This was the first tour I ever developed for Field Guides, and 15 years later I still love doing this tour as much as I did when I first joined the Field Guides Team.
We started the trip in my home town of Cuiaba and began making our way north to Gardens of the Amazon. On our way we stopped for lunch and enjoyed views of Screaming Cowbird, Amazon Kingfisher, White-faced Whistling-Duck, and several other common birds that would soon become daily occurrences on our bird list. We continued our way to the lodge, enjoying great views of Greater Rhea, Red-legged Seriema, and Blue-and-Yellow Macaw.
We reached Gardens of the Amazon and settled into our home for the next five days. Our lodging was complete with all the creature comforts one could hope for, excellent food, and Orange-cheeked Parrots, Red-shouldered Macaws, Sulphury Flycatchers, and many other great birds right around our rooms. Our boat outings proved to be very productive and enjoyable as we explored the Rio Claro and its oxbow lakes, enjoying great looks at Cone-billed Tanager, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Point-tailed Palmcreepers, and several others.
Birding on foot was very productive too, and we explored the trail system of the lodge and connected with a great variety of Amazonian highlights that ranged from Gould’s Toucanets and Black-girdled Barbets to the minute Dot-eared Coquette and a multitude of antbirds that included Gray, Blackish, Silvery, and Band-tailed. And at the end of our stay we all felt a little sad to leave this place but also excited about what was to come.
We made our way back to Cuiaba and on to the Pantanal, where we started our journey at Aymara Lodge. Here it was equally difficult to move away from our rooms as Hyacinth Macaws nested right outside our doors and four species of woodcreepers gleaned the trees of the yard, much to the dislike of the Crimson-crested Woodpeckers that were nesting nearby. The understory was very busy too, as Chaco Chachalacas, Chestnut-bellied Guans, and Bare-faced Curassows all battled for territory near the feeders where Yellow-billed Cardinals and Saffron Finches made quite the mess. A single night here was not enough and each of us admitted that we could easily have enjoyed a week here, but the tour is named Jaguar Spotting and to see the tour ‘s namesake we had to travel to the very end of the Transpantaneira Road..
Porto Jofre is world famous for the abundance of Jaguars, and we spent two days exploring the complicated river system of the Cuiaba River and its tributaries viewing Giant Otters, Wattled Jacanas, four species of kingfishers, and Black-capped Donacobius everywhere. And yes, Jaguars! Just like that, with an “s” for the plural as we had multiple sightings of multiple individuals. What a remarkable experience.
At the end of it all we said goodbye to the Hyacinth Macaws, Toco Toucans, Thrush-like Wrens, and Buff-necked Ibis that had become our neighbors for three nights and headed back towards Cuiaba, making one final stop at Rio Claro Lodge on our way. It was time to unwind, pack our bags and start thinking about going back home, even if the feeders kept us distracted with Giant Cowbirds, Nanday Parakeets, Yellow-billed Cardinals, and a few other great birds. We took some time to bird the property and had a rare looks at a Small-billed Tinamou that crossed the road for us.
It was intense, it was beautiful, and above all it was memorable, and that is why I continue to love coming back year after year to share these places with people.
Thank you all for joining me and hanging with me through this journey. I hope we get to do it again somewhere else in the future.
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
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana)
A common sight around the agricultural fields on our way to Gardens of the Amazon and also in the Pantanal
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus)
It was special to see this shy species not just once but 3 times
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris)
Very good views as we managed to coax it to cross the road for our group
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)
Many individuals seen along the flooded fields of Porto Jofre
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
This species usually leaves the pantanal in the dry season but we found a few birds on our way to Gardens of the Amazon on the first day
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
A regular sight along the river at Gardens of the Amazon
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Another species that we found on our way to Gardens of the Amazon
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis)
Common, abundant and very vocal in the Pantanal
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
This is the species of Chachalaca we found at Gardens of the Amazon
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
A quick look at this species at Gardens of the Amazon
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster)
A common species in the Pantanal and one that is almost only found here
WHITE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile grayi)
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
We found this species at Gardens of the Amazon
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata)
A species that can be hard to find in many areas due to poaching but is very common in the Pantanal
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
Common in Cuiaba
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
Far less common than the larger Picazuro Pigeon but we found a few around Porto Jofre
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
This handsome pigeon was a common sight at Gardens of the Amazon but is completely absent from the Pantanal
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
The standard Large Pigeon on this tour. It is quickly recognized by the white crescents on the wings
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
Seen a few times flying across the river at Gardens of the Amazon
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
The most common of the small doves on our tour often being found around the lodges and roads
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
Seen on the first day at our lunch stop and then on the last days of the tour around our lodge
PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)
Seen around the Lodge at Rio Claro lodge
BLUE GROUND DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
Multiple sightings at Gardens of the Amazon
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
A common species around the lodges and roads
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
This species thrives in the sugarcane fields along the roads to Gardens of the Amazon
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
This miniature dinosaur is always a crowd pleaser
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Seen almost daily on our tour
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
Our local guide at Gardens of the Amazon found one of these shy cuckoos at the Anaconda Lake where we found the Cone-billed Tanager
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
I have to admit I was a bit surprised that we only saw this species once as it is a pretty common species in the areas
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda)
This large Nighthawk is a common sight around dusk in the Pantanal
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
We had wonderful sights of hundreds of these nighthawks at dusk along the Cuiaba river in the Pantanal
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
We saw some roosting birds at Gardens of the Amazon
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Common indeed
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon, where it is less common than in the Pantanal
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Heard Only
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
Multiple sightings at Gardens of the Amazon
FORK-TAILED PALM SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Several individuals flying around the lodge at Gardens of the Amazon and we even had the chance to observe one of them trying to tear feathers from the back of a parrot for nesting material
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon in response to Pigmy-owl tape
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
We saw this incredibly small Hermit along the Jatoba Trail at Gardens of the Amazon
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
We had good looks at one individual at the observation tower at Gardens of the Amazon
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi)
Seen just by Belinda in the Pantanal
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
Multiple sightings at Gardens of the Amazon
DOT-EARED COQUETTE (Lophornis gouldii)
We had wonderful scope views of a male of this scarce species at Gardens of the Amazon
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
It was nice to see both this species and the Blue-tufted Starthroat on the same day for comparison
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)
Scope views of this species at the Macaw lake at Gardens of the Amazon
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
A rather drab hummingbird that we saw at Gardens of the Amazon
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
A couple of sightings during our tour
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Chrysuronia versicolor)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Chionomesa fimbriata)
The most common hummingbird species in the Pantanal
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Initially seen just by Lindy but we found another one and got everyone on it
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes cyanus)
A few sightings at Gardens of the Amazon
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Mustelirallus albicollis) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
Formerly known as Gray-necked Wood-Rail and a common species in the Pantanal
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Rufirallus viridis) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis)
Always a hard species to see but after a bit of work we convinced one to show up for us in the Pantanal
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
The abundance of snails in the Pantanal makes it a perfect place for this species
PIED PLOVER (Hoploxypterus cayanus)
Multiple couples on sand bars on the Cuiaba River
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
A common species in lawns, and open areas both in the Pantanal and Amazon
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Lots of sightings along the rivers in the Pantanal
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Several birds competing for nesting sights on the sand bars of the the Cuiaba River
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
Always nice to see it side by side with Large-billed Terns allowing us to compare their size difference
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
Nesting on the sand bars in the Pantanal
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Seeing this species is always a treat and we saw one flying allowing us to have a glimpse of the spectacular pattern of the wings
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria)
This iconic species is the tallest flying bird in South America and has the second largest wingspan of South American Birds. It is a common species in the Pantanal
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Seen in large numbers in the pantanal where they congregate to feed on fish trapped in shrinking ponds during the dry season
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Common along the Cuiaba river. Curiously there are many more females than males in the Pantanal
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Abundant in the Pantanal
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
A forest species that we saw both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
During the rainy season this is the most common species of Ibis in the Pantanal but very few individuals remain in the are during the dry season and we saw just a small group of them
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)
A relatively range restricted Ibis that is quite common in the Pantanal
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
Widespread and common. We even had them on the lawn of our hotel at Porto Jofre
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
It is alway great to see this species flying across the skies in the Pantanal
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
We saw both the adults and the juveniles of this species in the Pantanal
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
A bird was flushed by a Capuchin monkey on one of the tributaries of the Cuiaba Rive
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) [*]
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Abundant in the Pantanal
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
Seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
This handsome Heron is one that prefers grassy areas over flooded zones
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
A Juvenile seen towards the end of the tour
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
Very common in the Pantanal
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
A close relative of the Green Heron from North America
WESTERN CATTLE-EGRET (Ardea ibis)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
Very common in the Pantanal
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
Very common in the Pantanal
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
The most common species of Vulture on our tour route
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
The birds in the Pantanal belong to the Ruficollis group and are visually different from the North American birds
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
A species of open areas that we saw regularly in the Pantanal
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
This one prefers forested areas and we saw it multiple times at Gardens of the amazon
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii)
Great scope views of this minute raptor
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
Belinda spotted these boreal migrants at Gardens of the Amazon
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens gracilis)
We saw this one on the very last day of the tour.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
Seen often along the rivers in the Pantanal
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
This species is also common in the rainy season but practically disappears in the dry season as most individual migrate to the amazon. We saw one on the Cuiaba River
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
Common in the Pantanal
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
Several individuals seen along the rivers in the Pantanal
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
Common and widespread
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
Seen on our last night in the Pantanal
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Always a treat to see this fierce little predator
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Seen on our way to Gardens of the Amazon on the first day of the tour
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
Multiple views at Gardens of the Amazon
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) [*]
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
The largest of the American Kingfishers and one that we saw repeatedly in the Pantanal
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
Seen every day on our tour
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Much less common than the Green kingfisher but we saw them both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
A naked eye view as the bird flew by us a couple of times
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
A large canopy puffbird that we saw at Gardens of the Amazon
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
One of these minute Puffbirds had a nest by the tower at Gardens of the Amazon
RUFOUS-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila rufa) [*]
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
This species occurs both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
This species occurs both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Formerly known simply as Swallow-wing
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris melanosterna)
A small gregarious jacamar that is relatively easy to find at Gardens of the Amazon
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis)
A colorful understory species that we found at Gardens of the Amazon
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
The most common jacamar on this tour route and the only one that occurs in the pantanal
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
Another scarce species of Jacamar that we saw well at Gardens of the Amazon
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi)
A southern Amazonia specialty that we saw well at Gardens of the Amazon
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
We had good looks at a family group of these tiny, colorful Aracaris at Gardens of the Amazon
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
The largest of the Aracaris we saw on our tour and the only one that occurs in the Pantanal
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
Multiple looks at this Southern Amazonian endemic
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii)
Great looks at this handsome toucanet at Gardens of the Amazon
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
The most iconic species of toucan and common sight in the Pantanal
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
This subspecies is visually very similar to the Channel-billed toucan but it has a larger bill and a completely different song
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Seen and heard at Gardens of the Amazon
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons)
Excellent views of this species on the Jatoba Trail at Gardens of the Amazon
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
This is the species of Piculet that Carolyne spotted for us in the Pantanal
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
First seen from far away at Gardens of the Amazon but later we had better views in the Pantanal
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
A very colorful Woodpecker that we saw at Gardens of the Amazon
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
A somewhat drab looking woodpecker that we saw a few times in the Pantanal
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Dryobates affinis)
This species is in the same genus as the Little Woodpecker and replaces it at Gardens of the Amazon
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
A spectacular large woodpecker that we saw at Gardens of the Amazon
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Multiple sightings but the ones nesting at the courtyard of Aymara lodge were particularly nice
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) [*]
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon. This Celeus woodpecker is particularly handsome
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris)
Seen nicely at Aymara Lodge in the Pantanal
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
We had great looks at a pair of birds during a boat outing at Corixo Negro in the Pantanal
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
Seen on the very first day of the tour as we made our way to Gardens of the Amazon
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
We heard one at Gardens of the Amazon but managed to see one later on in the Pantanal
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)
This species used to be considered a different species from the North American birds but it was recently lumped together
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
Seen en route to the Pantanal
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
Scope views of this species at the Macaw lake at Gardens of the Amazon
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
Seen along the road on our way to and from Gardens of the Amazon
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
A brief sighting in the Pantanal
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Seen a couple of times along the river at Gardens of the Amazon
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
Very common in the Pantanal where it is a native species
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
Seen every day on our tour
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
Usually a difficult species to see but they visit the cashew trees at Gardens of the Amazon allowing us to study them in great detail
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
Seen in the Pantanal. The subspecies found in the Pantanal has a distinctive white eye ring
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
Common at Gardens of the Amazon
YELLOW-CROWNED AMAZON (Amazona ochrocephala)
Gardens of the Amazon is the southern limit of the range of this species
TURQUOISE-FRONTED AMAZON (Amazona aestiva)
Gardens of the Amazon is the southern limit of the range of this species
ORANGE-WINGED AMAZON (Amazona amazonica)
Seen in the Pantanal. Their song quickly giving away their id
SANTAREM PARAKEET (MADEIRA) (Pyrrhura amazonum snethlageae)
Like most parakeets in the genus Pyrrhura, this species can be hard to see but we had a couple of sightings at Gardens of the Amazon
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
Certainly one of the most iconic birds of the Pantanal and one that we saw well at Aymara and Porto Jofre
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea)
Multiple sightings of these colorful parakeets
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday)
Visiting the feeders at Rio Claro Lodge
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
This species is closely associated with Moriche Palm trees and is common around Gardens of the Amazon
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana)
Great looks at this species that is almost a Brazilian endemic
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis)
This species has a fairly small range but we saw it well in the Pantanal
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
Seeing several of these birds coming in to roost at the Macaw lake at Gardens of the Amazon was one of the highlights of the tour
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
Seen in the Pantanal
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
The smallest of the Macaws we saw
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Seen right around the rooms at Gardens of the Amazon
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
A couple of sightings in the Pantanal
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
The most widespread of the Antshrikes and one that we saw well in the Pantanal
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
Every bit as plain as the name suggests. We found one at Gardens of the Amazon
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus)
This is the Slaty-Antshrike we saw at Gardens of the Amazon
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
This is the Slaty-Antshrike we saw in the Pantanal
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) [*]
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
A nuclear species of mixed species flocks. Sadly only a couple of people got on the birds when we came across an understory flock at Gardens of the Amazon
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) [*]
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri)
Belinda spotted this minute Antwren for us
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
This species has a couple of distinctive populations. The birds we saw in the Amazon belong to the nominate group and could end up being split in the future
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris) [*]
RUSTY-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus frater)
A canopy Antwren that we found at Gardens of the Amazon
SOUTHERN WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
Seen along the edges of the lake where we saw the Cone-billed Tanager at Gardens of the Amazon
RONDONIA WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis ochrogyna)
An understory antbird that we saw well at Gardens of the Amazon
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens)
This species is usually found near water in the Amazon. We had good views at Gardens of the Amazon
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
This species inhabits vine tangles in the canopy making it very hard to see. Unfortunately Belinda was the only one to have it in her binoculars
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
Even though there are no species endemic to the Pantanal, this species is what we call near endemic and is hard to find outside the Pantanal
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda)
A minute antbirds that is always found just a few feet off the water. We had multiple sightings along the rivers in the Pantanal
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia argentata) [*]
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax)
After hearing this species a couple of times we managed to see one along the Jatoba trail at Gardens of the Amazon
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
This species has many subspecies. The birds we saw at Gardens of the Amazon belong to the "Amazonian" group
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
Seen nicely at Gardens of the Amazon
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) [*]
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-COLORED) (Dendrocolaptes certhia concolor) [*]
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major)
Lee found this massive woodcreeper for us at Aymara Lodge
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
A species of Varzea forest in the amazon
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus dorbignyanus)
This is the subspecies found in the Pantanal
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
This is the subspecies found at Gardens of the Amazon
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
We saw this species nicely at Aymara Lodge in the Pantanal
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
A fascinating species. The long, thin bill is used to probe cracks and holes in trees as it searches for food.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
Another species of woodcreeper that we saw nicely at Aymara
DUSKY-CAPPED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus) [*]
AMAZONIAN PLAIN-XENOPS (Xenops genibarbis)
Seen by a few people in the group moving through the forest with a mixed species flock at Gardens of the Amazon
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri)
We had good looks a this Moriche Palm specialist at Gardens of the Amazon
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
This hornero is always found right along bodies of water and we saw it well in the Pantanal
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
A common species in the Pantanal. It is always fascinating to see their unique nests.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
Seen side by side with the larger Greater Thornbird in the pantanal allowing us to compare the two species
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
We found this species along the river at Aymara Lodge in the Pantanal
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
Multiple sightings in the Pantanal
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
Common in the Pantanal
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
The only member of its genus. We found this unique spinetail at Rio Claro lodge towards the end of our tour
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
I think calling this bird "White-lored" is a stretch. Nevertheless it is a pantanal specialty and we saw it well
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
A common species in the flooded fields towards the end of the Transpantaneira Road
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
A small, drab bird that is often heard but seldom seen in the Amazon. We managed to lay eyes on them twice at Gardens of the Amazon
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri)
We had good looks at this range restricted species at Gardens of the Amazon
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus)
Seen a couple of times along the river at Gardens of the Amazon
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus)
A tiny colorful species that we found at Gardens of the Amazon
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
Seen along the Jatoba trail at Gardens of the Amazon
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
What a stunning sighting. We found a beautiful male along the River at Gardens of the Amazon
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
The sound of the forest in the Amazon
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
This species is quite scarce at Gardens of the Amazon so we were very lucky to see one
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Lee found this iconic species at Gardens of the Amazon for us
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) [*]
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
This species has two very disjunct populations and although they look the same their songs are quite distinctive. Keep track of such birds as they can always end up being split
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
The smallest Passerine in the world. We had good looks at one at Gardens of the Amazon
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus)
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis)
Seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
We found this species along the river trail at Aymara Lodge in the Pantanal
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
A couple of sightings in the Pantanal
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
We found this species along the transpantaneira road on our way to Porto Jofre
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
This small flycatcher is easily recognizable by its habit of rocking its body from side to side
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis)
It has always been thoght that this species breeds in the Andes and migrates to the Pantanal but its becoming increasingly clear that there is a breeding population in the Pantanal
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
Common at Gardens of the Amazon
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
It was a bit surprising that we only saw this species once as it is a relatively common species
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
Seen in the flooded fields in the Pantanal
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer)
A canopy specialist that we saw at Gardens of the Amazon
FULVOUS-CROWNED SCRUB-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
Formerly known as Tawny-crowned Pigmy-tyrant
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
A common species in the Pantanal
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) [*]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
Seen on the forest trail at Aymara Lodge
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
An Austral migrant that shows up in the Pantana during the winter
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)
Seen in the flooded fields in the Pantanal
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
We found this species perched on a fence along the transpantaneira road
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
Seen on the last day of the tour
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
Seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
Seen both at Gardens of the Amazon and the Pantanal
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
A canopy flycatcher that we saw at Gardens of the Amazon
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
The most common Myiarchus flycatcher on this tour route
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
Multiple views at Gardens of the Amazon
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
Seen several times but seeing one on a Marsh Deer was memorable
LESSER KISKADEE (Philohydor lictor)
Common along the rivers
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Common and widespread
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
A few sightings of this "kiskadee on steroids"
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
A Moriche palm specialist that was seen well at Gardens of the amazon
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
One of the most common species on our tour
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) [*]
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
A couple of sightings in the Pantanal
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus)
Seen by a couple of people from a bridge on the Arinos River
CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi)
A recent split from Red-eyed Vireo
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
Common in the Pantanal
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
This species used to be placed in the Wrens family but it was placed in its own family a few years ago. We saw several of them in the Pantanal
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Common along the rivers in the Pantanal and Gardens of the amazon
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
Seen repeatedly in the Pantanal and Gardens of the Amazon
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
A single sighting at the end of the tour
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Common along the rivers in the Pantanal and Gardens of the amazon
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
A few individuals spotted around the Fish farm at Gardens of the Amazon
CHATTERING GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus sticturus sticturus)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Seen often responding to Pigmy owl tape in the Pantanal
TOOTH-BILLED WREN (Odontorchilus cinereus)
Scope views of this canopy specialist
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (UNSPOTTED) (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor)
This subspecies is quite different from the birds found in the Amazon.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
We saw this species nicely at Aymara Lodge in the Pantanal
FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus)
Porto Jofre is the northern limit of the range of this range restricted species.
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Seen on the way to and from Gardens of the Amazon
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
A few individuals around our lodge at Rio Claro Lodge
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
This species is considered the National Bird of Brazil
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
We found this species at Gardens of the Amazon
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
Common in Cuiaba but rare (fortunately) in the Pantanal
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus chii)
Seen on our way from Porto Jofre to Rio Claro
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) [*]
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
We came across this species in the pasture area around Macaw's lake at Gardens of the Amazon
WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Leistes superciliaris)
We came across this species in the pasture area around Macaw's lake at Gardens of the Amazon
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Seen every day in the Pantanal
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
Seen a couple of times along the rivers at Porto Jofre
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
Seen on most days of our tour
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
Initially seen just by Belinda but later we found another individual
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
A close relative of the Orioles from North America. We had multiple looks in the Pantanal
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris)
Visually similar to the Shiny Cowbird but the shorter bill, lack of shiny feathers and different song set them apart. We saw one on the first day of our tour during our lunch stop
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
A common species but we had wonderful looks at one individual performing a display flight
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
A nest parasite of the Crested Oropendola
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus)
A gorgeous species that inhabits the Papyrus Marshes in the Pantanal
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)
Formerly called Baywing Cowbird but it was split into two species and the expression Cowbird was removed from its name as it is not a nest parasite.
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
Seen in flooded fields around Porto Jofre
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
Since our tour this species has been split and is now called Southern Yellowthroat
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
We found this species along the river trail at Aymara Lodge in the Pantanal
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)
We found this species along the river trail at Aymara Lodge in the Pantanal
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
Sharon found this species for us
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata)
A common visitor of the feeders in the Pantanal
CONE-BILLED TANAGER (Conothraupis mesoleuca)
What a great look at this scarce species. We found a male feeding on some flowers of a tree on Anaconda Lake at Gardens of the Amazon
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
We saw this scarce species along the transpantaneira road on our way back from Porto Jofre
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
Seen on most days of our tour
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
A pair of birds was spotted around the fish ponds near the lodge at Gardens of the Amazon
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
Visually similar to Blue-Gray Tanager but much more common
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
Common around the Moriche palms at Gardens of the Amazon
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Stilpnia cyanicollis)
Seen right around the lodge at Gardens of the Amazon
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
We saw this species from the bridge at the Arinos River near Gardens of the Amazon
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
Multiple views at Gardens of the Amazon
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
Seen in response to a Pigmy Owl tape
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
Multiple males and females on the Jatoba Trail
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
Seen on the Jatoba trail with a canopy flock
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
Multiple sightings in the Pantanal where it often showed up in response to a recording of Ferruginous Pigmy Owl
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
Common around the lodges in the Pantanal
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
Seen in the open fields around Gardens of the Amazon
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
A handsome seedeater we saw in the Pantanal
TAWNY-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila hypoxantha)
This is an Austral migrant that shows up in the pantanal in small numbers in the winter time
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal. Curiously the latin name of this bird suggests that it is from Angola where it does not occur at all
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
A few individuals seen at Gardens of the Amazon and in the Pantanal
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
A handsome seedeater that is pretty common in flooded fields in the Pantanal
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
Common and widespread
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
Seen at Gardens of the Amazon
BLUISH-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
This is the species we saw in the Pantanal
PROBOSCIS BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
Great views of these bats flying low over the Cuiaba River at Dusk
LESSER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio albiventris)
BLACK-TAILED MARMOSET (Mico melanurus)
BLACK-AND-GOLD HOWLER (Alouatta caraya)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Sapajus apella)
WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles belzebuth)
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla)
SIX-BANDED ARMADILLO (Euphractus sexcinctus)
COMMON TAPETI (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
GREATER CAPYBARA (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
LOWLAND PACA (Cuniculus paca)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis)
We spotted one of these shy Otters from the bridge over the Arinos River
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)
JAGUAR (Panthera onca)
The real star of the tour. We saw multiple individuals on different days.
LOWLAND TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris)
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
A great spot by Carolyne
COMMON RED BROCKET (Mazama americana)
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
PARAGUAYAN CAIMAN (Caiman yacare)
BIG-HEADED PANTANAL SWAMP TURTLE (Acanthochelys macrocephala)
Totals for the tour: 335 bird taxa and 21 mammal taxa