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We saw several Jaguars while we were out searching, and were not disappointed at all! This one perched on the riverbank and watched us, just as we were watching it! What an amazing experience for all. Photo by participant Karen McBride.
Jaguars Spotted! That is right, we saw more than one and we saw them well. We watched one walking along the edge of the river as it hunted, we found one snoozing and even after so many years of leading this tour, the sheer size of these cats still impresses me and my heart races every time we spot one. But this tour is about more than Jaguars and we came away with plenty of great sightings to match our Jaguar Experience. At Gardens of the Amazon we enjoyed great views of the rare Cone-billed Tanager and many other colorful tanagers that fed on the trees right around the lodge. In the Pantanal we had multiple days when we found more than 100 species of birds in a single day and including Hyacinth Macaws, Jabirus building their nests and Red-legged Seriemas and more Spinetails, Thornbirds and Cardinals than any of us cared to count. This is a great tour and when paired with great people the experience becomes even better. Thank you for making this another great year in the Pantanal for me and I hope our paths cross again some day.
-Marcelo Padua
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)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – A common sight around soy farms on the way to Gardens of the Amazon but also seen around the fields of Piuval Lodge.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus)
BRAZILIAN TINAMOU (Crypturellus strigulosus) [*]
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) – Seen near the lake where macaws roost at Gardens of the Amazon in a pasture area.
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) – This was quite a surprise! One bird was right by the rooms at Gardens of the Amazon.
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – A common sight in the Pantanal.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Common along the Rio Claro at Gardens of the Amazon.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Jabirus are common in the Pantanal, and we were there during their breeding period. This individual was photographed nicely at its nest by participant Cindy Alberico.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – Noisy and conspicuous in the Pantanal.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – We had them in the scope at Gardens of the Amazon.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster) – Great views in the Pantanal both at Piuval, where they are often seen walking along the edge of forest patches, and at Rio Claro, where they even visit the feeders around the lodge.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Seen along the rivers in the Pantanal.
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi) – Feeding on Cecropia fruits at Gardens of the Amazon.
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – Good views of this ornate species in the Pantanal.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common in Cuiaba.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Great views of this species along the Rio Claro at Gardens of the Amazon.
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – The common "large" Pigeon in the Pantanal.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Quick views along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – The most common species of ground-dove on our route with good numbers present both at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – A close relative of the Inca Dove that was seen well at the feeders of Rio Claro Lodge.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – A handsome ground-dove that is more often heard than seen but we managed to find them at Gardens of the Amazon.
LONG-TAILED GROUND-DOVE (Uropelia campestris) – This minute ground-dove is the only member of its genus. We found it in the Pantanal where they live in small family groups.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Common.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Common in the sugar cane fields that we drove through on our way to and from Gardens of the Amazon.
Birding by boat at Gardens of the Amazon yielded many great sightings. Cone-billed Tanager, Spotted Puffbird and Amazonian Umbrellabird are among the birds we found from a boat. Participant Karen McBride got this great shot of part of the group zooming along the Rio Claro.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – A common and charismatic species that is readily found in cities and around lodges in the Pantanal.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Another common and widespread species of cuckoo.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – Seen in the Pantanal towards the end of the tour.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – A common species on this tour.
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – An Amazonian species that is far more attractive than the more common Squirrel Cuckoo. We managed to find one and have great looks at it at Gardens of the Amazon.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda) – The largest species of nighthawk in the world and an austral migrant that is common in the Pantanal during the winter.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – Seen in great numbers along rivers in the Pantanal at dusk as they come out to forage.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – Linda found a roosting bird at Gardens of the Amazon.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata) – We found a female on our last night in the Pantanal.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – We had seen one early in the trip but we had memorable looks at one individual on our last night in the Pantanal.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – This species is highly dependent on the dead leaves of Mauritia Palm trees and were a common sight around our lodge at Gardens of the Amazon.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – See by a few on our last morning at Gardens of the Amazon as we birded our way out to the main road.
CINNAMON-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis nattereri) – We saw a few individuals on a lek at Piuval lodge.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – These tiny hummingbirds were seen a couple of times at Gardens of the Amazon as they curiously inspected our group.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – A regular visitor to some flowering trees outside the rooms at Gardens of the Amazon.
We found several Sunbitterns in the Pantanal. It's always nice to see these spectacular birds! Photo by participant Cindy Alberico.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – Great looks at this distinctive hummer at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer) – An austral migrant.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis) – Another species of hummingbird that we found on our last morning at Gardens of the Amazon.
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura) – One of our first stops in the Pantanal yelded great looks at this large hummingbird.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – One of the most common forest species on our tour route.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – One of the most common species in forested areas along our route.
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura) – Common in the Pantanal. Especially near Porto Jofre.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Mustelirallus albicollis) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Formerly known as Gray-necked Wood-rail.
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – Great looks at this elusive species near the lake at Piuval.
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Seen nicely during our boat outings in search of Jaguars.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – VERY common in the Pantanal.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus) – Although considered the same species as the birds that occur from North America to Northeastern Brazil, the birds in the Pantanal belong to a group of birds occurring from Northern Chile to Southeast Brazil that is readily distinguishable by the white patch on their back.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – This handsome lapwing nests on the sand banks of the Cuiaba river so we were able to enjoy great views of them as we searched for Jaguars.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Common in any open area in Brazil.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – These tiny Plovers were seen running along sand bars on the Cuiaba River.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – Abundant in the Pantanal.
These wooden bridges are a Pantanal classic but are slowly giving way to concrete bridges. Photo by participant Karen McBride.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – Far less common than the Large-billed Tern but still found in good numbers along the rivers where we searched for Jaguars.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – A common sight in the Pantanal.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – It is always fun to watch these guys flying low over the water and skimming the surface for food.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – A magnificent bird that we saw a few times in the Pantanal.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – We hit the Pantanal right in the middle of the breeding season of these fascinating giants and managed to get a look at several nests in different stages of the reproductive period.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – We saw them at Gardens of the Amazon but they were very common in the Pantanal.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – This species gets its name from the distinctive plumage of the young which we were able to see during our visit to the Pantanal.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – A close relative of the Great Blue Heron from North America.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – It was fun so see these common birds sporting their breeding plumage in the Pantanal.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – A close relative of the Green Heron from North America.
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – This colorful heron is a common sight in the Pantanal.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Formerly placed in the “wrens” Family, the Black-capped Donacobius is now in its own family. Photo by particiant Cindy Alberico.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – We found this strange nocturnal heron roosting on a tree along one of the tributaries of the Cuiaba River while we searched for Jaguars.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – A typical forest species that was seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus) – Common.
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – This stocky Ibis is readily found near water in the Pantanal but has a rather limited distribution in Brazil. It is found only in the Pantanal and in the Pampas of Southern Brazil.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – Always fun to watch these birds wandering around the gardens of Porto Jofre.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – Although they are not found in large numbers, they are a common sight in the Pantanal.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – The birds we saw on our tour belong to the ruficollis subspecies and are quite distinctive from the North American birds by the light collar on the hind neck.
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – This species prefers open areas and was seen regularly in the Pantanal.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – A bird of forested habitat that we saw well at Gardens of the Amazon.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – Always a hard bird to see but we found one in the Pantanal towards the end of the tour.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Seen over some pasture as we left Gardens of the Amazon.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – We saw a group of these birds in Sao Jose do Rio Claro on our way to the Pantanal.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – We spotted one these elegant raptors upon arriving at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – Common along the rivers and other water bodies in the Pantanal.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – The most abundant species of raptor in the Pantanal.
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) – A scarce and hard to see bird but we had a perched individual in the scope at Gardens of the Amazon.
Giant Otters are becoming used to tourist boats, and we often get great looks at them! Photo by participant Karen McBride.
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens gracilis) – Seen well at Gardens of the Amazon.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Another common raptor but this one favors grasslands.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – We found this species around some fields on our way to Porto Jofre.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – A recent split from the North American Gray Hawk.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – An unusual sighting in the Pantanal.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – These tiny diurnal owls are fierce predators of other birds, which they hunt by sitting still and striking as flocks move through the forest.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Several individuals seen in the open areas between Gardens of the Amazon and Sao Jose do Rio Claro.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – A last night of owling at Piuval Lodge resulted in great looks at this owl.
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) – Another species that was seen nicely on the last night of the tour.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly known as White-tailed Trogon. We found one at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Great views in the Pantanal.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – A recent split from Blue-crowned Motmot.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – The largest kingfisher of the Americas and one that is readily found from Southern Texas to Tierra del Fuego in Southern South America. We saw dozens of them during our time in the Pantanal.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – Another conspicuous kingfisher that was seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
Participant Karen McBride got this image of the gateway to the Pantanal, the Transpantaneira.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – A shy forest species that can easily be missed due to its minute size. We had good looks at them both at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – Although not as common as some of the larger kingfishers, this is a common species in the Pantanal.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) [*]
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – These small puffbirds excavate their nests into the nests of arboreal termites. We saw them at Gardens of the Amazon.
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) – Excellent views of this striking puffbird around the same lake where we saw the Cone-billed Tanager.
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus maculatus) – Seen in dry Cerrado forest in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET (Nonnula ruficapilla) [*]
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – A members of the puffbird family that is common along our tour route, especially in forested areas near water.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Far less common and found in Terra Firme forest at Gardens of the Amazon.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Seen regularly perched on tree tops along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris melanosterna) – These charismatic birds live in small colonies and are a common sight at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis) [*]
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – The most common and widespread of the jacamars seen on this tour. Loretta found some for our group to enjoy.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi) – A Southern Amazonian endemic and we had great scope views of them.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Seeing this species in the same tree as Lettered and Red-necked Aracaris allowed us to study the differences of these birds extremely well.
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii) – It is always a treat to see this colorful species, especially as it rocks its body up and down as it displays.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – A South American classic that we saw well around the gardens of our lodge at Porto Jofre.
Capybaras are the world's largest rodents, and are among the favorite prey of Jaguars. Photo by participant Cindy Alberico.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons) – Seen with a mixed species flock at Gardens of the Amazon.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus) – This is the species we saw in the Pantanal.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – We came across these colorful woodpeckers at Gardens of the Amazon.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus) – A great find by Karen.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Excellent views of a nesting bird at the abandoned research station in the Pantanal.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Also seen at the abandoned research station in the Pantanal allowing us to study the plumage and size difference between this species and the Crimson-crested Woodpecker.
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) – A Pantanal specialty.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – We had great looks at these striking woodpeckers in the Pantanal.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – An iconic view of this species as it perched on top of a post to sing.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – A typical species of the Amazon. Always near water.
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – One of the most common South American raptors, being found along most roads in Brazil.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – This species specializes in feeding on snakes.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
The wealth of wildlife in the Pantanal leads to some curious interactions. This Crimson-crested Woodpecker decided to build its nest on a fence post. Photo by participant Benjamin Scherer.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – We found a nesting pair of these.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) – A couple of people got on some birds that flew by us.
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – Always nice to see this species that has been introduced to so many places in its natural habitat.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – One of the highlights of the tour was seeing these rare birds perched. We even had them in the scope.
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – The birds found in the Pantanal belong to the Syi subspecies and feature a distinctive white eye ring.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – The Amazonian replacement of the Scaly-headed Parrots.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – Common in the Pantanal where it replaces the Yellow-crowned Parrot.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – The most common and widespread representative of the genus.
SANTAREM PARAKEET (MADEIRA) (Pyrrhura amazonum snethlageae) – One of many species split from the Painted Parakeet complex.
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) – Loud, conspicuous and a lot of fun to watch. One of the hightlights of our tour.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea) – More common in the Cerrado but we had great looks at them.
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday) – Very localized in the Northern Pantanal but they are found right on the grounds of Gardens of the Amazon.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – A species that is closely associated with Mauritia palms.
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana)
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – Although not as famous as the Hyacinth Macaws, this species is always one of the great treats of a visit to the Pantanal.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – Spending an afternoon watching these birds coming to roost at Gardens of the Amazon was a very rewarding experience.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis) – This species roosted right around our lodge at Gardens of the Amazon.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – Seen in the Pantanal.
The colorful Toco Toucan was a common sight around the gardens of our lodge at Porto Jofre. Photo by participant Karen McBride.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Probably the most widespread of the antbirds, occurring all the way from Mexico to Argentina. We found one at Gardens of the Amazon.
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus)
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni) – Both the Planalto and Natterer's Slaty-antshrikes are part of a group of birds that used to be known simply as Slaty Antshrike before they were split.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – There are seven different subspecies of this species and they are likely to get split into at least three different species. The bird we saw is the nominate.
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris) – We had good looks at this species lives in the canopy of the trees in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – This species replaces the Large-billed Antwren in the Amazon.
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea) – One of three species of Formicivora antwrens seen on this tour. This one was seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – This species is very localized along our tour route. We saw it well at Piuval.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – The most common of the Formicivora Antwrens in the Pantanal.
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata) – Another species that came to be due to a split.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens) [*]
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria) – A Pantanal species that is found in vegetation along water bodies.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus ochrolaemus) [*]
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – This species forages low in the vegetation that hangs over the water in the Pantanal and the Amazon. We found one during a boat trip on Rio Claro in the Pantanal.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata) – Much like the Band-tailed Antbird this species forages along the edge of the water. We found a pair of these at the Anaconda Lake at Gardens of the Amazon.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (PALLENS) (Sciaphylax hemimelaena pallens) [*]
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – It took quite a bit of work but we managed to find one of thes ornate antbirds in Varzea forest at Gardens of the Amazon.
XINGU SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis vidua) [*]
The many tributaries of the Cuiaba River provide excellent habitat for Jaguars and an incredible diversity of birds. Photo by participant Cindy Alberico.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) [*]
WHITE-CHINNED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla merula) – This species is usually found following ant swarms, so it was quite unusual to see one from a boat at Gardens of the Amazon.
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – The most distinctive of the Amazonian Woodcreepers.
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – The largest of the woodcreepers in the Pantanal.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus dorbignyanus) – Seen in the Pantanal.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni) – Seen at Gardens of the Amazon.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – This fascinating species uses its long, thin bill to probe cracks in trees and hollow branches in search of food. We had excellent views in the Pantanal.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
RONDONIA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus) – Formerly known as Lineated Woodcreeper.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – Another Mauritia palm tree specialist that was seen well at Gardens of the Amazon.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – Closely associated with water bodies. We saw them along the rivers in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – Common in the Pantanal.
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum) – We found one moving along with a mixed species flock at Gardens of the Amazon.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – Sometimes called Common Thornbird.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – This arboreal Spinetail is easily found along rivers in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa) – Some authors consider this a separate species called Gray-crested Cacholote.
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
We found this Burrowing Owl surveying the world from a fencepost in the cerrado. Photo by participant Karen McBride.
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – We had great looks at this striking spinetail that is the only species of the genus.
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia) – Generally a scarce bird but it is locally common around the fields on the way to Porto Jofre.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – A great spot by Loretta, who really wanted to see this bird.
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – A tiny flycatcher that breeds way up in the Andes and winters in the Pantanal.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) [*]
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) – Another austral migrant.
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) – Karen spotted this one for us in the Pantanal.
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – The smallest passerine in the world at just 2.6 inches.
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus) [*]
FLAMMULATED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus flammulatus) – The discovery of this species at Gardens of the Amazon represents a major range extension.
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) [*]
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) – Always a hard species to see as it tends to sit motionless at the top of trees. We found one at Gardens of the Amazon.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
Sunsets in the Pantanal are always magical and filled with birds and other wildlife. Participant Cindy Alberico snapped this shot where you can find a Tern, a Heron, a Hawk and even a Caiman slowly swimming along the surface.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – With 16 subspecies with distinctive calls and plumages, this is a strong candidate for future splits. The birds we saw belong to the Pallescens subspecies.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – This is the nominate form of this species.
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius barbatus) – We found one of these birds building a nest at Gardens of the Amazon.
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – An austral migrant.
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer) – Common along the Transpantaneira.
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – Fun to watch these flycatchers as they follow Capybaras and other fauna around, catching insects that are flushed by them.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda)
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Seen on a daily basis on the tour.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – This species gets its name from its breeding behavior that involves stealing the nest of other birds to lay its eggs and raise its young.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – Seen on Mauritia palm trees, which it is closely associated with, right around the lodge.
Here our group is enjoying the trail at Gardens of the Amazon. Photo by participant Karen McBride.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – A brief view along the river at Gardens of the Amazon.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) [*]
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – A nomadic species that was present in good numbers at Gardens of the Amazon this year.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) [*]
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata)
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – This handsome manakin is more often heard than seen but we managed to pull one into view at Gardens of the Amazon.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – Seen both in the Pantanal and Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) – A recent split from Thrush-like Schiffornis.
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus) – This was the first record of this species for Gardens of the Amazon. We found one as we were heading out of the lodge on our last day there.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – A scarce bird but we found a pair of birds at Gardens of the Amazon on our last morning there.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
A Red-legged Seriema serenaded us from a fencepost. Photo by participant Cindy Alberico.
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus) – Its loud song resonates like a car alarm along the rivers of the Amazon.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – A common sight in the Pantanal.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – We found several of these elegant swallows sitting on electrical wires around the fish farm at Gardens of the Amazon.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – Nesting in cavities along the Cuiaba River.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Common along rivers and around the ponds at Gardens of the Amazon.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – This species is quite range restricted and we barely made it to the northern limit of its range at Porto Jofre.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Formerly placed in the Wren family but currently a monotipic family.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – This shy forest thrush is often heard but seldom seen. We had brief views at Gardens of the Amazon.
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – The national bird of Brazil.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Hyacinth Macaws are always ranked as one of the favorite birds of the trip. Photo by participant Karen McBride.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – Several individuals seen around Piuval.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – Common in the Pantanal.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – We were able to study a nesting colony and see up close the interesting symbiotic relationship that these birds have with wasps.
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – A close relative of the North American orioles.
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Common around the lodges in the Pantanal.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – This striking blackbird is closely associated with papyrus marshes. We had great looks at them in the Pantanal.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – Formerly called Baywing Cowbird.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus) – A common species in wetlands.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Basileuterus culicivorus hypoleucus)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola) – Seen on the last morning of the tour.
Paraguayan Caiman are a common sight in the Pantanal and represent a major conservation case in the area as they were practically extirpated from the Pantanal by the leather trade in the 1980’s. Photo by participant Cindy Alberico.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata) – Common at the feeders of the lodges.
CONE-BILLED TANAGER (Conothraupis mesoleuca) – We had great looks at this rare species and even watched as a male did a display flight.
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – Yet another species that was seen on the last day of our tour.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Readily found around the buildings at Gardens of the Amazon.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – Common.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Feeding on fruiting trees right outside of our rooms at Gardens of the Amazon.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – Another colorful species that visited the fruiting trees at Gardens of the Amazon.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – We found these spectacular Tanagers moving through the canopy with a mixed species flock.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Common at Gardens of the Amazon.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – A common species at the feeders of the lodges in the Pantanal.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris) – A nice find by Cindy.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – We found this striking finch on the access road of Rio Claro lodge.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – Watching these huge bats take the skies at dusk in the Pantanal was a memorable experience.
LESSER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio albiventris)
BLACK-TAILED MARMOSET (Callithrix (Mico) melanura) – Birds are not the only ones being split. This species has been split from Silvery Marmoset.
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
Southern Screamer is one of just three members of the Anhimidae, a family of birds that only occurs in South America. Photo by participant Cindy Alberico.
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – We had multiple sightings of Jaguars but our first one was perhaps the best one as we watched it walk along the river trying to locate some prey.
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
Herps
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin)
YELLOW ANACONDA (Eunectes notaeus)
PARAGUAYAN CAIMAN (Caiman yacare)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 339 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa