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Yellow-striped Brushfinch is an Argentine endemic that we saw nicely in the Yungas forest of Rio Los Sosa. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
I have to say that this Northwestern Argentina tour was a super success! Everything worked out well, and the weather was nice which helped make it easier to find what we needed along the way. The food was very good, especially if you like the Argentina BBQ style (Parrilla). We had some really great places to enjoy it. This trip offered many opportunities, with a fantastic landscape and a big variety of habitats, and we were able to bird in all of them with no complications. In the Altiplano, Pozuelos was full of birds, with the 3 Flamingos, Andean Avocets and the busy Puna Plover, all for nice looks. The Yungas were not as wet as usual, but there we managed to find Red-faced Guans, Slaty Elaenia, Tucuman Parrots, Yellow-striped Brushfinch, and even a pair of Andean Condors roosting on a dead tree. The normally hot Chaco was fresh with some rain, which was perfect for us. The birds were active, and we had fantastic sightings of Scimitar-billed Woodcreepers, Crested Hornero, and Brown Cacholote, just to mention a few. The dry valley of Amaicha was perfect, with White-throated Cacholote and even Cinnamon Warbling-Finch; that was a lifer for me.
We enjoyed the birds for different reasons. Here are some of them: The Rufous-throated Dipper was a high priority on this trip and we couldn't ask for better views. The very rare Horned Coots, thank god that we saw them! We saw both Seriemas but the Black-legged was, of course, the best. The bizarre looking Guira Cuckoos drying out in the sun were very eye catching.
The female Black-bodied Woodpecker saved the day. We managed to see all the Tapaculos, but people enjoyed the Gallitos, especially the Crested one. Don't forget the flying Scissor-tailed Nightjars, the Mountain Parakeets going into the walls and the very cooperative Wedge-tailed Hillstar male... wow!
The whole trip was full of unique moments, but the stand-out feature was our super adventurous group. Indio and I would like to say thank you to all of you for making this trip such a success. And thank you for being laid back when we needed it. It worked well........ Cesar, our fearless driver, also helped with taking us to many different places on time but more importantly, safely; what would we have done without him?
All the best and keep birding,
Willy.
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
Crested Gallito can be hard to find, so we were all happy to get such a good look at this one. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Rheidae (Rheas)
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – Seen a few times, especially near Joaquin Gonzales.
LESSER RHEA (PUNA) (Rhea pennata tarapacensis) – A couple of groups seen around Pozuelos.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
HUAYCO TINAMOU (Rhynchotus maculicollis) [*]
ORNATE TINAMOU (Nothoprocta ornata) – Nice group in Pozuelos, but several individuals at Pampas de Infiernillo also.
BRUSHLAND TINAMOU (Nothoprocta cinerascens)
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
SPOTTED NOTHURA (Nothura maculosa)
Anhimidae (Screamers)
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
BLACK-NECKED SWAN (Cygnus melancoryphus)
COSCOROBA SWAN (Coscoroba coscoroba)
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – Great look at one male flying near La Madrid.
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus)
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
RINGED TEAL (Callonetta leucophrys)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – A couple of sightings of females and males swimming in the fast running waters.
SILVER TEAL (Spatula versicolor)
PUNA TEAL (Spatula puna)
CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera)
RED SHOVELER (Spatula platalea)
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (FLAVIROSTRIS) (Anas flavirostris flavirostris) – We saw the darker of the two subspecies in Buenos Aires and some in the Chaco.
Andean Condors were not uncommon during the tour, but we got some of the best views at Rio Los Sosa, when Tom spied a couple sitting in a tree. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera) – This is the one that we saw in the Altiplano, it has a pale belly.
ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca)
MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus)
LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis)
RED-FACED GUAN (Penelope dabbenei) – Few of them seen in Yala.
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major)
SILVERY GREBE (ANDEAN) (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis)
This wonderful male Red-tailed Comet posed for a lovely portrait; what a stunning bird! Photo by participant Brian Stech.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – The most numerous of the 3 flamingos; we saw them in several places.
ANDEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus andinus) – At least a group of 8 that we saw very clearly at laguna de Pozuelos.
JAMES'S FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) – They were quite close to us for great studies. Adults and some juveniles were feeding together in Pozuelos.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
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)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Quite a few during the trip, but the best looks were at Rio Los Sosa, when Tom spotted a big bird moving its wings..... The big bird was a condor!
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni) – Fantastic views of this handsome bird at Otamendi.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – One seen very high in the yungas below Tafi.
The Salinas Monjita is endemic to a small area in Argentina, and we got some great close views of this unsual bird. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – Seen a few times around La Quiaca and Pozuelos.
VARIABLE HAWK (VARIABLE) (Geranoaetus polyosoma polyosoma) – A nice one was seen at Salinas Grandes.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RED-AND-WHITE CRAKE (Laterallus leucopyrrhus) – Super views of one bird at Otamendi.
GIANT WOOD-RAIL (Aramides ypecaha)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops)
We found this Brown Chacolote in the Chaco, where it allowed us to get a good look. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata)
RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons)
GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea)
HORNED COOT (Fulica cornuta)
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera) – The most common Coot of the group.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
ANDEAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra andina)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
PUNA PLOVER (Charadrius alticola)
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus) – Few of them seen during our visit to the east of La Quiaca.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii)
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Gallinago paraguaiae paraguaiae)
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
This is a great tour for flamingos, and we saw three species! This is a James's, one of the smallest of the flamingos, with a more restricted range than most. We saw them very well at Pozuelos. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Very numerous at the lowlands.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (ALBIPENNIS) (Patagioenas maculosa albipennis) – Many of them were at Yavi in the north; they had a lot of white on their wings.
PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui)
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – We had few of them at Yavi.
BARE-EYED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia morenoi) – Nice endemic that we saw at Pampas De Infienillo, no marks on the wings. [E]
BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera)
GOLDEN-SPOTTED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia aymara)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
LARGE-TAILED DOVE (Leptotila megalura)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
This big female Cream-backed Woodpecker posed nicely for us at El Rey. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
ASH-COLORED CUCKOO (Coccycua cinerea) – This was a nice surprise during our last day in Otamendi; a great bird to finish the tour.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
MONTANE FOREST SCREECH-OWL (Megascops hoyi) – The yungas of Corniza is still a nice place to see this species.
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (TUCUMAN) (Glaucidium brasilianum tucumanum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – A male was perched very high but never flew.
LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Setopagis parvula)
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata) – Many females and at least 3 males were seen in the humid Chaco.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
ROTHSCHILD'S SWIFT (Cypseloides rothschildi)
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus)
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus estella) – A female was seen near Yavi.
WEDGE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus adela) – A fantastic male showed up in the Antiplano.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas)
BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer) – Fantastic looks, especially along the Chaco forest.
SLENDER-TAILED WOODSTAR (Microstilbon burmeisteri)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
Plantcutters have recently been placed in the cotinga family. If you look closely at the beak of this White-tipped Plantcutter, you can see a tiny bit of green leaf, showing why these birds are so named. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus)
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
This beautiful male Wedge-tailed Hillstar was seen when we visited the Altiplano. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)
CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis mixtus)
DOT-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis frontalis) – Superb views when we visited El Rey National Park.
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (GOLDEN-BREASTED) (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus)
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola)
BLACK-BODIED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus schulzi) – We heard some but we managed to see one super well in the humid Chaco.
CREAM-BACKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus leucopogon) – A female showed nicely at El Rey but later in the trip we saw a pair at San Lorenzo.
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
BLACK-LEGGED SERIEMA (Chunga burmeisteri) – Fantastic views of this rare bird.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
CHIMANGO CARACARA (Milvago chimango)
SPOT-WINGED FALCONET (Spiziapteryx circumcincta) – Male and female were at San Jose de las Salinas.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY-HOODED PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aymara)
MOUNTAIN PARAKEET (Psilopsiagon aurifrons)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
TUCUMAN PARROT (Amazona tucumana) – We had to work hard for this parrot but at the end we managed to see them well at Rio Los Sosa.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – Scope views of one at El Rey.
GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura molinae)
BURROWING PARAKEET (OLIVE) (Cyanoliseus patagonus andinus)
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday)
Participant Merrill Lester got a nice portrait of this Chaco Earthcreeper.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-CROWNED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus acuticaudatus)
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea argentina) – A nice male came out during our afternoon along the Corniza road.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (SOUTHERN) (Thamnophilus ruficapillus cochabambae)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maximiliani argentina) – Hard work and a bit of patience paid off when one came out and sang in the open.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
CRESTED GALLITO (Rhinocrypta lanceolata) – Impressive views and great photos of this hard to find bird.
SANDY GALLITO (Teledromas fuscus) [E]
ZIMMER'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus zimmeri)
Participant Brian Stech got a nice photo of a Maguari Stork looking a bit ruffled.
WHITE-BROWED TAPACULO (Scytalopus superciliaris superciliaris) [E]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SLENDER-BILLED MINER (Geositta tenuirostris)
COMMON MINER (ALTIPLANO) (Geositta cunicularia titicacae)
PUNA MINER (Geositta punensis)
RUFOUS-BANDED MINER (Geositta rufipennis)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus griseicapillus) [*]
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – This massive woodcreeper was nicely seen at El Rey.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris hellmayri) – Super looks of a pair at Joaquin Gonzales.
SCIMITAR-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Drymornis bridgesii)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
ROCK EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus andaecola)
STRAIGHT-BILLED EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus ruficaudus) – We had to work hard for this but at the end we managed to see it well.
CHACO EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus certhioides)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
CRESTED HORNERO (Furnarius cristatus) – Very common in the dry chaco.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) [*]
CURVE-BILLED REEDHAUNTER (Limnornis curvirostris)
SCALE-THROATED EARTHCREEPER (Upucerthia dumetaria)
BUFF-BREASTED EARTHCREEPER (Upucerthia validirostris) – A very responsive one was at Pampas de Infiernillo near Tafi.
BUFF-BREASTED EARTHCREEPER (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Upucerthia validirostris jelskii) – This is the one that we saw at Pozuelos.
CORDOBA CINCLODES (Cinclodes comechingonus) – We could compare with the next species, this bird had very reddish wing bars. [E]
OLROG'S CINCLODES (Cinclodes olrogi) – Same place as the previous species, but very different in colors. [E]
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris tucumanus)
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – We saw one of this subspecies in Tafi.
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis schocolatinus) – This is the one that we saw at Sierras grandes de Cordoba.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps)
TUFTED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura platensis)
PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (BERLEPSCHI) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides berlepschi)
We found a few Rufous-bellied Mountain-Tanagers on the Cuesta del Obispo road. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (RUFOUS-FRONTED) (Phacellodomus rufifrons sincipitalis)
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps)
LITTLE THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus sibilatrix) – A nesting pair was seen at Joaquin Gonzales.
SPOT-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus maculipectus)
FRECKLE-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticollis)
FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi) – A very responsive one was at Pampas de Achala.
LARK-LIKE BRUSHRUNNER (Coryphistera alaudina)
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (CREAMY-BREASTED) (Asthenes dorbignyi dorbignyi)
SHORT-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes baeri)
PUNA CANASTERO (Asthenes sclateri lilloi) – Few times during the trip in the north.
PUNA CANASTERO (Asthenes sclateri sclateri) – The subspecies of the Sierras Grandes that we saw before we took our flight from Cordova.
This Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper has a food item that looks like a large grub. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta)
STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)
BROWN CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura lophotes)
WHITE-THROATED CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura gutturalis) [E]
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens australis)
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae superciliosa)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri)
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – This handsome little flycatcher was seen at Yavi.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) – The most numerous flycatcher on the tour.
SLATY ELAENIA (Elaenia strepera)
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura)
SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans) – Very vocal at Otamendi.
WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga subcristata) – This is the one that we saw at Costanera Sur the first day.
WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda) – The most common of the three, seen several times along the way.
STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla) – No numerous but we saw one at Capilla del Monte.
ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (BURMEISTER'S) (Phyllomyias burmeisteri burmeisteri)
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps) – It took a bit of time but nice views of one at El Rey.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea pallidior)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
We were excited to find the rare Horned Coot, and we also had great looks at the Giant Coot, seen here in a photo by participant Merrill Lester.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas)
PLUMBEOUS BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cabanisi)
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus)
SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus) – The best of this species was a pair at Sierras Grandes De Cordoba.
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)
PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis)
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus)
BLACK-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola frontalis) – Our trip east of La Quiaca was spot on for this species; a pair was nesting in the area coming, in and out with some food.
The Ultramarine Grosbeak is widespread, but we were pleased to get a very good look at this lovely male. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
LESSER SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis murinus) – Salinas Grandes is still the place for this bird.
WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero)
SALINAS MONJITA (Xolmis salinarum) – We were lucky to see a pair close to the main road, what a nice sight. [E]
BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer)
D'ORBIGNY'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca oenanthoides)
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) – Some people managed to see this flycatcher at Frias.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Always a joy to see them in full display.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) – A male was seen at Escoipe river.
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus) – Same place as the previous one, nice male.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata)
ANDEAN SWALLOW (Orochelidon andecola)
SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans) – A lot of them at Capilla del Monte.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Our group photo was taken on the Altiplano in front of the colorful "sleeping mountains". Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis) [*]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
RUFOUS-THROATED DIPPER (Cinclus schulzi) – I am so glad that we saw them the second day, since we never managed to see them properly again.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps)
One of the Red-faced Guans we saw at Yala. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
PATAGONIAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus patagonicus)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus) – A nice white flash is seen when they fly, we saw them several times.
BROWN-BACKED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus dorsalis) – Only seen in the north, but nice looks.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) – At least a pair at Dique Campo Alegre.
CORRENDERA PIPIT (CORRENDERA) (Anthus correndera catamarcae) – Not the best looking, but this species is impressive during its display in Dique Angostura.
HELLMAYR'S PIPIT (Anthus hellmayri hellmayri)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata)
BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART (Myioborus brunniceps)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps)
RUSTY-BROWED WARBLING-FINCH (Microspingus erythrophrys) – Common but nice bird along the Yungas forest.
RINGED WARBLING-FINCH (Microspingus torquatus)
BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING-FINCH (Microspingus melanoleucus)
RUFOUS-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Pseudosaltator rufiventris) – Few were seen in Cuesta del Obispo road.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – The most colorful tanager of the trip.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
BLACK-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus atriceps)
GRAY-HOODED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus gayi)
MOURNING SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus fruticeti)
This Ornate Tinamou is difficult to see against the desert background; it is so well camouflaged! Photo by participant Brian Stech.
RED-BACKED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus dorsalis) – We were surprised when at least 4 of them landed just beside us, what a nice feeling.
COMMON DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca diuca)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus)
BLACK-CRESTED FINCH (Lophospingus pusillus)
RUFOUS-SIDED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza hypochondria)
CINNAMON WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza ornata) – My lifer..........great!
BLACK-AND-RUFOUS WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza nigrorufa)
BLACK-AND-RUFOUS WARBLING-FINCH (BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT) (Poospiza nigrorufa whitii) – We worked hard but again we managed to see this stunning bird.
TUCUMAN MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza baeri) – This endemic was seen twice along the trip. [E]
PUNA YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis lutea)
We had to work for this view of an Olive-crowned Crescentchest, but it eventually cooperated nicely! Photo by participant Brian Stech.
BRIGHT-RUMPED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis uropygialis)
CITRON-HEADED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteocephala)
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens)
MONTE YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis mendozae) – Indio managed to find this recently described species of Yellow finch above Amaicha.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (WESTERN) (Embernagra platensis olivascens) – Many of them in Yavi and some in Pozuelos.
GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (EASTERN) (Embernagra platensis platensis) – This is the one that we saw in Otamendi.
LINED SEEDEATER (Sporophila lineola)
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
MANY-COLORED CHACO FINCH (Saltatricula multicolor)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (ARGENTINA) (Chlorospingus flavopectus argentinus)
STRIPE-CAPPED SPARROW (Rhynchospiza strigiceps)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
WHITE-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon torquatus)
SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon flavirostris dorbignii)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
FULVOUS-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes fulviceps)
YELLOW-STRIPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes citrinellus) – Another nice endemic that we saw in the Yungas forest of Rio Los Sosa. [E]
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava flava)
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris)
This Ash-colored Cuckoo was one of our last birds of the tour. Photo by participant Brian Stech.
ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia brissonii)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
LONG-TAILED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella loyca)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus)
VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)
SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – For a blackbird this was stunning, some were at Otamendi on the last day.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)
BROWN-AND-YELLOW MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes virescens)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis)
SOUTHERN CAVY (Microcavia australis)
NUTRIA (Myocastor coypus)
TAWNY TUCO-TUCO (Ctenomys fulvus)
SOUTHERN GRAY FOX (Pseudalopex griseus)
VICUNA (Vicugna vicugna)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Black and White Tegu (Tupinambis marianae) in Costanera Sur.
Totals for the tour: 388 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa