For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
The star of the tour! This Jaguar was captured in all of its glory by participant Gregg Recer. We had some wonderful views of these great cats, including three that we saw on our first day!
This year’s Jaguar spotting tour exceeded all expectations. We started the tour at Gardens of the Amazon, where Cone-billed Tanager performed beautifully, and shortly after seeing it we spotted a Harpy Eagle on a tree by the river. Our boat outings also produced three Amazonian Umbrellabirds, including one that was displaying on a tree by the river. On the trails the birding was extremely productive, with great looks at Black-girdled Barbet, Tooth-billed Wren and several flocks that hosted Sclater’s Antwren, Elegant woodcreeper, Paradise Tanager amongst others.
The birding was excellent even around the lodge, where we found Sulphury Flycatcher, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Red-shouldered Macaws and Fork-tailed Palm-swifts.
After peeling ourselves away from Gardens of the Amazon, we reached Pousada Piuval in the Pantanal, where we enjoyed great views of Nacunda Nighthawks early in the morning flying over hundreds of Jabirus, Egrets, Limpkins and Ibis. In dry forest, we tracked down Saffron-billed Sparrow, Black-bellied Antwren and Sooty-fronted Spinetail, all of which are scarce birds in the Pantanal. We also enjoyed a boat trip here that produced some great looks at Azure Gallinules, and Least Bitterns that look and sound different from the North American birds.
We continued the trip to Porto Jofre, nestled at the very end of the famous Transpantaneira, the high point of our tour and land of Jaguars, Hyacinth Macaws and the enormous Jabirus. Our Jaguar sightings were of extreme quality, with multiple sightings and even an individual that we watched by ourselves late in the afternoon as we drifted on the Piquiri River while the skies changed colors and Band-tailed Nighthawks took the skies accompanied by Greater Bulldog Bats. We also took some time to explore the flooded grass fields near Porto Jofre and managed to score great looks at Tawny-bellied Seedeater, Subtropical Doradito and Spotted Rails (the first time we ever had this bird on this tour!). We ended our tour at Rio Claro Lodge, where we picked up a last few good birds, with great looks at Sungrebe and Nanday Parakeet.
All in all, this was a great tour, and John Coons and myself really enjoyed birding with all of you.
Thanks for joining us and we hope to see you again.
- Marcelo Padua & John Coons
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
This was an amazing surprise! We spotted this juvenile Harpy Eagle perched on a tree close to the river at Garden of the Amazon. This was the second time we recorded it on the tour and only the third time it has been recorded at the lodge. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – We saw many on our first day along the drive to Garden of the Amazon.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – We had fine looks at an individual walking about on the ground at Garden of the Amazon.
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
BRAZILIAN TINAMOU (Crypturellus strigulosus) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – We enjoyed several nice views of this unusual bird in the Pantanal.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – There were several quite wild individuals flying about on the Rio Claro.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – We had nice looks at a pair flying at the macaw lake near Garden of the Amazon, and we also saw five individuals at a small pond at Piuval Lodge.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – These were quite common and very loud, especially at Rio Claro Lodge.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) [*]
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster)
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – We saw a few in the Pantanal, where many actually show a bit of red on the throat.
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi) – At the Garden of the Amazon we had nice views of a handful of these often difficult to see birds.
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – Two of these, a male and female, walked across the trail where there seemed to be an ant swarm in the making.
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – Surprisingly, there were several sightings in the Pantanal, including a pair that came up on a porch of one of the cabins at Porto Jofre as we were headed out.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – This is a giant and we saw many at waterholes in the Pantanal.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – These were seen almost daily, with a flock estimated at 350 birds soaring over at Garden of the Amazon.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – After seeing a couple flush in the marsh at Piuval, we had a scope view of one along the roadside in the Pantanal.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – A few were seen, including a pair at a nest at Porto Jofre.
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)
Spotted Rails are widespread, but a rare find in the Pantanal. This was the first time it was ever recorded on our tour. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – This unusually plumaged heron finally gave us a nice view on one of our last days in the Pantanal.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – We sure saw a good number of these relatively shy herons, including a pair in display along the Rio Cuiaba, where one of the pair had its throat swollen and was bobbing up and down.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Marcelo spotted two individuals in a large tree next to the river as we drifted along in our Jaguar search.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – This shaggy crested species gave us several nice looks.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – Rather widespread in the Pantanal and a common voice in the morning around our lodges before they head off to work for the day.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – These were quite common in the open country we birded.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Mostly a forest species; we saw several well at Garden of the Amazon.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – We had great looks at this tiny raptor on our first morning when we were not far from Cuiaba.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – Wow! A trip highlight was seeing this remarkable raptor perched in a large tree a ways back from the Rio Claro at Garden of the Amazon. This individual seemed to be about a three year old, with a floppy double crest and the beginning of a dark breast band. After John, who was delayed, arrived that afternoon, a few of us went back out and saw it again in another tree. This is one of the great raptors of the world.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – This interesting raptor was seen the following day in the same tree that we had seen the Harpy Eagle the day before.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) [*]
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – This is a quite common species in the Pantanal where we even saw it grab a fish.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – The number of Snail Kites along the Transpantaneira Road is incredible. It would be tough to be a snail around there.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – We saw this fairly small raptor soaring over the forest at Garden of the Amazon.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Another raptor that was seen widely in the open country.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – One of these was especially fond of the fish our boatman tossed.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
Guide John Coons spotted a Jaguar and a Magnum Bar freezer on one of our stops along the Transpantaneira. Photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – A great bird! We saw a handful in the Pantanal but only got to see the remarkable wing pattern briefly as it flew.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – Three individuals showed pretty nicely for us in the Pantanal as they walked over the top of the vegetation.
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus) – We ended up with good views of this rather widespread but rare and very difficult to see species in the Pantanal. There are very few records in central Brazil.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
AZURE GALLINULE (Porphyrio flavirostris) – On the boat trip at Piuval we crept up on one in the marsh.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – On our last morning at Rio Claro we had nice looks at three individuals.
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) – We saw a few on sandbars on the rivers near Porto Jofre.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – This small plover was seen well on the sandbars during our Jaguar spotting.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – Several were seen hunting along the rivers in the Pantanal.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – We had nice looks at a few individuals around Garden of the Amazon. Dan finally caught up with his nemesis.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – One flushed off a trail at Garden of the Amazon.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – Several were seen, mostly in open country. We commented on how this bird resembles a tiny Hoatzin.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – We heard many and had one in the scope briefly in the Pantanal.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – This is a species that is widespread in the tropics but it seems to be rarely encountered. We had a nice look.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – We had good views at Rio Claro.
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) [*]
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – We had nice looks at a pair and a young bird at Piuval. This race has darker eyes and a higher pitched call than what we see and hear in North America.
Bare-necked Fruitcrows are seasonal visitors at Gardens of the Amazon, and they were present in good numbers during our stay. Photo by participant Rebecca Buck.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – We heard our first from the sandbar at Garden of the Amazon and then Marlon spotted one along the side road on the Transpantaneira Road.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – We saw a few, with the best views on our first day on the drive to Garden of the Amazon.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – We enjoyed great looks at this large nightjar just after dusk while on the boats at Piuval.
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) [*]
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – Many were seen after dusk along the river at Porto Jofre.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – A couple were flushed, and we had nice looks in the scope of one that was spotted perched on the ground at Garden of the Amazon.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – We enjoyed nice views of two on day perches.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Apodidae (Swifts)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – We had a few nice looks at the macaw lake just before dusk.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) [*]
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus) – This local species was seen along the forested road at Piuval Lodge.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – This was one of our first birds after we got birding at Garden of the Amazon on our first afternoon. It perched right above the road for several minutes.
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – Several were seen, including a female at a nest.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer) – A real beauty of a hummingbird. We had nice looks on our morning boat trip in the ox bow off of Rio Claro.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor)
Macaws and Parrots are masters of synchronized flight, and participant Gregg Recer captured this pair of Yellow-collared Macaws flying in perfect harmony.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Mostly an open country species; we saw several in the Pantanal.
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura) – Our best view was in the morning along the road not far from Porto Jofre.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly known as White-tailed Trogon. We had a good look at one at Garden of the Amazon.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Formerly part of the Blue-crowned Motmot complex. We saw two of these along the road near the lodge at Porto Jofre.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – There were a lot of these along the Rio Cuiaba and in other parts of the Pantanal.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – We saw two of these quite uncommon kingfishers along a narrower side tributary of the Rio Cuiaba.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) [*]
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) – Nice looks at Garden of the Amazon on our first morning.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – A quite common bird throughout the trip in most habitats.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – We saw a few perched atop tall trees in the forest at Garden of the Amazon.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris melanosterna) – We saw a few pairs, most quite close to us, at Garden of the Amazon.
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis) – This forest species with a yellow bill showed well at Garden of the Amazon.
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi) – This rather local species gave us a few nice looks at Garden of the Amazon.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus) – There were about six birds together near the fish ponds at Garden of the Amazon.
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii) [*]
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – A large fancy toucan that we encountered several times.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) [*]
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons) – This tiny "woodpecker" afforded nice looks in the forest at Garden of the Amazon.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – A quite unusually colored woodpecker. We saw several on our drive to Garden of the Amazon. We caught up with a few more later in the trip.
Our tour coincides with the start of the dry season in the Pantanal, and tour participant Mary Lou Barritt captured this photo of a cattle drive bringing cattle back to the now dry pastures of the Pantanal.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – Our first ones appeared at the lunch spot at Rosario Oeste.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – We saw a nice male from our boats on the Rio Cuiaba on our first afternoon on the river.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) [*]
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – One of the great looking woodpeckers. We saw two on the boat trip at Rio Claro.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) [*]
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – We watched one at a hole in the post along the roadside just off the Transpantaneira Road.
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – We enjoyed a great show of two rather close individuals at Piuval Lodge. One was in high gear, giving its loud and far-carrying vocalization right in front of us.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) – A couple of us saw part of this bird that came into thick vegetation in the lagoon off the Rio Claro at Garden of the Amazon.
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – A quite widespread species that we saw just about every day.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – A species that is found all the way north to central Mexico. We had our best view at Rio Claro.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – We saw a few flocks, mostly along the Transpantaneira Road, where we saw their large nests on the power poles.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – We had a couple of good views of pairs in the Pantanal.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
SANTAREM PARAKEET (MADEIRA) (Pyrrhura amazonum snethlageae) – Flocks of these were pretty commonly seen at Garden of the Amazon.
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – This species may be the most recognizable bird associated with the Pantanal. We saw several including some that were right on the grounds of the hotel.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea) – We saw a few before we got a good view on one of our last days in the Pantanal.
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday) – A few were visiting the feeders at Rio Claro Lodge.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – At Garden of the Amazon this seemed to be the most commonly encountered macaw.
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana) – We had a pretty fair look at a pair on a broken palm trunk that we had to get in the spotlights to see well.
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – We had a few great views of this handsome parrot with our first at Piuval.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – There were quite a few of these colorful macaws coming into the lake at Garden of the Amazon.
Much of our birding on this tour is done from boats. In this photo, our group darts up the Rio Claro to look for a Cone-billed Tanager (which they got!). Photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – We had this skulker in the scope for about five minutes.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) [*]
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus) – A pair were seen along the trails at Garden of the Amazon.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) [*]
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma) – This small gray-backed antbird showed well along the trails at Garden of the Amazon.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) – For a small bird that likes to be high in the trees, we saw it pretty well.
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris)
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – Normally a high canopy species; we had nice views of a responsive individual at Garden of the Amazon that came down pretty low.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – A species that is just on the edge of its range here in the Pantanal; we had nice views at Piuval.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa)
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata) – We saw a pair along the trail at Garden of the Amazon.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – A species of tall viney tangles within the forest that are often tree fall gaps; we got an okay view at Garden of the Amazon.
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria) – A species with a quite limited range; we saw our first at Piuval then again, better at Porto Jofre.
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) [*]
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda)
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata) – We saw this species a couple of times along the edges of the rivers at Garden of the Amazon.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (PALLENS) (Sciaphylax hemimelaena pallens)
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax)
XINGU SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis vidua) [*]
Fawn-breasted Wrens have a very limited world range and we barely make it into the areas where they occur on this tour. They did, however put on quite a show for our group. Photo by tour participant Gregg Recer.
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – We found one with a loose flock along the road near Porto Jofre.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-COLORED) (Dendrocolaptes certhia concolor)
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – A pretty fancy looking woodcreeper; we had a nice look at one spotted by Marlon at Piuval.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) [*]
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – We worked one for a good while before getting a pretty good view along one of the trails at Garden of the Amazon.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus dorbignyanus) – This was the form with a pale bill that we saw in the Pantanal.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni) – These darker-billed forms were seen at Garden of the Amazon.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) [*]
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – A quite distinctive looking bird with the long curved bill; we had good views at our first at Piuval.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – A very sharply marked woodcreeper and one of the few with an eyestripe; we saw a few in the Pantanal with the first one spotted on a cement post at Piuval.
RONDONIA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) [*]
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – A very cool bird; we had great looks at a pair on the grounds of Garden of the Amazon, then another pair from the boats just off the Rio Claro.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – We saw a pair on the river bank on our boat trip on the Rio Cuiaba that came right down to the edge of the water.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – These birds and their distinctive nests were quite common in the Pantanal.
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum)
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – We saw more of their stick nests than we did of the birds.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – A pair came down to see us in our boats near Porto Jofre.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – A rather fancy spinetail; we saw one along the road at Rio Claro Lodge.
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – This species showed up with most of the mobs that came in with the owl tooting.
The Great Rufous Woodcreeper is a Pantanal specialty that was seen very well on our first morning in the Pantanal. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – A quite local bird in the Pantanal; we saw a couple along the road.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – This is a much more common species by voice than by sight.
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) – A couple were seen with a mixed flock along the Transpantaneira Road.
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata) – Seen at Piuval, this is an aptly named species.
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – Essentially, the smallest passerine in the world; we saw this ping-pong-ball-sized bird in the forest at Garden of the Amazon.
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) [*]
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris) – We had good views of this interesting looking small flycatcher.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – We saw a couple of these along the Rio Claro at Garden of the Amazon.
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – One was seen by Dan at Piuval Lodge.
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – A few of these sharply marked birds were seen at the edges of marshes in a few locales.
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda)
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) – We ended up with nice looks at one on the grounds of Garden of the Amazon on our first afternoon there.
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – We saw one or two at the edge of the forest at Garden of the Amazon.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – A few were seen in the Pantanal.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – It seems out of place to see this western US species in the forests of central Brazil.
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – Another of the trip highlights was finding three individuals along the Rio Claro at Garden of the Amazon. We saw one fly into a tall tree along the river where we pulled up and watched it calling. A most unusual species that is always a great one to see.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – We had a female in the scope and a distant male that was spotted along the Rio Claro.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – This species is much more conspicuous by its loud voice than its muted colors.
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) – Our first was spotted from our boats in a distant tree along the Rio Claro and led to us seeing the Harpy Eagle perched nearby. Another male was seen the next day along the trails at Garden of the Amazon.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – These were surprisingly common around the lodge and in the forest near Garden of the Amazon.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – This small manakin gave us good views along the Jatoba Trail at Garden of the Amazon.
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri) – A fancy little manakin that is green with a white cap; we saw this one at Garden of the Amazon.
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus) – We saw two and had the female in the scope for a spell.
Hyacinth Macaws are some of the greatest avian treats of this tour, and it is particularly nice to see them so close to our rooms at Porto Jofre. Photo by participant Mary Lou Barritt.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus)
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla) – A group of three were on a display perch, bobbing up and down while we birded along the trail at Garden of the Amazon. It was great to see this display so close to us.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – A singing individual moved about in the tree tops, but those of us that stayed with it ended up with a pretty good view.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) [*]
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – We saw about four individuals in a couple of trees along one of the trails at Garden of the Amazon.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) [*]
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) – Good views were obtained of a calling bird at Garden of the Amazon.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
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)
TOOTH-BILLED WREN (Odontorchilus cinereus) – A rather unusual wren that stays high in the trees. We saw a couple of them pretty well and had one in the scope for a spell.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – This large wren was seen on several occasions in the Pantanal.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
GUIANAN GNATCATCHER (PARA) (Polioptila guianensis paraensis) – This forest species was seen well on the trails at Garden of the Amazon, where it is a quite uncommon species.
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Our boat excursions in the Pantanal are focused on looking for Jaguars, but there is no shortage of birds to keep us entertained between one Jaguar sighting and another. These displaying Capped Herons were some of the birds we enjoyed from the comfort of our boat. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Most of our roadside stops in marshes along the Transpantaneira Road yielded at least a couple of these unusual birds.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola) – One at Piuval showed pretty well for us.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata)
CONE-BILLED TANAGER (Conothraupis mesoleuca) – A bird with a very limited range in South America; we had wonderful views of a calling individual just off of the Rio Claro on our first morning in the field at Garden of the Amazon.
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
DOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis varia) – One was seen briefly in a tanager flock at Garden of the Amazon.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – This is one of the most colorful of all the tanagers.
Seeing a potoo is always fascinating, but this one allowed us to get extremely close and enjoy better than usual looks. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – We saw a few males and females in flowering trees at the forest edge at Garden of the Amazon.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum) – This was another species that we saw a few times in the Pantanal that seemed to come in to owl tooting.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera) – With its distinct black and white pattern, this is one of the best looking of the seedeaters.
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea) – We saw about six individuals at our first birding stop along the roadside just out of Cuiaba.
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltatricula atricollis) – Leaving Cuiaba, Marcelo spotted this species sitting up in a roadside tree and we jumped out to see it and found a few other species we didn't encounter again.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis) – These were hanging around the moriche palms at Garden of the Amazon.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – A very flashy looking blackbird; we saw a few in marshes in the Pantanal.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – Several were on the lawn at Piuval the morning we were leaving.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus) – Well named.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Nice looks at one in the scope at Garden of the Amazon.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – We saw a few flush from a tree hanging over the river at Garden of the Amazon and fly around us a few times.
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
LESSER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio albiventris)
SILVERY MARMOSET (Callithrix argentata) [*]
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya) – We saw a few in a tree along one of the rivers at Porto Jofre.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – Many of these were seen during our birding time at Garden of the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
GIANT ANTEATER (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) – A fantastic looking animal; we saw one in a large open pasture behind the lodge on our arrival at Piuval.
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – There were lots of these.
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
One of the great treats of this tour is spectacular sunsets. Tour participant Rebecca Buck captured this great shot of a fiery sunset in the Pantanal.
CRAB-EATING RACCOON (Procyon cancrivorus) – We had nice looks at one at a marsh during our night drive at Piuval.
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis) – We spotted one from a bridge in the Pantanal.
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – A few were seen well during our excursions on the Rio Cuiaba and Rio Piquiri out of Porto Jofre. We watched one munching on a rather large fish.
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – We had wonderful views of this great cat along the Rio Cuiaba and its tributaries. We had three sightings of four individuals on our first day, including a pair together and a smaller female that walked onto a sandbar next to us while we were sipping wine and drifting on the river all by ourselves. The next day we had another good sighting. It is great to be in a place where these cats seem to be doing well.
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
Herps
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
PARAGUAYAN CAIMAN (Caiman yacare)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 393 bird taxa and 17 mammal taxa