For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
A typical llanos scene. Here we are exploring the savannah near dusk in our 4X4 jeep vehicles. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Fun group, fun birds, fun, fun, fun. This was a great trip to the llanos and surrounding areas of Bogota. Weather cooperated this year (no serious downpours or flooding!) and are target birds fell right into place. Several days were spent on the llanos plains, in the good company of folks from Hato La Aurora, where we had spectacular looks at Jabirus, five species of ibis, Spectacled Caimans, and lots of Capybaras. Boat trips along the Rio Ariporo and jeep trips into the heart of the llanos added to our experience. White-bearded Flycatcher and Pale-headed Jacamars were seen well, but one of our highlights was a lift off of 40 or so Nacunda Nighthawks at dusk. Very memorable. Though the traffic around Bogota was a bummer, it didn't stop us from enjoying the birds and foothills of the Eastern Cordillera. Black Inca and Turquoise Dacnis were seen well, as well as Golden-bellied Starfrontlet and Ruby Topaz, just to name a few of your favorites. In the end, we recorded 351 bird taxa and 7 species of mammals! Awesome numbers.
Thanks again for being on this trip. I really enjoyed your company and look forward to seeing you again. Thanks to our outstanding local guide, Trevor Ellery, and all the folks at Juan Solito Lodge who helped make our stay very enjoyable. Until next time, Good Birding.
Jesse, aka Motmot (from Lima, Peru)
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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – These dinosaur-like geese were around in good numbers this year. We also enjoyed hearing their calls, which sounded a lot like baby seals.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – We saw all three species of whistling-duck this year. The most common were White-faced and Black-bellied. Fulvous were around on the main (paved) road in smaller numbers.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
ORINOCO GOOSE (Oressochen jubatus) – Seen everyday in the llanos. Nice to see them doing so well. Almost always in pairs, but never in large groups.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA (RUFOUS-TIPPED) (Ortalis ruficauda ruficauda) – Fairly common at Hato La Aurora, they were even visiting the banana feeders at the lodge. This particular subspecies is quite different looking from the Guajira population (ruficrissa), which doesn't show rufous-tips to the tail.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Seen at Chicaque Forest Reserve.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
This Jabiru is as big as a horse! Photo by participant Tom Hammond.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – Colossal in size. This species became more common as we moved deeper into the llanos. Several close encounters!
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum marmoratum) – Several during our time in the llanos.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – This bizarre looking long-legged wader was quite common in the llanos. We appreciated its subtle tones of buff, pink, and blue, however.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Just one that perched all too briefly. Not seen by some folks.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) [*]
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) – Five species of ibis on this tour isn't bad. Awesome looks at Sharp-tailed and Scarlet, but good numbers of Buff-necked were around, too.
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber)
These Sharp-tailed Ibis were photographed by participant Tom Hammond. Sharp-tailed were seen in good numbers this year.
SHARP-TAILED IBIS (Cercibis oxycerca)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
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) – We picked out one soaring over us at Matapalma.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – One was seen at Tabacal carrying a fish.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Trevor spotted one perched across the Ariporo River during our drive into the savannah.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) [*]
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – A lovely raptor that we saw a couple of times at Hato La Aurora.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – This was the common "black-hawk" at Hato La Aurora. Seen a few times. I was surprised to find out that birds in South America lack the white barring on the thighs which is a diagnostic field mark on birds from Middle America.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – One was seen soaring over the llanos. Always uncommon.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Smaller numbers than in years past (drier?), but still several seen along the Rio Ariporo.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – This species is a recent split from the old Gray-necked Wood-Rail. Seen in the roads or along the river most days and we got to enjoy their cackling calls in the evening.
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Mustelirallus albicollis) [*]
AZURE GALLINULE (Porphyrio flavirostris) – An immature was seen sitting on the aquatic vegetation at Matapalma.
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana columbiana)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Double-striped Thick-knee was seen daily in the llanos. This is indeed a strange, nocturnal feeding "shorebird!" Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus) – Trevor enjoyed pointing this species out to Cal.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – A beautiful small wader with a striking pied plumage. Seen several times including on the sandbars on the Rio Ariporo. Sometimes called Pied Plover.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – Several at the water hole at Matapalma.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – It was cool seeing all three of the Larids sitting on a sandbar while we cruised up the Rio Ariporo!
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – This was the common large pigeon in the hot lowlands.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – "Al Capone" "Al Capone" "Al Capone"...
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Fleeting, but seen a few times in the llanos.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Singles were in the forest around Juan Solito. We called one up on the river trail.
LINED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon linearis) – One crossed the path at Chicaque. We heard a few others calling in the forest.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – The subspecies in the Bogota area is pentheria, which have the rufous tail tips. The llanos birds are similar. Outside this region, Eared Dove have white tail tips.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Good numbers along the Ariporo River. Lots of grunting going on.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – The llanos was a good place to see this species. We saw one well and a few others were heard/seen.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – We called up one in the gallery forest along the Ariporo River.
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) [*]
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – These cuties were in good numbers on the savannah, with especially close looks from the jeeps at Matapalma.
A fun-filled day on the llanos in our two 4X4 jeeps. Lots of bird and mammal watching and great scenery. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – Wow. What a memorable experience watching 40 or so birds lift off at dusk while we birded our way back to the lodge.
LEAST NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles pusillus) – Two flew over our group at dusk. Small in size, but the light was low so not much on field marks.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) [*]
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis cayennensis) – This was a cool experience. We heard one calling in the savannah and played it in for awesome views in the light.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – Small numbers over the forest at Hato La Aurora.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – Singles were seen in the llanos. Several more went squeaking by.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – A couple were visiting the feeders at Jardin Encantado.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus) – This show stopper was seen well a few times at the Jardin Encantado feeders. It has been somewhat regular here for the last few years.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – Seen well a few times at Chicaque Forest Reserve.
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
BLACK INCA (Coeligena prunellei) – This endemic was seen pretty well feeding on flowers at Pedro Palo. Good spotting, Lynn! [E]
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
GOLDEN-BELLIED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena bonapartei) – Awesome looks at several birds along the entrance road to Chicaque FR.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor) – This delicate hummer was seen at the Jardin Encantado feeders. Both male and females were showing up. They floated around like little bees or as if they were on Jetson scooters.
RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni)
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – The common Amazilia in the llanos. Seen at the feeders and feeding at flowers.
INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanifrons) – This CO endemic was common at the Jardin Encantado feeders. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – We saw three species of kingfishers on the trip, which ain't bad.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (TWO-BANDED) (Hypnelus ruficollis bicinctus) – We called up a vocal pair near the lodge on our final morning. Watch for a split on this one.
Moustached Puffbird is always a good bird to find. Any puffbird for that matter! We enjoyed watching this individual at Tabacal on our first day of birding. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
MOUSTACHED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila mystacalis) – We saw this one at Tubercle, where it is rare.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
PALE-HEADED JACAMAR (Brachygalba goeringi) – This llanos specialty was fairly common along the Rio Ariporo among other places in the llanos.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – A couple of different birds were seen pretty well at Pedro Palo.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) – The one on the tray feeder wasn't bad!
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus) – This was a surprise at Pedro Palo where not expected.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SCALED PICULET (Picumnus squamulatus) – Fairly common in the llanos.
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) [*]
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – We had several different individuals during our stay in the llanos.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – One was over the dining area at Juan Solito.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – This lovely falcon was seen a few times in the llanos. A pair were perched on the fence posts below eye-level. Nice photo opps.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis) [*]
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – The two most common parrots in the llanos were Yellow-crowned and Orange-winged, both in nearly equal numbers. They separate easily by their calls.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Largest numbers of this species I have seen in the llanos, which is a good thing!
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-CROWNED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus koenigi) – This year we caught up with a few smaller flocks. Some years this species is abundant, while other years it is absent. Must move around due to fruit/food sources.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Similar to the next species, but this one we saw in the llanos.
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus) – Seen at Tabacal. A near endemic. The males are similar to the previous species, though the females are quite different (like many thamnophilids).
BLACKISH-GRAY ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus nigrocinereus) – We called up a pair in the hot afternoon at Cascabel. The female is striking.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea fumosa) – This species was common in the llanos. Potential splits of this species in the future.
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes boucardi) – Good looks at a pair in the understory at Tabacal.
BLUE-LORED ANTBIRD (Hafferia immaculata) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) [*]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (RARA) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus rara) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (Scytalopus latrans) – We actually managed to see this one! A pair were on the steep trail within the thick bamboo at Chicaque.
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) [*]
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – This was a nice bonus in one of the mixed-species flocks at Chicaque FR.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) – Always a good one to get, though at Chicaque they seem easier than other places!
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (PLAIN) (Phacellodomus rufifrons inornatus) – Their stick nests were conspicuous in the llanos. Seen well more than a few times.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – A llanos specialty seen along the Rio Ariporo.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – Several in the big flocks at Chicaque.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – Along the entrance road at Chicaque.
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea) – In the foothills, at Tabacal and Pedro Palo.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) – One was seen preening calmly in the sun at Hato La Aurora. It called a few times to cinch the ID.
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) – We had several at Chicaque FR. This species overlaps with Slaty-capped at elevation, where as the Sepia-capped is found lower down, like in the llanos.
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes poecilotis) – Always a good bird to find. We had one at Chicaque. Rare and in low-density.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis) – One was called in along the entrance road at Chicaque.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum) – Just one in the scrubby second-growth at Juan Solito.
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata) – We finally caught up with one on the river trail at Juan Solito.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris) – This species is common in the dense understory vegetation during our stay in the llanos.
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) [*]
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – A pair were in the seasonally flooded forest at Hato La Aurora.
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) – Several seen and calling in the forest at Tabacal.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – One of the first birds to greet us at the airport in Yopal!
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [*]
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – These were common (at least by voice) along the Rio Ariporo.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) [*]
White-bearded Flycatcher is a specialty of the llanos. Its distribution only includes the llanos of Venezuela and Colombia. They were fairly common around our lodge at Juan Solito. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
WHITE-BEARDED FLYCATCHER (Phelpsia inornata) – This llanos specialty (only found in Colombia and VZ) was seen on the grounds of Juan Solito. They are almost always in pairs and do a fun little duet with their wings raised up and down.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Always nice to see this one. They look so elegant on the llanos savannah.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – Seen pretty well at Chicaque. Their high-pitched whistled call was also heard a few times.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) – Pretty common at Tabacal.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – A lovely male was seen on the river trail at Juan Solito.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) [*]
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea) – Seen in the foothills at Tabacal and Pedro Palo.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – Common in the llanos.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – Small numbers were over the llanos at Hato La Aurora.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Common along the Rio Ariporo.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus) – Several were in the rafters of the Juan Solito lodge. Also, greeted us at the airport in Yopal.
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) – We called up a pair at Tabacal where not common.
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis) [*]
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (COLOMBIAN) (Pheugopedius sclateri columbianus) – In the foothills at Tabacal and heard again at Pedro Palo. Some authorities split this species as Colombian Wren.
Our group birding along the Rio Ariporo very near our lodge at Juan Solito. Good birds were seen here! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) – Unusual population in the lowlands of the llanos. We saw a skulky individual along the river trail.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa) – Very rare at Chicaque where we saw one along the entrance road. Usually found at higher elevations.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Very similar to the previous species, but common at Chicaque and lower elevations.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea anteocularis)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) – This winter resident was seen a few times at Tabacal. Distinctive call note.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – The Amazonia form is debilis, which Trevor mentioned may be split from Andean forms in the future. Slight different appearance and song (?).
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (YELLOWISH) (Anthus lutescens lutescens) – Only found in the llanos in Colombia. The subspecies is lutescens; there has been talk of splitting some of the Yellowish Pipits. We saw two in the grass near Matapalma.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – We saw three individuals at Pedro Palo.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – We had one at the Yopal airport!
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – This species was pretty common at Chicaque.
GRAY-THROATED WARBLER (Myiothlypis cinereicollis) – A near Colombian endemic, we had good looks at a pair at Tabacal.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (Myioborus ornatus) – This sharp looking bird was seen well at Chicaque. This subspecies here is ornatus which shows a lot of white in the face.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MASKED CARDINAL (Paroaria nigrogenis) – Folks were happy to find this species rather common in the llanos.
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – Not well-known from the llanos, but we have had them every tour here.
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus atropileus) – Good numbers at Chicaque. Seen in most mixed-species flocks.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus melanotis) – Always a treat to see this one. We had several at Chicaque.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Similar to the next species but found in the eastern lowlands.
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – Seen in the western foothills of the Eastern Cordillera, like at Tabacal and Pedro Palo. Females are similar.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata) – A pair were seen well along the entrance road to Chicaque.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana) – This nice looking Tangara (similar to Scrub) was seen most days in the llanos.
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Not a great name, but still a splendid looking bird. Seen in the foothills.
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – We had a large flock of these birds near the lodge at Chicaque.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – A specialty of Pedro Palo and we enjoyed excellent looks.
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – A good one to find at Chicaque where not numerous.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) – A Colombian endemic. It cooperated and showed up right on time to its tree. ;-) [E]
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii) – One was seen at Chicaque.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) [*]
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana) – We saw these in good numbers at several places in the llanos. It was nice when they were foraging side by side with Saffron Finches for comparison. They are much smaller!
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta)
GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) [*]
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – These were common in the flocks at Chicaque.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis) – Seen well a few times at Chicaque.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Look for the white throat! A pair were seen at Pedro Palo.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
MOUSTACHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albofrenatus) – At least three were around in the bamboo understory at Chicaque.
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) – Cool seeing a few of these in the foothills.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – This is a really nice looking bird. Kind of looks like a Yellow-headed Blackbird! There were good numbers of them this year in the llanos.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)
VENEZUELAN TROUPIAL (Icterus icterus) – Cool bird to see. We had one at the Hato La Aurora feeders. A Colombia tick for Trevor (and I assume everyone else!).
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Colombian Red Howler Monkeys are beautiful animals. We heard them daily in the llanos, but also had nice views of a family group along the river trail. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – Heard. Heard. Heard. Yes, finally seen!
VELVET-FRONTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia concinna) [*]
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens)
MAMMALS
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – One of the nicer looking howler monkey species. Seen well along the river trail at Juan Solito.
GIANT ANTEATER (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) – Woohoo!!! A lifer for Jesse (could you tell?). One was seen just across the river from our lodge one evening after owling.
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla) – A two anteater day! This was a cool animal to find.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Very common in the llanos. No hunting on the property in 30 years certainly has its benefits.
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We saw a few other critters on the tour:
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) = Good numbers on the property at Hato La Aurora including some large males. This seems to be an indication of little or no hunting, as individuals don't get very big in areas where they are eaten.
Golden Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) = The large monitor-like lizards we were seeing in the llanos.
Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) = Fairly common in the llanos. We saw them close at Matapalma and a couple of 2+ meter individuals along the river.
Yellow-headed Sideneck (Podocnemis unifilis) = These were the large turtles basking on logs along the margins of the Rio Ariporo.
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) = Native to the Old World-Asia, these animals have been introduced to many areas of the New World. They were very wary and took off the minute they saw us. The locals love the meat!
Totals for the tour: 351 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa