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Red-legged Seriama or Velociraptor? You make the call! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Willy and I couldn't have asked for a better group. There were definitely some long drives and a minor hiccup or two, but you all handled it like seasoned pros. We also enjoyed the help in finding birds (more than a few great spotters on this trip) and being accommodating with regards to seat rotations on buses and flexible eating options at restaurants (just don't order the pizza). It was also fun being with Steve when he saw his 5000th bird! Congratulations!
We did extremely well with the birds, considering that Mother Nature was bent on throwing every single climate curve ball our way. We endured a powerful hailstorm, drizzly rain and fog on other days (even though this tour normally doesn't encounter rain), and a drought on the High Plain which left waterholes dry and lots of birds in trouble. We somehow still managed to find 357 bird taxa and several cool mammals! There were numerous highlights, including both species of rhea (!), more encounters with tinamous than you could shake a stick at (what does that actually mean?), three species of flamingos in the same scope view, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Bare-eyed Ground-Dove, Yungas Screech-Owl, Lyre-tailed Nightjar feeding under a lamp post (seriously?!), Black-bodied AND Cream-backed woodpeckers, gallitos, both endemic cinclodes and White-throated Cacholote, the elegant Tucuman Mountain-Finch, and the striking Yellow-striped Brushfinch. But was it the dullest that captured everyone's hearts and attention? Salinas Monjita! Or maybe that was just the wine talking...
Again, thanks to an awesome group. Also, many, many thanks to our local guide, Emiliano (Indio), for his local expertise and guidance throughout the trip. Job well done. Finally, thanks to our drivers for excellent, well...driving, but also for helping out with other tour "chores." We wish you all the best for the rest of 2016. Enjoy the birds.
-- Jesse, aka Motmot (and Willy Perez) from Lima, Peru
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
A sleepy Citron-headed Yellow-Finch catches the sun at Yavay. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – Seen in good numbers around JVG in the open areas within Chaco forest.
LESSER RHEA (PUNA) (Rhea pennata tarapacensis) – Good numbers were seen on our drive to Laguna de Pozuelos.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) – Seen by a few folks near Frias. Also heard once or twice.
HUAYCO TINAMOU (Rhynchotus maculicollis) [*]
ORNATE TINAMOU (Nothoprocta ornata) – We lucked out finding this species in the open at Pampas de Infiernillo. It was also pretty common on the Altiplano.
BRUSHLAND TINAMOU (Nothoprocta cinerascens) – Our first were in the Chaco forest around Cordoba, but also again around JV Gonzalez.
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) – Pretty common at Tafi and other places in highland brush country.
DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii) [*]
ELEGANT CRESTED-TINAMOU (Eudromia elegans) [*]
QUEBRACHO CRESTED-TINAMOU (Eudromia formosa) – There was some question about what we saw at Salinas Grandes, which surprisingly (not supposed to be here!) looked a lot like this species. However, there was no doubt when we saw three individuals crossing the track outside of JVG.
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – Four individuals were seen along the road at El Rey NP.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Good numbers at Campo Alegre and La Cienega Reservoir.
As their name suggests, Burrowing Parrots make their own nest chambers, digging into vertical limestone or sandstone cliffs. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor) – Several hundred at Campo Alegre.
COSCOROBA SWAN (Coscoroba coscoroba) – This was a good species for us tot catch up with at La Cienega Reservoir. We saw probably 20 or so birds.
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – 400 in a field outside of JVG was an unusual site!
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus) – Very common on the Altiplano near La Quiaca.
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – Quite common around La Quiaca.
RINGED TEAL (Callonetta leucophrys) – A pair was seen well (albeit with heads tucked) at Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – Not many, but pairs were seen at most watering holes.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Small numbers along Rio Los Sosa and again at Yala.
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – Common and in good numbers at large bodies of water.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – Just one at Campo Alegre.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Very common at most lakes and reservoirs in the lowlands.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – We saw our first at La Quiaca.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (FLAVIROSTRIS) (Anas flavirostris flavirostris) – The subspecies seen at Costanera Sur with speckled chests and contrasting dark head and neck.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera) – This highland subspecies was seen at La Quiaca. This race is paler below with less markings on chest.
ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca) – Good numbers of both males and females at Costanera Sur.
MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus) – A small pond on our drive to El Rey NP had several birds submarining in duck weed.
LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata) – Similar to Ruddy Duck, but bill structure and elevation seem to be the two most identifying marks in separating them. A pair was seen at Costanera Sur.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis) – Common in the Chaco forest.
RED-FACED GUAN (Penelope dabbenei) – Seen a few times in the Yala Valley.
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura) – Also common in the Yala Valley and a few other places on tour.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – Close looks at several breeding individuals at Costanera Sur.
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – A pair were on the small pond en route to El Rey NP.
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – Good numbers at Costanera Sur.
GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major) – Several pairs were seen at Costanera Sur.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – Nice comparison of all three flamingos were made at El Huangar.
ANDEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
JAMES'S FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – A few on tour.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Good numbers at several different sites.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Two were seen at Costanera Sur.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – One flew by during our visit to Costanera Sur.
The group checks out the endemic Salinas Monjita, later voted as bird of the trip -- but was that just the wine talking? Photo by guide Willy Perez.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Good numbers at Costanera Sur.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Small numbers once we headed north a bit more.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Not super common on this tour despite the large numbers of cattle around. We spend too much time in the highlands.
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – A striking bird was seen at El Rey; a bird in full-breeding mode. Others were seen at Jujuy.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – One was flying down the Yalay Valley which seemed a bit out of place.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi) – Large numbers were at Campo Alegre and La Cienega.
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – This species was seen on the Altiplano. Very similar to White-faced Ibis in non-breeding plumage.
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus) – One was at Campo Alegre, but there were a few more at La Cienega.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – Emiliano spotted a pair in a tree at Cuesta de Obispo, but we had more in Jujuy.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – A pair was seen at La Cienega Reservoir.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Good numbers throughout the tour.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Slightly more common than the previous species? Or maybe just seen on more days.
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – Good studies of several in the Salinas Grandes area. We studied their squared off tails and more silver wing linings.
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Fantastic views of several adults and immatures at Sierra Grande de Cordoba.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – A trio was seen at El Rey NP.
We caught up with a couple of Great Rufous Woodcreepers at El Rey National Park. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – Small numbers on different days, but only in the lowlands.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – This elegant raptor was seen well at El Rey NP.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – One was at Campo Alegre reservoir.
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – Steve spotted a pale male over the puna grassland at Tafi.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – One tried to take a pair of Scaly-headed Parrots at Camino de Corniza.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – One was perched just outside the entrance to El Rey NP.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Not as common as expected giving the amount of open country.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Good numbers around Salta and Jujuy along the edges of Yungas forest.
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – Two were seen soaring over the dry forest on our way to Dean Funes.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – One was seen on the drive from El Quiaca.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – These were the individuals seen over puna grassland in the Sierre Grande (higher elevations) at the start of the tour.
VARIABLE HAWK (VARIABLE) (Geranoaetus polyosoma polyosoma) – The ones (presumably) seen at lower elevations around Quiaca.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – We had nice looks at several individuals at Sierra Grande including an adult dive bombing a Variable Hawk.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – One was seen over our Pura Vida Hotel on the last morning.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – A calling pair in El Rey NP was fun to watch and hear. This species has recently been split and what we saw is Gray-cowled Wood-Rail (A. cajaneus).
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops) – Seen super well at Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires.
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – One came to investigate us at a roadside marsh on our way to Quiaca.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – A few along the marshy edges at Costanera Sur.
RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata) – Several at Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires.
GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea) – These were common on the Altiplano.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Also known as Andean Coot. We saw this species around Quiaca.
WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera) – Common on marshes and lakes from Salta north to Quiaca.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Two were on the lakeshore at La Cienega Reservoir.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus) – Fairly common on this tour.
ANDEAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra andina) – This pretty shorebird was seen at Laguna de Pozeulos.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
TAWNY-THROATED DOTTEREL (Oreopholus ruficollis) – We found a group in short grass on the high plain near Cienagilla.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Common throughout the tour, but not seen at higher elevations where replaced by next species.
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
PUNA PLOVER (Charadrius alticola) – There were a few at Laguna de Pozuelos.
Andean Tinamous were pretty common in the highland brush country. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – We saw this species a few times, but not real common.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica) – We had one at Laguna de Pozuelos.
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii) – Really cool seeing a shorebird in southern South America on its wintering grounds. The distances they travel!
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) – These were common at a few sites in the highlands.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Seen around Tafi and again at La Quiaca.
BROWN-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus maculipennis) – A few breeding adults (with dark hoods) were seen flying over the water at Costanera Sur.
SNOWY-CROWNED TERN (Sterna trudeaui) – One flew down the river at Costanera Sur. The bill is very similar to that of a Sandwich Tern.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common in most places at least in cities and town. Quite alot of variation was seen.
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – Nice looks at this lovely pigeon at Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – This pigeon was common at mid to lower elevations starting in Cordaba.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (ALBIPENNIS) (Patagioenas maculosa albipennis) – The subspecies seen near Yavay. This is the highland race that presumabely shows more spotting on the wing (in flight a more obvious white wing band). Sometimes treated as a separate species, White-winged Pigeon.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – Seen in the Yungas forest near Tafi.
We saw hundreds of Black Siskins in an impressive "bumblebee show" near Tafi. This was Steve's 5000th species! Photo by participant Steve Matherly.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui) – Very common in the Chaco.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – Finally caught up with these species at Yavay.
BARE-EYED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia morenoi) – This local endemic was seen near Tafi and surprisingly again along the Cuesta de Obispo Road (near the top). [E]
BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera) – Seen well in the highlands near Quiaca.
GOLDEN-SPOTTED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia aymara) – Our picnic lunch spot near Laguna de Pozuelos was a good place to see this species.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Heard and seen a few times.
LARGE-TAILED DOVE (Leptotila megalura) – Heard well and seen briefly in flight along the Camino de Corniza.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Common throughout the tour.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – This large, long-tailed cuckoo was seen nicely a few times.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – One was super responsive in Chaco forest near JVG.
MONTANE FOREST SCREECH-OWL (Megascops hoyi) – Seen really well a pair in Yungas forest along the Camino de Corniza outside of Salta.
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (TUCUMAN) (Glaucidium brasilianum tucumanum) – One perched in the open while birding the Gran Chaco near JVG. We enjoyed it tooting away in the scope.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Seen along our drives frequently.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – A brief male and a female feeding at a light were a nice way to end a picnic evening dinner with wine.
LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Setopagis parvula) – We had nice looks in flight of this species in Chaco forest at JVG. Another nice evening drinking wine and watching stars.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Several in the Yala Valley.
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis) – This species was seen in the dry lowlands around JVG.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Seen well on our drive up the Cuesta de Obispo road.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris) – We had this species feeding at a cactus in a semiarid ravine during our drive to Colonel Moldes.
We saw a couple of Wedge-tailed Hillstars, including this female clinging to a rock face at Quiaca. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus) – A female was spotted by Cindy at Sierra Grande, but seen after that (including males) a bunch more times.
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus estella) – One was feeding at a cactus during our drive to Laguna de Pozuelos.
WEDGE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus adela) – This local species was seen in a wash clinging to a rock face and a male displaying during our drive to Laguna de Pozuelos.
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer) – Seen a few times in the Cordoba region; mostly females in flight.
SLENDER-TAILED WOODSTAR (Microstilbon burmeisteri) – A male was seen all too briefly in the Yala Valley.
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus) – Seen a few times, but our first was at Costanera Sur.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – Common on the second half of the tour.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – A pair were scoped in El Rey NP.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – One was flying down the Yala Valley with a fish in its mouth!
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus) – A cool looking bird seen well at Qenti for the first time, but heard again in the chaco at Salinas Grandes.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – Mainly in flight, but one perched at our hotel in Salta as we excited the bus was fortunate.
The lovely little Spot-winged Falconet was seen around Dean Funes. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus) – Steve spotted this at Salinas Grandes. It was interesting to note that some birds (like our individual) only show barring on the sides. Is the field mark of females or just individual variation?
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) [*]
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum) – A lovely woodpecker that we saw well at Salinas Grandes where they nest in columnar cacti.
DOT-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis frontalis) – A couple in El Rey NP, but our first was at the picnic lunch spot on the Cuesta de Obispo road.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – A pair were seen in El Rey NP.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus) – Bob had one in his scope during our picnic lunch at Salinas Grandes.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – A few were seen in the highlands.
CAMPO FLICKER (FIELD) (Colaptes campestris campestroides) – This species was seen in the Cordoba area at Sierra Grande.
BLACK-BODIED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus schulzi) – A flyby was seen at Icho Cruz, but unfortunately we couldn't relocate it. The mockingbird enjoyed playing with us a bit!
CREAM-BACKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus leucopogon) – Awesome scope views of a male at Cuesta de Obispo road.
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – Velociraptors were seen on this tour.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Finally caught up with this species on our drive back to Yala.
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Seen most days of the tour. Common.
CHIMANGO CARACARA (Milvago chimango) – Common in the southern half of the tour. Less so in the highlands.
SPOT-WINGED FALCONET (Spiziapteryx circumcincta) – What a lovely bird! We saw 4 individuals during our stay at Dean Funes.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Common throughout our long drives on this tour.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Nice looks at a few different birds on this tour.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Singles on several different days.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY-HOODED PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aymara) – This small look-alike Monk Parakeet was seen a few times.
MOUNTAIN PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aurifrons) – Seen well on the cliff face during our drive to Laguna de Pozuelos.
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – Common throughout many parts of the tour. Their large stick nests are impressive. Is this the only psittacid that builds its own nest?
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – Common in the Yungas forest.
TUCUMAN PARROT (Amazona tucumana) – Willy spotted a flock that we scoped near our hotel in Yala.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – A beautiful parrot seen in the scope at El Rey NP.
GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura molinae) – Another small parakeet that we caught up with at El Rey NP.
BURROWING PARAKEET (OLIVE) (Cyanoliseus patagonus andinus) – Seen on our drive to Colonel Moldes. There were a bunch in the small town.
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday) – These were seen on our visit to Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires.
This saucy little White-browed Tapaculo was seen well in the puna grassland of Pampas de Infiernillo. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-CROWNED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus acuticaudatus) – Seen in flight at Capilla del Monte, but also again very nicely in the Gran Chaco outside of JVG.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Common in the northwest. Large flocks in the Yala Valley.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea argentina) – A pair were in the scrubby vegetation along the La Cienega reservoir.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – We had to work at seeing this species at the pass; however, we eventually managed to see it really well!
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A young male was seen in the dry forest at Jaime Peter.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maximiliani argentina) – Nice looks (eventually!) at this secretive bird on our drive from JVG to El Rey NP.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
CRESTED GALLITO (Rhinocrypta lanceolata) – Heard at Salinas, but seen super well running across the road a few times at Jaime Peter.
SANDY GALLITO (Teledromas fuscus) – It gave me a chuckle to see this guy running between scrub patches in search of cover. It really reminded me of Noisy Scrub-bird from Southwest Australia. [E]
ZIMMER'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus zimmeri) – Seen by most folks as it climbed up into a bush to call for a few seconds. Very similar in plumage to the next species.
WHITE-BROWED TAPACULO (Scytalopus superciliaris superciliaris) – Our first good looks were in the puna grassland of Pampas de Infiernillo. We also saw it again in the yungas forest below Tafi. Seems odd that this would be the same species given the different altitude and habitat. Stay tuned. [E]
The Lesser Shrike-Tyrant is a very local bird on this tour. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PUNA MINER (Geositta punensis) – Good numbers were seen on the high plain near Quiaca.
RUFOUS-BANDED MINER (Geositta rufipennis) – Our first were on the drive to Colonel Moldes, but also again at El Huangar.
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – This fantastic woodcreeper was seen at El Rey NP, a pair to be exact.
SCIMITAR-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Drymornis bridgesii) – Seen near the beginning of the tour at Icho Cruz.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – We caught up with this species at El Rey NP.
ROCK EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus andaecola) – First seen on the slope along the Cuesta del Obispo Road, but also again at Yavay Chico.
CHACO EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus certhioides) – Excellent looks at a vocal bird while birding Capilla del Monte. Also common (at least by voice) in the chaco around the salinas.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – Common in the Cordoba area and we saw their mud oven-shaped nests on tops of power poles everywhere.
CRESTED HORNERO (Furnarius cristatus) – A very responsive pair was seen at our picnic lunch spot in the chaco at Salinas Grandes.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Several skulky individuals at Huangar. We eventually saw one well.
BUFF-BREASTED EARTHCREEPER (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Upucerthia validirostris jelskii) – This subspecies we saw on the small river island near Laguna de Pozuelos.
CORDOBA CINCLODES (Cinclodes comechingonus) – A couple of different birds in the Sierra Grande. [E]
OLROG'S CINCLODES (Cinclodes olrogi) – Also seen well in the Sierra Grande area. [E]
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris tucumanus) – Our first were in the Pampas de Infiernillo above Tafi.
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – Just singles here and there, but they were difficult to separate from Cream-winged.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) – Awesome studies of a pair near the Virgen de Las Flores in the yungas forest below Tafi. They were super common in the Yala Valley, too.
BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps) – One was outside our hotel in Tafi, in the only Polylepis bush for miles!
TUFTED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura platensis) – Seen in the chaco at Salinas Grandes.
PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (BERLEPSCHI) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides berlepschi) – Our first was in the scrubby ravine near Quiaca, but also again at Yavay Chico.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (RUFOUS-FRONTED) (Phacellodomus rufifrons sincipitalis) – A pair were seen at La Cienega Reservoir.
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – Fairly common in the semiarid areas between Tafi and Colonel Moldes.
LITTLE THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus sibilatrix) – A lifer for more than a few folks. We saw one well along the road as we entered El Rey NP.
SPOT-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus maculipectus) – One was singing from the river bank and we eventually saw it well.
FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi) – Willy had a secret spot for seeing this bird in the Sierra Grande.
LARK-LIKE BRUSHRUNNER (Coryphistera alaudina) – Fairly common in the chaco around Cordoba. Our first was at Posada Qenti.
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (CREAMY-BREASTED) (Asthenes dorbignyi dorbignyi) – Seen in a dry, cactus laden ravine on our way to Colonel Moldes, but also again around Quiaca.
SHORT-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes baeri) – Seen well at Capilla del Monte.
We found a group of Tawny-throated Dotterels on the high plain near Cienagilla. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
PUNA CANASTERO (Asthenes sclateri lilloi) – This is the subpecies seen around Tafi in puna grassland.
PUNA CANASTERO (Asthenes sclateri sclateri) – This particular subspecies was seen in the Sierra Grande outside Cordoba. It was formely called "Cordoba Canastero."
CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta) – One was at our picnic spot near Laguna de Pozuelos.
MAQUIS CANASTERO (Asthenes heterura) – Another canastero seen at a picnic spot. This one along the Cuesta de Obispo Road.
STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia) – This one was fairly common in a variety of semihumid habitats.
BROWN CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura lophotes) – Our first was in the town of Icho Cruz, but they were common in other areas of dry forest and chaco. Quite vocal.
WHITE-THROATED CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura gutturalis) – Hard to believe anything lived in the habitat where we found this pair. [E]
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) – Common (at least by voice) in El Rey NP.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae superciliosa) – Our first was at La Virgen de Las Flores in the yungas forest. Southern populations seem to show more white on the throat. This species was split from Buff-browed Spinetail.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens australis) – Seen at a stop near Frias on our long drive to Valle de Tafi.
OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata) – A pair was seen by most at El Rey NP, but they didn't cooperate too well.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – Uncommon in the dry forest around Cordoba. Seen a few times super well.
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri) – We had a couple of different birds in the chaco surrounding Salinas Grandes.
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri) – A responsive, but somewhat elusive pair was seen in the yungas forest below Tafi.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Good numbers in the yungas forest.
We found our Narrow-billed Woodcreeper at El Rey National Park. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – A cutie popped up for us at Yavay Chico.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – A couple were seen along the Cuesta de Obispo Road.
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) – One was seen in the chaco forest at Salinas Grandes. This species is more olive-green above and whiter below than the previous species (which it closely resembles).
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura) – A pair was at Virgen de Las Flores in the yungas forest.
SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans) – One was seen by a few folks at La Cienega Reservoir.
WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga subcristata) – This species was seen at Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires.
WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda) – Formely a subspecies of White-crested, this species was seen at Posada Qenti. It is all white below with no yellow on the underparts.
STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla) – Also seen at Posada Qenti. Very similar to White-crested Tyrannulet, but the calls are very different.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – Small numbers were seen in the Yungas forest.
ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (BURMEISTER'S) (Phyllomyias burmeisteri burmeisteri) – One was seen briefly in El Rey NP. Vocally quite similar to Yellow-olive Flycatcher.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – Good numbers were heard (and seen) in the Yungas forest.
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) – Its "peeeeu" call was heard a number of times in the chaco forest around Salinas Grandes. Also seen well.
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata) – Or Plain Inezia. This species was seen in the Gran Chaco outside of JVG.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) [*]
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – A pair was seen in the Gran Chaco near JVG.
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides) – Good numbers in the chaco forest at Salinas Grandes.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – This small flycatcher was seen in El Rey NP.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens) – This species is really like 4 or 5 species. The birds we heard in El Rey NP sound quite different from northern populations.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – One was seen at the Virgen de Las Flores below Tafi.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea pallidior) – They look super different in Argentina. The head being the same color as the body.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – One was seen along the Camino de la Corniza.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) – A pair of birds was seen in Yungas forest near Salta.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Seen in Yungas forest on our morning stop along the Cuesta de Obispo Road. Also again in Yala.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – One was visiting the hotel swimming pool in Salta. This was the South American "White-wing" Black Phoebe.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – A few seen in the Cordoba area and also later on.
ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas) – Lots in the Laguna de Pozuelos area.
PLUMBEOUS BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cabanisi) – A good number were seen higher up in the Yala Valley. A split from "Andean Tyrant."
BLUE-BILLED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cyanirostris) – A female was seen at Costanera Sur where not really expected.
The group checks out foggy Yala Valley. Photo by participant HJ Kim.
CINEREOUS TYRANT (Knipolegus striaticeps) – A male was seen in the Gran Chaco near JVG.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus) – Good numbers were seen and males displaying in montane scrub along the Camino de la Corniza.
SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus) – A female was seen pecking at a Fer-de-Lance viper at Salinas Grandes. Males were seen in the Sierra Grande.
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) – Good looks were had at Campo Alegre.
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris) – A couple of birds were seen along the small river at Laguna de Pozuelos.
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus) – One was seen briefly at Yavay Chico.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – A pair was at our picnic spot at El Huangar.
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) – This species was pretty common in the fields above Tafi.
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus) – One was seen in the highlands of Sierra Grande. Its flashing white tail was quite obvioius.
GRAY-BELLIED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis micropterus) – One was seen at Lagunilla.
LESSER SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis murinus) – We found this bird in the Salinas Grandes. A very local bird for us on this tour.
BLACK-CROWNED MONJITA (Xolmis coronatus) – A good bird to find on this tour, and we saw two different individuals!
WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero) – Fairly common in open country.
SALINAS MONJITA (Xolmis salinarum) – This local endemic was seen very well at Salinas Grandes. Thanks to Emiliano for putting us onto a new, reliable site for this species. [E]
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis) – One of our last new birds of the tour!
We found a Striped-capped Sparrow in the dry forest west of Dean Funes. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
D'ORBIGNY'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca oenanthoides) – Several were at Yavay Chico.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – A couple were seen in scrubby washes above Tafi.
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – Seen a few times.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – This particular subspecies really does show a dusky cap.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – A pair was seen (and heard) in the Chaco forest at Salinas Grandes.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Pretty common throughout most of the tour. I was surprised to find them at such high altitudes.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) – Several were seen throughout the tour.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – One was seen in the scope in the Yungas forest along the Cuesta de Obispo Road. Pretty similar to the next species.
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – Larger with heavier streaking below, and a rufous tail, this species is very similar to Piratic Flycatcher. One was seen along the Cuesta de Obispo Road.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – Good numbers in the Chaco Forest at Salinas Grandes.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Not as common as in tropical zones, but still seen most days.
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Such an elegant looking bird.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila) – Bizarre name, bizarre call and bizarre appearance. We came across several on different days in semi-arid forest and scrub.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus) – A male was scoped in Yungas forest on the day we drove to Salta.
We spotted our Maquis Canastero at our picnic spot along the Cuesta de Obispo Road. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – Several were seen and heard in Yungas forest below Tafi. This particular subspecies is largely resident and doesn't have red eyes!
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Nice looks were had at Campo Alegre.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops) – A sharp looking bird. Seen several times well.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Common throughout the tour.
TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata) – Good numbers were seen at Posada Qenti.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – One on our first day at Costanera Sur was our only one of the trip.
SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans) – Many were flying around the reservoir dam on our drive to Icho Cruz. Another was seen on our drive to Salta. Not super common.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – A few here and there in the Cordoba area.
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) – Several over the water at Costanera Sur.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Not super common, but seen in the highlands near the end of the tour.
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – One was at La Cienega Reservoir.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – One of the most common and widespread birds on the tour.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – Pretty common in the Yungas forest.
SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis) – A pair were in the puna grassland near our highest point in the Sierrra Nevada. Watch for a split here.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola) – Seen a few times on the first half of the tour.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
RUFOUS-THROATED DIPPER (Cinclus schulzi) – We had a pair under the bridge near Tafi and again briefly in the Yala Valley.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – Seen most days of the tour.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – Not as common as the previous species, but still seen most days.
SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) – Good numbers singing in the Yungas forest. One perched out in the open near the Virgen de Las Flores site was unusual.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Also pretty common and seen most days, but generally in drier conditions.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
PATAGONIAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus patagonicus) – Our first were in the Salinas Grandes and again at Quiaca.
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus) – These were common at Costanera Sur and in the Cordoba area.
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – Seen well in the Cordoba area a few times. Like the Chaco forest.
BROWN-BACKED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus dorsalis) – Our last mockingbird to find on tour and they were around in good numbers at Yavay Chico.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – Whew! Glad we didn't miss this species in Buenos Aires. A South American tick for me!
We found a pair of endemic Yellow-striped Brushfinches singing and nest-building in the Yungas forest below Tafi. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) – One was along the shores of Lake Cienega. Good spot team!
CORRENDERA PIPIT (CORRENDERA) (Anthus correndera catamarcae) – We had one on the fencepost at Infiernillo.
HELLMAYR'S PIPIT (Anthus hellmayri hellmayri) – Good looks in the Sierra Grande.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis) – Several were in the trees (very unlike yellowthroats) along the marsh at Costanera Sur.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Fairly common on the second half of the tour.
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata) – Seen well at El Rey NP where quite vocal.
BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART (Myioborus brunniceps) – This species was common in Yungas forest.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata) – One at Costanera Sur and again in the Gran Chaco. A sharp looking songster and for that reason introduced to many places around the world.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) – One briefly near Quiaca.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – Surpisingly common in the Yala Valley.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – Seen well many times in dry habitats. They look quite different from northern birds, we started calling them "Blue-and-orange" Tanager.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – Very common north of Cordoba.
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira) – A pair were seen in El Rey NP.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Just one along the Camino del Obispo road.
We found the handsome Tucuman Mountain-Finch, another local endemic, in the Tafi Valley. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLACK-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus atriceps) – A nice looking bird (especially the males) which were fairly common around Yavay.
GRAY-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus gayi) – Several were seen on our drive from Tafi to Colonel Moldes.
MOURNING SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus fruticeti) – A few in the highlands, especially around Quiaca.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – In the Sierra de Cordoba.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – Common and in large flocks in the highlands.
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus) – Singles on our drives around Quiaca.
COMMON DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca diuca) – Seen well at Yavay Chico.
BLACK-CRESTED FINCH (Lophospingus pusillus) – A lovely bird seen a few times.
RUFOUS-SIDED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza hypochondria) – Our first was in a dry arroyo on the long drive from Tafi to Colonel Moldes. Jesse flushed them out!
RUSTY-BROWED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza erythrophrys) – Kent spotted this species in the Yungas forest below Tafi. It was seen a few more times in the Yala Valley.
BLACK-AND-RUFOUS WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza nigrorufa) – Our first day at Costanera Sur.
RINGED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza torquata) – At Icho Cruz near Cordoba.
BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza melanoleuca) – Seen a few times on tour, but one visiting the tree beside our hotel in Yala was confiding.
TUCUMAN MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Compsospiza baeri) – One of the more striking endemics. A lovely looking bird. Seen well above Tafi. [E]
BRIGHT-RUMPED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis uropygialis) – These were seen on the high plateau near Quiaca.
CITRON-HEADED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteocephala) – Quite disinctive looking. It was nice to catch up with flocks around Yavay.
Jesse and the gang check out the meat feast at Cafayate. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – A species fairly common in the highlands around Tafi.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Common and seen most days.
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (WESTERN) (Embernagra platensis olivascens) – This subspecies was seen near Joaquin V. Gonzalez. Lacks the heavy streaking on the back.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Good numbers in Tafi and Quiaca.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – Not many, but singles or pairs in the highlands.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – Nice looks were had several times in the Chaco forest
MANY-COLORED CHACO FINCH (Saltatricula multicolor) – Surprisingly similar to Golden-billed Saltator. Seen several times in Chaco forest.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Wow, how different they sound this far south!
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Very common in dry forest and semi-arid habitats.
RUFOUS-BELLIED SALTATOR (Saltator rufiventris) – Now this has been classified as a mountain-tanager, Pseudosaltator rufiventris. We caught up with this species on our drive up La Cuesta del Obispo.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (ARGENTINA) (Chlorospingus flavopectus argentinus) – Common in Yungas forest.
STRIPE-CAPPED SPARROW (Rhynchospiza strigiceps) – Our first was in the dry forest west of Dean Funes.
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) [*]
WHITE-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon torquatus) – What stands out most on this species is the white throat!
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris dorbignii) – These were pretty common in El Rey NP.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Roofies were popped everyday of the tour.
FULVOUS-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes fulviceps) – We had one at our pleasant picnic spot along La Cuesta del Obispo.
YELLOW-STRIPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes citrinellus) – This striking endemic was seen in the Yungas forest below Tafi. We lucked out in having a pair of cooperative birds singing and nest building. [E]
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava flava) – A couple were seen on the tour. Unlike North American populations, this species in SA is found in more humid montane habitat.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Pretty common in the intermontane valleys with semiarid scrub and forests.
ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa brissonii) – A nice songster who was seen more than a few times on tour.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
LONG-TAILED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella loyca) – Seen well on the bridge while birding the Yungas forest below Tafi.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius) – Despite the name, this one is in the blackbird family. Seen in good numbers on the tour.
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) – Good looks were had at Posada Qenti.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Super common (near abundant?) on this tour.
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus) – Variable b/c plumages (the epaulet, that is) vary across its range.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – A pair were seen in the Gran Chaco outside of JVG.
GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus) [*]
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – They were around in small numbers in the Yala Valley.
The Rufous-bellied Thrush was common on this tour, seen nearly every day. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – This species was seen/heard in the Yungas forest near Salta and again at Jujuy.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Pretty common in a variety of habitats throughout the tour.
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus) – The "bumblebee" show was pretty impressive near Tafi where we saw hundreds of this species. This was Steve's 5000th bird!
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Yep, on this tour, too.
MAMMALS
NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO (Dasypus novemcinctus) – A youngster was seen on our nightwalk in the Gran Chaco.
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) – We flushed several at our picnic spot near Laguna de Pozuelos. Introduced.
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea) – Seen in the lowlands around Cordoba.
MONTANE GUINEA PIG (Cavia tschudii) – Seen in the highlands at Quiaca.
SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium viscacia) – What a bizzare creature! Several were sunning themselves during our drive out of Quiaca.
NUTRIA (Myocastor coypus) – Seen at Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires.
TAWNY TUCO-TUCO (Ctenomys fulvus) – This was the prairie dog-like creature seen in a burrow during our drive to Laguna de Pozuelos.
SOUTHERN GRAY FOX (Pseudalopex griseus) – One very briefly as we drove back one evening from owling.
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – Bob saw this creature run across the road in Salinas Grandes.
JAGUARUNDI (Puma yagouaroundi) – All too briefly in the chaco at El Rey NP.
VICUNA (Vicugna vicugna) – This elegant creature was seen in good numbers on the hot flats near Laguna de Pozuelos.
You can't get much closer to a Spot-flanked Gallinule than we did! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BROWN BROCKET DEER (Mazama gouazoubira) – Willy spotted this rare forest deer near where we saw the seriema.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A few other critters seen:
1) Jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) = A young pit viper was seen crossing the road (being harassed by a female Spectacled Tyrant) at Salinas Grandes. The "Fer-de-Lances" all look very similar, but I believe this is the species we saw.
2) Tegu (Salvator sp.) = not sure which species we saw at Costanera Sur. I believe (by range) it was the Argentine Black-and-white Tegu (S. merianae). Supposedly, tegus are extremely intelligent animals and can be "housebroken." They are the New World equivalent of the Old World monitor lizards.
Totals for the tour: 357 bird taxa and 12 mammal taxa