The combination of rich clay soils from the Andes, complex riverine habitats and the mosaic of white sand forests makes the Iquitos area one of the richest sectors of Amazonia. This was my second time here, and it was great to be back in the forest with Bret and our local guide, Luis, birding the antbird capital of the world! Despite a couple rainy mornings due to a southern cold front known as a friaje, we did quite well, finding numerous Amazonian gems like Black Bushbird, Pale-billed Hornero, Lanceolated Monklet, Striolated Manakin and the mythical Nocturnal Curassow.
Our first day of birding the white sand forests of the Allpahuayo Mishana Reserve we saw the scarce and local Brown Nunlet, a trio of Brown-banded Puffbirds up in the canopy, Yellow-billed Nunbirds, Black-throated Hermit and Ancient Antwren, the first of four white-sand endemic birds that Bret and Pepe Alvarez described new to science in the early 2000’s. A female Mouse-colored Antshrike on a nest was a neat surprise too. While we were having lunch in the main clearing, a flowering tree attracted numerous icterids, including Moriche Orioles, Orange-backed Troupials, Band-tailed Caciques and Russet-backed Oropendolas. Talk about sensory overload! Our second morning in the reserve we arrived predawn to look for night birds and ended up finding a couple night mammals thanks to Bret’s heat scope: Prehensile-tailed Porcupine and a Mouse Opossum in the genus Marmosa. We later found Pearly Antshrikes and Red-necked, Cream-colored and Red-stained Woodpeckers once it got light enough to see. That afternoon we took a relaxing boat trip up the Rio Nanay and found Black-crested Antshrikes, a migrant Swainson’s Flycatcher and a Chironius exoletus snake that had just caught a frog. We watched it as it devoured its catch.
To reach Explorama Lodge, one of the very first lodges built in the Amazon, we took a boat downstream on the Rio Amazonas stopping first at Padre Island where we saw a heap of spinetails in rapid succession: Parker’s, White-bellied, Dark-breasted and Red-and-white were all in the same patch of forest along with Plain-breasted Piculet, Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Brownish Elaenia, and Lesser Wagtail-tyrant. Further downstream on the Amazon, we stopped at Ceiba Tops to see Western Pygmy Marmoset, the smallest New World primate, and then at Mancocapa we saw Orange-fronted Plushcrown, a distinctive little ovenbird with bright orange legs that builds a stick nest way up in the canopy.
Our morning at Isla Yanamono across from Explorama Lodge produced amazing views of the secretive and local Pale-billed Hornero, Zimmer’s and Cinnamon-throated Woodcreepers, a fledgling Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Horned Screamers and Yellow-crowned Elaenia. We walked some of the trails behind Explorama Lodge and found a male Black Bushbird, White-shouldered Antbird, Plum-throated Cotinga, Rufous-capped Antthrush and a pair of White-chinned Jacamars catching flies. From Explorama we took the boat down the Amazon then up the Napo to Explornapo, one of Ted Parker’s famous field sites. From there, we walked back to ACTS, (Amazon Conservatory for Tropical Studies) where we had a couple great mornings on the canopy walkway. On those two beautiful, sunny mornings, we were eye-to-eye with Lanceolated Monklet, Fiery Topaz, Amazonian Elaenia, Dugand’s Antwren, Duida Woodcreeper, Black-bellied Cuckoo, White-browed Purpletuft, Ash-winged Antwren, Chestnut-winged Hookbill, and Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner that would have been hopelessly difficult to see from the ground. All three of the big macaws flew past our walkway, and a couple Blue-crowned Trogons made a close appearance as did a flock with Purple Honeycreepers, Paradise Tanagers and Gilded Barbets. Along the terra firme trails below, we saw a handsome Chestnut-belted Gnateater, Short-billed Leaftosser, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Collared Puffbird, White-cheeked Antbird, a pair of Black-and-white Tody-Flycatchers and both Yellow-billed and Purplish Jacamars. One clear, but moonless evening after dinner we went out to get ourselves a Nocturnal Curassow known to the locals as Montete. We were joined by Robert, the bartender at ACTS who has knack for finding this difficult bird. On our way out we were stopped by a Bushmaster coiled up in the middle of the trail, so, out of respect, we took a different trail. From up on the canopy walkway, we managed to get a couple curassows singing, so we headed in their direction. They weren’t close. We followed Robert, through the woods until we were right below one of the birds. The entire forest seemed to reverberate when it sang. After a half hour of looking around we finally found it, way the heck up in the canopy.
While we were at Explornapo Lodge we had a couple rainy mornings, which prevented us from going out, but we did manage a visit to Quebrada Shimigay where we saw Orange-eyed Flycatchers constructing a nest, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Western Olivaceous Flatbill, and Plumbeous, Spot-backed and Dot-backed Antbirds. In the varzea along the Napo we saw Castelnau’s Antshrike, Black-banded Crake, a juvenile Hook-billed Kite, Varzea Thrush and a Purple-throated Cotinga right from the dock at Explornapo. Returning to Iquitos, we birded on Isla San Alejandro where we saw a close male Ash-breasted Antbird and a migrant White-throated Kingbird in the Cecropia forest. Before our flight back to Lima we squeezed in one more morning of birding at the Allpahuayo Mishana Reserve. It turned out to be supremely productive—we added Point-tailed Palmcreeper, much closer views of Striolated Manakin, Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Citron-bellied Attila, Chestnut Woodpecker and Amethyst Woodstar. The fact that you can see that many new birds after 12 days of birding goes to show how rich the forest is!
Thanks everyone for joining us. Bret and I had a great time birding with all of you and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Hasta pronto,
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
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
One was actually seen fairly well by a few of us toward the front of the line, as it suddenly flushed off the side of the trail.
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta)
Nice scope views in Yanamono Island
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
One pair in flight was seen well
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
At least three came into the trees right behind the restrooms at Explornapo Lodge one evening.
NOCTURNAL CURASSOW (Nothocrax urumutum)
One evening at the ACTS Lodge, we embarked on a mission to get a look at a Nocturnal Curassow. True to form, it was quite a challenge (especially on a moonless night) -- but we were able to get at least two birds calling consistently. Following quite a bit of walking on increasingly narrow sections of trail that led us into a steep-sided ravine, we managed to get under a calling male, and eventually to get a peek at it, high in a rainforest tree, through the dense subcanopy leaves. Using Deb's camera, Micah was able to get a pretty nice shot of just the head of the curassow -- hard-earned success in getting to see this almost-mythical bird!
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster)
Seen well on both of our mornings on the ACTS canopy walkway.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
Several of these small nighthawks came out to hawk tiny insects at dusk over low vegetation along the Rio Nanay.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
A beautiful adult male was still on its nighttime hunting perch along quebrada Sucusari as we came by in the boat early one morning.
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
Thanks to Luis for a great spot on this one! Despite much effort, we didn't even hear any potoos this trip.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
A couple were seen well from the canopy walkway.
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani)
One good sighting of about 5 birds from the canopy walkway.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
FORK-TAILED PALM SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Fairly common; nests only in Mauritia flexuosa palms, and constructs the nest from the feathers of other species of birds they attack in flight to forcefully yank out mouthfuls of back feathers. A few of us who happened to be looking in the right direction as we got in the boat at Explornapo one day got to see a palm-swift attacking a Great Kiskadee that was flying overhead.
FIERY TOPAZ (Topaza pyra)
Our second morning on the canopy walkway produced really nice views of two adult males that were vocalizing loudly.
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
A couple of adult males were seen around flowering trees.
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
Nice views of one nectaring at Heliconia flowers at Explorama Lodge.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus)
One of these large hermits seemed curious about us, and perched quite close to keep an eye on us, providing fabulous views.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
Not seen quite so well, but we did see one pretty well at the AMR (Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve).
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis)
The AMR came through bigtime with this rarely seen hermit, which is more frequently found up in the Andean foothills.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
One came in to perch nearby as we played a recording of mobbing vocalizations.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
One of the last birds we saw on the tour was a male Amethyst Woodstar that hovered briefly then shot past us to disappear -- an unexpected surprise!
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
The most frequently seen hummer, by far.
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Talaphorus chlorocercus)
Wonderful studies of a couple of singing birds on Padre Isla.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Chionomesa fimbriata)
BLACK-BANDED CRAKE (Anurolimnas fasciatus)
Our well-laid plan paid off with a few brief views of one of these seldom-seen crakes.
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
These big lapwings are becoming increasingly common in the tour area, and we even confirmed that a pair on the lower Rio Napo had a couple of chicks.
COLLARED PLOVER (Anarhynchus collaris)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos)
This was the only migrant shorebird we encountered this trip.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
The three species of terns (skimmer included) were seen quite a bit around the larger, recently exposed mud/sand islands where they nest.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Several nice sightings, especially near the boat dock at Explornapo.
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
François spotted a distant soaring bird from the canopy walkway.
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
Just a couple of sightings
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) [*]
We flushed several roosting Black-crowned Night-Herons our morning at Ceiba Tops, and heard at least one Boat-billed Heron among them.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
Only a couple of views of these handsome herons.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bulbulcus ibis)
(The genus name is spelled Bubulcus)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Dottie made a good spot on an adult bird, from the canopy walkway.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
We got to see these river-edge vultures in flight and perched, showing their very long wings.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Excellent views of these big, terra firme vultures as well.
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
Good views of an immature bird
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
We saw these kites well a couple of times, including a fairly close perched pair, and one performing its aerial courtship flight.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
Deb got a nice photo of one at the AMR.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
A low-soaring adult provided some wonderful views.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
Tim spotted our first one, on the lower Nanay.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Just a few, mostly around Iquitos
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
We saw some soaring high; a couple perched in the forest midstory as they accompanied groups of monkeys (to capture incidentally flushed prey items), and even one on its night-roost in the understory we picked up with the thermal scope!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
Small numbers on most days
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
Only a couple, but one at AMR was doing an aerial flight display.
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus)
Seen a couple of times around the Sucusari
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) [*]
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
One flew just as we got the light on it
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (TAWNY-BELLIED) (Megascops watsonii watsonii)
We had a bird calling consistently, but it stayed much higher than usual, and our only view was from the back.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Nice views of a singing bird at quebrada Shimigay
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Strix huhula) [*]
We tried hard to coax a calling bird into view, but alas, it was not to be.
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
Several exciting views of these big, red-bellied trogons, especially from the canopy walkway.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
Our first view of this small, yellow-bellied trogon, at the AMR, was the best.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
Fabulous, close views of two adult males that came into our tree on the canopy walkway.
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
Seen best at night, on their roosts (found with the thermal scope).
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) [*]
Bret had it in view at one point, but it moved out before we could get the scope on it.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
Micah spotted this relatively scarce kingfisher from the boardwalk at Explornapo, to highlight a rainy early morning.
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
BROWN-BANDED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus ordii)
Would you believe three together, in the same scope view? It took us a while to arrange that, but perseverance paid off.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus)
A fine scope view of one on our last morning, at the AMR.
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) [*]
Darn, we heard them close a couple of times, but couldn't get them to budge.
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis)
We managed to get a bird calling, but it was growing too dark to see well, so we returned in the morning and, after Micah made a good spot on it, we had a fine scope study of this forest-interior puffbird.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata)
Luck was with us on our first morning on the canopy walkway: we were homing in on a monklet that was just starting to sing quietly, when François suddenly made a great spot on it, which led to scope studies and high-fives all around!
BROWN NUNLET (Nonnula brunnea)
Excellent views at the AMR, especially on our last morning -- fantastic!
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris)
A vociferous pair at the AMR on our first morning was much appreciated, but the view we had from the canopy walkway of a single bird that stopped by to check us out was one for the record books!
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Muchos
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis)
Seen very well on several days, usually in pairs.
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris)
Three excellent encounters this trip.
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea)
A pair at Explorama Lodge was capturing small wasps in flight.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax)
Luis spotted a Purplish Jacamar high in a tree on our final morning at Explornapo, giving Micah his only lifer of the tour.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
Unforgettable views of at least two from the canopy walkway, just a few feet away.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
This big jacamar proved to be trickier than usual to get a look at, but we finally got it (on a couple of days).
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens)
Often heard in seasonally flooded forest, and seen well a few times.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)
Wow, that very first view -- almost the first bird of the tour -- was wonderful.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
Just a couple seen, but they stuck around for good scope views, at Explornapo.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
On açai fruits together with that first Gilded Barbet, less than an hour after we landed in Iquitos.
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
Seen very nicely several times, especially from the canopy walkway.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara)
I think everyone caught up with at least one view of these relatively scarce aracaris.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii)
We heard them a few times, and managed decent views of male and female around the "manakin tree".
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
These impressive birds were seen nicely a few times.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) [*]
It's hard to believe, but we barely even heard this toucan anywhere on the tour -- inexplicably scarce this trip!
PLAIN-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus castelnau)
Fabulous views of a pair on Padre Isla.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
Multiple encounters, always a great bird to see.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Dryobates affinis)
Seen well a few times.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
Good views of these huge woodpeckers, especially the two pairs that seemed to be having a territorial dispute on our last morning at the AMR.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Seen really well on our first morning of birding at the AMR.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
WAVED WOODPECKER (Celeus undatus)
This is the bird that, until quite recently, was called Scale-breasted Woodpecker. What it settles out as is still up in the air (but it probably won't remain "Waved").
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
Good views, especially of the pair Micah spotted for us as they spent several minutes gobbling up ants on the ground!
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
Got one in the nick of time at the AMR.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
Seen well a few times, with mixed-species flocks.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
This "tropical flicker" is characteristic of second-growth and river edge/islands.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
A couple of sightings of this serpent specialist.
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) [*]
One heard in the far distance one morning was the only evidence we had of forest-falcons.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) [*]
I guess I should have broken my rule about "no playback to Red-throated Caracaras", as we heard them a few times but they never presented themselves to us.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Just one sighting, from the walkway, of a bird hawking insects over the canopy.
SAPPHIRE-RUMPED PARROTLET (Touit purpuratus) [*]
TUI PARAKEET (Brotogeris sanctithomae)
Good views of this one and White-winged Parakeet on Padre Isla, especially.
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
Mosty flying over, but we got the scopes on some perched birds at the AMR.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
Seen from the canopy walkway; not many around.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
Wow, there were remarkably few Blue-headed Parrots this trip -- probably fewer than 10 individuals the whole tour!
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus)
A few on and flying around Isla Yarina
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva)
Also relatively much less numerous than at this same time (same week) in 2023.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
A few seen well from the canopy walkway.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) [*]
Scarce, heard just once this time around.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura)
Seen perched just a couple of times
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
Several good scope studies, mostly at the AMR
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
Fly-overs seen well a few times
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
Several exciting views from the canopy walkway
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
A few pairs came by over the canopy, seen from the walkway
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
It was great to see a pair of these big macaws perched in the distance, spotted by François; rare in the area due in large part to intensive trapping decades ago. It will be interesting to see if they can stage a comeback.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila)
Most of us got fairly good, some even "great" looks at a singing male with a big mixed-species flock on our second morning on the canopy walkway.
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
We never got close to one, and heard just a few.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (BLACK-CRESTED) (Sakesphorus canadensis loretoyacuensis)
Wonderful views of both sexes in the scrubby forest bordering the blackwater Rio Nanay. This subspecies has a highly restricted range.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus)
We found a female putting the finishing touches on her nest at the AMR.
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus)
Fabulous looks at a singing male at Cocha La Loca, near Explornapo.
PEARLY ANTSHRIKE (Megastictus margaritatus)
We had good luck with this generally scarce antshrike at the AMR, coming away with good views of both sexes -- a fancy antbird indeed!
BLACK BUSHBIRD (Neoctantes niger)
Would you believe, scope viewing of a singing male, for something like 3 minutes?!
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
Remarkably fine views of a pair of birds that seemed to be scolding us; perhaps they had a fledgling nearby.
RUFOUS-BACKED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla haematonota)
It was challenging to get a decent look at this one, but I think most folks eventually got on one of the 3-4 birds we worked with.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
Outstanding looks at a singing male at Explornapo.
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura)
That bird at ACTS, which shot in to playback of a single song, then sat still for more than 2 minutes(!) as we watched with the scopes, was a "once-ever" happening!
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
Micah pulled out a pair of these river-edge antwrens on one of the drizzly mornings at Explornapo.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
Seen well a few times, especially that adult male we found on its night-roost, with the thermal scope!
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LEADEN ANTWREN (Myrmotherula assimilis)
With a bit of perseverance and a little luck (it stopped to sit still in a scopeable spot), we enjoyed an excellent view of this whitewater island specialist.
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi)
Spectacular views of this canopy antwren a couple of times, with mixed-species flocks from the canopy walkway.
ANCIENT ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus gentryi)
Eventually seen very well at the AMR.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha)
Also seen nicely at the AMR.
RIPARIAN ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides fuscicauda)
Our best views, near Explornapo, were of a pair that responded quite aggressively to our playback of Black Antbird!
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
One seen well at Explorama turned out to be one of the very few we even heard on the tour.
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris)
What a show we had from that male Ash-breasted Antbird as he sang repeatedly from an open perch at eye level on an island in the lower Rio Napo!
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
Low and close, great looks
BLACK-TAILED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus melanurus)
Darn it all, on our first morning on the Amazon River, we heard a pair of birds singing back to us waaay out in the distance, but could not convince them to move toward us. We resolved to return for another try near the end of the tour, on our way back to Iquitos. Unfortunately, that plan didn't work out, as the river had dropped so much during the week that we simply could not get our boat anywhere close to land.
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
One of our rainy early mornings at Explornapo provided just the ticket for getting truly wonderful views of a family group of these river-edge antbirds.
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus)
Exciting views of at least two pairs of this highly distinctive whitewater river island endemic, on Padre Isla.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes hyperythrus)
Also seen beautifully, singing its arrestingly loud song, at Shimigay.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Akletos melanoceps)
Very close views, and what a loud, far-carrying voice!
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Hafferia fortis)
It's unusual to get to watch this understory antbird for so long -- in the scope!
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons)
Unfortunately, the pair we called in right after we saw the Collared Puffbird refused to show themselves well, and got away heard only by most of us. Seeing this antbird well really requires an army ant swarm, which did not materialize for us this time around.
WHITE-CHEEKED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis)
Nice scope views of a pair near Explornapo.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius)
Wonderful, entertaining views of a pair at Shimigay.
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus)
One stand-offish male at Shimigay stuck around just long enough for everyone to get on it.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
Excellent views, close and low (as always they are)!
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) [*]
Heard but one time (and no ant swarm, which is what is needed)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita)
Very good views of a singing male one afternoon at ACTS. This is subspecies C. a. occidentalis.
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Heard far off several times, never close enough for a reasonable attempt to get one into view.
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus)
Not so, this fine bird! We encountered very few, but we managed to get a pair to show well as they paced around on logs and on the ground just 20 feet away.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma)
One bird cooperated fairly well, and everyone eventually caught up with at least a brief view.
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis)
Another challenging bird of the dark forest understory that everyone managed to see to varying degrees. The bird actually settled down to do a little leaf-tossing after a while.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) [*]
Heard just once the whole trip, I believe.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
Several good views, including a juvenile on Yanamono Island.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
Also rather scarce this trip, with just 1-3 seen/heard most days
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
Seen to best advantage on Yanamono Island
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)
A couple of impressively fine views of this distinctive woodcreeper.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
On one of the rainy mornings at Explornapo, we had one come in to forage on a tree literally 6 feet from us -- really cool to see it so close like that!
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus)
It took some patience, but we finally managed to move a bird into good view at the AMR. This is supposedly subspecies beauperthuysii.
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans)
A couple of birds with understory mixed-species flocks allowed us pretty nice views.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
ZIMMER'S WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex kienerii)
Excellent, diagnostic studies of this woodcreeper a couple of times.
DUIDA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes duidae)
This is the one we saw so well from the canopy walkway, with mixed-species flocks.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri)
Whew, got one on our final morning afield, near the AMR. Fortunately, it posed for 2-3 minutes in a good position for the scopes!
PALE-BILLED HORNERO (Furnarius torridus)
A highly responsive bird on Yanamono Island came in from afar to provide us with fabulous views.
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor)
One of the first birds we saw on Padre Isla!
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) [*]
Heard just one time, and we got no response
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus)
The looks we had from the canopy walkway on our second morning up there were absolutely spectacular -- check out the video!
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Dendroma erythroptera)
Also seen really well, and within minutes of the hookbill, in the same canopy flock.
OCHRE-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus) [*]
This one darted past us a few times but refused to pause where we could get our bin's on it.
ORANGE-FRONTED PLUSHCROWN (Metopothrix aurantiaca)
Wow, what wonderful views of this enigmatic little furnariid!
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula)
This spinetail, and also the next two species, showed in rapid succession for us on Padre Isla -- it was a spinetail workshop!
RED-AND-WHITE SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis mustelinus)
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Mazaria propinqua)
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis)
This one came on our return trip to Iquitos, and was much harder to see well.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
Also part of the Padre Isla workshop.
RUDDY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis rutilans) [*]
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
Dottie spotted one of these drab little manakins for us, way up on thr canopy walkway. We heard not a single song from Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin on the tour, which seems unfathomable.
BLUE-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
The "manakin tree" produced excellent views of this species, and we also found a male on its night-roost!
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
A group of males got fired up one early afternoon, right by the ACTS Lodge. We barely heard one at any other time in the tour.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda)
Seen beautifully at the manakin tree.
STRIOLATED MANAKIN (STRIOLATED) (Machaeropterus striolatus striolatus)
Most folks got to see an adult male in/around the "manakin tree" on our last morning at Explornapo, but the really great views came on our final morning afield at the AMR, when we had a singing male low and close.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Pseudopipra pipra)
An adult male made a cameo appearance at the AMR, and we found a female on her night-roost.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
Several males and females frequented the "manakin tree".
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
Micah called a couple into nearby trees from the canopy walkway.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
Shimigay produced good scope views of a couple of different males.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana)
At least one male and two females seen
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
Just one, I believe
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
Pihas were pretty quiet overall, but we did manage to get a singing bird in the scope (until one of us playing with the Merlin app distracted it!)
PURPLE-THROATED COTINGA (Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema)
Scope views of an adult male from the Explornapo restaurant area would surely figure among the tour highlights!
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
We spotted a single female on our first morning at the AMR.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
A couple of excellent sightings from the canopy walkway.
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major)
That first one, that kept zipping across the Sucusari, was actually seen reasonably well in flight because it is so distinctively colored, but it finally perched in a spot where most of us could see it, which put it "over the top". Then, at Shimigay, most of us got to see a foraging bird very near the ground.
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra)
Nice views of this bird at the AMR.
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae)
Good spotting by François enabled scope views from the canopy walkway, and we had them even closer, in the same area, on our second morning up there.
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)
It was a special treat to see a pair of these becards at their nest, on Padre Isla.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
This becard also had a nest, at the AMR.
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus)
Nicely at the AMR.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Also good at the AMR, but some folks had a male even better from the canopy walkway.
TROPICAL ROYAL FLYCATCHER (Onychorhynchus coronatus) [*]
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
One of these tiny tyrants appeared while we were trying to call in a Cinnamon Manakin-Tyrant -- a strange situation, indeed!
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius barbatus)
Seen well a couple of times.
CINNAMON MANAKIN-TYRANT (Neopipo cinnamomea) [*]
Heard well, song and calls, but would not come into view (AMR).
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
Several accidentally seen, here and there, while we were trying to home in on other species!
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus)
A furtive individual came in and allowed brief views, but soon moved away.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) [*]
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus)
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis)
Everyone did an excellent job of holding still as we worked on getting great views of this special little tyrannid -- way to go!
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
Also seen very nicely
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
Superb views at the AMR, and also at the nest, high in the canopy, from the walkway.
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) [*]
WESTERN OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus aequinoctialis)
One seen nicely in the várzea forest at Shimigay
YELLOW-OLIVE FLATBILL (RIVERINE) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens insignis) [*]
Oddly, we never connected with a view of this bird, although we heard quite a few.
ORANGE-EYED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias traylori)
Fabulous experience with this poorly known tyrannid at Shimigay, as it was finishing up building its nest.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias assimilis)
Great views with the mixed-species flocks from the canopy walkway.
GRAY-CROWNED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
OLIVE-FACED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias viridiceps)
Seen well at AMR and from the canopy walkway
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
A singing bird came in close, from the canopy walkway
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
AMAZONIAN ELAENIA (Myiopagis cinerea)
Fine views on our first morning on the canopy walkway.
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex)
BROWNISH ELAENIA (Elaenia pelzelni)
Seen well on both of our stops on younger whitewater islands
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) [*]
One heard at the AMR
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis)
Excellent views of this attractive whitewater island specialist
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior)
Several good views; a sure species-level split from other taxa in the "Fuscous" complex.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris)
Good views of a singing bird staying high in trees on our final morning of birding at the AMR.
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus)
Yanamono Island was good for this attila.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
A couple of these austral migrant Myiarchus were seen.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Philohydor lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (NORTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus maculatus)
This is the Streaked Flycatcher we saw on the whitewater islands; small with a slighter bill and relatively indistinct streaking.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
At least a couple in the várzea forest along quebrada Yanamono; heftier birds with thicker bills and relatively darker, thicker breast streaks.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
One Deb photographed from the canopy walkway was our only record for the trip; probably an austral migrant individual.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
Several of these austral migrants were spotted in treetops along the canopy walkway.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
Wonderful views very soon after our arrival in Iquitos.
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
Just a few on whitewater river islands, and only one seen well by the group.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) [*]
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha)
Seen well from the canopy walkway, and also at AMR.
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)
Only a few, mostly quiet individuals with canopy mixed-species flocks
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)
After noting the absence of Southern Martins around Iquitos during the opening days of the tour, we were delighted to see a large congregation of probably ~2000 birds on low wires near the southwest edge of Iquitos on 8 August. These birds were probably pushed north by a friaje (austral cold front) that had arrived in southern Peru.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
Small numbers seen in several areas
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
These elegant swallows were a frequent, always welcome sight along the quebrada Sucusari.
COLLARED GNATWREN (Microbates collaris) [*]
Heard well one time, but no luck getting it to show itself.
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus)
Micah set us up for dynamite (even scope!) views of one he called up.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) [*]
This one may have been seen by some folks.
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya)
Nice views of a pair at Explorama.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
Also seen well, a couple of times.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada)
Tricky to get your bin's on, but it did come in to perch on the exact, diagonal branch we had predicted it might choose! That song is simply ethereal.
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
Good views, especially of the one that kept responding to the calls of Varzea Thrush!
VARZEA THRUSH (Turdus sanchezorum)
It took some work, but we finally had scope views of one or two birds near Yarina on the lower Napo.
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii)
Great looks and listens, with thanks to François for his sharp spotting.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
We had an especially nice view of an adult male at the AMR.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
François found us a pair at Explornapo
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Good views, mostly from the canopy walkway.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
Lots and lots of these
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Very few
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) [*]
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
BAND-TAILED CACIQUE (Cacicus latirostris)
Seen extraordinarily well at a flowering tree at the AMR, and later in flocks, mixed with Yellow-rumped Caciques, flying over in late afternoon near Explornapo.
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
Few
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus)
Wonderful views of a pair in the flowering tree at the AMR.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
Ditto that remark -- what a tree it was!
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
A few in grass on the big island off of Ceiba Tops.
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
Just one sighting
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
On the whitewater islands
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Loriotus cristatus)
Seen a few times with canopy mixed-species flocks.
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus)
Just a couple of sightings
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus)
Excellent views of this canopy flock regular
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
Good views of these striking tanagers on a couple of occasions
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
These gaudy tanagers accompanied canopy mixed-species flocks at the AMR and around the canopy walkway.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
A couple of sightings
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
This beauty showed well quite a few times
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
One from the canopy walkway (an austral migrant)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes nitidus)
Seen very well a few times from the canopy walkway
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
Also seen multiple times
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
Also a few of these in the mix
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
Low, close views of a pair on Yanamono Island.
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
Seen well just once this trip
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)
Both of the conebills were seen very nicely on the islands
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLUISH-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
We finally managed to move a singing bird into a good spot for viewing.
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis)
One seen briefly with the thermal scope and spotlight on our final nocturnal outing at Explornapo.
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
Just a couple this trip -- unusually low count.
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
Several of these large, mostly fish-eating bats were out of the Rio Nanay at nightfall.
COMMON TENT-MAKING BAT (Uroderma bilobatum)
We saw the "tent" made by a few of these bats in the forest, and then a single dead bat that we thought might have been hit by the blade of a ceiling fan at the ACTS lodge.
PYGMY MARMOSET (Cebuella pygmaea)
Two or three of these diminutive marmosets were spotted on their customary tree-trunk at the Ceiba Tops lodge.
RED-MANTLE SADDLE-BACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis lagonotus)
These were the marmosets in the Explornapo Lodge area (east of the Rio Napo).
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis)
These marmosets came to bananas put out by the Explorama staff (west of the Rio Napo).
ECUADORIAN SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri cassiquiarensis)
Muchos, especially around Explornapo.
RED-CROWNED TITI MONKEY (Plecturocebus discolor) [*]
WHITE-COLLARED TITI MONKEY (Cheracebus torquatus)
Nice views of these handsome primates near ACTS.
MONK SAKI MONKEY (Pithecia monachus)
One group of 3 or 4 near Explornapo was shy and difficult to see.
SOUTHERN TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus didactylus)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
Dottie made an excellent spot of the one we saw in várzea forest at Explorama Lodge. We also were delighted to meet a couple of young ones (Marisol and Pedro) with Yagua villagers!
NORTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus igniventris)
One of these big squirrels was seen briefly by part of the group.
NEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL (Sciurillus pusillus)
We had a couple of excellent views of this tiny, rather rarely seen canopy squirrel.
YELLOW-CROWNED BRUSH-TAILED RAT (Isothrix bistriata)
Two seen at night with the thermal scopes, and also one during the day, in the same tree cavity where we found it on the 2023 tour!
TUCUXI (Sotalia fluviatilis)
Just a few, fairly near Iquitos. The rivers were especially low, which may have been the reason we did not see any Amazon (Pink) River Dolphins this trip.
KINKAJOU (Potos flavus)
Wonderful views of at least two at the Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve.
TAYRA (Eira barbara)
One of these big, rainforest weasels was spotted for us by our guide, Luis, as it ran up the trail near Explorama Lodge.
Reptiles
Linnaeus' Cipo (Chironius exoletus) The snake that was eating the frog along the Rio Nanay.
Bushmaster (Lachesis muta) Wow! What a beast of a snake. We saw one at a safe distance behind ACTS.
Tropical Thornytail Iguana (Urocentron flaviceps) These cool canopy lizards were scampering along the trunks near the ACTS canopy walkway.
Broad-headed Woodlizard (Enyalioides laticeps) Seen at night along one of the trails at ACTS.
Southern Turniptail Gecko (Thecadactylus solimoensis) These were the big geckos that were on the screens at ACTS.
Collared Treerunner (Plica plica) We saw one of these cool lizards on the trunk of a tree near Explornapo.
Forest Whiptail (Kentropyx pelviceps) These fancy whiptails were common at the lodges we visited.
Amphibians
Amazonian Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) This scarce and spectacular frog was seen at night near where we saw the Nocturnal Curassow.
Pale-striped Poison Dart Frog (Ameerega hahneli) These were the poison dart frogs that had the yellow stripes down the sides that we saw at Explorama.
Red-backed Poison Dart Frog (Ranitomeya reticulata) These poison dart frogs with red heads were rather common around Explorama. Interestingly, we didn't see them anywhere else.
South American Common Toad (Rhinella margaritifera) We saw one in the leaf litter near Explorama.
Manaus Spiny-backed Frog (Osteocephalus taurinus) We saw one clinging to a sapling along one of the trails behind ACTS.
Totals for the tour: 383 bird taxa and 19 mammal taxa