) – M - A very cooperative individual of this strikingly beautiful bird showed itself nicely at Caraca.
TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa) – M* [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – M - This species has 10 different subspecies, the one we saw is the nominate.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – M
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus) – M - The standard species of antshrike from the cerrado.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni) – M - Seen on our way to Emas National Park. This species is one of five that were split from Thamnophilus punctatus, which used to be known simply as Slaty Antshrike.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – ME - Seen nicely at Caraca and on the extension. The name of this bird refers to the great variation of plumage of this bird amidst the eight subspecies of this bird.
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus) – M - Similar to the more common Large-billed Antwren but it can easily be told apart by its song. This species was seen at Caraca.
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris) – ME*
SERRA ANTWREN (Formicivora serrana) – M - A Brazilian endemic that was seen nicely at Caraca.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – M - Much more widespread and common than the Serra Antwren even though we only saw it at Aguape Lodge.
FERRUGINOUS ANTBIRD (Drymophila ferruginea) – M - Endemic to the Atlantic Forest and to Brazil, this handsome antbird specializes in bamboo patches. We saw one nicely at Caraca.
OCHRE-RUMPED ANTBIRD (Drymophila ochropyga) – M - Another Brazilian endemic that is restricted to the Atlantic Forest and was found at Caraca.
DUSKY-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila malura) – M
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria) – M - Common in the Pantanal but not restricted to it. The species also occurs in northern Paraguay and Bolivia.
WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera) – E
We saw this Rusty-backed Antwren at Aguape Lodge. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
WHITE-BIBBED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus loricatus) – M* [*]
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata) – ME* - This species used to be considered a member of the Tapaculo family but some recent taxonomic work has created a new family for the Crescentchests (Melanopareiidae) that consists of four species.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata) – M - Gnateaters are small, plump looking birds with a very short tail and relatively long tarsi. This particular species is relatively dull in comparison with other members of the family but it was nice to find one at Caraca towards the end of our tour.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
WHITE-BREASTED TAPACULO (Eleoscytalopus indigoticus) – M -
ROCK TAPACULO (Scytalopus petrophilus) – M - Described to science in 2010, this is the most recent of a suite of Tapaculos from Brazil to be described in recent years, due to detailed studies of DNA, vocalizations and habitats. This one is endemic to Espinhaco mountains of Minas Gerais.
BRASILIA TAPACULO (Scytalopus novacapitalis) – E - A close relative of of the Rock Tapaculo that was seen extremely well at Canastra National Park
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
CAMPO MINER (Geositta poeciloptera) – M - A single individual seen remarkably well at Emas National Park, where it was spotted flying out of a nest by one of the participants.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – M - This species is widespread and quite variable in its range. We saw two subspecies on the tour. The nominate birds in the Pantanal and the sylviellus subspecies at Caraca.
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – M - This massive woodcreeper inhabits Chaco forest and the Pantanal and we had great looks at a pair of birds on our way to Aguape Lodge.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – M - A fascinating woodcreeper that has a long and thin bill that is used by the bird to inspect cracks and holes in trees as it looks for small insects and larvae.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – ME - The most common species of woodcreeper in the Cerrado.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – M
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus) – M - A strategic roadside stop on our way to Caraca produced great looks at this species.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – M - Common along the rivers in the Pantanal. this species is always closely associated with water.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – ME - Seen almost every day on the main tour and extension.
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura) – M - It took quite a bit of work to see this one but with some team work we managed to get good looks at one at Caraca.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – M - The most common Foliage-gleaner on this tour.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) – M
RUSSET-MANTLED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla dimidiata) – M - This is a rarely seen species of Foliage-gleaner that inhabits gallery forest in the Cerrado. We were able to see this one thanks to a trail that leads into some flooded forest at Emas National Park.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rectirostris) – M - Great looks at this one along the edge of the Aquidauana river.
WHITE-EYED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus leucophthalmus) – ME*
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – M - A small furnariid that builds an enormous and impressive nest. We managed to see one at Cipo.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber) – M
We had a really good look at this Campo Miner when someone saw it flying out of its nest in Emas National Park. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
ORANGE-EYED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus erythrophthalmus) – M - up until recently this species was considered conspecific with the Orange-breasted Thornbird but the two species were split a few years ago.
FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi) – ME - Despite being a rather dull looking, this species is a classic example of how a bird's name can make it very appealing. When I first heard this name I was fascinated by it and immediately wanted to see it and many of my clients have confessed that the name has had the same effect on them. We saw them well at Cipo and Canastra.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – M - A spinetail that is always found along bodies of water. We saw this one along a stream at San Francisco.
PALLID SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pallida) – M - This arboreal spinetail is a common sight at Caraca.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa) – M
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – M
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – M - This large and distinctive spinetail is the only member of its genus.
GRAY-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinerascens) – M - Always a very tricky bird to see, but after much work we found one and brought it into view at Caraca.
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora) – M - Sadly only a few people were able to connect with this species.
RUFOUS-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis ruficapilla) – M
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia) – M - We found this one at our usual spot en route from Campo Grande to the Pantanal. Sadly the area is getting occupied by squatters and I am not sure how much longer the habitat will be there.
SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi) – M - Common along the edges of forest and secondary growth at Caraca.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) – M - The only spinetail that inhabits the open areas of the Cerrado.
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) – M - Great looks at this one at Cipo just before we headed out to Caraca.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – ME - A somewhat drab flycatcher that is common along our tour route. Despite being quite nondescript, this species is easily recognizable by its habit of rapidly moving its body from side to side.
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri burmeisteri) – M
CHAPADA FLYCATCHER (Suiriri affinis) – M - Very similar to the Suiriri Flycatcher from which it was split. The best way to separate them is by its vocalization and the display that we saw well at Emas National Park.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – M
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – E - A small bamboo specialist that was seen well on our last morning at Canastra.
BEARDED TACHURI (Polystictus pectoralis) – M - A scarce and hard to find Austral migrant. The populations of this species are reducing in numbers due to habitat loss in the breeding areas. We found a bird at Emas National Park.
GRAY-BACKED TACHURI (Polystictus superciliaris) – ME - Endemic to the Espinhaco mountain range. We had great looks at these minute flycatchers at Cipo and Canastra.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – M* [*]
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) – M* [*]
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata) – M - Good looks at this one in the Pantanal. Despite being called an Elaenia this one belongs to the genus Myiopagis.
This Blaze-winged Parakeet watched us closely; we found these pretty little parrots at Aguape. Photo by participant Doug Overacker.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – ME
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) – M - Seen in the Pantanal.
OLIVACEOUS ELAENIA (Elaenia mesoleuca) – M
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata) – ME* - This is the typical Elaenia of the Cerrado. The bird is often pictured on field guides as a round headed bird but it usually shows a spiky crest that is characteristic of this species.
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) – ME - Multiples individuals seen on the Minas Gerais portion of the tour.
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura) – M - Great looks at a pair of birds at Cipo.
SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans) – ME - Seen on a lake at Caraca and on the Sao Francisco river at Canastra.
GRAY-HOODED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes rufiventris) – M - Great looks at this Atlantic Forest endemic at Caraca.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – ME
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – M - a relatively nondescript Tyrannulet seen at Caraca a couple of times.
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus) – ME* - Like many of the birds of the Phyllomyias genus, this species is easily identifiable by its song, but the short bill is a good field mark to help differentiate this bird from others.
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) – M
SHARP-TAILED TYRANT (Culicivora caudacuta) – M - These charismatic flycatchers are so small and slender that they can easily be mistaken for grasshoppers. We had great looks at them at Emas National Park.
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi) – E
DRAB-BREASTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus diops) – M - An Atlantic Forest endemic that specializes in bamboo.
HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus) – M - This chartreuse colored flycatcher was seen nicely at Caraca. Even though it is named after its nest, this is not a distinguishing characteristic of this species as many flycatchers build hanging nests.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – M
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps) – M - its flatulent song makes it one of the most recognizable songs of the Atlantic forest.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris) – M
GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum) – M - Formerly known as Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – ME
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens) – M
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa) – Me
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – E
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) – ME
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus) – M - nice looks at it at Caraca, but we also saw one at Emas National Park.
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – E
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – M [a]
CRESTED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus lophotes) – ME - This species is quite similar to the North American Phainopepla but the two are not closely related. We saw a pair of birds at Cipo and later saw them again on the extension.
VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus) – M - A common sight around the buildings at Caraca.
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) – ME
GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus) – ME
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – ME
WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero) – M - Great looks at this scarce species just as we entered the town of Miranda on our way to Fazenda San Francisco..
STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (Gubernetes yetapa) – M - This species doesn't just look great but it also has a spectacular display that we got to enjoy at Emas National Park.
We saw a number of Giant Anteaters; what a cool animal! Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
SHEAR-TAILED GRAY TYRANT (Muscipipra vetula) – M - Canopy specialist that is endemic to the Atlantic Forest and was seen well at Caraca.
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer) – M
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta) – ME - Another charismatic flycatcher that has a lovely display.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – M
COCK-TAILED TYRANT (Alectrurus tricolor) – ME - Undoubtedly one of the nicest birds of the tour. We enjoyed their presence with their "helicopter" display flight at Emas National Park and later again on the extension at Canastra.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – ME
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – ME
SIBILANT SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator) – M - Formerly known simply as Sirystes but the species was recently split into four species.
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) – M
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – M
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – ME
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – M
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – M - Good looks at this miniature Kiskadee during a boat trip at Fazenda San Francisco.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – ME - Seen almost every day on the tour.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – ME
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – M
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – ME
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – ME
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – M - unlike many species that parasitize the nests of other birds, the Piratic Flycatcher drives other birds away from their nests and steals them, laying its eggs and raising its young. Hence the name Piratic.
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – M
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – M
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – M* [*]
We had a nice look at this endemic Surucua Trogon. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis) – ME [a]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – ME
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – ME - Common but always a treat to see.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
SWALLOW-TAILED COTINGA (Phibalura flavirostris) – M - Great looks at this low density species at Caraca by the soccer field.
Pipridae (Manakins)
PALE-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma pallescens) – M - A strategic stop en route from Emas to Campo Grande produced nice views of this rare bird.
SERRA DO MAR TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysolophum) – M
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata) – ME - Manakins are my favorite group of birds, but this one is a particularly spectacular looking species.
SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata) – M - Formerly known as Blue Manakin. We had good views at Caraca.
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris) – ME - Seen on the main tour and on the Extension but we saw an adult male particularly well on the extension.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – M
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – M
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – M
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) – M
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – M
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – M
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – M
GRAY-EYED GREENLET (Hylophilus amaurocephalus) – ME* - This species was split from Rufous-capped Greenlet a few years ago.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – ME*
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – M
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus) – ME - This species is endemic to Cerrado Woodland but is expanding its range due to deforestation in neighboring habitats. We had great looks at them at Emas National Park and Canastra.
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops) – ME
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – ME
TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata) – ME - An Austral migrant that is usually found in small numbers; we had great looks at them at Emas and Canastra.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – ME
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – M
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – M
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – M
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) – ME
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – M - A single individual seen during a bathroom stop on the road to the Pantanal.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – E
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – M
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – ME
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – M
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – M
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola) – ME
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – M - This species was placed with the wrens in the troglodytidae family for a long time before a new monotypic family (Donacobiidae) was created for them.
The charming Scaled Dove looks a lot like the North American Inca Dove. Photo by participant Doug Overacker.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – ME
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – ME - The national bird of Brazil.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – M
SLATY THRUSH (EASTERN) (Turdus nigriceps subalaris) – E* [*]
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – M
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus) – M
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – M - An Austral migrant that is usually gone by the time we visit the area, but this year we ran the tour slightly earlier and ended up getting great looks at it on our way in to Fazenda San Francisco.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) – M
OCHRE-BREASTED PIPIT (Anthus nattereri) – E
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis) – M
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – ME*
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus) – ME
WHITE-STRIPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucophrys) – M - We enjoyed great looks and the beautiful song of this Cerrado endemic at Emas National Park.
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola) – ME*
WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara) – ME - Formerly known as White-rimmed Warbler. We saw it at Caraca.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata) – M
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata) – M - A common species in the Pantanal.
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis) – M
CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus) – ME - We had great looks at this handsome tanager at Cipo and Canastra.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – M
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata) – ME
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – E
BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING-FINCH (Microspingus melanoleucus) – M - A migrant from Argentina that is usually gone when we do this tour, but this year we managed to find them at Fazenda San Francisco as our tour ran earlier than in past years.
CINEREOUS WARBLING-FINCH (Microspingus cinereus) – M - a threatened species that is endemic to Brazil and the Cerrado and has seen great populational decline due to loss of habitat.
A Striped Owl, near Fazenda San Francisco. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) – M - We had great looks at these gorgeous tanagers duetting on top of a tree at Emas National Park.
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops) – M - A forest tanager that is often found with mixed species flocks. We saw some of them at Caraca.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata) – M
RUBY-CROWNED TANAGER (Tachyphonus coronatus) – M - The red crown for which this bird is named is almost never seen but a few people managed to get a glimpse of the red feathers on the head of the male at Caraca.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – ME - Very similar to the Ruby-crowned Tanager and most easily distinguished based on range.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – ME
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – M
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – ME - This species is the geographical replacement of the Blue-gray Tanager that most people are familiar with from the Amazon.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – ME
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana) – ME
BRASSY-BREASTED TANAGER (Tangara desmaresti) – M - A few individuals mixed in with the Gilt-edged Tanagers at Caraca.
GILT-EDGED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoventris) – ME - These colorful tanagers are always a real treat to see. We had great looks at them at Caraca and in the garden of our first lodge at Canastra.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – ME
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – ME - One of those gorgeous birds that is so common that it becomes under-appreciated.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – M
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira) – M - The word Guira means bird in the native language of the Tupi Indians.
RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla) – M - Seen nicely at Caraca.
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum) – ME
BLUE FINCH (Porphyrospiza caerulescens) – M - This little jewel inhabits rocky areas in the Cerrado. We had great looks at one at Cipo.
STRIPE-TAILED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis citrina) – E - Several individuals seen on the upper area of Canastra National Park.
SAFFRON FINCH (SAFFRON) (Sicalis flaveola brasiliensis) – ME - We have two subspecies of Saffron Finch on this tour. This subspecies has much brighter colored males and occurs was seen in several sights in Minas Gerais.
SAFFRON FINCH (PELZEN'S) (Sicalis flaveola pelzelni) – M - This is the subspecies that occurs in the Pantanal.
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola) – ME - Relatively common in the grasslands of the Cerrado.
LESSER GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides ypiranganus) – M - Far less common than the Wedge-tailed Grass-finch and mostly restricted to marshy areas. We had great looks at them at Emas National Park.
PALE-THROATED PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra longicauda) – M
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – ME
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera) – M
PEARLY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila pileata) – E - Formerly known as Capped Seedeater, but it was recently split into Pearly-bellied and Coppery Seedeaters. We found some of them in the upper areas of Canastra National Park.
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha) – M - Seen with a flock of migrant seedeaters at Fazenda San Francisco. [a]
RUFOUS-RUMPED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypochroma) – M - Seen with a flock of migrant seedeaters at Fazenda San Francisco. [a]
DUBOIS'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila ardesiaca) – E
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) – ME
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea) – ME
Turquoise-fronted Parrot. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris) – M
COAL-CRESTED FINCH (Charitospiza eucosma) – M - A nomadic species that is sometimes hard to find but we managed to find one at Emas National Park.
BLACK-MASKED FINCH (Coryphaspiza melanotis) – ME - A rare finch that inhabits the grasslands of the Cerrado and is most frequently detected by its high pitched song.
PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus) – ME - Seen nicely in Minas Gerais where it replaces the Red-crested Finch.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – M
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – ME
BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltatricula atricollis) – ME - This odd Saltator resembles a grass-finch in its behavior and has had its genus changed from saltator to saltatricula recently.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – M* [*]
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – M
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis) – ME
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – ME - One of the most common birds in the grasslands of the Cerrado, this sparrow is a close relative of the Grasshopper Sparrow from North America.
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris) – M - Not your typical sparrow. This stunning bird was seen at Fazenda San Francisco.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – ME - This common and charismatic sparrow is a common sight in montane areas all over South America.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella superciliaris) – ME - Formerly known as White-browed Blackbird.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – ME - Fun to seen them flying into their massive hanging nests at Caraca.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – M - The name Solitary refers to the fact that unlike many other caciques, this species is not a colonial nester.
GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus) – M - Great looks at this one at Fazenda San Francisco.
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous) – M
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis) – M
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus strictifrons) – M - This is a close relative of the North American orioles.
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) – M - This species is quite similar to the Shiny Cowbird and it specializes in parasitizing the nests of Grayish Baywings.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – ME
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – ME
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – M - A gorgeous Blackbird that inhabits Papyrus marshes in the Pantanal. We saw one displaying at Fazenda San Francisco.
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi) – ME
Here's the group loading up for a night-drive at Fazenda San Francisco. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – M - Formerly known as Baywing Cowbird but recent studies have split the species into two and have also shown that this is not a cowbird and therefore the name was changed.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus) – M - A blackbird that inhabits marshy areas in the Pantanal.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus) – M - Good looks at this one right in town at Cipo.
YELLOW-RUMPED MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes guirahuro) – ME - Seen nicely at Emas National Park.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – ME
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – M
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – ME
MAMMALS
TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus) – ME
MASKED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus personatus) – ME*
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya) – M
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – M
GIANT ANTEATER (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) – M - Great looks at this fascinating creature at Pousada Aguape in the Pantanal.
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla) – M
SIX-BANDED (YELLOW) ARMADILLO (Euphractus sexcinctus) – M - A friendly fellow that showed up regularly at the feeders at Fazenda Aguape.
SOUTHERN NAKED-TAILED ARMADILLO (Cabassous unicinctus) – M - A single individual darted across the road and was seen by a couple of folks.
NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO (Dasypus novemcinctus) – M
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) – M
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans) – M - A common sight at the courtyard at Caraca.
CAVY SP. (Galea/Cavia sp.) – M
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – M
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae) – M
HOARY FOX (Lycalopex vetulus) – M - This species is far more slender and agile than the Crab-eating Fox, it is also less common but we saw one at Emas National Park.
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous) – M
Participant Merrill Lester was quick, and got this image of the rare Jaguarundi we saw at Fazenda San Francisco.
MANED WOLF (Chrysocyon brachyurus) – M - We had an adult with young at Fazenda San Francisco and later saw the ones that come to the church steps at Caraca.
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua) – M
STRIPED HOG-NOSED SKUNK (Conepatus semistriatus) – M
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – M - A family group feeding in one of the irrigations channels at Fazenda San Francisco.
OCELOT (Felis pardalis) – M - Great looks at these spotted cats at Fazenda San Francisco.
JAGUARUNDI (Puma yagouaroundi) – M - This rare cat was seen trotting along the road early in the morning at Fazenda San Francisco.
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – M - a female with two young guarding a capybara it had just killed was one of the highlights of the tour.
BRAZILIAN TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris) – M - Seen early in the morning feeding in the corn fields outside Emas National Park.
WILD BOAR (Sus scrofa) – M Also known as Feral Pig.
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu) – M
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus) – M An endangered species that is actually quite common at the rice fields of Fazenda San Francisco.
PAMPAS DEER (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) – M
BROWN BROCKET DEER (Mazama gouazoubira) – M
Herps
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva)
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin)
YELLOW ANACONDA (Eunectes notaeus)
PARAGUAYAN CAIMAN (Caiman yacare)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 431 bird taxa and 29 mammal taxa