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The Llanos are part of the Orinoco River drainage, so what better way to banner this list than with a bird with "Orinoco" in the name? Orinoco Goose. Photo by Dan Lane.
This tour really is as much a sampler of the Bogota area as it is of the Llanos. The two regions are quite distinct from one another, one being nestled in the Andes, but also obviously affected by the nine million people of Colombia’s capital city. The other is a lowland plain that feeds eastward into the Orinoco River, and is mostly composed of open country and wetlands. The avifauna of these two areas are also quite different, with few species in common.
We began in Bogota, the capital, and largest city in Colombia… and home to an amazing amount of traffic! We headed NW to the edge of the Magdalena Valley to visit a park called Laguna Tabacal, where we explored some second growth woodland around a mountain pond. From there, we hit the hummingbird feeder extravaganza at Jardin Encantado, and finally headed on a ride that took us hither and yon through the Bogota valley, up dead ends and back down, and finally to our lodging near the town of La Mesa, the Finca La Tuscana. This was our base for the next two days as we explored the area around Pedro Palo and then Chicaque National Park, after which we returned to Bogota. After a night spent in the city, we headed east, over the Eastern Andes and down the Amazonian slope to a side road to Monterredondo, which featured patches of montane forest. As we feared being trapped behind a blocked road, we raced back to the highway and on down to the city of Villavicencio, at the foot of the Eastern Andes. The following morning found us in a lovely patch of forest known as Bosque Bavaria. That afternoon, as rains opened on us, we headed north to the town of Yopal, encountering an amazing amount of road construction along the way! From Yopal, we headed north and then east into the Llanos themselves, finally arriving at our lodge of Juan Solito, a part of the ranch called Hato La Aurora. We spent three days here, visiting gallery forest and riding on a tractor trailer setup (which I doubt few will forget anytime soon!) out into the savannas and patches of woodland and wetland. Our third full day there we visited the main ranch house, enjoyed a fine meal, and marveled at their gardens and feeders, then rode back to our lodge. Finally, we headed back to Yopal, flew to Bogota, and spent our final morning visiting the remnant marsh at the edge of the city called La Florida with local guide Diana.
These outings provided many fine memories of the birds we encountered, from the diminutive endemic Indigo-capped Hummingbird to the hefty Horned Screamer, the familiar Cerulean Warbler to the outlandish Wire-tailed Manakin, and from the Mountain Cacique to the lowland-dwelling White-headed Marsh-Tyrant. We enjoyed the multicolored Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, the French vanilla-colored Capped Heron, the cryptic Common Potoo, and the murky Black Inca. We got to see a crowd of Black-throated Mangos around feeders, and also a lone Ochre-breasted Brushfinch as it skulked on the roadside. The raucous Violaceous Jays caught our attention, whereas the more reclusive Green-and-black Fruiteaters hid their impressive colors in similarly-hued forest canopy, and the showier Amazon Kingfishers zipped along the Araripo River. There was much more, nearly 400 birds, as well as a nice smattering of mammals (Capybara, anyone?) and even some great herps (Anaconda!). My thanks for sharing these experiences with me, and perhaps we can do it again in another great birding destination!
Good birding,
Dan
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
Guide Dan Lane got this portrait of one of the Double-striped Thick-knees we saw. What big eyes they have... The better for searching for food in the dark!
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – A goose and duck relative that we saw in some numbers in the llanos.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – The less common of the two whistling-ducks we encountered.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – I believe it was gray-billed young of this species that we mistook for Fulvous on an occasion or two.
ORINOCO GOOSE (Oressochen jubatus) – An attractive sheld-goose that is surprisingly common here! It has declined drastically in many parts of its range.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors) – A few in the llanos, but a huge number at La Florida in Bogota.
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – A small number on the pond at La Florida.
ANDEAN DUCK (Oxyura ferruginea andina) – Until recently, this was considered part of Ruddy Duck. Birds in Colombia are rather intermediate between the North American and more southerly Andean forms, but apparently Clements has decided to split the two into species and considers this intermediate Colombian population to be a subspecies of Andean! Not sure I like it...
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA (RUFOUS-TIPPED) (Ortalis ruficauda ruficauda) – The chachalaca that we encountered in the llanos.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – The chachalaca we encountered around Villavicencio.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus) – What an attractive quail! We saw them on several occasions, but our first view (and the only one through a scope) was on the drive from Paz de Araripo east into the Llanos, when we found a singing bird in a tree.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – Only at Laguna Tabacal the first day.
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – At La Florida.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – This, the "feral pigeon" was a fairly regular sight around towns. [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – A daily sight in the llanos.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) – Fairly common in the Andes.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – We first saw this at Jardin Encantado, but it was also common in the llanos.
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – The South American replacement of Inca Dove, common in the llanos.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – This species is the same as that which reaches Texas.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Nearly every day on the tour. Interestingly, the form here has rufous tail corners, which are white in populations south of here.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – This monster is quite a common sight in the llanos. I love their "bubbling cauldron" chorus.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – We only encountered one pair of this species at the lunch spot at "La Chapa". As I was explaining at the time, the voice of the Colombian and Venezuelan birds is rather distinctive compared to other populations, and I suspect an undescribed form, either subspecies or species, is involved.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Mostly heard, but we eventually saw one on our final day at the llanos lodge.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – A mini-Squirrel Cuckoo that we saw at the nighthawk spot.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus americanus) – An ID on the fly, literally, when we spotted one land in a tree over the road as we drove back to Yopal from the llanos.
This frazzled-looking Squirrel Cuckoo appeared to be proposing to his lady love with a leaf-gift. Apparently it didn't go well (?). Photo by Dan Lane.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – A rare and local species anywhere in its range, we got to hear the peculiar "chunk-cheewunk" song and then watch several fly around at dusk at La Aurora.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Wow, were there a lot of these nightjars on the return drive on the tractor-trailer! The density of flying insects there may explain this in part...
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – A parent and young sat patiently over our lunch stop on the drives out and back from La Aurora.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – One on our night drive in the llanos.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – Several at Jardin Encantado.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – In the gallery forest in the llanos.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – Formerly called Green Violetear, but that species has been split into this and the Mexican Violetear of Middle America.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus) – A fine male at Jardin Encantado.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – Holy jeepers! I've never seen so many at one time!
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – A mid-elevation hummer that we encountered at Chicaque and again at Monterredondo.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – A brief glimpse of one zipping away across a field at the entrance to Chicaque.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) [*]
BLACK INCA (Coeligena prunellei) – What a save! Just as lunch was about to be served, a bird came to the staircase of the Refugio building at Chicaque, and waited for us all to see it before departing! [E]
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
GOLDEN-BELLIED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena bonapartei) – A rather smashing high elevation hummer that is a near endemic that we saw well at the feeders at the Chicaque restaurant.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – A male of this widespread Andean species was at Jardin Encantado.
These Great Potoos are very contented looking. The youngster is well on its way to being a proper stump-mimic!Photo by guide Dan Lane.
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor) – A female of this rather rare and local species was at Jardin Encantado.
RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni) – A bird made a brief appearance at Jardin Encantado.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – A daily sight in the llanos.
BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata) – A male in the gallery forest in the llanos gave us a view.
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii) – Several at Jardin Encantado, including one or two with deformed bills.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica) – Found on the Magdalena side of the East Andes.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – This one was on the far side of the East Andes from the last, at Villavicencio.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae) – At Jardin Encantado.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Fairly common east of the East Andes.
INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanifrons) – A Magdalena valley endemic we encountered at Jardin Encantado. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – Common enough at Jardin Encantado.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – A singing male was in Bosque Bavaria.
SHINING-GREEN HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga goudoti) – A somewhat surprising find was one of these at our lodge at La Mesa.
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Juliamyia julie) – Another surprising find was a young male at Jardin Encantado.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – This most ungainly of birds is still very much a mystery. We don't know its nearest relative, but it is quite unique in having young with clawed wings that can swim and clamber to escape predation.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BOGOTA RAIL (Rallus semiplumbeus) – Our visit to La Florida provided us with this endemic rail, thanks to the efforts of our local guide. Diana.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – A regular sight in the llanos. Recently split from Gray-necked Wood-Rail, with the other half being the Middle American Russet-naped Wood-Rail.
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops bogotensis) – A highly isolated population in the highlands around Bogota of this otherwise southern species. We saw one at great distance at La Florida.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Surprisingly, we only saw it at La Florida.
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana columbiana) – A familiar bird to many of us, but this form is endemic to the highlands of Colombia, and sports yellow on the bill (missing from more northerly populations). Again, at La Florida.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – Several in the llanos.
AZURE GALLINULE (Porphyrio flavirostris) – Although they didn't exactly pose for us, we did manage to catch glimpses of these diminutive gallinules as they fluttered about in the tall grasses of the lake at La Aurora.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Mostly seen on our entrance and exit from the llanos.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus) – Kalan got us on the first of these large plover-like birds. They have huge eyes that give away their nocturnal habits.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) [b]
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) [b]
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
A lucky find that pulled us away from ordering lunch, this Black Inca was enjoyed by all at Chicaque. Photo by Dan Lane.
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – A gawky tern that sounds like a Laughing Gull.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – A distant flock flying over the Rio Araripo, given away by their long, pointed wings and flight style.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – A fancy bird that is distantly related to cranes.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – Our first experience was of a nesting pair along the road. We saw several on following days in the llanos.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Amazingly, only our first day at Laguna Tabacal.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum marmoratum) – Seen on three days in the llanos, including one "sun worshiping" in the yard at the main house of Hato La Aurora.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – An everyday bird on this tour.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – A pretty cool heron that sounds like the beep of a backing truck.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – An aberrant heron that we saw roosting beside the bridge at La Chapa.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) – One bird flying with a squad of Scarlet Ibis our first morning at Juan Solito.
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber) – A pretty eye-catching ibis!
SHARP-TAILED IBIS (Cercibis oxycerca) – One of the llanos endemics that we saw in good numbers.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus) – Widespread, but reportedly only recently colonized the Bogota plateau.
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) – An open-country cousin of Turkey Vulture. Its head isn't just yellow, but actually rainbow-colored!
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Every family has a black sheep, doesn't it? In the case of these Scarlet Ibis, the black sheep is White. Photo by Dan Lane.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Mostly seen in open areas around Bogota.
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Our first was a white morph youngster that mimics the plumage of Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Trevor and Doug got on this, but no one else did.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) [*]
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – Seen on several days in the llanos. A fishing hawk.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – We spotted one, stopping to see it well, as we drove back to Yopal.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – We got a quick fly-by view our first evening out on the tractor-trailer.
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Our local guides found a bird roosting in the palms of Juan Solito. This form is the lowland nacuturu, which has orange eyes and a different song from other forms of the species.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Seen most days in the llanos.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – A pair at Bosque Bavaria.
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) – A female allowed fairly close approach while we were at Monterredondo.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Part of the Blue-crowned Motmot complex, this is the form found east of the Andes.
The Plushcap is an interesting-looking tanager that is found in bamboo; we had good views of this pretty bird at Chicaque. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (TWO-BANDED) (Hypnelus ruficollis bicinctus) – Fine views of a pair at the bridge at our lunch stop near La Chapa. This species may be split up at some point, in which case, this would become "Two-banded Puffbird".
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) – Nice views of a small group on our morning at Bosque Bavaria.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
PALE-HEADED JACAMAR (Brachygalba goeringi) – Another of the llanos endemics that we saw really well!
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – Fairly widespread in the areas we visited; we saw it at our lodge at La Mesa and again in the llanos.
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) – An Amazonian species that gets to the Villavicencio area.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Another species we saw at Villavicencio.
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – Rather a fetching species we enjoyed in one of the flocks we saw at Pedro Palo.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus) – Seen briefly at Bosque Bavaria.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SCALED PICULET (Picumnus squamulatus) – A mini woodpecker we encountered in the llanos.
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus) – This piculet we saw at Laguna Tabacal.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – At Bosque Bavaria.
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus) – Surprisingly, this one is closely related to our Hairy Woodpecker!
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates kirkii) – Only at Laguna Tabacal.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus) [*]
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Dryobates affinis) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Seen on several days in the llanos.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Similar-looking to the last, and also encountered in the llanos.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – A flicker relative we saw in the gallery forest at La Aurora.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – We saw this our first day at La Aurora, and heard it on subsequent days. It feeds mostly on snakes and lizards.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – We saw this elegant falcon on at least four days.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – On our first day only.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
Juan Solito Lodge in the Llanos was our base for several days of good birding. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus) – A "cute" small parrot we enjoyed at most lower elevation sites.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – A gaudy bird we enjoyed seeing at La Aurora.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-CROWNED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus koenigi) – I think we only saw this at that rest stop on the drive from Villavicencio to Yopal.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Howard got us on our first pair at the La Mesa lodge.
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus) – A near-endemic to Colombia that we saw at Laguna Tabacal.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea fumosa) – Seen on most days in the llanos.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) – A pair briefly showed at Bosque Bavaria.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Also at Bosque Bavaria, we saw these well near the entrance.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – A male came into nice view at the same place as the last two species.
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes boucardi) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) [*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (RUFOUS) (Grallaria rufula rufula) – Nice! Often a very sneaky and difficult bird to see, but we all got views on the Monterredondo road. Turns out, two papers that propose splitting this species into 16 (!) are about to be published. This is the nominate subspecies, with a distinctive voice.
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (RARA) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus rara) – Our second attempt proved successful at Laguna Tabacal!
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (Scytalopus latrans) – Nice views of this little mouselike bird at Chicaque.
Somehow, this Scarlet Macaw seems to be doing a flamboyant vampire impression. It's just got one fang, however. Photo by Dan Lane.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – This and the next species showed briefly in Bosque Bavaria.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) [*]
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) [*]
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – At Laguna Tabacal.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – At higher elevation sites near Bogota.
RUSTY-WINGED BARBTAIL (Premnornis guttuliger) – A pair of this rare montane species showed well at Monterredondo.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) – A pair showed well at Chicaque, which is not a common thing!
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (PLAIN) (Phacellodomus rufifrons inornatus) – Despite its name, the llanos population has no rufous, and it sounds rather different from the more southerly forms that do. It will likely be split, and if so, be called Plain Thornbird.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – A pair showed well in gallery forest at Hato Aurora.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – An arboreal spinetail that we encountered in Pedro Palo.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
SILVERY-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis subpudica) – We heard this at Chicaque and again at La Florida. Sadly, it never materialized. [E*]
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) – A pair at our La Mesa lodge.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) [*]
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) – This and the next were at Chicaque.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – At Monterredondo.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii) [*]
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – At Monterredondo.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – Seen on two days at Pedro Palo and Bosque Bavaria.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
This Bicolored Wren seems a bit startled by the immodest view Dan Lane captured here.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) – At Chicaque.
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes poecilotis) – A rather attractive tyrannulet (no mean feat!) at Chicaque.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps) – Responsive and seen well at Laguna Tabacal.
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – A bird did its wing-lifting thing at Chicaque.
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis) – This one was along the entrance road to Chicaque.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum) – A cute small tyrant that we saw at the La Chapa bridge.
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata) – In the gallery forest along the Rio Araripo.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) [*]
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris) – Pretty common in the llanos.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Seen most days of the tour.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – This tiny sprite was in the canopy at Bosque Bavaria.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – This is a species that probably can be split into several (perhaps over 10?) once someone decides to tackle this taxonomic monster! The form we encountered is confusus, which belongs to a suite of subspecies in northern South America that all sound about the same.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans) – Several were around at Chicaque, including one that was right outside the door of the Refugio restaurant.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) [*]
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – A common boreal migrant that seemed to be everywhere on the tour... no doubt still moving south, headed for the Amazonian lowlands. [b]
Apparently, Pale-headed Jacamars are brown belts in karate. Who knew? Photo by Dan Lane.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – At our La Mesa lodge.
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis) – We managed to get this one in the scope as the fog parted on the Monterredondo road.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – Eye catching despite a limited color palette.
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – Like a Tropical Kingbird had a love child with a mockingbird.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) – At Laguna Tabacal. [b]
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – Fairly common in the llanos.
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Like its larger cousin, but more tied to water.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Almost an everyday bird.
WHITE-BEARDED FLYCATCHER (Phelpsia inornata) – A llanos endemic that looks like a kiskadee type, but amazingly, it's not closely related to the previous several species! It's a big mimicry ring.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – At Chicaque.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Named for its penchant for taking over oropendola and cacique nests for its own.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – One of those elegant tyrants that doesn't go unnoticed.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
Pipridae (Manakins)
GREEN MANAKIN (Cryptopipo holochlora) – A bit of a surprise at Bosque Bavaria. A rare bird that is hard to come across!
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – Nice little lek we enjoyed in the gallery forest along the Araripo.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – A widespread neotropic species, but we only saw it at Laguna Tabacal.
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – At higher elevation than the previous.
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes) – At the parking lot at Laguna Tabacal.
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea) – Nice views at Laguna Tabacal.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – At Laguna Tabacal. [b]
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – South America's Warbling Vireo.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – I presume that all the birds we saw were North American migrants, particularly now that the South American breeders have been split off as Chivi Vireo. [b]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – A regular sight east of the Andes.
We were excited to see this large Green Anaconda at Juan Solito. What a beautiful reptile! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – A riverine swallow.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – We encountered this in small numbers over the llanos. [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – A bird at Bosque Bavaria.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – An everyday bird. This species is one of the most versatile in the Americas, occurring from southern Canada to Tierra del Fuego.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus) – Related to our Cactus Wren, but more arboreal.
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus) – Another Cactus Wren relative, but with a more musical voice.
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis) [*]
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (COLOMBIAN) (Pheugopedius sclateri columbianus) – Nice views at Laguna Tabacal.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus) – A wren with an impressive voice; we saw one in the gallery forest at La Aurora.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (PLUMBICEPS/ANTEOCULARIS) (Polioptila plumbea anteocularis) – Kalan found a nest of a pair at the landing opposite from Juan Solito lodge. This is another species that will likely be split into several sometime in the future. If that happens, this population is probably innonata, found in the lowlands of Colombia, Venezuela, and northern Brazil.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – A species that occupies its family alone. Originally thought to be a mimid, like a mockingbird or thrasher, it was then moved to the wrens, but now we know it's more closely related (but still distantly related!) to Old World warblers! One neat feature are the little orange neck sacs that puff out when it sings, like a Prairie Chicken. Oh, and the little tail wiggle.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – One or two at Monterredondo.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – A common species on the Magdalena valley and around Villavicencio.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Another common thrush on the Magdalena and eastern side of the East Andes.
Lineated Foliage-Gleaners are usually very skulky and hard to see, but we found a pair at Chicaque that were very cooperative. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Common at higher elevations, even in Bogota itself.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) – Wow, nearly everyday on this tour! A very versatile species!
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The most common euphonia we had on the tour.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – Yep, this is the same species that makes it to western North America, although it looks a bit different down here: no wingbars, for one...
ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens) – A little cluster outside the entrance to Chicaque caused us to stop as we were headed out.
Rhodinocichlidae (Thrush-Tanager)
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) – Such a shame we couldn't see this one! [*]
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – We encountered this species on the Magdalena side of the Eastern Andes, where we mistook it for Ashy-throated Chlorospingus, but it is subspecies flavopectus, the nominate form, which appears masked and has a dark eye. This species is wide-ranging (from Mexico to Argentina), and likely will be split up in the future into many species. Also, this genus of birds were long called "bush-tanagers" but they have been found to be related to our American sparrows, and so that name was considered misleading, hence the change to "chlorospingus".
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – A Grasshopper Sparrow-like bird that is found in much of South America in open grasslands. Hence the name, I suppose.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – More common in much of wooded northern South America than the last, this species specializes on recent disturbed open areas like washouts and sandy beaches on rivers. It has taken to human clearings well.
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus) – Brief views of this secretive species in the understory of Bosque Bavaria.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Seen on two days at Chicaque and again at Monterredondo.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – The old standard.
MOUSTACHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albofrenatus) – A very handsome brushfinch, and nearly endemic to Colombia. We saw it well near the entrance to Chicaque.
OCHRE-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes semirufus) – Another fetching brushfinch, one we saw at Monterredondo.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna) – This familiar bird was in some very unfamiliar environments: in the grasslands around Bogota, and in the llanos.
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris) – Related to the last, and seen in the same fields in the llanos.
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – We saw this skulky icterid in the understory of Monterredondo.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Widespread in much of Amazonia, we only encountered this species at the lower elevations of Monterredondo.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysonotus) – A troop of these large icterids performed well for us at Monterredondo.
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater) – Diane got us on our first one at Pedro Palo. We saw it again at La Florida.
VENEZUELAN TROUPIAL (Icterus icterus) – This large oriole was at the feeder at La Aurora.
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis) – Nice views of this attractive oriole near our lunch spot at La Chapa.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Apparently, the cause of the demise of Apolaner's Wren at La Florida. This species, much like our Brown-headed Cowbird, has exploded with clearing of land and livestock, to the detriment of other small passerines.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Dependent on caciques and oropendolas to raise its young.
Guide Dan Lane got this action-photo of the group watching an antpitta.
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris) – Another icterid that has expanded dramatically in Colombia!
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – Mostly a lowland species that likes floating islands of vegetation in lakes and rivers, but it has this anomalous population in the highlands of the Eastern Andes, which we saw at La Florida.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – One thing I enjoy is seeing "our" birds in unfamiliar situations, such as their wintering grounds. In general, Northern Waterthrushes like to winter by stillwater, such as lakes, swamps, and mangroves. [b]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) [b]
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) – This species is often drawn to flowering trees in the winter, painting its face orange with pollen. [b]
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia) – Wow, what a treat to see this skulker so well! [b]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) [b]
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – Always fun to see, and we had a pair at Pedro Palo. [b]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea) – Common on the Magdalena side of the Eastern Andes. [b]
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – A very common species in the Andes, which I don't mind at all! [b]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – Widespread and found in a variety of habitats. [b]
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – Common on the east side of the Eastern Andes. I consider this species to undergo one of the most drastic changes in habitats between breeding and wintering grounds! [b]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – One of the resident warbler species in Colombia, most of which are understory skulkers.
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) [*]
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – A very attractive bird, and one we enjoyed on four days in the Andes. [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
One of the Russet-throated Puffbirds that we saw at La Chapa, photographed by guide Dan Lane.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – Encountered daily in the Andes. [b]
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) – Probably just migrants heading farther south; we encountered this species on three days. [b]
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – Nice! A winter-plumaged male our first day at Laguna Tabacal was a good start! [b]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MASKED CARDINAL (Paroaria nigrogenis) – Until recently considered part of Red-capped Cardinal. Perhaps ironically, these Paroaria cardinals are tanagers, and the Piranga tanagers above are actually cardinalids!
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis) – A fun name to say, no?
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata) – This and the next were both at Laguna Tabacal.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Replaces the next species east of the Eastern Andes.
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – A striking tanager we enjoyed our first two days.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – A rather impressive treeline species; we saw at Chicaque.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – This and the next were seen almost daily.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana) – Much like the next, but in the lowlands east of the Andes.
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – A common tanager in the open country of the Magdalena valley.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – This Amazonian species showed up at Bosque Bavaria.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata) – As the name suggests, this one isn't very colorful, but still nifty.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – A real stonker, like a lump of molten metal.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) – This is a rare and local endemic that we managed to find at Pedro Palo! [E]
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis humeralis) – In the Eastern Andes, this species has a pale shoulder, making it harder to distinguish from the Glossy Flowerpiercer.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) [*]
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – Deep blue with a black mask and red eye, it's not one to be missed!
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – Always a treat to see! This bamboo specialist gave us some fine views on the entrance road to Chicaque.
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana) – While it may look like the next in the book, its smaller size, "angrier" expression, and behavior give it away immediately.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
Guide Dan Lane photographed the Red-legged Tortoise we saw in the Llanos showing off its red spots on both legs and chin!
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta) – Seen on two days in the llanos.
GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia) – We saw this in the parking lot of Laguna Tabacal.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – A common species in Colombia; we saw it well at our La Mesa lodge.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus) – A widespread species in Middle America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. We had fine views at Pedro Palo.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Common in the llanos.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus) – Replaces the last in the Magdalena valley.
MAMMALS
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – After hearing them, we saw a small group across the Araripo from Juan Solito.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea) – We saw a few around the marsh at La Florida.
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Pretty common in the llanos. One big-ole guinea pig!
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous) – Squeaked in with scold tape!
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – The same species as in North America, it was common on the llanos.
Herps
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana) – Seen nearly daily in the llanos.
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva)
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin) – A large, monitor-sized lizard we saw periodically in the llanos.
GREEN ANACONDA (Eunectes murinus) – At lunch our first day at Juan Solito, some folks came in to see if we wanted to see an Anaconda. Well, of course! And she was a beauty!
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus)
RED-LEGGED TORTOISE (Chelonoidis carbonaria) – A beautiful individual posed along the track we rode in the tractor trailer.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Chicken Snake (Spilotes pullatus): the big snake we saw draped in that small tree on our second day on the tractor-trailer ride.
Garden Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus): the snake hanging from the roof beam at the Juan Solito lodge.
River Turtle sp. (Podocnemis sp.): around some of the ponds in the llanos.
Totals for the tour: 388 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa