A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Great Rivers of the Amazon: Brazil's Madeira & Tapajos 2023
July 6-20, 2023 with Micah Riegner & Marcelo Barreiros guiding
This was our 5th run of this bird-rich loop through the Central Amazon on the Dorinha, the glorious wooden river boat that was our hotel, restaurant, and canopy tower as we puttered deep up wild tributaries bordered by ridges cloaked in unbroken forest. It had been 4 years since Field Guides has gone to Borba, so I went ahead of the tour to make arrangements and scope out places to bird. Our couple days of birding there we saw Least Nighthawks, Spotted Puffbirds and White-fringed Antwrens at the campina right outside of town, our first Brown-chested Barbets, a Neotropical Pygmy Squirrel and some Gold-and-white Marmosets. From Borba, we worked our way downstream on the Rio Madeira then east along the whitewater channel called the Parana Uraria where Marcelo found us an Orange-breasted Falcon. At our trail off the Rio Paraconi, we scored a Rufous-necked Puffbird at a nest, Banded Antbird, Scaly-breasted Wren, Uniform Woodcreeper and Black-tailed Leaftosser, all of which are scarce understory birds.
Continuing east, we reached the Rio Maues, where we spent several days working our way upriver away from any sign of people. This was evident our first morning when we had breakfast on the top deck and saw a young Harpy Eagle at eye level. Wow! White-tailed Cotingas were also a treat. One morning we birded the “Harlequin Antbird Trail” a trail with a good track record of producing this sought-after endemic. We walked in and saw Gould’s Toucanets, some canopy flocks with Chestnut-winged Hookbill, Wing-barred Piprites, and Ash-winged Antwren, but no sign of Harlequin Antbird. Then, on our way back we stumbled onto a small swarm of army ants and with them was a family group of Harlequin Antbirds with a well-developed fledgling, however it had yet to develop the tic tac-green orbital skin of the adults.
One of the reasons we go way up the Rio Maues is to find Golden Parakeets. This year they played hard to get. We spent 3 afternoons cruising and scrutinizing the forest for bright yellow, but nada. I actually thought it would be the first year we’d miss them. The pink flowering legumes we often see them in just didn’t have any flowers, so maybe the parakeets had moved on to other areas. Then, just before the sun went down, Marcelo spotted them from up ahead and we were able to pull right up to them as they preened on a dead trunk. What a gorgeous scene! They then swooped across the channel to a river island and began to feed on some yellow fruits.
Our return trip to Manaus I came down with a severe cold, so my group participation was limited unfortunately, but Marcelo and Dave Stejskal (filling a late cancelation) kept up the birding. At Parana dos Ramos they had a fabulous morning, pulling in Scaled Spinetails, Varzea Piculets, Plain Softtails and the Snethlageae form of Red-billed Scythebill then, at Miracauera on the north bank of the Amazon, they saw Three-toed Sloths and Guianan Red Howlers. Our final morning in front of Manaus, they cleaned up on the river island specialists at Ilha do Marchantaria finding Castelnau’s Antshrikes, River Tyrannulet, and Lesser Wagtail-Tyrants. We wrapped up the tour with a visit to a Spix’s Night Monkey roost across the way from Manaus and saw them peeking out.
Thanks for joining us on this grand loop through Amazonia. Marcelo and I had a great time birding with you and look forward to our proxima aventura!
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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta)
A couple of nice looks along the flooded areas.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
WHITE-CRESTED GUAN (Penelope pileata)
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
Nice bird seen from the top deck of Dorinha.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
One of the most beautiful pigeons in Brazil seen very well in the scope a couple of times.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina)
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
Common along the flooded areas.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
Seen at Marchantaria Island.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster)
It looks like a Squirrel Cuckoo with make-up!
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)
Micah spotted one from the Dorinha top deck while cruising along the narrow channels of Maués river.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda)
The largest nighthawk in the world seen, along the Amazonas river on the way back to Manaus.
LEAST NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles pusillus)
This race, only found in the Campina (white sand forest) patches over the Amazon, was seen very well near Borba.
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
The crew of Dorinha knew where to find it roosting near Manaus.
Apodidae (Swifts)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
A couple of birds seen among lots of others swifts.
FORK-TAILED PALM SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Great looks across the Moriche Palm fields
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
NEEDLE-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis philippii)
LONG-TAILED HERMIT (Phaethornis superciliosus)
STREAK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis rupurumii amazonicus)
An island specialist seen once this time.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
GREEN-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus theresiae)
Nice looks in a patch of Campina forest near Borba.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
BLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL (Discosura langsdorffi)
We were lucky to see a female of this tiny canopy hummer.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Chionomesa fimbriata)
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Several good looks along the pristine flooded forest habitat.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PAINT-BILLED CRAKE (Mustelirallus erythrops)
That was unbelievable! On the way back to Manaus, cruising along the Amazonas river, we spotted a bird bathing near to the river but it went into the grass. We stopped the boat and called it back to view for a couple of minutes and everyone had nice looks.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
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)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
One of the most beautiful birds to see in flight in the Amazon.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) [*]
A bird came in really close to the boats but never showed itself.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
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)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Seen flying over the forest a couple of times.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
In the Amazon this bird is only found near to the white water rivers, as where we saw it.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja)
Amazing moment in one of the narrow channels near to the Maués river. Early in the morning, a juvenile Harpy was spotted by Micah and seen by all of us before taking off into the woods.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus)
We heard a bird singing, and after a couple of minutes playing it, a gorgeous adult raptor came in a landed for a few seconds in a large tree close to us.
TINY HAWK (Microspizias superciliosus)
One of the smallest raptors in the Neotropics.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-BROWED HAWK (Leucopternis kuhli) [*]
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii)
Nice looks in a trail along the Paraconi river.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) [*]
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Seen at the Borba airport.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus hyperrhynchus)
BROWN-BANDED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus ordii)
We heard it a couple of times and saw a pair of birds from the top of Dorinha while waiting for birding in the afternoon.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
Two birds seen on a nice trail near Borba.
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia)
A nice looking puffbird, seen very well in a patch of Campina forest near Borba.
RUFOUS-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila rufa)
One of most wanted puffbirds on this tour, heard near Borba, we saw it really well on a trail along the Paraconi river. They were probably nesting or feeding a young at that point.
RUSTY-BREASTED NUNLET (Nonnula rubecula)
A hard bird to see everywhere, this bird knows how to hide it self in the sub-canopy. We heard one near to the water and Micah was able to spot it for the group.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis) [*]
GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula galbula)
Nice looks in a flooded forest area.
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
A canopy Jacamar seen a few times along the tour.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BROWN-CHESTED BARBET (Capito brunneipectus)
A top 5 target for this tour, we had a fantastic encounter with a pair of birds near Borba.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii)
Gorgeous birds, always great to see. We were able to have a male in the scope for a few minutes.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons)
Tiny woodpecker seen a couple of times along the tour.
GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (Picumnus exilis)
We usually don't see this bird on the tour but this year we birded on the north bank of the Amazonas river and found a family during a canoe trip.
VARZEA PICULET (Picumnus varzeae)
Another white water island specialist. This little bird was seen well a couple of times along the tour.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
The largest woodpecker in the Amazon forest.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus)
Nice bird, not easy to find along the flooded forest in the Amazon river. We were lucky to find a very responsive female this year.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
A few individuals seen along the rivers.
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus)
Fantastic bird! Widespread but not seen very often in the Amazon. We found a single one, probably a female by the size, perched in a big dead tree from the Dorinha's top deck.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SAPPHIRE-RUMPED PARROTLET (Touit purpuratus)
TUI PARAKEET (Brotogeris sanctithomae)
Both Tui and White-winged parakeets were seen in the flooded forest areas.
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus)
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
BALD PARROT (Pyrilia aurantiocephala)
It wasn't easy this year. We did not see any perched birds during the tour. The best look was from the Dorinha's top deck early in the morning.
DUSKY PARROT (Pionus fuscus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus)
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva)
The most common parrot from the Amazona genus near to the rivers.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus)
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus fuscifrons)
Nice looks in the scope in one of the trails.
CRIMSON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura perlata)
A couple of nice looks of birds flying across the narrow channels.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
GOLDEN PARAKEET (Guaruba guarouba)
We were going back to Maués after some days looking for these stunning parakeets, a little frustrated by the lack of them but on the very last afternoon in the area, from the top deck of our boat we could see the shining golden birds perched in a dead tree near the water. A group of 13 birds was seen, photographed and filmed by the group.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila) [*]
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus)
Another bird only found on the islands, we saw a male on the Marchantaria island, near to Manaus.
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus)
Nice looks in a Campina patch near Borba.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
PEARLY ANTSHRIKE (Megastictus margaritatus)
Beautiful antshrike; this one does not move with the understory flocks but usually responds to the recording nicely. We saw a nice female this year.
SATURNINE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes saturninus)
With the Cinereous Antshrike, this one is a flock leader and helps us to find the flocks along the trails.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris)
WHITE-EYED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri)
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
Nice looks on the flooded forest areas.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis)
IHERING'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula iheringi)
YES!! A hard bird to find, always moving with the mixed-species flocks, this one is usually quiet and shy. We saw both male and female feeding with the flock.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LEADEN ANTWREN (Myrmotherula assimilis)
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta)
Amazing bird, moving on the ground like a little turtle, this bird knows how to blend in among the leaves on the ground.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata implicata)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris femininus)
A male seen well during a canoe trip along the Paraná dos Ramos shortcut.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus)
Only found on the recently established islands, this bird needs lots of Cecropia sp trees and dense understory to live.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) [*]
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus ferrugineus)
Seen in the scope, the gorgeous blue color around the eyes gives to this bird an especial touch.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax)
WING-BANDED ANTBIRD (Myrmornis torquata)
We found two pairs along the same trail but none was in the mood to respond the recording and show it self.
HARLEQUIN ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina berlepschi)
In a tough year like this one, any sight of rare birds needs to be celebrated. We were lucky to find an ant swarm with a pair of birds feeding a young one!
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus)
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (GRAY-BREASTED) (Willisornis poecilinotus griseiventris)
XINGU SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (TAPAJOS) (Willisornis vidua nigrigula)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) [*]
PALE-FACED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis borbae)
We heard it calling and Dave Stejskal was the only one able to see the bird moving through the understory.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
BLACK-BELLIED GNATEATER (Conopophaga melanogaster) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
TAPAJOS ANTPITTA (Myrmothera subcanescens) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus)
After some time looking for it, we finally managed to see the bird moving on a huge log in the forest.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SOUTH AMERICAN LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus obscurior)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis)
An uncommon bird anywhere, we saw it really well this year.
BLACK-TAILED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus caudacutus)
SPOT-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Certhiasomus stictolaemus)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus)
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda)
WHITE-CHINNED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla merula olivascens)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (CUNEATUS GROUP) (Glyphorynchus spirurus inornatus)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)
It's always a pleasure to see this elegant bird.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-COLORED) (Dendrocolaptes certhia concolor)
HOFFMANNS'S WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes hoffmannsi)
A great Madeira-Tapajós endemic seen near Borba.
UNIFORM WOODCREEPER (Hylexetastes uniformis)
The largest woodcreeper on the tour.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
ZIMMER'S WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex kienerii)
This one looks very similar to Striped and Straight-billed woodcreepers, and is even found in the same habitats as the others. The best way to identify it is look for the purple-grey feet, instead of green as on Straight-billed, and the absent of stripes/spots on the back, present on Striped Woodcreeper.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris snethlageae)
One of the greatest evolutionary adaptations, that long curved bill can reach really deep in the holes looking for bugs.
DUSKY-CAPPED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus)
A canopy woodcreeper seen well along the tour.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri)
Fantastic black and white chest and rich chestnut back and tail. The color contrast on this bird is just gorgeous.
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor)
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum)
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus)
PLAIN SOFTTAIL (OBIDENSIS) (Thripophaga fusciceps obidensis)
Fantastic looks during a canoe trip into the flooded forest along the white water tributaries.
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula)
Only found on the young islands along the white water rivers, we saw it very well in on of the Anavilhanas islands.
SCALED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca muelleri) [E]
An endemic one, from seasonally flooded forest habitant, this bird is only found from the mouth of the Amazonas river to the meeting of the water with the Negro, in front of Manaus.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
RED-AND-WHITE SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis mustelinus)
Another celebrated one, especially for Dick, we saw a couple of birds really well in our first morning birding along the white water rivers.
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Mazaria propinqua)
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis)
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens) [*]
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri)
Fantastic Madeira-Tapajós specialty seen very well.
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda)
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BLACK-NECKED RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus nigricollis)
A female plumaged bird was seen briefly near Borba.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
A few great looks along the tour.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
WHITE-TAILED COTINGA (Xipholena lamellipennis)
While cruising the narrow channels early in the morning we saw a couple of males on the tree tops.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
ISLAND STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes [maculatus] sp. nov.)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus)
GLOSSY-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus surinamus)
Male and female seen moving with a canopy flock near Borba.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos)
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus)
It took a while but we managed to see it walking on the ground while snapping its bill.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor)
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus)
BUFF-CHEEKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus senex)
We tried really hard for a few days, but it was finally seen briefly by all of us.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris) [*]
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (RIVERINE) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens insignis)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (ASSIMILIS GROUP) (Tolmomyias assimilis assimilis)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (SUCUNDURI) (Tolmomyias assimilis sucunduri)
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
SOUTHERN MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Nesotriccus murina)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY-HEADED ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
RUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA (Elaenia ruficeps)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
BROWNISH ELAENIA (Elaenia pelzelni)
An Elaenia only found on the young white water river island. We had a fantastic look along the Madeira river on our first afternoon on the boat.
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
RIVER TYRANNULET (Serpophaga hypoleuca)
Great looks at the Marchantaria island, near Manaus.
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer)
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis)
One more island specialist seen well on the tour.
AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
RIVERSIDE TYRANT (Knipolegus orenocensis)
A male displaying at Marchantaria island.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda)
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus)
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
PALE-BELLIED MOURNER (Rhytipterna immunda) [*]
Heard in a Campina patch near Borba.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Philohydor lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus)
THREE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Conopias trivirgatus)
Seen near to a village along the Paraconi river.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus)
One of the best views ever from the Dorinha top deck.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps)
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Pachysylvia muscicapina)
CHIVI VIREO (RESIDENT) (Vireo chivi solimoensis)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
A few birds seen along the tour.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
KLAGES'S GNATCATCHER (Polioptila paraensis)
An incredible moment near Borba. We heard a canopy flock moving not far and a single bird responded to the recording instantly coming lower than usual for a couple of minutes.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus)
Great bird and looks on a trail along the Paraconi river.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
MUSICIAN WREN (RONDONIA) (Cyphorhinus arada interpositus) [*]
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
CAMPINA THRUSH (Turdus arthuri)
A brief look near Borba.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Seen a couple of times on the tour.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
Gorgeous bird seen along the flooded areas.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
A big flock seen on the grassy flooded areas near the mouth of the Furo dos Ramos.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
SOUTHERN YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis velata)
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER (Lamprospiza melanoleuca)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes canadensis)
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni)
A pair of birds found in a side road near Borba.
AMAZONIAN GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia rothschildii)
Seen briefly near Borba.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Loriotus cristatus)
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
On the way back to Manaus, we made a nice stop in a side river along the Amazonas and found this beautiful tanager foraging in a Cecropia tree.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
DOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis varia) [*]
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
One of the most beautiful tanagers in South America.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor minus)
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae)
Male and female seen at Marchantaria island.
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana)
LINED SEEDEATER (Sporophila lineola)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
WING-BARRED SEEDEATER (Sporophila americana)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BLUISH-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
GOLDEN-WHITE TASSEL-EAR MARMOSET (Mico chrysoleucos )
MAUES MARMOSET (Mico mauesi)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
SPIX'S NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus vociferans)
ASHY-GRAY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus cinerascens)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus)
NEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL (Sciurillus pusillus)
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis)
TUCUXI (Sotalia fluviatilis)
Totals for the tour: 413 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa