A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

Northwestern Argentina 2022

October 15-November 2, 2022 with Willy Perez & local guide guiding

Field Guides Birding Tours
It took a little while to get a good look at this Black-legged Seriema, but eventually we did, and it was voted the Bird of the Trip! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

We started this Northwestern Argentina tour in the Metropolitan city of Buenos Aires, which interestingly enough, has a really fascinating place for birding, the Reserva Costanera Sur. However, this trip is full of lots of incredible places and was designed to ensure we got to visit the most diverse habitats for unique birds, making the most of the time we have. Luckily the weather was on our side most of the time, the only challenge was the very windy couple of days in the Chaco but it didn't deter us. Everyone came prepared for the range in temperatures moving from one altitude to another, from shorts to woolly jackets!

After we enjoyed the birding in downtown Buenos Aires, we flew all the way up north to Jujuy, our stepping stone to the altiplano. Just out of the airport we started our adventure, visiting the yungas of Jujuy, a type of cloudforest, followed by 3 days in the vast altiplano. Seeing such a plentiful number of Horned Coot at Lagunillas, followed by the amazing spectacle of Flamingos and many other water birds at Pozuelos made for a very special day of the trip. Leaving the altiplano behind, we went back to the Yungas and this time we visited the Calilegua National Park, my first time there, so it was a real treat for me too. This lush forest gave us the opportunity to see so many unique birds from this area. Some of the highlights were Blue-capped Puffleg, Slender-tailed Woodstar, the incredible Montane Forest Screech-Owl, a top favourite for many people, and for me, the Yungas Manakin made my day. Even the challenge of chasing the White-throated Antpitta couldn't dampen my spirits.

We journeyed to the Chaco afterwards, which is a harsh environment to bird in, especially with the high temperatures, but that didn't deter us from searching for the cool, unique birds that we were after. With a little bit of persistence we found the Black-legged Seriema, which is normally very hard to see, but we nailed it and it was overwhelmingly chosen as the favourite bird of the trip! One afternoon we visited the Salinas Grandes Lake, home to the endemic Salinas Monjita; our efforts to see it were paid off with a great view of some of them playing hide and seek in the wind. A highlight for me and Indio from the Chaco was the Black-bodied Woodpecker, which showed up despite the wind.

After the excitement of the Chaco, we donned our jackets for the cold and visited the most western mountain chain of South America, the Sierras Grandes de Cordoba. Armed with our list of target species for the day, the first stop was the last chance to look for Chaco Sparrow. Despite my top place for it being gated off, we still succeeded in finding it along the road, phew! Visiting Sierras Grandes allowed us to see Firewood-gatherer, Darwin's Nothura and the two endemic Cinclodes, Olrog's and Cordoba. The day finished with our flight to Buenos Aires, where the next day we spent a successful last morning of birding in Otamendi. Straight-billed Reedhaunter and Curve-billed Reedhaunter caught our attention and Ash-colored Cuckoo waved us a last farewell.

A wonderful aside to our trip were the delicious barbecues, especially the ones prepared by Gabi, where we enjoyed the sunsets, the wine and the beer. Thank you to Indio, for his hard work, friendship and knowledge, which make the tour special, and many thanks to Gabi for his great driving and BBQ skills combined. And last but not least, with your sharp eyes, patience, sense of humour and enthusiasm, thank you to all of you for making this trip easy and fun.

Take care, until the next time,

—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


Rheidae (Rheas)

GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana)

Field Guides Birding Tours
On the way to Calafate we stopped for a group photo at Las Ventanas. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

LESSER RHEA (PUNA) (Rhea pennata tarapacensis)

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]

ORNATE TINAMOU (Nothoprocta ornata)

It showed up incredibly well and several times in good numbers when we visited the Altiplano

BRUSHLAND TINAMOU (Nothoprocta cinerascens)

ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii)

DARWIN'S NOTHURA (Nothura darwinii)

ELEGANT CRESTED-TINAMOU (Eudromia elegans)

I have never seen this bird as well as I saw this time. What a sight. This was in Salinas Grandes.

Anhimidae (Screamers)

SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)

We all enjoyed great views of an adult with several incredibly colourful chicks when we visited Costanera Sur.

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)

ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus)

CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides)

MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)

RINGED TEAL (Callonetta leucophrys)

BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)

TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata)

It was a real treat to see a whole family of these wonderful ducks, playing and feeding in the rushing waters of Rio Yala.

SILVER TEAL (Spatula versicolor)

PUNA TEAL (Spatula puna)

Field Guides Birding Tours
A highlight of our visit to Costanura Sur was this little family of Southern Screamers with their cute fluffy chicks. Photo by participant Suzi Cole.

CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera)

RED SHOVELER (Spatula platalea)

YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)

YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (FLAVIROSTRIS) (Anas flavirostris flavirostris)

This is the one that we saw in the lowlands and it has a dark belly.

YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera)

This is the one we saw in the Altiplano, and it has a pale belly.

ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca)

BLACK-HEADED DUCK (Heteronetta atricapilla)

Normally this is a very shy duck but it came out several times from the reeds, giving us good views, at the Costanera Sur.

ANDEAN DUCK (Oxyura ferruginea)

LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata)

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis)

RED-FACED GUAN (Penelope dabbenei)

DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura)

This is the one we saw in Otamendi our last day.

YUNGAS GUAN (Penelope bridgesi)

Split from the previous one; we had a great view of this unique Guan when we visited Yala and Calilegua.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

These were the most common Flamingos of the three.

ANDEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus andinus)

JAMES'S FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

We had to work hard to see this, but we managed to see them close and nicely when we visited Abra Pampa.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)

It was a nice sight to see them, because they are normally rare on our trip, so this pair at Rey National Park was a very welcome sight.

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)

GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Participant Russ Cole got this nice shot of a pair of White Woodpeckers, one of the favorite birds on the trip.

SILVERY GREBE (ANDEAN) (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)

PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)

SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa)

SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (ALBIPENNIS) (Patagioenas maculosa albipennis)

This is the one we saw way up north when we visited Yavi.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)

PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)

BARE-FACED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae)

BARE-EYED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia morenoi) [E]

For a ground dove, this is a very colourful one, and it took a couple of attempts to find one, but finally we saw a few of them being chased by the Little Grison.

BLACK-WINGED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera)

GOLDEN-SPOTTED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia aymara)

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

LARGE-TAILED DOVE (Leptotila megalura)

We heard this bird several times, but eventually we managed to scope one of these at the Escoipe River.

WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata)

This one gave us false hope whilst waiting for the White-throated Antpitta but it was still nice to see it.

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)

STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]

ASH-COLORED CUCKOO (Coccycua cinerea)

A rare find, great to see.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Participant Suzi Cole photographed the group walking along Rt 68 on the hunt for Cream-backed Woodpecker.

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra)

LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Setopagis parvula)

Thanks to Bruce for flushing this one out when nature called!

SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata)

Fantastic to see this, especially the males with their long tail.

Apodidae (Swifts)

SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)

ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus)

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)

We saw this nice hermit catching insects at Calilegua.

SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)

RED-TAILED COMET (Sappho sparganurus)

People were blown away by a male of this Comet when we were at La Cuesta del Obispo.

WEDGE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus adela)

BLUE-CAPPED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis glaucopoides)

Fantastic scope views of a male at Calilegua.

GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas)

BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)

SLENDER-TAILED WOODSTAR (Microstilbon burmeisteri)

Spectacular find - a male feeding on daisy flowers gave us a quick but beautiful show from this tiny hummingbird.

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)

GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)

WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Elliotomyia chionogaster)

The most common hummingbird on our trip.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) [*]

GIANT WOOD-RAIL (Aramides ypecaha)

It was impressive to see this giant singing in the open at Costanera Sur.

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]

SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops)

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Brown Cacholote is one of the biggest of the ovenbird family; this one was photographed by participant Russ Cole.

RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons)

HORNED COOT (Fulica cornuta)

It was a nice surprise to see a good number of this rare species on this trip.

GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea)

RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata)

SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)

WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera)

RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius)

It's always a treat to see a Crake, but it was even better when a pair walked out of the reeds at Otamendi.

RED-AND-WHITE CRAKE (Laterallus leucopyrrhus) [*]

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)

DIADEMED SANDPIPER-PLOVER (Phegornis mitchellii)

Finding this bird isn't easy, but our special place worked out well as we saw two of them. Some people really loved it.

Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)

GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus)

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii)

PARAGUAYAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae)

WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor)

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

Field Guides Birding Tours
It was very windy, and this Black-bodied Woodpecker only stayed for a short time, but participant Suzi Cole managed to get a photo!
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)

GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus)

Surprisingly very numerous, even nesting in Lago Angostura, in Tafi.

SNOWY-CROWNED TERN (Sterna trudeaui)

Ciconiidae (Storks)

WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)

COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

We saw one single bird of this species, which is rare for this trip, in Dique La Cienaga.

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)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus)

Several sightings of these majestic birds flying right in front of us.

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Here is our group, intently looking for the Salinas Monjita. Photograph by participant Russ Cole.

HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)

Always a privilege to see these graceful birds, which we saw in several places.

PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)

LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)

Andy spotted one of this species, which was the rare black morph.

CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus)

BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)

SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)

VARIABLE HAWK (VARIABLE) (Geranoaetus polyosoma polyosoma)

BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

Strigidae (Owls)

MONTANE FOREST SCREECH-OWL (Megascops hoyi)

This was our after picnic dinner treat.

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (TUCUMAN) (Glaucidium brasilianum tucumanum)

BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)

CHACO OWL (Strix chacoensis)

Our second attempt in the morning really paid off when we had a long look at one sitting.

Trogonidae (Trogons)

BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (CHACO) (Nystalus maculatus striatipectus)

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)

This colourful toucan showed up a couple of times along the Yungas.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus)

OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus)

This is the one with with the ocellated belly which we saw in Calilegua.

WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)

Suzi's favourite bird, with good reason.

Field Guides Birding Tours
These Bare-eyed Ground Doves were being chased by a Little Grison, a weasel-like mammal that we saw twice on the tour! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)

CHECKERED WOODPECKER (Dryobates mixtus)

DOT-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates frontalis)

CREAM-BACKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus leucopogon)

We saw a male feeding on a massive caterpillar.

BLACK-BODIED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus schulzii)

The relief was immense when, in very windy conditions, one landed on a tree for us to see for a short time, but enough.

GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)

GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (GOLDEN-BREASTED) (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus)

ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola)

CAMPO FLICKER (FIELD) (Colaptes campestris campestroides)

Cariamidae (Seriemas)

RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)

BLACK-LEGGED SERIEMA (Chunga burmeisteri)

With devastation of habitat in the Chaco, this bird is hard to find, but it was wonderful to see it twice.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)

CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)

CHIMANGO CARACARA (Milvago chimango)

SPOT-WINGED FALCONET (Spiziapteryx circumcincta)

This specialty from the Chaco was seen really well on our way to Salinas Grandes.

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)

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 do a diversion to find this species, which resulted well as we saw them eating erythrina, the national flower of Argentina.

GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura molinae)

Field Guides Birding Tours
This spectacular Red-tailed Comet posed nicely for particpant Suzi Cole at La Cuesta del Obispo.

BURROWING PARAKEET (OLIVE) (Cyanoliseus patagonus andinus)

Many of them were eating dry grapes at the dry valleys of Amaicha.

NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday)

BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-HEADED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus acuticaudatus)

MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus)

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea argentina)

We heard it several times and managed to see a nice male when we were coming down from Calilegua.

RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (SOUTHERN) (Thamnophilus ruficapillus cochabambae)

VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)

STRIPE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmorchilus strigilatus)

Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)

OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maximiliani argentina)

A very cooperative male was singing when we visited La Cumbre.

Grallariidae (Antpittas)

WHITE-THROATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria albigula) [*]

This species was heard many times but never showed up.

Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)

CRESTED GALLITO (Rhinocrypta lanceolata)

We had some of them running near us during our BBQ in El 44.

SANDY GALLITO (Teledromas fuscus) [E]

The habitat of this species is so unique that to see the bird makes it even more special.

WHITE-BROWED TAPACULO (Scytalopus superciliaris superciliaris) [E]

Great views of this small bird a couple of times.

ZIMMER'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus zimmeri)

One was singing from a tree when we were at La Cuesta del Obispo.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

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 seen well at El Rey National Park.

SCIMITAR-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Drymornis bridgesii)

NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)

ROCK EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus andaecola)

STRAIGHT-BILLED EARTHCREEPER (Ochetorhynchus ruficaudus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Spot-winged Falconet is a Chaco specialty that we found on our way to Salinas Grandes. Photo by participant Russ Cole.

CHACO EARTHCREEPER (Tarphonomus certhioides)

RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)

The national bird of Argentina was present several times during the trip.

CRESTED HORNERO (Furnarius cristatus)

CURVE-BILLED REEDHAUNTER (Limnornis curvirostris)

BUFF-BREASTED EARTHCREEPER (Upucerthia validirostris)

This is the subspecies that we saw at Infiernillo above Tafi del Valle.

BUFF-BREASTED EARTHCREEPER (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Upucerthia validirostris jelskii)

Stunning views of this bird at the same place that we saw the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover.

CORDOBA CINCLODES (Cinclodes comechingonus) [E]

OLROG'S CINCLODES (Cinclodes olrogi) [E]

CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris tucumanus)

WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis)

BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)

One of the most common Furnariidae of the Yungas.

BROWN-CAPPED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps)

TUFTED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura platensis)

PLAIN-MANTLED TIT-SPINETAIL (BERLEPSCHI) (Leptasthenura aegithaloides berlepschi)

RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (RUFOUS-FRONTED) (Phacellodomus rufifrons sincipitalis)

STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps)

LITTLE THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus sibilatrix)

FRECKLE-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticollis)

FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi)

We didn't see them gathering any wood but we saw a nice pair in our way to Sierras Grandes de Cordova.

LARK-LIKE BRUSHRUNNER (Coryphistera alaudina)

CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (RUSTY-VENTED) (Asthenes dorbignyi dorbignyi)

SHORT-BILLED CANASTERO (Asthenes baeri)

PUNA CANASTERO (Asthenes sclateri lilloi)

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Amazing landscapes were a big part of this tour! Here is our group with the Sleeping Mountains, or Seven Sisters, in the back ground. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta)

MAQUIS CANASTERO (Asthenes heterura)

STRAIGHT-BILLED REEDHAUNTER (Limnoctites rectirostris)

The most rare of the two Reedhaunters that we saw in Otamendi.

STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)

STEINBACH'S CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes steinbachi) [E]

BROWN CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura lophotes)

WHITE-THROATED CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura gutturalis) [E]

Fantastic views of this endemic bird along the Amaicha del Valle road.

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)

OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata)

SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi)

SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)

AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae superciliosa)

Pipridae (Manakins)

YUNGAS MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia boliviana)

It took a bit of patience but we had good looks at a male through the scope.

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma rutila)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)

PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)

OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps)

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens)

CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)

CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea pallidior)

This flycatcher likes cliffs but also they like big buildings and that is were we saw one in the village of Amaicha.

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri)

Field Guides Birding Tours
These Rufous-sided Crakes showed nicely for us at Otamendi. Photo by participant Suzi Cole.

BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri)

WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)

YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris)

WARBLING DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx flaviventris)

SLATY ELAENIA (Elaenia strepera)

They were very common to hear but hard to see, but Calilegua was a nice place were eventually they showed up nicely for us.

HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura)

SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)

LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)

SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans)

WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga subcristata)

WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda)

STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla)

ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (BURMEISTER'S) (Phyllomyias burmeisteri burmeisteri)

SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri)

RUFOUS-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)

GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides)

PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata)

BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)

TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)

BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)

SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Rufous-bellied Mountain-Tanager was a little hard to track down, but eventually we got a good look! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Several colorful males and few females were seen along the trip.

ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas)

PLUMBEOUS BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cabanisi)

This Yungas specialty was spotted during our visit to Rio Los Sosas.

CINEREOUS TYRANT (Knipolegus striaticeps)

WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus)

SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus)

Jet black males with a yellow eye-ring were seen several times.

YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)

PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis)

CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus)

RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)

WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora)

BLACK-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola frontalis)

We had to fight with the wind to be able to see this species when we were at Abra Lizoite.

WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero)

BLACK-CROWNED MONJITA (Neoxolmis coronatus)

This handsome monjita was spotted by Andy in the dry valley of Amaicha.

SALINAS MONJITA (Neoxolmis salinarum) [E]

Definitely one of the highlights of the trip; what an amazing bird, living an amazing place!

BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)

LESSER SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis murinus)

STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)

D'ORBIGNY'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca oenanthoides)

WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys)

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
A pair of Shipton's Mountain Cavies, phtographed by participant Russ Cole.

CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (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)

We saw several birds in full display, which was stunning to enjoy.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)

They were very common, but what a handsome species.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)

TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata)

ANDEAN SWALLOW (Orochelidon andecola)

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)

One of the most wanted birds for Bill that we saw few times along the way.

BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)

WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola) [N]

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

Field Guides Birding Tours
This Elegant Crested-Tinamou blends in so well to the background! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)

GRASS WREN (Cistothorus platensis)

At least a couple were seen when we went to Sierras Grandes de Cordova.

Cinclidae (Dippers)

RUFOUS-THROATED DIPPER (Cinclus schulzii)

unfortunately, this species is getting more difficult to see because rivers are getting polluted, and they are losing their habitat, but we were lucky enough to see one at Yala.

Sturnidae (Starlings)

EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) [I]

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

PATAGONIAN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus patagonicus)

CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)

WHITE-BANDED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus triurus)

BROWN-BACKED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus dorsalis)

Nice looks at some birds when we were in Yavi.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]

RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)

CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)

CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco)

ANDEAN SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps)

GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens)

SHORT-BILLED PIPIT (Anthus furcatus)

One was seen at the entrance to Laguna de Pozuelos.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) [*]

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus)

A tree was cover with a big group of this handsome Siskin at Infiernillo.

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (ARGENTINA) (Chlorospingus flavopectus argentinus)

YUNGAS SPARROW (Rhynchospiza dabbenei)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We did some owling after a picnic dinner, and found this lovely Montane Forest Screech-Owl at Calilegua National Park. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

CHACO SPARROW (Rhynchospiza strigiceps)

GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)

WHITE-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon torquatus)

MOSS-BACKED SPARROW (Arremon dorbignii)

Another Yungas specialty that we saw along the way.

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)

FULVOUS-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes fulviceps)

YELLOW-STRIPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes citrinellus) [E]

It is always nice to see an endemic species, and these were very cooperative at Rio Los Sosa below Tafi.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Leistes superciliaris)

LONG-TAILED MEADOWLARK (Leistes loyca)

CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)

GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus)

VARIABLE ORIOLE (Icterus pyrrhopterus)

SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris)

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus)

Otamendi was the perfect place to see this colorful bird.

GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)

YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)

BROWN-AND-YELLOW MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes virescens)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)

PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We saw several male Spectacled Tyrants, with their unusual yellow eye-ring. Photo by participant Russ Cole.

TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata)

BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART (Myioborus brunniceps)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava flava)

BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris)

At Yala, we saw an incredible big group of this beautiful bird.

ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia brissonii)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)

ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)

RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps)

RUSTY-BROWED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus erythrophrys)

RINGED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus torquatus)

BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus melanoleucus)

RUFOUS-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Pseudosaltator rufiventris)

It took a couple of visits to the right place to connect with this species but YES...! Finally we saw it really well.

DIADEMED TANAGER (Stephanophorus diadematus)

FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)

BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Rauenia bonariensis)

They always cheered us up, especially the males with their stunning colors.

SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)

RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)

BLACK-HOODED SIERRA FINCH (Phrygilus atriceps)

GRAY-HOODED SIERRA FINCH (Phrygilus gayi)

DIUCA FINCH (Diuca diuca)

RED-BACKED SIERRA FINCH (Idiopsar dorsalis)

A true highlands specialty that we managed to see at Lizoite.

PLUMBEOUS SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)

ASH-BREASTED SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Yellow-striped Brushfinch is an endemic that we saw well at Rio Los Sosa. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

BLACK-CRESTED FINCH (Lophospingus pusillus)

MOURNING SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina fruticeti)

BAND-TAILED SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina alaudina)

LONG-TAILED REED FINCH (Donacospiza albifrons)

RUFOUS-SIDED WARBLING FINCH (Poospizopsis hypochondria)

CINNAMON WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza ornata)

We enjoyed watching this bird that normally is hard to see.

BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza whitii)

BLACK-AND-RUFOUS WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza nigrorufa)

TUCUMAN MOUNTAIN FINCH (Poospiza baeri) [E]

Endemic to Argentina; we had superb views of this finch a couple of times.

PUNA YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis lutea)

BRIGHT-RUMPED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis uropygialis)

CITRON-HEADED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteocephala)

The playground in Yavi is always a good place for this species.

GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens)

MONTE YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis mendozae)

We saw some males and females at Amaicha del Valle.

SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)

GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)

GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (WESTERN) (Embernagra platensis olivascens)

We saw this subspecies neat Quilmes.

GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (EASTERN) (Embernagra platensis platensis)

This is the one that we saw at Otamendi.

BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)

PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)

RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)

We had a close look in my hand of a male that was trapped in the restaurant Las Cabras.

MANY-COLORED CHACO FINCH (Saltatricula multicolor)

BLUE-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Another spectacular habitat we visited was the altiplano, where local guide Emiliano Garcia got this image of the group hard at work!

GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)


MAMMALS

SIX-BANDED (YELLOW) ARMADILLO (Euphractus sexcinctus)

CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) [I]

BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus)

SHIPTON'S MOUNTAIN CAVY (Microcavia shiptoni)

Spotted by Suzi taking a sun-bath on a log.

BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata)

SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium viscacia)

NUTRIA (Myocastor coypus)

TAWNY TUCO-TUCO (Ctenomys fulvus)

SOUTHERN GRAY FOX (Pseudalopex griseus)

CULPEO FOX (Lycalopex culpaeus)

LITTLE GRISON (Galictis cuja)

This fascinating mammal was seen twice, but the most exciting ones were at Infiernillo. The most incredible thing was to see a White-browed Tapaculo escaping from the bushes from a pair that was definitely hunting, but saying that, I am not sure: is a Tapaculo going to be a meal for them?

VICUNA (Vicugna vicugna)

BROWN BROCKET DEER (Mazama gouazoubira)


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We had other animals that we saw along the way that were exciting to find.

Side necked Turtle, Phrynops hilarii: seen at Costanera Sur

Brown Snake, Paraphimophis rustica: Seen at Calilegua

Totals for the tour: 400 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa