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Orinoco Goose was seen in good numbers over multiple days along the Rio Ariporo. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Despite some logistical issues, a lot due to heavy rainfall in the llanos in 2018 (= lots of mud!), we managed an impressive 375+ bird taxa and some very cool mammal sightings (check out the anteater video). We covered more ground on this tour than in year's past. In part, because there is a whole cross-section of the eastern foothills worth exploring and we were able to do this at Monteredondo and lower down at Bosque Bavaria. In addition to this area and the llanos, we also sampled the western slope of the Eastern Cordillera at three different sites. This cross section means lots of birds! Group highlights Red-headed Barbet, Brown-billed Scythebill, Great Potoo, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Jabiru, and Buff-necked Ibis. However, the Golden-bellied Starfrontlet stole the show for most. Thanks again for a fun trip to Colombia. I wish you all the very best in 2019. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – Good numbers seen well in the llanos.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – We had all three whistling-ducks during our time in the llanos. And in how many places in the New World can you do that? By far the most common was Black-bellied. Fulvous is the least common in the region.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
We spent four nights in the llanos for our big cowboy experience. The birding was fun and the cultural side of living in the llanos very interesting. This photo by participant Margaret Kelch captures the essence of the region quite nicely.
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
ORINOCO GOOSE (Oressochen jubatus) – Lots in the llanos. Good numbers along the Ariporo River, for example. One of the best places I know to see this species.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – Trevor spotted two in flight at Matapalma. A good bird for our tour.
CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera) – Very few records for the llanos. We had a small group of birds in the rice field on our first day. I managed to get a few photos, too.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA (RUFOUS-TIPPED) (Ortalis ruficauda ruficauda) – This particular subspecies differs by having rufous-tipped tail feathers.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus) [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – One of the emblematic birds of the llanos. We had good numbers this year, which was nice for all.
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)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
Small numbers of Scarlet Ibis were around this year, much to the delight of everyone in our group. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – Always nice to see this heron. We had them most days in the llanos including 5 different individuals on the Ariporo River boat ride. The subspecies in the llanos of CO and VZ is fostersmithi, which is completely disjunct from southern South America populations. Monotypic genus.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Another striking heron that we saw on one day in the llanos. Far less common than the previous species, but with a wider South American distribution. Another monotypic genus.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber) – Small numbers around in the llanos this year.
SHARP-TAILED IBIS (Cercibis oxycerca) – Seen everyday in the llanos. A large ibis with a limited world distribution and a distinctive call (which sounds super similar to Buff-necked Ibis!).
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) – Seen in small numbers over the llanos, but if you really looked closely you would almost certainly identify more.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Singles on two different days around the Juan Solito Lodge. Never common, this raptor, but widespread in the New World.
We spent a night in Villavicencio as we birded our way down the east slope. This photo by guide Jesse Fagan was taken at dawn from our hotel.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – One was soaring and calling over Tabacal.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – A beautiful raptor that likes to be around slow waters. Seen at a small pond near Matapalma (in the llanos).
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – This species was (dare I say) common along the Rio Ariporo. Seen everyday in the llanos and heard calling several times. Monotypic family.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana columbiana)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus) – These were seen daily in the llanos including several spotlighted during our evening outings. Thick-knees hunt at night, hence the big eyes!
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – A nicely patterned wader that was seen in good numbers along the Rio Ariporo.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Home away from home, our bungalow at Juan Solito Lodge. Good birding was enjoyed right on the grounds. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – The two species of tern and skimmer were seen very well (and in good numbers) during our long boat ride down the Rio Ariporo. Least common was probably Yellow-billed. Seven species of Sternula in the world (all quite similar looking), and this one widespread in South America.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
LINED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon linearis) – We got this one in the scope at Chicaque. It was also heard several times at this location.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Two subspecies seen during this tour. In the llanos, we saw stenura (same as in Lesser Antilles) and in Eastern Cordillera (highlands) we saw pentheria. The subspecies pentheria is quite warm overall, but both subspecies have rusty rufous tips to the tail feathers.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Another monotypic family. At least 65 individuals counted on the Rio Ariporo boat ride.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus americanus) – An uncommon boreal migrant through Colombia.
This photo by guide Jesse Fagan gives an idea of the size of a Jabiru!
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Thanks to our local guide for finding a day-roosting bird on the grounds of Juan Solito lodge.
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) – Fantastic scope looks at two different birds in the Andean highlands at Monteredondo.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – Spectacular dusk show at Matapalma involving at least 40 individuals.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – We studied one very well in the lights our first evening at El Hato.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – We picked the right lunch spot!
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – Seen in the llanos (eastern lowlands); otherwise very similar to the next species.
PALE-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis anthophilus) – Seen on the west slope of the Eastern Cordillera.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – Seen a few times during our birding at Bosque Bavaria in the foothills.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi) – One very briefly on our drive back to Yopal. Not seen by everyone, unfortunately.
White-bearded Flycatcher is one of the specialties of the llanos. It is only found in Venezuela and Colombia. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – A very sharp looking hummingbird seen a few times at Chicaque.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
GOLDEN-BELLIED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena bonapartei) – This is a real show-stopper that, thankfully, afforded us good views at the Chicaque hummingbird feeders. At least three individuals were visiting the feeders.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – The "white-booted" form (nominate race) is what we saw at Chicaque, albeit a female.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor) – Several (both males and females) were visiting the Jardin Encantado feeders.
RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni) – The Chlorostilbon species in Colombia are all quite similar and confusing. Taxonomy is a mess. The individuals seen in the Magdalena foothills are of this species, which we saw at Jardin Encantado (they do have small red bases to the bill). The next species was in the llanos.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Seen in the eastern foothills at Bosque Bavaria.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Small numbers around Juan Solito and El Hato feeders in the llanos.
INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanifrons) – The endemic hummingbird was common at Jardin Encantado. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fusca) – A pair were seen well and photographed at Bosque Bavaria in the Andean foothills.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) – Seen nicely at Bosque Bavaria. This species is found only in the east slope foothills of the Eastern Cordillera within Colombia.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
PALE-HEADED JACAMAR (Brachygalba goeringi) – A limited range species found only in the llanos of CO and VZ. Fairly common at El Hato, however.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – This species was common in the llanos, but replaced in the foothills by its sister taxa, White-chinned.
How did we get around in the llanos? A tractor, of course! Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Fairly common, at least by voice, at Bosque Bavaria.
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus albivitta) – Also known as "Greyish-throated Toucanet" (but the 'White-throated' variety) by some authorities. We saw this taxon at Pedro Palo.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SCALED PICULET (Picumnus squamulatus)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Always nice to see large woodpeckers. We called this one in along the river trail at Juan Solito Lodge.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
MERLIN (Falco columbarius) – We scoped one from a distance at Chicaque.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Lovely looks at a smaller (male?) individual perched near the Juan Solito Lodge.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – Both Yellow-crowned (the ones that call like little babies) and Orange-winged were fairly common on the El Hato property. They would often be seen perched together.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – Good numbers this year at El Hato. Small flocks were seen on a couple of different days.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-CROWNED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus koenigi) – Large groups were seen on the drive out from Juan Solito on the last day.
Margaret Kelch captured these posing Buff-necked Ibis perfectly.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus) – A Colombian near-endemic seen a few times at Tabacal.
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus punctatus) – Several disjunct populations of this species could mean future splits. We saw it well at Bosque Bavaria (subspecies interpositus).
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea fumosa)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Black-faced and Spot-winged were both foothill birds seen at Bosque Bavaria.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes boucardi) – Showed very well (albeit perched higher than expected) at Tabacal.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) [*]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (RARA) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus rara) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (Scytalopus latrans) – A few folks saw this species at Monteredondo and again at Chicaque.
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – Rare to see this species at Chicaque (at its highest elevational range).
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – Awesome to encounter this species at Chicaque.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) [*]
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus) – We saw this species pretty well at Tabacal. Initially identified by voice. It was a Colombia tick for Jesse.
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) – Two different individuals were seen at Chicaque.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (PLAIN) (Phacellodomus rufifrons inornatus)
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) – This species was common in the llanos.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – Good numbers at Chicaque. We had a trio approach super close to us for amazing views.
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea) – Sometimes difficult to see well, but Tabacal afforded us great views.
Burrowing Owls were a cute and common feature of the llanos savanna. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – It has a very limited ranged in CO. We saw a couple of individuals at Monteredondo.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) – One was in the mixed-species flock at Chicaque.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata) – This species was heard a few times around the lodge at Juan Solito. We eventually saw it well on the river trail. Only recently documented from the llanos of CO.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – Very nice looks at this understory flycatcher at Monteredondo.
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris)
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) [*]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – We counted five or so individuals on powerlines between Monteredondo and Villavicencio.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – One was in the swamp forest edge near the El Hato lodge.
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus)
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) [*]
This Great Potoo was a nice surprise while we picnic lunched in the shade. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
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)
WHITE-BEARDED FLYCATCHER (Phelpsia inornata) – Another llanos endemic found only in CO and VZ. It was seen on the grounds of Juan Solito Lodge and at El Hato lodge. Their calling duet (with wings raised) is fun to watch.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – We had both species of fruiteater at Monteredondo.
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata)
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Multiple subspecies (and potential splits) here. We had a nearly all black version (nigriventris) at Juan Solito Lodge in the llanos.
A parting look at sunset on the llanos plains. It was here that we witnessed a fantastic Nacunda Nighthawk display. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – Replaces the previous species at higher elevations. We saw a pair in mixed-species flock at Chicaque.
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca armillata) – Always nice to see members of this genus. We had a small group at Monteredondo.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Chicaque Forest Reserve was an excellent place for birding. Lots of mixed-species flocks and diversity. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) [*]
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus)
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) – Some nice views in the vine tangles at Tabacal. Always difficult it seems.
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis) – Like the previous species, always tough to see.
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (COLOMBIAN) (Pheugopedius sclateri columbianus) – Another vine tangle representative of this genus. It showed more or less at Tabacal. Now split by some as a Colombian endemic, "Colombian Wren."
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea anteocularis)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
It was at Chicaque that we saw a real prize. Golden-bellied Starfrontlet captured nicely in flight by George Sims.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) – A couple of wintering birds heard and seen at Tabacal.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – One seen at Bosque Bavaria.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (YELLOWISH) (Anthus lutescens lutescens)
Rhodinocichlidae (Thrush-Tanager)
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) [*]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia) [*]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – A nice male was seen at Bosque Bavaria.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – Pretty common in the west slope foothills.
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – Small numbers at Bosque Bavaria.
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
GRAY-THROATED WARBLER (Myiothlypis cinereicollis) – A Colombian near-endemic (also found in W VZ) that we saw nicely at Tabacal.
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (Myioborus ornatus)
Gray-browed Brushfinch was seen at Chicaque in the bamboo understory. Photo by participant George Sims.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MASKED CARDINAL (Paroaria nigrogenis)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – We finally caught up with this sharp-looking species our last morning at Juan Solito.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis) – All three species of hemispingus were seen in good numbers at Chicaque. Superciliaried was probably the most common.
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis melanotis)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Thlypopsis superciliaris)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – Replaced the previous similar species on the west slope of the Eastern Cordillera (like at Pedro Palo).
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata)
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – A lovely tanager seen nicely at Pedro Palo.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii) – Good numbers of this highland species seen at Monteredondo.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – One individual was seen at Pedro Palo.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – The specific epithet of this species is curious. Not found in Chile? or maybe formerly in Chile, but now a part of Bolivia (which is the type locality)? Regardless, a lovely species seen in good numbers at Bosque Bavaria.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis humeralis) – This particular subspecies has the gray shoulder, which makes it super similar to Glossy. Fortunately, we had a singing individual which clinched the i.d.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
It was really cool seeing this Giant Anteater out in the open. Such an odd creature! Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana) – Oddly distributed in South America. We had several and nice comparisons with Saffron Finch at Juan Solito.
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)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – Small numbers in the flocks at Chicaque.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – Just one at Monteredondo.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus) – A nice looking Arremon (great genus) that we saw in the dark understory at Bosque Bavaria.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
MOUSTACHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albofrenatus) – Both Atlapetes brushfinches were seen at Chicaque.
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) – A male (in female plumage) was seen at Tabacal.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysonotus)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – This flashy bird was seen (and heard) in good numbers birding the llanos.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
VELVET-FRONTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia concinna) [*]
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens)
MAMMALS
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – The primate seen at Bosque Bavaria in the eastern foothills.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – Good looks at El Hato over several days.
GIANT ANTEATER (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
AMAZON DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus flaviventer)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 376 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa