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A White-necked Puffbird is dwarfed by everything in the surrounding rainforest canopy. (Photo by participant Lynn Glesne)
Our Iquitos 2014 tour was characterized by a lot of precipitation, which is very unusual this time of the year. This did have an impact on us, sometimes limiting our birding to only a few hours and causing us to get out to bird on those days whenever we had the chance, no matter the schedule. Whatever the reason for the weather, we nevertheless managed well and had fun. Plus, what would the rainforest be without rain?
Our very first introduction to birding in the Amazon was at the Malecon by the Itaia river, where we birded mostly in habitat including marsh and secondary vegetation. Here, after a shower that forced us to find shelter under a very fragile covering, we had very good views of most of the species one would expect in this environment: Neotropic Cormorants, several species of egrets and herons; first looks of Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures; an Osprey in search of some fish; so many Snail Kites that it was indeed "Snail Kite Central"; colorful Purple Gallinules and Wattled Jacanas walking gracefully on the floating vegetation; and Large-billed Terns flying elegantly back and forth, among many other species. Perhaps one of the noteworthy sightings here was the presence of at least two groups of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, a species that despite being common elsewhere is considered rare and very local in the Peruvian Amazon.
The following days we visited the Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve (AMR), a one-of-a-kind habitat in Peru formed by old sand formations and poor soils, and which harbors a unique type of vegetation and a particular set of birds, including some endemics. We explored the trails of the AMR for two days. Among the highlights were a pair of Blackish Nightjars nesting, Ancient Antwren, Allpahuayo and Zimmer's antbirds, and Fuscous Flycatcher. We had an afternoon visit to the Nanay river where we saw a pair of Black-crested Antshrikes and a group of Band-tailed Nighthawks after a rain.
After a few days in Iquitos, we moved to full immersion in the rainforest. We spent the rest of the trip exploring different habitats: oxbow lakes, terra firme forest, varzea, river islands, and habitats in between. The result was a list of many different species: we had all possible jacamars and toucans (and allies) one can expect to see in this area, and a great variety of other species like Castelnau's Antshrike, Black Bushbird, Yellow-browed Antbird, Ash-breasted Antbird, Black-headed Antbird, Black-tailed Antbird, and Black-headed Antbird -- all of the Thamnophilidae family of birds.
Manakins always put on great shows with their wonderful (and colorful!) displays, and this trip was no exception: Blue-backed, White-crowned, Golden-headed, and Wire-tailed, among others. Other highlights were from the river island where we had Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Black-and-white Antbird, Zimmer's Woodcreeper, Lesser Hornero, and Parker's, Dark-breasted and White-bellied spinetails, not to mention the Pearly-breasted Conebills. A special mention also goes to the wonderful looks we had of the Chestnut-belted Gnateater, Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant, and a lovely pair of Red-and-white Spinetails.
Last but not least, regarding mammals, I want to mention how lucky we were this tour to encounter six species of monkeys -- including the Pygmy Marmosets and the rare Monk Saki, which surprised Lucio. That is saying a lot!
This was a great tour, and I am very grateful I had the opportunity to share it with all of you -- thank you very much! I also want to thank Lucio Pando, our great local guide, for sharing with us his local knowledge and expertise. Looking ahead in 2015, I wish you all the best for your birding adventures, as well as your personal projects, and I hope we will cross paths somewhere else in the world.
Enjoy birding! Peace, light and joy.
--Pepe
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) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
BARTLETT'S TINAMOU (Crypturellus bartletti) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Believe it or not, this species is not that common in Peru but we had great looks from the Malecon. There were two groups with chicks fighting for territory I guess.
Early and late in the day are the most beautiful, peaceful times to be out on the expansive river. (Photo by participant Lynn Glesne)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
NOCTURNAL CURASSOW (Nothocrax urumutum) – This location is one of the few accessible places to find this species. The night we went out, we heard it and tried to lure it until we got rained out... Bummer! [*]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – We saw one individual during our hike alongside the Yanamono creek
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – One of the species we saw during our first outing from the malecon.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Another bird we saw (and heard later) at Yanamono.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – This species is the one we expected to see around the river islands and marshes.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – ...And this one can be find soaring above the forest.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We saw this boreal migrant several times during the tour. The first sight was from the malecon on our first outing in Iquitos. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – We had the unique opportunity to see an adult and a juvenile from the canopy walkway. The resemblance of the young bird with the plumage of a Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle was uncanny!
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – One of the most beautiful and graceful raptors that we saw very well from the river on our afternoon outing.
Ivory-billed Aracari (Photo by guide Pepe Rojas)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – This is another of those species we saw from the malecon. There was a good number of individuals at the marsh.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – Another graceful and beautiful raptor we saw along the Amazon river. It resembles the Mississippi Kite.
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus) – A favorite of Lynn.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Should we call it Riverside Hawk?
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – We enjoyed great looks of an individual foraging at the creek near the cabins around ExplorNapo.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – We came across this species first at the malecon around Iquitos. Later, we scored another one during our visit to the Yanamono lake....Quite a colorful bird!
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – Another inhabitant of marshes seen in the appropriate habitat.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – This small and graceful tern was seen while we were on the river.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – And this large and graceful tern too! [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – During our excursion to the Nanay river, we saw this species several times.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Perhaps the most common pigeon during our trip. We saw it and heard it several times.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – We saw this one only once.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Very common around Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve. [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Mostly heard, although we saw an individual around the creek by the bar in Explorama lodge.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Now, let me tell you something: I've never had such a hard time to see this bird before in my life. I wonder what happened here.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – Nicely seen during one of our island visits.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (TAWNY-BELLIED) (Megascops watsonii watsonii) – What a responsive bird we got! Around ACTS there was one calling and we were able to bring it to sight.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – We saw one at the Yanamono oxbow lake, which came in response to my tape.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – This species is highly localized in Peru and we scored a number of individuals at the Nanay river after a rain shower.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – We came across a pair nesting at AMR. Quite a nice surprise when we found the egg! A favorite bird of Sally. [N]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – Every time we were around Mauritia palms we saw this species. It is known they build their nests on old palm leafs and use other birds' feathers to line them.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Wattled Jacana (Photo by guide Pepe Rojas)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – During our quest for the Zimmer's Woodcreeper, we bumped into this bird.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – While waiting for the Black-tailed Antbird, we had a curious individual that came to check us out.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – We saw this species well at the AMR
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) [*]
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – One of our target species which is an island specialists that we saw very well. Actually there was one feeding on the watermelon flowers, quite low!
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Sally got us on our first around the Malecon in Iquitos.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Seen well at AMR.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Our last day and before boarding our boat, we came across an individual from the dock.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – From the canopy walkway we had great views of an individual totally indifferent to our being there. This one was a favorite of Sarah.
BROWN-BANDED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus ordii) – Despite our effort, this bird did not want to come into sight...darn it! [*]
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) – We had one individual at the Shimigai creek.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – The most common of the nunbirds was seen almost everyday.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – This other one was seen at the AMR.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) – Dan spotted this one first at the AMR on our first visit.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) – What a nice (and close!) encounter we had with a pair nesting by the Yanamono creek. [N]
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) – We had excellent views of a responsive pair around ACTS.
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) – During our rainy outing in Explorama, we also saw this species at the trail by the Yanamono creek.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – When we came back from ACTS, we were greeted by the vocalization from this bird. It took a little bit of patience and the right angle to see it!
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea) – We had nice views of an individual at AMR trail system.
On the canopy walkway (Photo by guide Pepe Rojas)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) – We saw this bird first around the AMR. Later we had it again the day we visited the islands.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Without a doubt, the best looks we had from this bird were from the canopy walkway.
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) [*]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – We had great scope views of this species at AMR.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – By far, this was the most common of the ramphastidae family during our trip. The best looks were of course from the canopy walkway.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara) – There was a scheeflera-like tree with fruits where we saw this bird first.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – When I played the tape for this bird I was expecting some kind of answer. Typically a bird will call back and eventually will reveal itself. In this case, the bird came straight to our tree right away. A favorite bird of Dan.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – The "yelper" was seen well from the canopy walkway in ACTS.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – And the "croaker" also was seen from the same spot!
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
PLAIN-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus castelnau) – We had brief views of a pair during our island day.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – We enjoyed nice views of a group of these woodpeckers at AMR on the same tree we saw the Lettered Aracaris.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – Seen twice at the AMR.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) [*]
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – Don Miguel got us on an individual in a hole during our first outing by the Malecon in Iquitos. [N]
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) – We had excellent (and very close!) views of at least three individuals at the AMR.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – We had a nice and responsive individual which allowed great views.
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – Our first encounter with this bird was rather disappointing. The second time it was much better!
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – We saw this bird twice but our best looks were at the AMR.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – We heard this species first at the AMR but later, on our way to ACTS, had nice views of a pair pretty close to us.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) [*]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Quite a loud bird - huh!
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Quite common around the right habitat.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – We saw a pair of these lovely raptors from the canopy walkway.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Until this year, I had not seen this species in the lowlands before. My first look was during my first visit to the Tambopata area, this tour was my second. Always a nice bird. [b]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus) – Despite being a common bird, there is not much information published about this species.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – We saw them mostly flying by.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – On our first outing to the AMR, we had three individuals flying by. Later on the trip we would see more.
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus) – Seen the afternoon we were at the Yanamono oxbow lake...remember the size of the tails?
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva) – This species is the one that had an obvious red rump....not red rum!
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – This large parrot was also seen flying by the Yanamono oxbow lake.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – We had one at Explorama but it did not count for the list. Our first "true" encounter was from the canopy walkway.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – This little psittacide was seen first at the Malecon and later during our islands day.
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus)
Spangled Cotinga (Photo by guide Pepe Rojas)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – The best looks we had were at the clearing on the AMR.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – We heard some during our hike around the varzea forest. [*]
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – We had one as part of the mixed flock we found during our first hike around ACTS.
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis) – We had amazingly close views of a female on our first try. At the second spot, we had a pair that wasn't very cooperative but in the end, we prevailed!
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – It was hard to get a male to show up, but the female did and very well.
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) – It was seen very well at the AMR where it's quite common.
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) – One of the island specialists we saw very well...twice! My favorite was the second time, when a male and female showed up pretty darn good!
BLACK BUSHBIRD (Neoctantes niger) – On our way back from the outing to look for the Black-necked Red-Cotinga, we had a responsive male spontaneously calling. Unfortunately, the light conditions were really bad so we could not see it properly.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus) – One of the leader species of the mix flocks we encountered during the trip, which we saw well.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) – And of course this one too...both occur together as part of the nuclear species of the mixed flocks.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli) – Seeing this bird for everybody took much effort, but we did it! Another great example that patience and perseverance pays off.
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) – Despite my efforts to bring this bird on sight, it never materialized. [*]
STIPPLE-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla haematonota) – We bumped into a pair at the AMR.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) [*]
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata) – We saw a responsive individual at the Sucusari creek.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Another of the mixed flock nuclear species that was seen really well during the tour. Remember the wing flicking?
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) – Ditto (minus the wing flicking!).
ANCIENT ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus gentryi) – This bird was seen well at the AMR, the place where it was first discovered!
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) [*]
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) – We had a great encounter with this lovely antbird at the AMR and we heard it later during the trip at different locations.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris) – Another of our target birds, an island specialist seen very well at the first island we stopped.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – After hearing it, we had a very responsive male at the trail system around ACTS.
BLACK-TAILED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus melanurus) – We had amazing views of this bird at the spot we chose. Notice that this antbird occurs almost exclusively in Peru, barely reaching Brazil in the state of Amazonas...an "almost" endemic.
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) – What a great show this island specialist put on for us! They not only show very well but they stick around and kept popping up here and there.
BLACK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Percnostola rufifrons) – When we were talking about bird distribution in the Amazon basin, I mentioned the importance of the Amazon river as a natural barrier dividing the avifauna of this part of the continent in two: north and south of the river. Well, this bird is one of those of exclusive north Amazon distributions and guess what? We nailed it!
ALLPAHUAYO ANTBIRD (Percnostola arenarum) – Another specialty that we were able to see at the white sand forests of the AMR. [E]
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza castanea) – This was also another specialty (and special bird!). Named after the famous John T. Zimmer who back in 1932 said that this species (Myrmeciza castanea) should be a subspecies of the widespread Myrmeciza hemimelaena. Many year later, Isler et al were able to show that these were indeed two different species (2002, Auk 119: 362-378)
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) – We saw this species at the same spot where we got the Black-tailed Antbird.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps) [*]
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) – During our first outing before breakfast in Explorama lodge, this is the species we got first. The light conditions were not the best at first, but with a little patience and perseverance we had the chance to see both male and female in great light!
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza fortis) – And this antbird wasn't leaving the cover for us...argh! [*]
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – Our last morning on our way back we came across an ant swarm, but we were really tight on time and couldn't work to get it....darn it. [*]
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) [*]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (Photo by guide Pepe Rojas)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – We heard and saw this species very well.
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – On the other hand, this one, which is usually quite common, was only heard once. To be precise, it was the last morning we went out in ExplorNapo. It didn't respond to the tape. [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis) [*]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – We had one during our outing to the Shimigai creek.
WHITE-CHINNED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla merula) [*]
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest of the woodcreepers was by far the most common woodcreeper of the trip.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) [*]
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) [*]
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) – Excellent views of this woodcreeper during our last outing at ExplorNapo trails.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus orenocensis) – I believe this bird was seen by some folks during our hike from ACTS to ExplorNapo, but it didn't respond to my attempt to lure it back.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) – Another common woodcreeper seen (and heard) often during our tour.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
ZIMMER'S WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex kienerii) – Another bird that the late John T. Zimmer was able to identify as a second species of Dendroplex (the other was the Staright-billed Woodcreeper).
LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) – We had a very close encounter (no binoculars required) with an individual at the canopy walkway.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor) – We saw this island specialist at one of the last landings we did during our "island day"
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) [*]
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus) [*]
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) [*]
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (Automolus subulatus) [*]
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula) – We had wonderful views of this species at the first island we visited.
RED-AND-WHITE SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis mustelinus) – What a beauty! At our first stop on the Amazon river, we had a nicely responsive pair.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – This bird tested our patience, but we succeeded in the end!
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua) – Another bird that allowed great views of itself at the same island.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – The best looks of this bird were at the Malecon in Iquitos.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – And this one was best seen by the Nauta highway after an outing in the AMR.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – We had the best looks from the platform on the canopy walkway in ACTS during our last morning there.
Monk Saki Monkey (Photo by guide Pepe Rojas)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – Everywhere!
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes) – We had eye level looks of this bird from the dock in ExplorNapo as we played Pygmy-Owl.
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis) – We had a great response from a pair at the same spot where we had the Red-and-White Spinetails.
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus) [*]
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum) – This cutie was seeing several times at different spots.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Sara and Leslie where the first to see this bird. Later we all caught up with it and had amazing looks from the canopy walkway.
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) – It just didn't want to show up! We had some sights here and there flying by, but no proper looks. However, the rattle sound from its wings was a treat. [*]
ORANGE-EYED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias traylori) – Not the best looks due the conditions (rain!) but a lifer for me anyway.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – It was great to have this bird at eye level and compare it with the following species at the canopy walkway.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – Great studies and comparison with the previous species.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – We saw this understory flycatcher during our last hike at ExplorNapo. Remember those big eyes?
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – We saw one individual perched by the water during our walk along the Yanamono creek. [b]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (CAMPINA) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus duidae) – This flycatcher occurs in Peru in white sand forests and we had it at the AMR.
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior) – This one, on the other hand, likes islands. We saw it during our "island day" around the Napo river.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) – During our nice boat ride at Yarinacocha, we heard this species calling and after we tried the tape, bam! it came allowing great views.
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) [*]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus) – We could not convince this bird to show up...it didn't even respond! [*]
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BLACK-NECKED RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus nigricollis) – It did not matter how much effort we put into this bird, it just did not want to come on sight....darn it! [*]
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Nice views of males displaying and showing their purple gorgets.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – We didn't get the best looks of this bird...sorry Lynn.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – While birding at the Yanamono oxbow lake, we had a male display one time. Pretty cool!
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – During our first morning at the platform on the canopy walkway we had dynamite views of a male gorging on those Schefflera-like berries.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – When one thinks about manakins, the first thought that come to mind is that they are colorful and active birds. Well, that is not always the case, as we learned with this species.
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola) – We had some elusive individuals at the varzea trail. Not the best looks.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – We came across this species twice. First during our rainy outing in the Varzea trail, and later during our last morning in ExplorNapo. Notice that on the subspecies we saw, males are black bodies, unlike the subspecies occurring at the south with green bodies.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – On our way to ACTS, we found a lek of these gems. What a wonderful bird.
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – Despite being common in the area, always a delight to see.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – We had great views of male and female at the clearing around AMR.
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major) [*]
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – What beautiful little birds these are. The best looks we had were during the last morning when we went to the canopy walkway and had a group of five in a tree nearby.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) [*]
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – We had close views of this bird on our last morning at the canopy walkway.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Common throughout the tour.
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis) – It was great to see this boreal migrant at its wintering grounds. [b]
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus) [*]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – We had a chance to see it at ACTS trail system. An individual kept circling us now and then. What a songster!
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) – At Yarinacocha creek we had some quick views of a responsive family.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) [*]
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – We saw this thrush at the first island we birded on our "island day"
VARZEA THRUSH (Turdus sanchezorum) [*]
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – We saw this amazing mimic at the varzea trail.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – This one we saw before we got rained out on our hike from ExplorNapo to ACTS.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – I believe Dennis was the only one who had this bird. [b]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – Always near water.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) – I believe this was the first tanager species we saw during the tour and it was quite common around the Malecon in Iquitos.
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus) – One of the days we visited the canopy walkway, we had this species perched atop one of the trees near the platform. The subspecies brevipes, which we saw here, is more of a northern distribution in Peru. Unlike its southern congener, the coloration of its rump and crest is buffy instead of tawny.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – Another beautiful and common tanager we saw well on our tour.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – It did not matter how many times we saw them during the trip, every time was a treat....eye candy!
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – From the canopy walkway we had the best looks of this bird.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Another gem. We even found a female sitting on a nest at the varzea trail! [N]
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Seen twice from the canopy walkway.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – The afternoon we went to the Sucusari creek, while waiting, I started whistling the pygmy-owl vocalization. Among other birds, this one was one of the first to show up.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – ...and this one too!
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – This one also was came in response to the pygmy-owl call.
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae) – We nailed this island specialist at the first place we stopped. A bird restricted to islands in the Amazon that forages in the canopy of cecropia trees, which is were we saw it.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CAQUETA SEEDEATER (Sporophila murallae) – We also got this bird at the islands we visited.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) [*]
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – YES! When I thought we were going to leave empty handed, we scored this bird just above our heads while on platform 6 of the canopy walkway.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – We had this boreal migrant one morning before breakfast. [b]
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – One of the first birds we saw on our trip . Seen from the malecon.
VELVET-FRONTED GRACKLE (Lampropsar tanagrinus) [*]
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – This is also a species that likes marshes and river edges. Believe it or not, there is a feral population well established in some coastal marshes in Lima.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) [*]
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – At the AMR we had the best views of this species.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – We had some quick views of this icterid at the Manco Capac island.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – This might be the most common bird of the trip!
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – In this part of the Amazon we saw the subspecies angustifrons, which differs from the alfredi on being browner and having a dark bill.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Another bird we saw at the Malecon in Iquitos.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – This was the most common euphonia of the trip and we saw it at different locations. [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) [*]
MAMMALS
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis)
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – These were those cryptic bats we saw during our outing around Yarinacocha.
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – And these were those large bats flying at dusk above the water.
COMMON TENT-MAKING BAT (Uroderma bilobatum)
PYGMY MARMOSET (Cebuella pygmaea) – We had a pair around ExplorNapo.
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis)
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
YELLOW-HANDED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus torquatus)
MONK SAKI MONKEY (Pithecia monachus) – This was a BIG surprise, even for Lucio!
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other creatures of the trip:
Red-backed Poison Dart Frog (Ranitomeya reticulata)
Glass Frog (Centrolenella sp.)
White-lined Leaf frog (Phyllomedusa vaillantii)
Gecko sp.
Canopy Lizard
Pink-Toed Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)
Amblypygi sp.
Totals for the tour: 293 bird taxa and 11 mammal taxa