After three long years, we are back to the Manaus area, one of the best areas for birding in South America, and it was great as usual. A tour where we have great forest areas, two canopy towers and some amazing flooded forest habitats to visit can not be bad it all.
Our adventure started at Ducke Forest Reserve, north of Manaus, with some great Guianan Shield endemics like Red-billed Woodcreeper, Green Aracari, a pair of Guianan-Warbling Antbirds, the beautiful Black-spotted Barbet eating some fruit, and a few individuals of Marail Guan along the entrance road. Another highlight for the morning was a group of Brazilian Bare-faced Tamarin walking through the trees along the road for a few minutes. We went back to the reserve in the afternoon and had some nice looks at the pretty male White-fronted Manakin, the rare Cinereus Mourner, a beautiful male Yellow-billed Jacamar and some nice scope studies of Collared Puffbird.
On the second day, we went to the famous ZF-2 INPA canopy tower, a tower built almost 50 years ago for climate monitoring and a special place for birding as well. After a picnic breakfast, we went to the top of the tower at first light for a great morning of birding, with some amazing birds like Olive-green Tyrannulet, and the Guianan Shield endemics Guianan Toucanet and Guianan Puffbird. Besides that, we also saw great species like Ash-winged Antwren, White Hawk, Slaty-capped Shrike-vireo, Short-billed Honeycreeper, Paradise Tanager, Glossy-backed Becard and more.
After a few hours up on the tower, we went back to the car and made a stop to see a very hard bird for the area, Boat-billed Tody-tyrant. The bird was recorded a few days earlier and we also saw a bird foraging near to the road. From there, we drove to Presidente Figueiredo, land of the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock and many other great birds. On the first afternoon, we went to the Cock-of-the-Rock arena and at least 8 birds were around the area.
On the way back, we stopped to see some nice Campina specialties like Northern Slaty-antshrike, Pelzeln's Tody-tyrant, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, and Yellow-crowned Manakin. The other days around Pres. Figueiredo were good, with more great birds like the amazing Capuchinbird, a pair of Ferruginous-backed Antbirds, a stunning view of Lined Forest-Falcon in the scope, and nice looks at Musician Wren. We also saw Black-faced Antthrush, Fulvous Shrike-tanager, both male and female Spangled Cotinga, the old friend Crimson Topaz was in the same spot and a group of colorful Painted Parakeets were also there, and a very cooperative Point-tailed Palmcreeper was seen later.
On the day we were on the ZF-2 tower, a group of 15 people were also there and I thought we would not enjoy the place as we should, so I decided to do it one more time on the last morning before getting in the boat and it was a very good decision. We arrived very early to the tower and had a chance to enjoy another morning up there and to see some fantastic birds like a pair of Crested Eagles in the scope for a long time. The canopy flocks were also around with all four species of honeycreepers (Short-billed, Purple, Red-legged and Green honeycreepers), better looks at Ash-winged Antwren, an always celebrated female Crimson Fruitcrow, a few individuals of Red-lored Parrot, the rarely seen Dotted Tanager, a group of Caica Parrots seen in the scope and a few other nice sightings.
After that, we started our journey up on the Rio Negro onboard of the mothership Dorinha and we made a stop on the first evening at the mouth of the Ariaú river, where we saw our first Great and Common potoos. On the next morning, we woke up at the Anavilhanas National Park and its 380 islands. Before dawn, we saw a pair of Spectacled Owls and both races of Band-tailed Nighthawk around. The morning was also the time to see many special island birds like Blackish-gray, Black-crested and Ash-breasted antbirds, Klages's and Leaden antwrens, the great Wire-tailed Manakin, Green-tailed Jacamar and a lek of Streak-throated Hermit.
The Jaú National Park was great, as always and we started with great birds like Varzea Schiffornis, Cherrie's Antwren, Green Oropendola and another few specialties like Brown-headed Greenlet, Lafresnaye's Piculet and three individuals of Undulated Tinamou foraging for a a few minutes. The birds in the Terra-Firme forest were a bit quiet, similar to the forest in Pres. Figueiredo, but we managed to see some amazing birds like the rarely seen Wing-banded Wren, White-cheeked and Chestnut-crested antbirds, a family of Cream-colored Woodpeckers and one of the greatest moment on the tour, a female Harpy Eagle flying over our heads!! Besides that, we saw a group of Black Uakari Monkey from the top deck of Dorinha.
Later, we went to one of the best island for birding in the whole Amazon, the Marchantaria island, in front of Manaus and near to the meeting of the waters. That's home for great species like Black-and-white Antbird, Castelnau's Antshrike, many different spinetails (Dark-breasted, White-bellied, Red-and-white and Parker's), and Yellow-crowned Elaenia. It was an amazing day with most of targets seen well. Finally, on the last morning, we spent a few hours on top of the MUSA canopy tower, looking for some of the missing birds and it worked. We saw a few new birds for the list like Golden-collared Woodpecker, Yellow-green Grosbeak, a group of 4 White-collared Swift and more.
I hope to see you guys again soon!
Abraços,
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus)
It's always a prize to see a Tinamou and even better when you see them foraging very relaxed for several minutes. We had this privilege with three of them on our first morning at Jaú National Park.
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) [*]
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
Seen a few times in Jaú NP and bigger groups on our trip to the Marchantaria island.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Only a few birds seen this year, at Marchantaria island area.
VARIABLE CHACHALACA (Ortalis motmot)
Seen a couple of times at Mari-Mari hotel.
MARAIL GUAN (Penelope marail)
Three birds seen in the scope at Ducke Reserve on the very first morning and later, from the Musa canopy tower, Michael spotted one more for us.
CRESTLESS CURASSOW (Mitu tomentosum) [*]
BLACK CURASSOW (Crax alector)
Seen only for the first car on the way back from the ZF-2 canopy tower.
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) [*]
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
Heard many times and seen very well from the MUSA canopy tower.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND DOVE (Columbina minuta)
A single one seen at Marchantaria.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
Nice looks in the scope at Marchantaria.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster)
A nice looking cuckoo seen from the ZF-2 tower.
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris)
Not seen every year; we had a few of these birds on the sand beaches at Marchantaria.
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
Seen twice, first near to the Mari-Mari hotel and later from our mother ship Dorinha at Jaú NP.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
Both races of Band-tailed Nighthawk seen at Jaú NP and recognized by their different voice patterns.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne [leucopyga] sp.)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
A couple of birds seen on Tucumanduba road, west of Presidente Figueiredo.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
This huge night bird flew over our head during a night spotlighting on the Ariaú river, on the way to Jaú NP.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Great looks at Anavilhanas National park during an evening canoe trip.
WHITE-WINGED POTOO (Nyctibius leucopterus) [*]
Two birds responded to our calls in Presidente Figueiredo but never moved. I truly believe one of them was probably on its nest.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Another bird not seen every year in Manaus, we saw 4 of them from the MUSA canopy tower.
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
CRIMSON TOPAZ (Topaza pella)
Our old friend is still there, at Iracema Falls hotel. After a few minutes waiting, a male was found sitting on the shade and seen in the scope.
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
Nice male seen at Igarapé Preto stream, on our last day at Jaú NP.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
STREAK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis rupurumii)
This small hermit, mainly found on the island with seasonally flooded forest, was seen on its lek area at Anavilhanas NP.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
Smallest Hermit in the country, seen only once on this tour in Pres. Figueiredo.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
A nice looking hummer seen foraging with a canopy flock near Pres. Figueiredo.
GREEN-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus theresiae) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
The new manager of Mari-Mari is now keeping a hummer feeder near to the restaurant, and for now, this is only one coming to feed on it.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Chrysuronia versicolor)
BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)
One of the oldest bird families in the world! This weird bird lives in big colonies along the Amazonian rivers.
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) [*]
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica)
A big flock seen on the sand beach at Marchantaria island.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami) [*]
A few birds heard during our first evening canoe trip on the Ariaú river.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
Seen a couple of times along the Jaú river.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
A few birds seen nicely during our evening canoe trips.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
The King!! Both adult and young birds seen along the tour.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Only found near to the white water rivers near to Manaus; we had a few nice looks at Marchantaria island.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Lots of individuals at Marchantaria.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
CRESTED EAGLE (Morphnus guianensis)
One of the most wanted birds in the Neotropics, even harder to see than Harpy Eagles. We were very, very lucky, and saw a pair of these majestic raptors from the ZF-2 INPA tower.
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja)
Another great moment for the tour. In one of the Jaú NP trails, a huge shadow was seen flying over our heads and this enormous female Harpy Eagle landed almost above our heads for a few minutes. We were trying to find a better window to see it and the bird took off, giving us a nice look at its broad wings.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
On our way back from Jaú NP, cruising along a narrow channel, an adult Black Hawk-Eagle flew in front of our boat and landed close to the channel. We went back aways and saw it perched.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) [*]
Heard once at Jaú NP.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
A pair of birds seen in courtship flight on the way to Jaú river.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
A few nice looks on the tour; the best one was on the last morning at MUSA.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus)
Two individuals seen on the Tucumanduba Rd, near to Pres. Figueiredo.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
Seen well from the ZF-2 INPA tower.
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
Great bird, seen in the scope from the Dorinha top-deck.
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi)
Great scope studies at Ducke Forest Reserve, in Manaus.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
GUIANAN TROGON (Trogon violaceus)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
A female seen nicely in the scope.
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
Always nice to see this beauty.
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
A big Puffbird, this one replaces Guianan Puffbird to the west of the Negro and south of the Amazonas rivers.
GUIANAN PUFFBIRD (Notharchus macrorhynchos)
An old friend, seen well from both canopy towers.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) [*]
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis)
Usually quiet and hard to see, we had a pair of them at Ducke Reserve.
RUSTY-BREASTED NUNLET (Nonnula rubecula) [*]
BLACK NUNBIRD (Monasa atra)
Nice looks in Manaus and Pres. Figueiredo area.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris)
A great look in the scope on our first morning at Ducke Reserve.
GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula galbula)
This is a seasonally flooded forest bird, seen nicely on the island of Anavilhanas NP.
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET (Capito niger)
A male seen very well eating some fruit at Ducke reserve.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) [*]
GREEN ARACARI (Pteroglossus viridis)
A nice Guianan Shield Endemic seen a couple of times.
BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari)
GUIANAN TOUCANET (Selenidera piperivora)
Both male and female seen from the ZF-2 INPA tower.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
A male seen on our first day at Jaú NP.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
The first bird of the tour!!
GOLDEN-COLLARED WOODPECKER (Dryobates cassini)
Usually a common bird around Manaus, only seen on the very last morning.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
Nice looks at Marchantaria.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus)
WAVED WOODPECKER (Celeus undatus)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
One of the favorite moments of the tour!! We were doing a canoe trip when three individuals responded to the playback and landed right in front (and in great light!!) of us for several minutes.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (BAR-THROATED) (Piculus chrysochloros capistratus)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
Another flooded forest bird seen at Marchantaria.
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis)
That was a really awesome moment!!! Forest falcons are like ghosts and more than usually "hear only" on the triplist. We heard a bird singing not far away, and after a few playback notes, a bird came in and landed for several minutes close to us.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
Seen a few times along the tour.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
TUI PARAKEET (Brotogeris sanctithomae)
Nice looking Parakeet seen well at Marchantaria island.
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus)
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
CAICA PARROT (Pyrilia caica)
Amazing Guianan Shield endemic seen well from the ZF-2 INPA tower.
DUSKY PARROT (Pionus fuscus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus)
FESTIVE PARROT (Amazona festiva)
The most common Parrot on the islands of Anavilhanas NP, distinguished from the other Amazona species by its bright red rump.
RED-LORED PARROT (DIADEMED) (Amazona autumnalis diadema)
Not seen every year in Manaus at this time of year, we saw it from both canopy towers.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus)
Fantastic bird!! The contrast of the colors is really great.
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus)
PAINTED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura picta)
Another great Guianan Shield endemic seen very well in Presidente Figueiredo.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
Nice looks at Jaú NP.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
On our last morning, from the MUSA tower, we saw 5 birds flying bellow eye level in perfect light!
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila)
A nice example why we really need the canopy towers in the Amazon forest!! This tiny Antbird moves with the canopy flocks and it's a real challenge to see it from the ground.
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
Great looks at Anavilhanas NP.
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus)
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus)
Nice bird, seen well in the old forest at Marchantaria.
BLACKISH-GRAY ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus nigrocinereus)
This one replaces Castelnau's in the black water flooded forest.
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus punctatus)
A Campina (white sand soil forest) bird, seen well at Mari-Mari lodge.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus cinereiceps)
The race cinereiceps (gray crowned) was seen on the Chavascal habitat at Jaú NP.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris)
BROWN-BELLIED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla gutturalis) [*]
RUFOUS-BACKED STIPPLETHROAT (RIO NEGRO) (Epinecrophylla haematonota pyrrhonota)
Nice Negro-Solimões interfluvium endemic.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) [*]
CHERRIE'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula cherriei)
Similar to the Klages's Antwren, even living in the same habitat, but this one has bolder black streaks all over the body.
KLAGES'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula klagesi)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
LEADEN ANTWREN (Myrmotherula assimilis)
Another nice flooded forest bird seen nicely at Anavilhanas NP.
SPOT-BACKED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dorsimaculatus)
Seen well from both canopy towers.
GUIANAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis cantator)
Nice looks at Ducke Reserve.
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha)
This is only found on the right bank of the Negro river.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
ASH-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lugubris)
A flooded forest bird seen very well on the island of Anavilhanas NP.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus ardesiacus)
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus)
The only Antbird found on the young islands flooded by the white waters. We saw a pair of birds near to the Marchantaria island.
BLACK-HEADED ANTBIRD (HELLMAYR'S) (Percnostola rufifrons subcristata)
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus ferrugineus)
What a bird!! I really like this beauty.
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) [*]
WHITE-CHEEKED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis)
An army ant swarm follower, this replaces the Rufous-throated Antbird on the right bank of Negro river.
CHESTNUT-CRESTED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina cristata)
One of the main targets for the tour, this is another army ant swarm follower. This bird does not respond to tape recording very often and it's hard to see away from the ant swarm. We saw it twice, briefly but not very well.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
Nice female seen at Itaubal trail.
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) [*]
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) [*]
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) [*]
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis)
A great moment in Pres. Figueiredo. We all managed to see this elusive bird walking across the path.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) [*]
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda)
A responsive bird seen well at Jaú NP.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
Fantastic looks from the MUSA tower.
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) [*]
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus)
Big woodcreeper seen at Ducker reserve.
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Hylexetastes perrotii)
A great Guianan shield endemic seen very well on the first morning at Ducke Reserve.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
A flooded forest bird seen on the islands of Anavilhanas N.P.
CHESTNUT-RUMPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus pardalotus)
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (LINE-CROWNED) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus beauperthuysii)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
ZIMMER'S WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex kienerii)
Another specialty from the flooded forest areas. This bird is very similar to the Straight-billed Woodcreeper but this one has a purple-grayish feet, instead of greenish.
CURVE-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus procurvoides) [*]
DUIDA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes duidae)
This one replaces Guianan Woodcreeper on the right bank of Negro river.
GUIANAN WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri)
Great bird seen at Pres. Figueiredo.
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor)
Restricted to the white water flooded forest.
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula)
Another great bird found on the recently established islands on the white water rivers.
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
RED-AND-WHITE SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis mustelinus)
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Mazaria propinqua)
Seen side-by-side with Dark-breasted Spinetail at Marchantaria island.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
TINY TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes virescens)
This little one replaces the Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin on the left bank of Negro river.
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum)
A Campina specialty seen well at Mari-Mari.
WHITE-THROATED MANAKIN (Corapipo gutturalis)
A little beauty seen well near Pres. Figueiredo.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) [*]
WHITE-FRONTED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix serena)
One of the most colorful Manakins in the Amazon.
YELLOW-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus flavivertex)
Seen nicely twice, and the second one was an adult male on our first stop at Jaú NP.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda)
One of my favorite ones! Both male and female seen on the island of Anavilhanas NP.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Pseudopipra pipra)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
GUIANAN RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus carnifex)
An immature male seen very well on the Cachoeira da Onça Private Reserve.
GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola rupicola)
One of the greatest stars of this tour!! It's a big pleasure to be back and enjoy these fantastic birds on their arena.
CRIMSON FRUITCROW (Haematoderus militaris)
On our second morning at Zf-2 tower, we saw a female moving around the tower for several minutes.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
We were moving down stream along the Negro river and doing some birding on the Dorinha's top deck and after a big storm, a female flew and landed on a dead tree, remaining perched for a few minutes. Great moment!
CAPUCHINBIRD (Perissocephalus tricolor)
We had two nice looks at these singular birds.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
Both male and female seen a couple of times on the tour.
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major)
A hard bird to see anywhere. We saw it very well near to the entrance of Jaú NP.
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra)
Seen on the first day at Ducke Reserve.
GLOSSY-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus surinamus)
Great bird, and great looks from the ZF-2 canopy tower.
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius barbatus)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
We were looking for the rare Boat-billed Pygmy-tyrant and a family of these nice looking birds show up.
OLIVE-GREEN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes virescens)
Great looks from the ZF-2 canopy tower. This bird is usually moving along with the mixed-species flocks.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
The smallest passerine in the world!!
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus)
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (IGAPO) (Hemitriccus minor pallens)
BOAT-BILLED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus josephinae)
A very good surprise on the tour. The bird has been recorded along the ZF-2 road a week before the tour and we saw two individuals on the same spot. Lifer for everybody!
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops zosterops) [*]
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops rothschildi)
Great looks on the last morning from the MUSA tower.
PELZELN'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus inornatus)
Ed was the only one able to see it besides me.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
Nice looks at Marchantaria island.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
PAINTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum pictum)
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) [*]
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)
Two individuals collecting nest material in Pres. Figueiredo.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (RIVERINE) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens insignis)
The best view in many years. A bird foraging in the understory for a few minutes.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
Great looks from both canopy towers.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex)
A single bird seen at Marchantaria.
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer)
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis)
Nice looks at Marchantaria. This population is restricted to the white water islands.
AMAZONIAN TYRANNULET (Inezia subflava)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior)
RIVERSIDE TYRANT (Knipolegus orenocensis)
Both male and female seen well at Marchantaria.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) [*]
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus)
Another nice white water flooded forest bird seen well.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (PHAEONOTUS) (Myiarchus swainsoni phaeonotus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) [*]
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
A few birds around the Marchantaria island.
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus)
THREE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Conopias trivirgatus)
Nice looks in Jaú NP.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
ISLAND STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes [maculatus] sp. nov.)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
The same pair of birds guarding the Açaí palm trees at Mari-Mari hotel.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus) [*]
BROWN-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus brunneiceps)
Nice bird, restricted to the seasonally flooded forest by black waters; we saw it very well from the top deck of Dorinha on our first morning at Jaú NP.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis)
Seen well from both canopy towers.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps)
Only one individual seen moving with an understory flock in Pres. Figueiredo.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) [*]
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Pachysylvia muscicapina)
A couple of nice looks from the ZF-2 canopy tower.
CHIVI VIREO (RESIDENT) (Vireo chivi solimoensis)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (TAPERA) (Progne tapera tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Not many around Manaus this year.
COLLARED GNATWREN (Microbates collaris) [*]
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
GUIANAN GNATCATCHER (Polioptila guianensis) [*]
RIO NEGRO GNATCATCHER (Polioptila facilis)
Seen only once, moving with a canopy flock in Jaú NP. The bird responded to the recording and was seen flying over our heads a couple of times.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
A male seen along the Igarapé Preto, on the last morning at Jaú NP.
WING-BANDED WREN (Microcerculus bambla)
Fantastic moment in Jaú NP. A very responsive bird seen walking along the log near to the trail.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada)
After a few years, seen again in Pres. Figueiredo; this is the nominate subspecies (Cyphorhinchus arada arada).
COCOA THRUSH (Turdus fumigatus) [*]
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
PLUMBEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia plumbea)
Both male and female seen very nicely at Mari-Mari hotel.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
A Male seen at Ducke reserve.
GOLDEN-SIDED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cayennensis)
Both male a female seen a couple of times.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis)
A big group seen by the Jaú Np entrance area.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
A few birds seen at Marchantaria.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes canadensis)
A nice flock seen from the MUSA canopy tower on the last morning.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides) [*]
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Loriotus cristatus)
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus)
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus)
Great bird, not seen every year on this tour. We saw a male super well in Pres. Figueiredo.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
DOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis varia)
Another very special bird seen from the ZF-2 canopy tower during our second visit.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
It's always a pleasure to see this stunning bird moving along the canopy.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) [*]
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
Seen super well at Jaú NP.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes nitidus)
Much better than usual, we saw a few individuals moving with the canopy flocks around the ZF-2 canopy tower.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
Nice looks from the ZF-2 canopy tower.
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)
PEARLY-BREASTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum margaritae)
Another white water island specialty seen well at Marchantaria.
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
LINED SEEDEATER (Sporophila lineola)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
A male seen briefly in Pres. Figueiredo.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BLUE-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus)
Nice looks during our canoe trips in Anavilhanas and Jaú national parks.
BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis)
GOLDEN-HANDED TAMARIN (Saguinus midas)
Seen really nice twice in Pres. Figueiredo
BRAZILIAN BARE-FACE TAMARIN (Saguinus bicolor)
A very special monkey, only found around the city of Manaus. We saw a nice group at Ducke Forest Reserve.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
BROWN BEARDED SAKI MONKEY (Chiropotes satanas)
Great looks in Pres. Figueiredo.
BLACK UAKARI MONKEY (Cacajao malanocephalus)
One of the most wanted mammals for the tour, seen very well at Jaú NP.
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons)
Fantastic looks during a canoe trip along the Igarapé Preto on the last morning at Jaú NP.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
GREAT LONG-NOSED ARMADILLO (Dasypus kappleri)
Seen by me and Ed during a night trip for the potoos in Jaú NP.
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans)
RED-RUMPED AGOUTI (Dasyprocta agouti)
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis)
TUCUXI (Sotalia fluviatilis)
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva)
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus)
SMOKY JUNGLE FROG (Leptodactylus pentadactylus)
Despite all these great birds and mammals, we also had other nice things like Pithecia chrysocephala (Golden-faced Saki Monkey) seen a couple of times in Presidente Figueiredo, Giant Bamboo Rat heard a few times during our night excursions in Jaú and Anavilhanas National Park, and other Herps like Allobates femoralis (Brilliant-thighed Poison Frog), the one with the four-note call heard many times, a couple of Leaf Toads seen along the trails, and lots of nice insects.
Totals for the tour: 380 bird taxa and 15 mammal taxa