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Getting eye-level views of numerous canopy dwellers was a highlight of this tour, including this Amazonian Trogon and White-fronted Nunbird. (Photo by participant Johnny Powell)
Although we have extensive experience in Amazonian Peru, this was the first time Pepe or I had guided a tour to the Iquitos area, and I think it was a pretty successful trip! The weather, with very few exceptions, played along with us (in fact, most river levels were low for this time of the year!), and we had some great luck with a few pretty difficult species, which was nice.
The Iquitos area is about as diverse as it gets (birdwise anyway) in lowland Amazonia, and that's saying something! Here, we're close to the equator and on or very near the Amazon River itself. The Amazon and several of its largest tributaries (including the Napo) bound the distributions of many bird species, often with closely related species of terra firme forest on opposite banks. Then there is the varzea forest that grows within the floodplain of the rivers, and the unique habitats on river islands which further increase the bird diversity. Finally, different soil types (such as white sand or more 'typical' clay) can result in different forest structures which translate into different bird species. The end result is an incredibly diverse avifauna available to us in a relatively small area.
Even within these broad habitat differences, finer microhabitats define the niches that most species occupy. Mauritia palm swamps are important for Sulphury Flycatcher, for example, or bromeliads in flooded forest for Long-billed Woodcreeper. Knowing where to look makes finding these birds much more successful! Even more exciting, the region has had a recent bloom of newly described species or recent discoveries for Peru (of species generally known from other parts of South America, such as the Guianan Shield in the northeast of the continent). Field Guides's own Bret Whitney has played a large role in the discovery and description of several of these brand new species, and we enjoyed seeing (or in a case or two, hearing) several: Ancient Antwren, Allpahuayo Antbird, Mishana Tyrannulet, and Iquitos Gnatcatcher, for example. During our visit we enjoyed viewing some bold, colorful species (as one might expect in tropical forests) as well as some more humble, earth-toned ones. For various reasons, members of both groups are exciting to encounter. Of course, we all enjoyed seeing Gilded Barbet, White-throated Toucan, Black-necked Red-Cotinga, and Paradise Tanager for obvious reasons, but we also appreciated the muted beauty of Lanceolated Monklet, Dot-backed Antbird, Chestnut-belted Gnateater, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, and Scale-breasted Wren. And then there were the absolute stand-outs: those birds that wowed us with their rarity. A pair of Orinoco Geese on a Napo Island, a very bold and responsive Gray-bellied Hawk at the tower, and the exceptionally rare Iquitos Gnatcatcher singing its wiry song from the canopy of the Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve! These sightings, and more, will live in our memories from this fun trip.
Pepe and I would like to thank you all for having joined us, and we hope you enjoyed the visit as much as we did! Please come on back now!
--Dan Lane
[In the following checklist, 'A-M' is used to mean Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve.]
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) – Several heard below the tower. [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) – A river-edge species we heard in varzea forest. [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Another riverine species we heard in varzea. [*]
GRAY-LEGGED TINAMOU (Crypturellus duidae) – A very rare and local species, and a white sand forest speciality that we heard on two mornings at A-M. [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
Perhaps the most unexpected sighting of the tour was this pair of Orinoco Geese on a Rio Napo river island! The species hasn't been reported from northern Peru in probably 50-plus years! (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – A few birds flying over the Nanay were good.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
NOCTURNAL CURASSOW (Nothocrax urumutum) – Despite two efforts to see it, we only heard this species. Still, it's an impressive sound! [*]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) – Heard below the tower. [*]
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – This may be one of the few times a heron was 'heard only'! [*]
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – It's rather amazing how few of this usually widespread and common herons we saw.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Hilty rather poetically describes this species as being 'French Vanilla-colored'.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – One flying after sunset on the Nanay.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – A couple seen along the Sucusari at Explornapo (thanks to Roland for the first).
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) [*]
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Birds here have a bold white nape mark.
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – Typical of open country, such as young river islands and recently cleared areas.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Typically seen over tropical forest.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – The two birds we saw were probably spending their winters here, and will be returning to the northern US or Canada in a few months. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Heard on a few occasions, but a rather attractive light morph juvenile was seen from the tower (momentarily pulling off the Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle mimicry it has perfected).
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Several seen around Iquitos, particularly as they headed to and from communal roosts.
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus) – One seen over the cocha on the Napo, others heard.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – One seen from the tower.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
GRAY-BELLIED HAWK (Accipiter poliogaster) – YES!! A great, and very rare, sighting from the tower! And having it come into the tower tree was just breathtaking. Too bad everything else around went silent when it did.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – One heard at Shimigay trail, then seen briefly as it flew over.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Also can be called 'Riverside Hawk'.
BLACK-FACED HAWK (Leucopternis melanops) – A distant, but long, view of one perched in an emergent tree from the tower.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Claudia spotted the first one on day 3, and we had one that landed along the Napo (only my second time seeing one perched!).
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
Sunbittern, by guide Dan Lane
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – It's amazing that we only saw this species on day 9 for the first time!
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – Huge concentrations were roosting on branches, particularly on the back sides of islands on day 9.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Seen all days we were in Iquitos! Yes! [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – The more common of the two forest pigeons (Ruddy was rarer, and we only heard it).
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda) – Seen from the plane upon arrival in Lima.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – After hearing many at A-M, we saw some well on day 10.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – Mostly heard, but one flushed down the path ahead of us on day 9 as we walked from ACTS to the Sucusari.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Thanks to Lucio for finding a group of these weird birds along the Napo.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – A pair on Mancocapac was nice.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – A few lucky folks spotted one of these colorful cuckoos from the tower.
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – Rather common at this time of year. The species seems to undergo movements, and can be hard to locate at many sites in May-August.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (TAWNY-BELLIED) (Megascops watsonii watsonii) – The only owl we got to see, but it was seen well!
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – This and the next few were heard only on night walks as we searched for Nocturnal Currasow. [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – A Chordeiles was seen on the Nanay, and could have been this species or (I think, more likely) Common. Unfortunately, it was a silhouette, so we will never be sure...
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – Only one or two of these rare and local nighthawks flew past us on the Nanay, but we got a nice view!
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Seen after dark as we coasted down the Sucusari.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) [*]
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
SWIFT SP. (Cypseloides sp.) – Several large swifts were flying over A-M. The small holes in the canopy didn't offer us much of a view, but one or two appeared to be White-chested.
A very rare Accipiter pretty much anywhere, Gray-bellied Hawk is particularly poorly-known in Peru. Our sighting was one of the highlights of the tour. (Photo by participant Johnny Powell)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – One showed well on a hike around ACTS.
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – The only large hermit we really saw well on multiple occasions.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – Mostly heard as they barrelled by, but one did stop and investigate us before zipping off.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – We enjoyed one from the tower.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis) – One at the pond at Explornapo allowed us to scope it.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – The primary hummer on young river islands.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – One at A-M.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
PAVONINE QUETZAL (Pharomachrus pavoninus) – Not optimal views, but after hearing one from the tower, we got glimpses of it from the trail.
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – One of the most common trogons of the area.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – Formerly part of Violaceous Trogon (now three species).
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) [*]
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) [*]
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Sitting over us while we were in the boat on the cocha.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Mostly heard, but a few folks got a view on day 10.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Also mostly heard, but one was briefly seen from the tower (!).
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) [*]
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – Seen along the channel that let to the cocha.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – A couple of lucky souls caught a glimpse of this tiny kingfisher.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – After a neck-breaking view from the ground, we enjoyed very close views of a bird in the same tree as the tower.
BROWN-BANDED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus ordii) – A great find! A species with very limited distribution in Peru, and one we saw well at A-M.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – After hearing a pair at A-M, we saw them fly over us repeatedly, but unfortunately had no perched views.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) – A nice view (against the sun, alas) of this handsome puffbird on Cocha Yarina.
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) [*]
WHITE-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fusca) [*]
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – Several birds heard and seen on the tour was a treat!
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) – A couple of these rather kingfisher-like jacamars were along the Napo.
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) – Seen very well near ACTS.
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) [*]
River-island birding brought us numerous island endemics and specialties. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) – An island and varzea forest specialist that we enjoyed on Mancocapac our first visit.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – A striking barbet. They have variable throat color in Peru... here it is scarlet!
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – Thanks to Ben for spying the first of these we saw (on the boat trip on the Sucusari). We basically heard the rest.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – The forest canopy was lettered with these. Har.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – The 'second growth' aracari.
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – The most common aracari in terra firme. We saw it from the towers.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – A lovely pair of these lookers were seen from the tower.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – Formerly called Cuvier's Toucan. The common large toucan we saw. A 'yelper'.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – This was the rarer of the two large (and effectively identical) toucans, but it croaks rather than yelps.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
PLAIN-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus castelnau) – A river island specialist that is nearly endemic to Peru.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – Not really all *that* little (about the size of a Hairy). We saw it on Mancocapac.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – We saw it at A-M, it's a forest interior species.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) – Seen in the flock that passed the tower.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – On the river islands, and a relative of our flicker.
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) – Some great views of this attractive crested woodpecker! Thanks to Roland for the first one.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – A second lovely brown, crested woodpecker, with thanks to Ben for spotting it!
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – Views of this lovely bird around Explornapo.
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – A pair seen well at A-M.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Attractive, but as lovely to listen to as a murder of crows on a rampage!
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – One on Mancocapac was nice.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura) [*]
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – One of the most common parrots we saw.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) [*]
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata) – Silhouttes of these Mauritia palm specialists were about all we got to see.
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Another common small parrot we saw many times.
TUI PARAKEET (Brotogeris sanctithomae) – Very similar to the last, but more of a river edge specialist.
AMAZONIAN PARROTLET (Nannopsittaca dachilleae) – We heard (and saw corresponding dots) that I identified as this species... mostly around A-M. I listened to a recording I made there, and am now of the mind that they were Dusky-billed Parrotlets, which would be more expected. Bret Whitney tells me that there are very few confirmed reports of Amazonian from the Iquitos area, so I think it's more likely that these were all Dusky-billed. Sorry.
Raul the trumpeter, Explornapo's mascot, accompanied us on our trail walks...for our own protection, of course! (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Mostly heard, but a pair blasted by the tower at one point.
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus) – Nice views on Mancocapac thanks to Lucio.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) [*]
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
UNDULATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena unduliger) – Only a few lucky folks actually got a glimpse of this rare and unpredictable antshrike, but it was a heart-fluttering experience to hear it even!
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis) – A very cool antshrike that is rare and local in Peru!
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus)
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) – Another island specialist we saw remarkably well on this tour.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus) – Great views of this cocha-edge specialist.
PEARLY ANTSHRIKE (Megastictus margaritatus) – One of our first birds at A-M, but the pair there was only somewhat interested in showing themselves.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris)
STIPPLE-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla haematonota) [*]
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata) – The sharp-looking black-and-white warbler-like antwrens we saw along the Sucusari.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Seen along the trail our last morning at A-M.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) [*]
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) – A fairly rare and hard to see canopy antwren we enjoyed from the tower.
ANCIENT ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus gentryi) – Only described to science about 15 years ago by our own Bret Whitney and Pepe Alvarez. We enjoyed views of a male at A-M.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) – Enjoyed by the group with Pepe the day we returned to Explornapo from ACTS.
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris) – After hearing two birds on the Napo, we finally got one to pop into view at Mancocapac.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) – An attractive anbird we saw well at A-M.
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon) – A water-edge specialist we spotted at the edge of the Sucusari.
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) – A river island specialist that was throwing itself at us on Isla Yarina.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
ALLPAHUAYO ANTBIRD (Percnostola arenarum) – Another species described in the past 15 years by FG's own Bret Whitney (and others), we enjoyed a male at fairly close quarters our second morning at A-M. [E]
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla leucostigma) – Marquerading as a Slate-colored Antbird until it opened its mouth along the creek by ACTS.
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza castanea) – Also called 'Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird' we enjoyed a pair of these at A-M.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps) – A very friendly pair of these large antbirds were along the Shimigay trail. The rufous female with a black head particularly caused us to salivate.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) – Also seen on the Shimigay trail.
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza fortis) – Mostly heard, but a few folks caught a glimpse.
A female White-shouldered Antbird, photographed by participant Johnny Powell.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis) – Another antswarm-following species we enjoyed at A-M and also for the group that walked with me from ACTS to Explornapo.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – A pair of these striking antbirds showed themselves across the creek from us on Shimigay trail.
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – Just after we saw the last species, we also saw this one, which looks similar.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) – A pair showed well as we struck out for ACTS from Explornapo.
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – Another ant-following antbird the group with me glimpsed as we walked from ACTS to Explornapo.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) – The male we saw at the start of our hike to ACTS was perhaps the easiest gnateater I've ever seen!
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis) [*]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – This is a species that is likely going to be split into several (more than 8 perhaps!) sometime soon. The form here is amazonus, in case you're keeping track.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – One of the most common birds in lowland rainforest, and although they keep a low profile, we did see several.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – An unusual woodcreepr (often sitting crosswise on branches, for example).
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – A very impressive, snake-like bird that we enjoyed at Cocha Yarina.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) [*]
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus orenocensis) – The largest woodcreeper in Peru, this one showed well on the hike to ACTS from Explornapo. We also heard it quite a bit from the tower.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) – This species is sometimes split into 'Tchudi's Woodcreeper (X. chunchotambo)' and Ocellated. This population, napensis, is shuffled into one form by some and into the other by other authors. We saw it pretty well at A-M.
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – Very similar in appearance to the last, but we saw it at ACTS.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) – Larger than the previous two species, and far more often heard.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – More of an open-country, edge, and secong-growth species than the last few, we saw this several times along river edges.
LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) – A canopy speciesthat we saw at A-M. This form has recently been described as a new species in the latest HBW: L. fatimalimae with the proposed English name of Inambari Woodcreeper.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) [*]
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – Despite close scrutiny, the horneros we saw on Mancocapac were not the island specialist species, Pale-billed or Bay Hornero, but rather this more widespread species.
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor) – A species of young river islands.
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) – Seen from the tower.
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (Hyloctistes subulatus) – Two birds we sort of saw in twighlight situations made it difficult to see them well!
ORANGE-FRONTED PLUSHCROWN (Metopothrix aurantiaca) – This strange, warbler-like furnariid was nice to watch in the scope on Mancocapac.
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula) – One of the river island spinetails, along with the next two species. We saw all three on Isla Yarina.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – Aptly named (I'm sure there is a 'Tyrannulet-colored Mouse' out there somewhere, too).
Sunset in the canopy, by guide Dan Lane
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) – A small canopy tyrant we saw in the gnatcatcher flock at A-M.
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex) – A species of flooded forest that isn't often seen. But we saw it, dagnabit!
RIVER TYRANNULET (Serpophaga hypoleuca)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
MISHANA TYRANNULET (Zimmerius villarejoi) – Rather a shame, but we only heard this recently described species. Despite much effort, it just didn't want to come in to check us out. [E*]
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis) – Seen in flooded river-edge vegetation by Orellana.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – The smallest passerine, and it sits high enough that it can give you smallest-passerine-neck.
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus) [*]
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) – A real pain in the rear, since it passed over us several times without allowing itself to be seen. [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis) – For the group that walked from ACTS to Explornapo with me, a small group of these attractive tyrants showed fairly well.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) – We not only saw this unique tyrant, but got to hear the sounds of its unique wing design!
ORANGE-EYED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias traylori) – Only Joan and Lucio got to hear this one. [*]
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – Seen well from the tower.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) [*]
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – Great views of this diminutive tyrant as it gathered materials for its nest.
CINNAMON MANAKIN-TYRANT (Neopipo cinnamomea) – Wendy's sharp eyes spotted this rare tyrant (formerly considered a manakin, hence the change in the name). It looks nearly identical to the previous species.
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – Imagine, this bird may have passed through the yard of someone in our group who lives in the East on its way down or back from its breeding grounds! [b]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (CAMPINA) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus duidae) – This and the next form are presently considered conspecific, but clearly they should not be! We got rather good looks in the 'chamizal' at A-M.
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior) – This is the form from the river islands. We saw one well at Isla Yarina.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) [*]
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – A tiny, boldly-patterned tyrant we enjoyed on the sand bank at Isla Yarina.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) – One of these showed well at A-M.
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) – After some searching, we finally got scope views of this fairly rare attila. Also note, despite being spelled like 'Attila the Hun', the emphasis is on the first syllable in the bird's name. Don't ask me why...
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – Mostly heard, but my group saw one well as we walked from ACTS to Explornapo.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – A relative of the Great Crested Flyacatcher that dresses like a Screaming Piha. We saw one from the tower.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Yup.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Yup.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Yup.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – A little rarer than the previous few... a bird of the canopy of tall forest.
ISLAND STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes [maculatus] sp. nov.) – Streaked Flycatcher is presently a conglomeration of several forms. In eastern Peru is the austral migrant form solitarius (not present when we were there) and a resident river island form. We saw the latter on Mancocapac. The latter is generally considered part of nominate maculatus (from the Guianas, mostly), but Bret Whitney has postulated that the island birds are different. I'm on the fence on this one, personally, but I need to see and hear more evidence to make up my mind.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – A specialist of Mauritia palms, we saw them well at Explornapo.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
Capped Herons, by participant Johnny Powell
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – One along the Sucusari one morning was nice.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – The electric blue bird we saw in the canopy from the tower.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – One of the Amazon's most characteristic sounds. Some folks got a look around ACTS.
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) – A female delighted us on two days when she perched in an exposed tree at A-M.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – A few folks got a glimpse of one flying across the Napo.
Pipridae (Manakins)
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum) – Seen well at A-M.
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – After hearing several give their rather unimaginative song, we got a glimpse of one along the trail at ACTS.
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) – A diminutive manakin that can be hard to spot. Most folks had a view of it at ACTS, for which I'm glad, as it's rather a smashing bird!
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola) – Those who walked with me from ACTS to Explornapo enjoyed this looker.
ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus aurantiivertex) – Not one of the world's more memorable manakins, but a rare one, so it was nice to see at A-M.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Pipra pipra)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra erythrocephala)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – The tityras we saw at Cocha Yarina.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – The tityra we saw at Quistococha.
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major) – Also called Greater Manakin. We heard several , but finally saw one at Shimigay.
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) – Formerly part of Thrush-like Manakin, which has been split into several species. [*]
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – Seen from the tower. Some folks even got to see the purple!
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – This and the next species were at Mancocapac on our first visit there.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – This and the next species were in the flock we saw from the tower.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (RED-EYED) (Vireo olivaceus olivaceus) – We probably had north american migrants in the flock from the tower. [b]
RED-EYED VIREO (RESIDENT CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus solimoensis) – This was the vireo we had at Quistococha and the river islands.
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis) – We had this species at the clearing on the Shimigay trail.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus) – Seen with flocks, both at A-M and from the tower.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) [*]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – Sorry we weren't able to show this one to you, Ben. [*]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – A female our first day at Quistococha. [b]
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – North American migrants that were present nearly everywhere! Pretty cool! [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – Also called 'Southern Nightingale-Wren', we heard many of these, but caught glimpses of a few.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
Canopy towers are a great place to get eye-level views of Golden-collared Toucanets. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – The south bank replacement for Coraya Wren, we heard one at Mancocapac. [*]
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
COLLARED GNATWREN (Microbates collaris) – A pair was present, but somewhat hard to see, along the trail at ACTS.
IQUITOS GNATCATCHER (Polioptila clementsi) – ALRIGHT! A fantastic sighting, since the species is probably one of the rarist passerines in South America. There are probably fewer than 100 left (maybe *much* fewer!). It was a fleeting look, but it was a look after all! [E]
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – After hearing several give their impressive song of mimicry, Pepe managed to find one we could see.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – One of these was at Quistococha. Just imagine the change in vegetation this bird has undergone in the past year! [b]
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – Rather like a tropical waterthrush in behavior.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – A 'cardinal' that is actually a tanager (a fitting balance to our North American 'tanagers' that are actually cardinals!).
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – Seen on Mancocapac.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) – Another river-island specialist we enjoyed at Isla Yarina.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – A major player in mixed species flocks, we saw it in the gnatcatcher flock at A-M.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – A striking tanager usually seen along waterways and swamps.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra) – Seen on a few occasions, first in the flock that passed by our balcony at Explornapo.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – Though not actually turquoise, it is an attractive tanager we saw on several occasions.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Well named, and a common species in Amazonia.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) – In a mixed flock with the previous and following species from the tower. This one had a chestnut vent and all-dark head.
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – In a mixed flock with the previous two species that we saw from the tower. This one has the opalescent horseshoe on the head and rump, but black vent.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – A peculiar tanager we saw on several occasions. Beside being a sallier, they nest in burrows.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes nitidus) [*]
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Seen on a few occasions. Males are a deep purple-blue with flourescent yellow feet. Memorable!
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae) – An island specialist that we enjoyed on Isla Yarina, when a pair duetted for us from the crown of a Cecropia.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Seen in several edge and island habitats, particularly on river islands.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis) – Not to be confused with the previous, this one has a black hood and back. Our first was at A-M.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – A widespread Neotropical species (but one likely to be divided up into several some day). We saw it on Mancocapac.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – An attractive relative of Grasshopper Sparrow we enjoyed at Quistacocha, among other places.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – One of the 'cardinal tanagers', but we only heard it, alas. [*]
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) – Jeff and I enjoyed this grosbeak the day we arrived at ACTS.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – A large oriole-like blackbird (hence the name!) of river islands.
VELVET-FRONTED GRACKLE (Lampropsar tanagrinus) – One of these river-edge blackbirds was in the palm at the pond at Explornapo.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – Similar to our Yellow-headed Blackbird, but smaller and a specialist of young island vegetation.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – The same species that makes it to the SE USA, but a different subspecies.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Like gigantic Bronzed Cowbirds, these parasitize the nests of oropendulas and caciques.
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – One of these attractive orioles was in the palms at the pond at Explornapo.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – A sharp-looking large oriole we enjoyed on Mancocapac, among other places.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – Another blackbird we saw on Mancocapac.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – A widespread and attractive bird of Amazonia. This and the next species were among the only 'every-day' birds of the trip!
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Far and away the most common oropendula of western Amazonia.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – The euphonia we probably encountered the most. It characteristically switches its tail from side to side.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
MAMMALS
WHITE-LINED SAC-WINGED BAT SP. (Saccopteryx perpicillifer) – Seen as they fled from their roost where they cling, upside down, to trunks or roots in water. We saw it at the lake on the far back of the Napo.
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – This was the large fishing bat we saw over the Nanay.
BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis) – The same one that also occurs in the Texas Hill country.
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis) – This and the next species overlap in this area, but can be distinguished by sight, as this one lacks obvious rufous flanks.
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
YELLOW-HANDED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus torquatus) – Heard in the white sand forests. Unfortunately, I was wrong about the scientific name being 'midas' (that's a tamarin from Brazil that has that name). Still, it made for a good story, didn't it? [*]
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) – Heard away from the white sand forests. [*]
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
BICOLOR-SPINED PORCUPINE (Coendou bicolor) – Pepe, Ben, and I enjoyed this rarely seen nocturnal mammal the second night we searched for Nocturnal Currasow. Good eyes, Pepe!
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis) – A few folks managed to see one of these pink dolphins as it surfaced at the Explornapo dock at Iquitos.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Additional creatures of note:
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana): one on a branch near Quistococha.
Ameiva lizard (Ameiva ameiva): those large galumphing lizards that were often in the trails.
Poison-dart Frog (Dendrobates sp.): Roland's sharp eyes spied a real stonker of a dart frog at A-M.
Glass Frog (Centrolene sp.): again, Roland found a beauty for us at Isla Yarina.
Totals for the tour: 368 bird taxa and 11 mammal taxa