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Field Guides Tour Report
The Pantanal of Brazil: A Private Tour for Michael Whitlock 2015
Jul 1, 2015 to Jul 7, 2015
Marcelo Padua


A fabulous male Jaguar hunting...one of our main goals of the trip! (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

This was a strange year in the Pantanal as the rains started later than the usual and extended into what should have been the dry season (something we experienced first hand on our first encounter with a Jaguar). But this meant that we got to the Pantanal at a very magical and ephemeral period of the year -- when there is still a lot of moisture in the soil in most places, but the water has already disappeared from the surface in the vast majority of the fields.This timing can't be planned as it varies from year to year, but it is something to be thoroughly enjoyed when we get to experience it as everything is greener yet the water birds already are concentrating and preparing for the breeding season. I could not have asked for a better group to be with at such a time of the year as we had many fields of biology represented and were able to take full advantage of everything we saw from Fish such as Oscar and the many species of Catfish to several species of frogs that were still abundant thanks to the water that was still very much present.

Our tour started at Piuval lodge, the very first lodge on the Transpantaneira and one that sits right in the ecotone of the Cerrado and the Pantanal. Here we were treated to a variety of species less likely to be seen further into the wetlands, including Black-bellied Antwren, Planalto Slaty-Antshrike, and Red-legged Seriema, and it was here that we had decided to add a day to the usual itinerary we do in the pantanal. This worked extremely well as we were able to explore the area a bit more, and the extra time produced some unusual sightings for the area, such as Long-winged Harrier and several South American Snipes. This setting also allowed us to unwind and settle into the rhythm of the tour.

Next we tackled the long transect that is the Transpantaneira and went all the way to Porto Jofre, but first we made a strategic stop and got some great looks at Undulated Tinamou, Pale-crested and Crimson-crested woodpeckers, as well as the handsome Yellow-collared Macaws. But the true reason we had made it this far down the road was to see a Jaguar, and we wasted no time in going after it, which was a good thing since shortly after we saw a nice male some heavy rains forced us to retreat to our lodge in what seemed like a rain of needles as our 150 horsepower motor blasted us through the rain. We made it back safely but were all wet, cold, miserable, yet strangely happy after having seen a massive male Jaguar! We got some food, hot beverages, and dry clothes and jumped right back on our horses (all 150 of them!) and headed back to the spot where we had seen the Jaguar earlier in the day, a bet that paid off as we watched this guy stroll around and scent-mark his territory for several minutes. From then on we had freed up time to enjoy other things and we slowed down a bit and connected with Sungrebe, Golden-green Woodpecker, and Pied Lapwing and took some time to do a night drive that resulted in seeing an Ocelot, Ohh… and by the way we did end up seeing another Jaguar -- and we got to enjoy watching it sun itself practically by ourselves.

Porto Jofre had been good to us, but it was time to start heading back towards civilization, and we made a strategic stop on the way at Rio Claro where we picked up a few more goodies such as Common and Great potoos on a night drive, Rusty-backed Antwren, Grassland Sparrow, Nanday Parakeet, and a few other things that were seen again nicely which is always a treat.

On the last day, having felt that we had "done" the Pantanal properly, we decided to cut our morning short and head up to Chapada dos Guimaraes to add a few Cerrado specialties to our list, an idea that turned out to be a great one as we got wonderful looks at Chapada Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Antshrike, Plain-crested Elaenia, a nice King Vulture, Yellow-faced Parrots, Crowned Eagle, and many other birds that we would not have seen if we had stayed in the Pantanal.

Our journey was over, but the memories will live long, and when I think of our tour I will always recall a nature-loving group that was as much fun to travel with as any of my close friends would have been.

Thanks for joining me, and I hope we can do it again some day!

--Marcelo


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
Rheidae (Rheas)


Sarah captured this image of a male Greater Rhea apparently trying to impress the smaller female.

GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – A male displaying for two females was a lot of fun to watch.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Great looks at this rarely seen species. We even got to watch it feeding for a few minutes.
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – This is a relatively common species in the Pantanal but it is always a treat to see it.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Present in good numbers this year
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Contrary to what it's Latin name suggests the Muscovy Duck is native to South America and quite common in the Pantanal
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – A rather dull looking species until it takes off and shows that beautiful speculum
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – If a person had to name one bird has the most characteristic sound of the pantanal, this would be it.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster) – Something about Northern pantanal specialty as it only occurs in that area and a small area of the Cerrado.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari) – This is the least abundant species of stork that occurs in the area who were fortunate to find them early on and get good looks at it
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – One of the most iconic birds of the pantanal.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) – We heard this bird a few times but unfortunately could not get it into view. [*]


Yellow-faced Parrots festooning a tree. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – The birds found in the pantanal look different and some different from the north American ones and there's a good chance that when they get studied could be split from the north american birds.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – This handsome heron was seen several times throughout the tour.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Great looks at this colorful Bird on our way into the pantanal on our very first day.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Several birds seeing on many different occasions during the trip.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi) – This is a scarce migrant that leaves the area during the dry season. The individuals we saw were just about two head on south.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)


King Vultures are wonderfully bizarre creatures when seen this well. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Unplanned visit to Chapada dos Guimaraes resulted in great views of a perched King Vulture.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni) – Although a widespread species the long winged Harrier is quite rare in the pantanal. We found one hunting over the marshes at Pousada Piuval.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
CROWNED EAGLE (Buteogallus coronatus) – This rare raptor is always hard to find but I had a secret spot to look for it and we ended up getting nice looks at it.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)


The view from the tower at Cristalino Lodge (Photo by participant Sarah Otto)

SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – We had to work really hard for this one, but after trying at a different couple of spots we all got to see it pretty well.
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Mustelirallus albicollis) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – A relatively common species along the Cuiaba River, this beautiful black-and-white Lapwing is one of my favorite water birds.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – Several individuals seen at Piuval in a marshy area.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)


Green-and-rufous Kingfisher (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)


Red-billed Scythebill (Photo by participant Mike Whitlock)

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus)
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
SHORT-EARED OWL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Asio flammeus suinda) – Our sighting of Short-eared Owl was the first documented record of the species for Chapada dos Guimaraes.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – Always fun to see these guys coming out to forage over the water at dusk.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – It was way out there. So we picked a branch, called it in and it sat exactly where we wanted it to sit. You have to love when a plan works!
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – By far the most range-restricted species we saw on the tour, and one that we saw extremely well.
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)


Laughing Falcon (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – We spotted one of these shy forest birds along the Transpantaneira as we made our way back towards Pocone.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris)


The always elegant Agami Heron (Photo by participant Sarah Otto)

CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – This is a predominantly an amazonian species, but it occurs in the northern area of the pantanal where there is a strong amazonian influence.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – Seen very well both in the Pantanal and near Chapada dos Guimaraes.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – We heard a distant bird calling and played some tape in hopes that it would come a little closer. The bird flew right over our heads allowing us to see it very well as it flew by.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – A pair of birds sitting on a cell phone tower in the town of Pocone on the first day of the tour.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
YELLOW-FACED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthops) – Seeing a tree full of these endangered, endemic Parrots was a real treat.


Subtropical Doradito (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – Always present around Porto Jofre, but those three birds that flew right by us on the first day in the pantanal were truly memorable.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea)
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday) – This is actually a rather rare parakeet in the northern Pantanal. Hard to tell when you see them all over the feeders at Rio Claro.
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis)
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus) – A nice addition to our tour thanks to our detour to Chapada dos Guimaraes.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni) – The Slaty-antshrike complex was split into five species not too long ago. We saw the male of this species very well.
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – This species barely makes it to the northern Pantanal and we were within the range of the species for a very brief time, so we were very fortunate to have seen it.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa)
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) [*]
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major)


A Rufescent Tiger-Heron takes advantage of a high perch. (Photo by participant Sarah Otto)

BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus dorbignyanus) – Considered by some a separate species, this bird has a horn colored bill which distinguishes it from the amazonian counterpart that has a dusky bill.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – This is exactly the kind of creature that evolutionary biologists have a good time watching.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – It may not be a flashy bird but that nest certainly compensates for the dullness of the plumage of the bird.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) – Another species that is not typical of the Pantanal but occurs in the northern edge of the area. We had to work really hard to see this one, but with a bit of patience we managed to get a look at it.
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
CHAPADA FLYCATCHER (Suiriri islerorum) – Named for Chapada dos guimaraes because it was there that a couple of ornithologists realized that there were two species involved as they watched this species and the Suiriri flycatcher showing different songs and displays.


Ringed Kingfisher (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – An austral migrant that breeds way up in the Andes and winters in the Pantanal where they are usually silent. The bird we saw sang and did display flights which was fascinating to watch.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) [*]
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata) – Seen at Chapada dos guimaraes. This bird is usually poorly illustrated in field guides as they never show the bird's pointy crest.
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – Seen in the same area where we saw the Subtropical Doradito.
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) [a]
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – Perched on fences and termite mounds around Pousada Rio Claro.
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)


This Short-eared Owl fly-by made for a cool photo opportunity. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus) – This handsome Cerrado endemic was seen at Chapada dos Guimaraes on our brief visit.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)


Buff-bellied Hermit (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) – Seen briefly on our way to Porto Jofre. They had been pushed north by a cold front and did not hang around for very long.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola) – Always one of the first responders to the Pigmy-Owl tooting.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) – This was probably the most confiding bird I have ever seen, walking right up to our group.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata) – Very common on feeders in the Pantanal.
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) – A very distinctive monotypic genus endemic to the Cerrado.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)


Yellowish Pipit (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha) – This rare seedeater breeds in the South and migrates to the pantanal during the winter.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – Seeing a male displaying its crest was definetely a memorable moment of the tour.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator atricollis) – This is an odd species and I believe that once genetic work is done on it the results will show it to be more closely related to Grass-finches and Pampa-finches than it is to Saltators.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)


Scaled Dove (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella superciliaris)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – This is certainly one of the most spectacular species of Blackbirds anywhere and we had great looks at a displaying bird.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – Formerly know as Bay-winged Cowbird but it is not a true cowbird as it does not parasitize the nest of other birds and it was recently split into two species, so the name has changed.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

MAMMALS
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – It is always fun to see these bats foraging at dusk in the Pantanal.
LESSER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio albiventris)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
SIX-BANDED (YELLOW) ARMADILLO (Euphractus sexcinctus)
NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO (Dasypus novemcinctus)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – Jaguars were not the only Mammalian highlights on this trip. The Giant Otters put on quite a show for our group.
OCELOT (Felis pardalis) – A night drive in a private property got us some great looks at an Ocelot.
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – Well when you call a trip Jaguar spotting you better get them. We had great looks at an adult male scent marking Its territory and another one that came out of the shade to sun itself after a cloudy morning.
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS


Totals for the tour: 241 bird taxa and 16 mammal taxa