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One of the stranger birds of the New World tropics is the Capuchinbird. We saw them at their lek and heard their bizarre vocalization at Iwokrama River Lodge. Photo by participant Don Taves.
We enjoyed a wonderful ten days of birding in Guyana where there are still quite large tracts of intact tropical rainforest and quite comfortable rustic lodges from which to access the many specialties of the Guianan Shield. The Iwokrama Forest and the dirt road going through it with very little traffic is one of my favorite birding spots anywhere. We never knew what was around the next bend.
We started our birding in Georgetown where we did a pre-trip visit to the Botanic Gardens, where we saw a number of great birds to get us going as well as three close manatees feeding in the lagoon. We officially got underway the next morning with some coastal birding and a boat trip on the Mahaica River where we encountered Rufous Crab Hawk, Little Cuckoo, Blood-colored Woodpecker, Scarlet Ibis, Bicolored Conebill, and Hoatzins. The botanic gardens proved fruitful again in the afternoon, with a handful of new species including Festive Parrots, White-bellied Piculet, and Red-shouldered Macaws.
The next morning found us taking a charter flight to Kaieteur Falls, which has to be the most spectacular waterfall in the world that no one has heard of. But it wasn't just the huge cascade that we came to see. We also enjoyed a couple of male Guianan Cock-of-the-Rocks that are one of the most spectacular birds anywhere, and a pair of Orange-breasted Falcons perched next to the falls and probably waiting for the swifts to return to their nests. We continued on to Iwokrama River Lodge on the banks of the Essequibo River. After a late lunch, we got into our cabins and that evening were treated to great looks at a White-winged Potoo perched right next to the road as well as a nearby Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. On a boat trip the next morning, we found a number of birds, including nicely perched Ladder-tailed Nightjars on our way to a forested trail. Here we got our first taste of true rainforest trail birding. The star of the day had to be the odd Capuchinbirds along a trail near the lodge. We heard enough birds at dusk to return the next morning and it really paid off, with more views of Capuchinbirds, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Black-throated Antshrike, a fantastic Spotted Antpitta, and a great army antswarm that include about six White-plumed Antbirds, one of the most spectacular of this large family.
We spent the next few days birding this wonderful forest on our way to and around Atta Lodge. A trail into the forest led us to a spectacular Rufous Potoo that Ron and John some how found on a day perch. A Spix's Guan feeding on palm fruits right in the open, and a perched Crimson Fruitcrow in the clearing of the lodge were certainly highlights. Other highlights here included Black-faced Hawk, Black-banded Owl next to the road, Black Curassow, a scoped Caica Parrot along the trail, huge Blue-and-yellow, Scarlet, and Red-and-green macaws, Chapman's Swifts flying low over the road, Guianan Puffbird, a scope view of another male Guianan Cock-of-the Rock, some very handsome Cream-colored Woodpeckers, Spangled Cotinga, Guianan Red-Cotinga, a nice Brown-bellied Stipplethroat, Black-spotted Barbet, Black Nunbird, White-throated and Black manakins, a pair of calling McConnell's Flycatchers, a wonderful pair of Rose-breasted Chats, and a few flocks that were always exciting as well as frustrating as they moved quickly through the forest. Ron also found a Long-tailed Potoo on a day perch along one of the trails; it that was hidden through the vegetation before we repositioned for great views. We also saw an Ocelot stalk across the road a good ways ahead.
Our next stop was Surama Eco-Lodge at the interface of the forest and savanna. A Great Potoo, our fourth potoo, Ringed Woodpecker, and a Finsch's Euphonia going to a night roost in a clump of leaves were highlights on our first afternoon. We walked the Buro Buro Trail the next morning, starting with a Crane Hawk and Blackish Nightjar in the savanna, before getting into the forest where we encountered White-crowned Manakin, Guianan Warbling-Antbird, Buff-cheeked Greenlet, Spot-tailed Antwren, Fulvous-crested Tanager, and, perhaps, our best views of another Capuchinbird. We had a Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo calling from the other side of a dense light gap in the forest and closed in before it clammed up. Also at the savanna edge, we scoped a quite uncommon Bicolored Hawk and a pair of Dusky Purpletufts perched in a treetop. Heading south into the more extensive Rupununi Savanna, we got in to a different assemblage of birds and we found numerous marshes along the roadside. Jabirus, Maguari Storks, Pearl Kites and Orange-backed Troupials began to show up. We stopped along the way for a nice view of two White-naped Xenopsaris and hung around at dusk to see lots of Least and Lesser Nighthawks before arriving at Caiman House for the next two nights. We were off into the savanna in the morning and came upon the Anteater Man who had been out scouting pre-dawn and led us to a Giant Anteater that had just settled into a small grove of trees to sleep. Its huge size and amazingly shaped head with its long tongue was pretty cool to see. A few Double-striped Thick-knees, Bicolored Wrens, and Buff-necked Ibis were seen en route to a large marsh where many of us got a locally rare Crested Doradito. Afterwards, we scoped a White-tailed Nightjar on the ground amongst a small grove of trees. A leisurely boat trip on the Rupununi River in the late afternoon found Capped Herons and Green Ibis before it got darker and the Band-tailed Nightjars emerged, as well as a Boat-billed Heron. We had our earliest departure the next morning to head east near the Brazil border. Along the way we flushed a couple of Yellowish Pipits. It took a lot of looking before we got great looks at a very local Hoary-throated Spinetail but even with extra-effort we could not find a Rio Branco Antbird. A few more marsh stops yielded some new birds on our way to Manari Ranch for a wonderful lunch. Our commercial flight back to Georgetown went well and we were met by our friend, Francis, who was always around when transportation was needed and we headed back to the historic Cara Lodge in the city.
Ron and his crew were great to be with, and we enjoyed Happy Hour at dusk most evenings on the road with Rensford and Trevor, who kept us hydrated with Guianan rum and snacks before the nightbirding. The guides we had at the lodges were wonderful, with Marcie at Iwokrama River Lodge, Carlin at Surama, Jasper and Marcelos at Caiman House and especially John Christian and his incredible spotting and ears at Atta and Surama. It was fun traveling with you all and I look forward to getting together on another trip one of these days. John
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
Kaieteur Falls lays claim to being the highest single-drop waterfall in the world with a significant volume of water plunging down 741 feet. Both Orange-breasted Falcon and Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock showed well for us during our 2+ hour visit to this spectacular site. Photo by participant Don Taves.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) – We heard a couple in the forest and I think a few of us may have glimpsed one walking away.
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) – We had one calling right next to the road at dusk but could not lure it out. [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
RED-LEGGED TINAMOU (Crypturellus erythropus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – We saw a couple of groups, with about eight individuals right next to the road in the savanna.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Some saw this species on our drive through the rice fields on our way to the Mahaica River.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
VARIABLE CHACHALACA (Ortalis motmot) – The cacophony of these birds was right next to the main road one evening and we had some views of them perched in the trees and flying over the road.
MARAIL GUAN (Penelope marail)
SPIX'S GUAN (GRANT'S) (Penelope jacquacu granti) – A lone bird sat right out for scope views as it fed on palm fruits at Atta Lodge.
BLACK CURASSOW (Crax alector) – We had about four individuals along the entrance road to Atta Lodge and another one or two later.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus) – We encountered several groups along the road in the savanna.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – Our only sighting was at the lake in the savanna on our last morning.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – We heard a lot but I believe our only sightings were along the Essequibo River during our boat trip.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina)
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND DOVE (Columbina minuta) – These were quite numerous in some areas of the savanna.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – We saw a few in the savanna near the end of the trip.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – Seen by some on the Mahaica River boat trip day.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
RUFOUS-WINGED GROUND-CUCKOO (Neomorphus rufipennis) – We had one of these very difficult birds calling and bill snapping on the far side of a light gap in the forest at Surama. Then it shut down and we couldn't get it going again. [*]
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – One showed well along the Mahaica River.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – A pair along the road near the white sand forest gave us nice looks. This is a quite uncommon species.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – Seen by some in the early morning on our final day in the savanna.
LEAST NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles pusillus) – A few were flying about where we stopped for Happy Hour in the savanna on our way to Caiman House. They wre flying with the following species for a nice comparison.
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) – John saw one along the road at dusk on our first evening in the Iwokrama Forest.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – A handful were flying about our boat on the Rupununi River.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – We scoped one that was perched in a small tree in the savanna at Surama. It seemed unusual to see this bird in a tree instead of its normal spot on the ground.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis cayennensis) – A few were calling near the lodge at Surama and we scoped one on the ground during the day in the savanna near Caiman House.
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – We had great views of two individuals perched in low shrubs along the river during our boat ride to Turtle Mountain.
This tiny male Guianan Streaked Antwren showed well for us along the edge of the main road in the forest near Atta Lodge. Photo by participant Randy Beaton.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – We had nice views of this large potoo that was camouflaged well in a large tree in the forest near Surama Lodge.
LONG-TAILED POTOO (Nyctibius aethereus) – i'm still not sure how Ron found this bird perched on a broken stub and behind vegetation along the trail, but we had great views of this quite uncommon species.
WHITE-WINGED POTOO (Nyctibius leucopterus) – We enjoyed great scope views after dark of this quite rare species along the main road south of iwokrama River Lodge on our first evening there.
RUFOUS POTOO (Nyctibius bracteatus) – This is a little known species that we had wonderful views of in the forest south of Iwokrama River Lodge. It was great how it swayed with the wind on its perch on a vine. Amazing again, how the guys spotted this in the forest.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – A few of these large swifts passed over us, with the best views in the Surama area.
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani) – There were a few of these mixed amongst the other swifts in the evening along the main road.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – Our best views were in the Surama area.
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus) – We had nice looks at the rectangular pale rump patch as they flew below tree line near the bridge along the main highway.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – A few were seen at Kaieteur Falls.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – We saw a few in the savannas.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A couple of female plumaged individuals made appearances at the feeder at Atta Lodge.
LONG-TAILED HERMIT (Phaethornis superciliosus) – This species was a frequent visitor to the Atta feeders.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – We saw one make a few feeding runs at Atta Lodge.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – A female was seen a few times at Atta.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina) – The small hummingbird was seen a few times in the flowering shrub next to the feeders at Atta Lodge.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis) – This is another species that frequented the feeders at Atta Lodge.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
PLAIN-BELLIED EMERALD (Amazilia leucogaster) – An individual was seen in the flowers at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – We saw a handful in the gallery forests in the savanna.
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina) – We had a perched individual at Kaieteur Falls.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – It took some looking on the boat trip along the Mahaica River, but we eventually saw a few of these odd birds. This is the national bird of Guyana.
We had a nice view of Festive Parrots, one of the specialties of the Georgetown Botanic Gardens, on our first visit there. Photo by participant Don Taves.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – We saw a handful of these in the marshes of the savannas the last couple of days of the trip.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – We saw a handful at the Georgetown Botanic Gardens then a few more on our last day in the savanna.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus) – We saw about 3-4 individuals in the savanna on our full day out of Caiman House.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – A good number were seen around Iwokrama River Lodge.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – We saw good numbers on days around Georgetown and again in the Rupununi Savanna.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – We saw a couple in the Hope Canal area near the coast.
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – Two individuals were seen at Hope Canal.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – One or two were seen on the river near Iwokrama River Lodge.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – This distinctive tern was seen a few times during our boat trip on the Essequibo River.
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari) – We had a few nice looks at this local specialty in the savanna.
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – A huge bird; we saw a few the last couple of days in the savanna after our first, which was a seemingly out of place individual in a forested wetland along the main road in Iwokrama Forest.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – A group of 16 birds passed over us on the boat trip.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – A fly-over was seen on our last morning by one of the vehicles.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – We did not run into these until the end of the trip.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – A couple or three were seen near the mouth of Hope Canal on our first morning of birding.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – We saw a couple, with our first being a nice view at Surama.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – We only saw a couple.
Participant Don Taves nailed this tiny Spotted Tody-Flycatcher on our first morning along the Hope Canal.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – These were surprisingly absent from the savanna but we had many early on in the trip.
STRIATED HERON (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Butorides striata striata) – There were really a lot of these at the last lake we checked in the savanna.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – We had two of these handsome herons fly right past us while on the boat trip on the Rupununi River. They landed briefly next to Ron's boat before flying off.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – We spotlighted one from our boat; it was along the shore on our way back Caiman House.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber) – We saw a couple of these colorful birds at the Hope Canal and another, an immature, at the botanic gardens.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – A rather close individual flew by and landed in the vegetation next to our boat on the Rupununi River.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – We saw a handful of these nicely marked birds in the Rupununi savanna.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – We saw one along the shore of the river while looking for the Hoary-throated Spinetail on our last day.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Our only sighting was an all-dark immature bird over the Iwokrama Forest.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – We got into a lot of these in the savanna.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – We saw a surprising number of these along the forest road through the Iwokrama Forest.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We encountered a few at the beginning and a few at the end of the trip.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – John spotted our first near the Hope Canal that flew over and we scoped it in the distance; later we had a nice one perched next to the main road in the savanna.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – We had a good one perched along the main road.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – A migrant; John spotted it from the main road as it made its way over the Iwokrama Forest.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – We heard one calling over the forest canopy as we were headed back along the Harpy Trail. [*]
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – Also heard over the Harpy Trail forest. [N]
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – We had nice looks on our first visit to the Georgetown Botanic Gardens.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – There were a lot of these in the area of the Mahaica River and again at the ponds in the savanna.
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni) – One was spotted on our way to the Mahaica River on our first morning.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – It was a big surprise to see this uncommonly encountered raptor in the savanna at Surama. It flew in and perched in a small tree, and it took some moving about to get a clear view of it in the scope where we could then see the rufous colored thighs.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – We saw a nicely perched individual in the savanna at Surama as we walked to the forest.
RUFOUS CRAB HAWK (Buteogallus aequinoctialis) – We saw about three individuals, with great scope looks at one at the Hope Canal. This is a species with a quite limited range.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Many were seen near the end of the trip in the savannas of the southern part of our travels.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
At Iwokrama River Lodge, we ventured down the Essequibo River to enjoy some birds sitting along the river edge in the early morning and to access the Turtle Mountain Trail. Photo by participant Sid England.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – Another savanna specialty; we saw a couple or three the last two days.
BLACK-FACED HAWK (Leucopternis melanops) – A forest species; we had great looks along the trail at Atta Lodge as we headed to breakfast.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – One soared around our boat first, then it made a few passes during our brunch at Narish's house on the Mahaica River.
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) – This took a bit of patience but we ended up with great views of this guy along the main road near Iwokrama River Lodge.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – It was a real surprise to spot this bird along the trail in the white sand forest. Unfortunately, it took off too soon.
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Our first was in the botanic gardens, then we saw a nest with two chicks and a nearby adult in the Rupununi savanna.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – We saw a couple of families in the savanna.
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) – This great looking species showed well in the evening and in the scope near Atta Lodge.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly part of the White-tailed Trogon complex; we saw our first on the river trip at Iwokrama, then a female in the forest later in the week.
GUIANAN TROGON (Trogon violaceus) – This species was part of the Violaceous Trogon complex and we saw it a few times in the forest and forest edge.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) – A female was scoped while we were waiting near the Harpy Eagle nest tree.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – We saw a handful aong the way.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – A few were encountered on our boat trips.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – This tiny kingfisher was seen a few times as it crossed the pond at the botanic gardens.
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – While we were birding the road at a bridge near Atta Lodge, this kingfisher shot across, nearly flying between members of our group. Unfortunately it didn't give much of a look, if any.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
GUIANAN PUFFBIRD (Notharchus macrorhynchos) – Formerly part of White-necked Puffbird, this Shield endemic showed well along the main road on our way to Surama Lodge.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – We saw this small puffbird along the trail heading back to the boats from Turtle Mountain.
BLACK NUNBIRD (Monasa atra) – We had this species a few times after we got to the area around Atta and vicinity.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – This was a quite common species sitting in tree tops along many places of the main road.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) – A nicely marked bird; we had a couple of scope views along the Turtle Mountain trail.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) [*]
GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula galbula) – One that we spotted near the bridge south of Atta perched nicely for us and we got it in the scope for a few minutes.
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra) – Our only sighting was in the white sand forest and we had it in the scope just as the Spectacled Owl was spotted.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea) – A couple of these long-tailed jacamars were along the road with the flock near where we walked to the Harpy Eagle nest.
Crimson Fruitcrows are quite uncommon and easy to miss, so we had a surge of excitement as we walked the entrance road at Atta Lodge and Rensford hurriedly drove up, saying he had just seen one fly over the lodge. We dashed back and found this female perched at the edge of the clearing. Photo by participant Randy Beaton.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET (Capito niger) – A quite unusual family of New World birds; we had a couple of nice views in the forest.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
GREEN ARACARI (Pteroglossus viridis)
BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari) – This species was seen along the forest edge at Iwokrama, Atta, and the Surama area.
GUIANAN TOUCANET (Selenidera piperivora) – Our only one didn't stay long in the tall tree just off the main road.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – We saw a couple on our first visit to the Georgetown Botanic Garden. This is the bird that that has the largest bill in relation to body size of any bird.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus) – We saw a few but heard more than that.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (Picumnus exilis) – One was working around near us in the forest on our way to the boats at Caiman House.
WHITE-BELLIED PICULET (Picumnus spilogaster) – The individual we saw in the Georgetown Botanic Gardens was pretty light breasted with black dots on the flanks and was good for this species. We also saw a piculet along the highway on the way to the Mahaica River that was pale-bellied but much more heavily barred below. Is this a barred form? Ron says the Smithsonian guys have collected this form and are trying to determine what is going on.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – A group of three were spotted in a dead tree in the clearing at Atta Lodge.
BLOOD-COLORED WOODPECKER (Dryobates sanguineus) – A quite local bird and one of our sought-after specialties; we had nice views of a pair along the highway on the way to the boat trip on our first morning.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – We had nice looks at a few with good views at the botanic gardens on our first afternoon.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – We didn't get this widespread species until near the end of the trip.
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – We ended up with a nice view near Surama.
WAVED WOODPECKER (Celeus undatus) [*]
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – A great looking woodpecker; we saw three individuals near the bridge that we stopped at in the late-afternoon just south of Atta Lodge.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) [*]
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – One called a couple of times along the edge of the river during our boat trip on the Rupununi and we got it to fly over, where it disappeared on the other side.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – Ron spotted one at the army ant swarm we had in the forest at Iwokrama River Lodge but I'm not sure if any of us got on it.
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) – We heard one calling in the morning at Iwokrama River Lodge and in the evening near Atta Lodge. [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – These raucous raptors were encountered a few times with good views in the Atta clearing.
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
Toco Toucan is supposedly the bird with the largest bill relative to body size of any bird. We saw a few of these on our visit to the Georgetown Botanic Gardens. Photo by participant Don Taves.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Our only sighting was during our first visit to the Georgetown Botanic Gardens.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – We started running in to a few when we got to the open savanna south of Surama and near Caiman House.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Another open country species; some of us had a nicely perched bird in the mid-afternoon in the savanna south of Surama, then we saw a pair flying on our last morning.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – We ended up seeing a few here and there.
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus) – Ron spotted two individuals perched in a tree along the cliff face at Kaieteur Falls where we got pretty good scope views. They were likely waiting for swifts to return to their roosting sites behind the fall in the late-afternoon. This is a quite uncommon species throughout its range.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – A couple of individuals were seen around Hope Canal on our first morning.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
LILAC-TAILED PARROTLET (Touit batavicus) – We had two birds fly over and away near Atta Lodge.
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera) – We heard a few but the only sighting may have been of three birds along the main road after exiting the Harpy Eagle trail.
CAICA PARROT (Pyrilia caica) – John Christian spotted this uncommon parrot that was calling from the overhead trees as we were along the trail leading to the Rufous Potoo. We ended up finding an angle and getting it in the scope.
DUSKY PARROT (Pionus fuscus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – We had several fly overs and a few perched individuals.
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva) – On our first visit to the botanic gardens we enjoyed nice looks at this area specialty.
BLUE-CHEEKED PARROT (Amazona dufresniana) – We never had a scope view of these, but there were some fly-overs at Iwokrama on the boat trip and again on the main road.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – Mostly a savanna species; we saw them at the beginning and end of the trip.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – This was probably the most widespread parrot we encountered.
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus) – A group of about five showed pretty well at the edge of the savanna at Surama.
PAINTED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura picta)
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax) – Our sightings were at the end of the trip in the open country and savannas.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – Another savanna species; we saw a few groups flying about near Caiman House.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – One of the big macaws; this wonderful species was seen well around the lodge at iwokrama.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – We enjoyed nice scope views of three individuals in the clearing at Atta Lodge, then a few more in the Surama area.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – This macaw is more of a rainforest species than the Scarlet, and we saw them perched and flying over the Iwokrama Forest most days there.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis) – One of the smallest of the macaws. We saw several in the Georgetown area, then another feeding on a mango at Manari Ranch during our last afternoon.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila) – We had a few individuals in the flock along the roadside near the Harpy Trail before about four of them flew across the road and deeper into the forest.
BLACK-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena viridis) – One of these large antshrikes was singing and came in for okay views along the Bushmaster Trail at Iwokrama River Lodge.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis) – Our first views were good ones at the Georgetown Botanic Gardens on both of our visits. We encountered them again in the savannas of the south.
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) – We ran into a few, including our first along the Turtle Mountain trail.
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus punctatus)
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) – We saw a couple of individuals with flocks along the Turtle Mountain Trail, then again with the group of birds on the Harpy Trail.
We had two great encounters with male Guianan Cock-of-the-Rocks, one of the most brilliantly colored birds in the world. One was at Kaieteur Falls and another at a lek site near Atta Lodge in the Iwokrama forest. Photo by participant Don Taves.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED ANTWREN (Isleria guttata) – Though they slipped away and gave us fits, several folks had nice looks at this small antbird along the Turtle Mountain trail.
BROWN-BELLIED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla gutturalis) – Two pairs of these were singing and showing pretty well on our way out along the Harpy Trail. The common name was changed from antwren just recently.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – Our first ones gave us a good view at the edge of the forest clearing along the Turtle Mountain trail, then we had a couple more along the main road just north of Atta Lodge.
GUIANAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula surinamensis) – We had nice views of a pair; the female has the orangish head. We saw it at the wide spot in the road near Atta Lodge.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Our best views were in the little patch of forest in the savanna, where we saw this small black bird with the black throat and white markings on the wings.
SPOT-TAILED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus sticturus) – We saw two individuals with the flock at the bridge along the Buro Buro trail.
TODD'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus stictocephalus)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
GUIANAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis cantator) – After hearing them at Atta, we worked on a singing individual along the Buro Buro Trail for a good spell as it moved through the vegetation.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) – We saw both the dark gray male and brownish female in the thick roadside tangle near Atta Lodge.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Two individuals were singing along the entrance road to Surama Lodge and we got brief looks at one that was moving between tangles.
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon) – This was one of our first birds after starting on the Turtle Mountain trail after exiting the boats. It is usually found in low damp spots in the forest.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – We just had some brief views of calling birds in the thick stream-side vegetation while we were on the Mahaica River.
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes) – We heard a few in the gallery forest near Caiman House and, I believe, a couple of people got a look at one that approached in the thick understory.
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus ferrugineus) – A quite fancy looking specialty of the Guianan Shield; we encountered a few before everyone caught up with it in the Iwokrama Forest.
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – One of the trip highlights was seeing this great looking bird at an army antswarm along the Bushmaster Trail at Iwokrama River Lodge. It took some chasing into the forest and a couple of repositionings before we could get a view of the birds. This is a species that is greatly tied to following army ants. There may have been six individuals here.
RUFOUS-THROATED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys rufigula) – This is another species that is closely tied to marauding army ants. We saw a few with the White-plumed Antbirds in the forest at Iwokrama.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SPOTTED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus macularius) – Often a quite difficult species to see, but we got a great scope view of a singing bird perched on a horizontal limb in the forest along the Bushmaster Trail.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – We saw a few here and there, including a couple at the army ant swarm at Iwokrama.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) – This one gave us some fits along the trail at Turtle Mountain before we could see the fine barring on the underside.
CHESTNUT-RUMPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus pardalotus) – Two individuals were seen in the forest at Iwokrama.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
Rufous Crab Hawk is a local species found in coastal areas from eastern Venezuela, across the Guianas and Brazil. We had wonderful views of this individual at Hope Canal on our first morning in the field. Photo by participant Don Taves.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – We saw our first in the botanic gardens in Georgetown.
GUIANAN WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) – On the day we walked the Harpy Trail, we encountered one or two along the trail then another just up the road.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – One was found in the roadside flock near the Harpy Trail.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – There were good numbers of these in the marshy areas at the Georgetown Botanic Gardens then again at the ponds and marshes in the savanna.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) [*]
HOARY-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis kollari) – This great looking and very local specialty was proving difficult before Barbara got us on a calling bird after she lagged behind the group along the river. We ended up getting wonderful views of it.
Pipridae (Manakins)
TINY TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes virescens) [*]
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum) – In the small white sand forest, we chased a calling individual around for a spell getting looks at it in the sub-canopy before it moved again.
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola) – A few birds were calling in the forest near Caiman House and we got a male to pop up for a short spell.
WHITE-THROATED MANAKIN (Corapipo gutturalis) – We had a nice look at this specialty that popped up for a good view in the forest near the Harpy Trail.
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens) – A male hung around long enough in the white sand forest for a scope view.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra) – We had a couple of female-types before a male was seen in the clearing at Atta Lodge.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala erythrocephala) – This quite handsome manakin made a couple of appearances, and several had a scope view along the Buro Buro Trail.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GUIANAN RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus carnifex) – After hearing this specialty the first day in the white sand forest, we returned the next day and tracked it down and ended up with a scope view.
GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola rupicola) – One of the most amazing birds in the world. We had a couple of males that we got pretty good views of through the trees at Kaieteur Falls. Then we walked in on the trail to a known lek and had a great scope view of a brilliant male.
CRIMSON FRUITCROW (Haematoderus militaris) – Another great bird of the area. We had walked down the road when Rensford came to tell us he had seen a male in the forest clearing at Atta Lodge. We hustled back and eventually got nice looks at a female. A couple of days later, some saw a male fly across the road.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – A few were seen in the clearing at Atta.
CAPUCHINBIRD (Perissocephalus tricolor) – We had a few giving their bizarre call overhead along the Bushmaster Trail at Iwokrama River Lodge, but most could only get bits and pieces of the birds through the leaves. We returned to next morning and did better but we finally got nice looks in the forest along the Buro Buro Trail. This is a very strange species.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – We had a couple of males, with Ron spotting the first from the Canopy Walkway at Atta that we got in the scope.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – As usual, we heard far more that we saw, but we had nice looks at this species, which has one of the loudest calls in the bird world.
WHITE BELLBIRD (Procnias albus) – We heard a distant bird calling while we were in the white sand forest.
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) – We chased a female around in the clearing at Atta.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – We saw a few, with the best views at the clearing at Atta Lodge.
OLIVACEOUS SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis olivacea) – We heard a couple in the white sand forest and some got looks at a perched individual that was responsive for awhile.
DUSKY PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura fusca) – We had very nice views of two individuals perched in the dead top of a tree along the entrance road to Surama. They stayed for all to see multiple times.
WHITE-NAPED XENOPSARIS (Xenopsaris albinucha) – Two birds in the Rupununi savanna gave us great looks as we looked down on them from the elevated road.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
CINNAMON-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus saturatus) – We spent some time along the Turtle Mountain Trail trying to get a look at an individual calling in the forest. Some had fair looks at this often difficult species.
MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER (Mionectes macconnelli) – Ron found a pair of these calling in the small white sand forest. We followed them for awhile and eventually got nice looks at this quite uncommon species. The pair was acting territorial and likely had a nest nearby.
OLIVE-GREEN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes virescens) – This bird with a limited range was seen a couple of times in the forest near Surama Lodge.
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus)
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris) – We had one in the small forest patch just below the main road as we got into the savanna.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum) – We had great views of this nicely marked flycatcher at the Hope Canal on our first morning.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – We had a few calling and a couple were seen.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) – Also known as Ochre-lored Flatbill; we saw a few in the savanna.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – A pair of these interesting flycatchers were scoped at Kaieteur Falls.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) [*]
After a massive search in the Rupununi savanna for Crested Doradito, we found one in tall grass along the edge of a lagoon. As several of us got views of this specialty, it dropped in the grass and inexplicably disappeared. Here, we are flummoxed as we look in all directions trying to relocate this small flycatcher. Photo by participant Randy Beaton.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – A couple of these dry country birds were seen in the savanna.
CRESTED DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx sclateri) – We made a morning excursion in hopes of finding this Guyana rarity. After much walking, one was spotted in the waist high vegetation at the edge of a lake. Some got pretty good views of this bird but it disappeared in the vegetation and, amazingly, we could not relocate it again.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – This was a quite common voice in the forests.
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
RUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA (Elaenia ruficeps) – Another local species; we had nice views near Kaieteur Falls of calling birds.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – This is a quite common second growth species.
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer) – We saw a couple of these and had one in the scope for a spell along the Buro Buro trail.
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata) – During our search for the Hoary-throated Spinetail we encountered a couple of these savanna specialties.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – On our boat trip on the Essequibo River, we found one working through the roots at the shore line.
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – This sharply marked species was seen a few times in the savanna.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – We had a view of one in the forest near Surama.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – We had views of a calling bird in the savanna at Surama Lodge.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – We saw one on our last morning in the forest patch where we stopped to help the folks get their van over the wooden bridge.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – The Georgetown Botanic Garden must be the world headquarters for this bird.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – This was another quite common species that we saw almost daily.
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus) – This was seen by one of the boats on the Essequibo River.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – One of these austral migrants was calling about the cabins at Surama Lodge.
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – Similar to the preceding species, we saw a couple of them in the forest near Surama Lodge.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – A calling bird was spotted in a treetop along the main road but didn't stay long.
One of the trip highlights was the great view we had of this Rufous Potoo after a walk through the Iwokrama forest. This species usually perches on small branches and vines and even sways in the wind. Photo by participant Sid England.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
GRAY KINGBIRD (Tyrannus dominicensis) – We saw a few at the Georgetown Botanic Gardens.
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – These ended up being pretty commonly seen in the savanna at the end of the trip.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Stopping long the main road as we got into the savanna, we had a nice view of this widespread species.
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis) – We heard these calling at Hope Canal on our first morning and some got a look at one that came in a bit.
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus) – We had a few brief sightings in the higher forest trees, mostly in the Surama area.
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Pachysylvia muscicapina) – We heard a couple of these and got a look at one with the flock near the bridge along the Buro Buro trail.
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAYENNE JAY (Cyanocorax cayanus) – This loud-ish jay was seen a few times along the main road in small groups.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – We saw a couple at the Georgetown Botanic Gardens on our first visit, then again along the Mahaica River.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLACK-COLLARED SWALLOW (Pygochelidon melanoleuca) – A sharply-marked species; we saw several amongst the rocks in the middle of the Essequibo River.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – A very good-looking swallow; we ran into a little patch of them on the Essequibo River during the boat trip.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – These were quite common throughout the trip.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – A few were seen flying over the small savanna patch at the lodge at Surama in the early morning.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – We saw several over the Mahaica and Essequibo rivers.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea) – These got to be more common in the savanna where we encountered a few.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon clarus)
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus) – One of the larger wrens; we saw them a few times in the savanna.
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – A couple of individuals were seen and heard calling about the Cara Lodge in Georgetown and again at the botanic gardens.
The tiny Golden Rocket Frog only inhabits the humid forests near Kaieteur Falls where it lives in the water collected in the leaves of the giant bromeliad. Its range encompasses an area of less than 8 square miles. We found this one right at the top of the falls. Photo by participant Sid England.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) – One of the vehicles flushed one or two from the road at first light in the savanna on our last morning. I know some folks saw them in flight from the vehicles.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
FINSCH'S EUPHONIA (Euphonia finschi) – Another quite local species; we had a couple of views before we watched two birds going to roost at dusk in the Surama savanna.
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea) – A pair was working at a nest at the Georgetown Botanic Gardens.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – We never really got on them but we flushed a few when driving and walking through the Rupununi Savanna.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna) – These finally turned up in the Rupununi Savanna at the end of the trip.
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris) – We saw one or two at the Ogle Airport before our flight to Kaieteur Falls, then saw a few more in the savanna.
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis) – These were seen a handful of times along the main highway.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Quite numerous; we saw a few nest trees.
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous) – Sid saw one with a group of Yellow-rumped Caciques near the Harpy Trail.
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – This is a savanna specialist and we saw a couple right next to the main road on our drive south toward Caiman House.
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis) – Several were encoutered at the botanic gardens.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Iwokrama River Lodge is the only place where I have seen groups of these gathering.
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris) – Most of our sightings were at the botanic gardens.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni) – An unusual species that used to be considered a wood-warbler; we saw a male and female that were vocalizing along the main road close to Atta Lodge.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – A male and female were seen in a cecropia and scoped along the entrance road at Surama Lodge.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – A few of these were with a couple of flocks along the main road.
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus) – We saw one or two in the clearing at Atta Lodge that Sid got us onto.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Seen daily.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Seen daily.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – All of our sightings were at the Georgetown Botanic Gardens.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – Both males and females were encountered.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor) – On our return to Hope Canal after the boat trip, we found this mangrove specialist along one of the trails.
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – One of the vehicles saw a small group in the Rupununi Savanna.
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola) – Walking into the savanna at Surama Lodge we scoped a bird calling from a small shrub.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – We had most of our sightings in the Georgetown area.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Our best views were around the buildings at Iwokrama River Lodge.
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta) – These were fairly common in the savannas.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)
WING-BARRED SEEDEATER (Sporophila americana) – A couple of individuals were seen on the boat trip on the Mahaica River.
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea) – Paul saw one in the Caiman House area.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Our sole sighting was in the small forest patch off the main road on our first day in the Rupununi Savanna.
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – We saw and heard a few in the Iwokrama Forest.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – We saw a couple in the botanic garden where they were likely escapees.
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus)
GIANT ANTEATER (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) – One of the great South American mammals; we had a scope view of one nestling into a patch of trees in the Rupununi savanna.
RED-RUMPED AGOUTI (Dasyprocta agouti) – There were a handful seen along the main road.
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
OCELOT (Felis pardalis) – We saw one cross the main road near the Atta Lodge as we were cruising in the van. It would have been great if we had been closer.
WEST INDIAN MANATEE (Trichechus manatus) – We had wonderful views of three individuals in the lagoon at the Georgetown Botanic Garden.
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana) – We saw a couple of these tiny deer near Atta Lodge.
Herps
COMMON HOUSE GECKO (Hemidactylus frenatus)
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva) – A good number of these were on the lawn at Atta and around Surama.
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin) – Several of these were patrolling the grounds at Surama.
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus) – A fair-sized individual was along one of the creeks in the Iwokrama Forest.
BLACK CAIMAN (Melanosuchus niger) – One was seen during our boat trip on the Rupununi.
GOLDEN ROCKET FROG (Anomaloglossus beebei) – We saw one of these tiny frogs in a bromeliad at Kaieteur Falls. This species has a very limited range.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 351 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa