A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Nowhere but Northeast Brazil 2024
January 19-February 5, 2024 with Marcelo Barreiros guiding
Back to one of the best birding areas in South America, full of endemic birds, great landscapes and amazing food, and it wasn't different this year. We had a smaller group with 6 amazing people to travel through hundreds of miles looking for beautiful birds, some of those, unfortunately, very endangered. We were very lucky with birds, our group and weather, and the tour was great. All the possible endemic species were seen well, the group was really nice and enjoyable, and the weather helped us a lot with some short rains when necessary.
The tour started in one of the most endangered areas in Brazil, the Pernambuco Endemism Center, which has the some of the rarest birds to find. Due to habitat loss, only a few fragments have forest good enough to keep those birds. In the very first morning, we saw a few of those targets, like Scalloped Antbird, Alagoas Tyrannulet, Orange-bellied Antwren, Seven-colored Tanager, Long-tailed Woodnymph, Pinto's Spinetail, three individuals of White-collared Kite, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Plain-bellied Emerald, Jandaya Parakeet, Yellow-faced Siskin, and more. From there, we flew to Fortaleza to enjoy a couple of days on the top of Serra do Baturité, near Guaramiranga, with a beautiful humid forest and great weather. We saw some special birds like the rare Gray-breasted Parakeet, Ceará Woodcreeper, Buff-breasted Tody-tyrant, and Ceará (Rufous-breasted) Leaftosser. Band-tailed Manakin, the "Guaramiranga", as the local people know it, was seen in a bathing station at the headquarters of the Gray-breasted Parakeet researchers. At least two adult males came in to enjoy the refreshing water in the afternoon. The city was named after this bird. We also went to the Pico Alto road where we saw the ultra-rare race of Short-tailed Antthrush, which a friend told me there are only about 30 birds left in those mountains, and a gorgeous male Gould's Toucanet which is an isolated subspecies (baturitensis) from the Amazonian birds.
The following days were spent exploring the Caatinga and its endemic jewels like Black-bellied Antwren, Ochraceous Piculet, White-browed Guan, Cactus Parakeet, the amazing Great Xenops, Red-shouldered Spinetail, Stripe-backed Antbird, Caatinga Antwren, Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, the gorgeous but elusive White-browed Antpitta, and a bird only found in a small piece of the foothills of Chapada do Araripe, the Araripe Manakin. At the same spot we also saw a nice surprise, a male American Redstart. Not too far away, at Petrolina, we had a couple of nice days seeing birds like White-naped Xenopsaris, both Bahia and Greater wagtail-tyrants, Spotted Piculet, Least Nighthawk, a few individuals of Stripe-backed Bittern seen this year, and Greater Thornbird.
After those great birds, we arrived in Canudos, a small city in the middle of the state of Bahia (the largest one in NE Brazil), home of one of the greatest birds in Brazil, the Lear's (or Indigo) Macaw. Before going to see the Macaw, we went to an area nearby to see another nice birds like Broad-tipped Hermit, Blue-crowned Parakeet, the gorgeous male Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, and more.
Early in the morning, we drove up to the red rock cliffs where the macaws roost and breed. As soon as the first light comes in on the horizon, it's possible to hear the first birds echoing though the cliffs and a few minutes later, about 300 birds started to fly in front of the group. Some birds where breeding already and it was possible to see birds remaining in the holes or even mating, an incredible moment. From there, we drove a long distance to Catu, near to the coast, and along the way we stopped to see the rare Pectoral Antwren and Golden-capped Parakeet. The morning around Catu was also really good with an amazing encounter with the rarely seen Fringe-backed Fire-eye, where we saw a family foraging.
The last part of our journey started with a productive stop on the way to Mucugê, heart of the Chapada Diamantina to see a small jewel called Diamantina Tapaculo, and we made it. Two birds got close to the road and one of them gave us a show, showing itself a few times. Around Mucugê we also had a great time seeing birds along a patch of Cerrado habitat, where we saw Gray-backed Tachuri, Sharp-tailed Tyrant, Rufous-sided Scrub-Tyrant, White-banded Tanager, Collared Crescentchest. In the tall Caatinga forest we found East Brazilian Chachalaca, Great Xenops, Narrow-billed Antwren, Ceara Gnateater, Caatinga Antwren and Ochre-cheeked Spinetail. Later, during a mid-day rain, we went to a place with Copper, White-bellied, White-throated and Yellow-bellied seedeaters and another jewel from the area, the Sincorá Antwren, which was seen much better with both male and female coming in close to us in a side road on the way to the city of Lençóis. The last full day started with a long search for the Sao Francisco Sparrow which never showed up, but we had a good time, and after that, we went up to the top of Pai Inácio Mountain to find one of the most wanted birds in NE Brazil, the Hooded Visorbearer. We still had time to do part of the Pain Inácio - Lençóis trail to see a few new ones like Pale-throated Pampa-finch, Stripe-tailed Yellow-finch and more nice views of the male Hooded Visorbearer, and on the way to Salvador we found a big flock of swifts with both Biscutate and White-collared swifts.
It was great to share those moments with you guys!
See you!
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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
YELLOW-LEGGED TINAMOU (Crypturellus noctivagus) [E*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) [*]
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
Both Whistling-Ducks were seen in good number this year.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
A few birds seen during the tour.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)
SOUTHERN POCHARD (Netta erythrophthalma)
We stopped in a traditional spot to look for it, and about 20 of these nice-looking birds were around.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
EAST BRAZILIAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis araucuan)
Seen a couple of times.
WHITE-BROWED GUAN (Penelope jacucaca)
Seen around Guaramiranga once, and seen again, much better, at Pedra dos Ventos hotel, in Quixadá.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND DOVE (Columbina minuta)
Nice looks near Quixadá.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) [*]
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Not a huge number this time.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
A family lives near to a lake near Quixadá.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
Heard a few times and seen once.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LEAST NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles pusillus)
The habitat where we usually see these birds is not the same anymore. More houses and cattle are coming in and I believe the birds are being scared by it. We were lucky to flush a single bird from the ground and see it flying over our heads for a couple of minutes.
PYGMY NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus hirundinaceus) [E]
Our old friends were there and with a chick this year!
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata)
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus)
Fantastic looks at a bird perched for a couple of minutes.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
W were very lucky to see this this elegant moth-eating bird foraging over the canopy near Crato.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
BISCUTATE SWIFT (Streptoprocne biscutata)
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
FORK-TAILED PALM SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca) [E]
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
BROAD-TIPPED HERMIT (Anopetia gounellei) [E]
A great moment near Canudos, Bahia. We heard a bird singing and after a couple of minutes looking for it, we found it singing on its perch.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei)
Seen a few times on the tour, including a bird singing on its display branch in Guaramiranga.
HOODED VISORBEARER (Augastes lumachella) [E]
Another great NE Brazil star seen well in the Chapada Diamantina area.
WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris)
Seen well a couple of times.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus)
A couple of nice looks near Canudos. At least three males were foraging by the Canudos Biological entrance road.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis)
Male and female seen near Catu.
LONG-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania watertonii) [E]
This bird used to be a hard one to see, but now, thanks to the local guides that are keeping hummer feeders, it's so much easier to see.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
SOMBRE HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena cirrochloris)
Nice looks on the feeders at Pedra D'Anta reserve.
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Chrysuronia versicolor)
PLAIN-BELLIED EMERALD (Chrysuronia leucogaster)
Only found along the coast of Brazil; we saw it well near Tamandaré.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Chionomesa fimbriata)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes cyanus)
BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans)
Seen quickly near Petrolina.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius)
We tried hard, but only a few of us were able to see it near Petrolina.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
A few birds seen on the tour.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
STRIPE-BACKED BITTERN (Ixobrychus involucris)
A fantastic bird! It's always nice to see it on this tour. This year we were lucky to see a few individuals near Petrolina.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
Two birds seen at Petrolina.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii)
The smallest raptor in the country.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
WHITE-COLLARED KITE (Leptodon forbesi) [E]
Well, there are no words to describe the morning near Tamandaré. We saw THREE birds this year. Fantastic, you guys!!
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)
A nice surprise while we were looking at the Lear's Macaw cliff, when an adult Bicolored Hawk flew across the valley in front of us and landed for a couple of minutes.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Seen well on the very last day on the tour, while we were driving back to Salvador.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
MANTLED HAWK (Pseudastur polionotus) [E]
Impossible better! We saw a bird perched right close to the road on Frei Caneca reserve.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)
Two individuals seen flying over our heads near Guaramiranga.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
Seen near Catu.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus maculatus)
Great bird, seen well a few times in the Caatinga habitat.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
An Amazonian bird also found in a few places in the Atlantic Rainforest.
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii)
The race "baturitensis" is endemic to the mountains of Baturité; it's an isolated population that might be elevated to species in the near future.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (PERNAMBUCO) (Picumnus exilis pernambucensis)
Great looks near Tamandaré.
SPOTTED PICULET (Picumnus pygmaeus)
OCHRACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus limae) [E]
Both races (fulvous and ochraceous) were seen well this year.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
OCHRE-BACKED WOODPECKER (Celeus ochraceus) [E]
Fantastic bird and great looks along the side road of Pico Alto, in Guaramiranga.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) [*]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GOLDEN-TAILED PARROTLET (Touit surdus)
What a great moment near Tamandaré!! I played the recording to encourage the birds to show themselves and two bird flew in straight to where the group was.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (REICHENOW'S) (Pionus menstruus reichenowi) [E]
Nice looks near Tamandaré.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
COBALT-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
GRAY-BREASTED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura griseipectus) [E]
One of the biggest stars of NE Brazil. When some researchers started to work with these birds, there were about 150 individuals left and now, about 15 years later, over 1000 birds are flying throughout the forest of Baturité mountains.
INDIGO MACAW (Anodorhynchus leari) [E]
Another fantastic reason to visit NE Brazil. In the middle of the State of Bahia, a huge area with red-rock cliffs is home of these iconic blue birds. We had another fantastic morning, watching the birds flying and interacting in front of us.
CACTUS PARAKEET (Eupsittula cactorum) [E]
Endemic to the Caatinga habitat, and we had amazing looks at it.
JANDAYA PARAKEET (Aratinga jandaya)
A gorgeous bird seen very well near Tamandaré.
GOLDEN-CAPPED PARAKEET (Aratinga auricapillus)
Nice looks in Catu.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
SILVERY-CHEEKED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphoroides cristatus) [E]
A great Caatinga bird, seen well a few times on the tour.
CAATINGA ANTWREN (Radinopsyche sellowi)
As the name says, another Caatinga one seen on the tour.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (CAATINGA) (Thamnophilus doliatus capistratus) [E]
Nice looks at Chapada do Araripe.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus)
Both male and female were seen on the way to Petrolina.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus)
A gorgeous Antshrike; great contrast between black, white and chestnut colors.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
SOORETAMA SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ambiguus) [E]
Nice looks near Catu.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens cearensis) [E]
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (SILVERY-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris luctuosa) [E]
STRIPE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmorchilus strigilatus strigilatus)
Amazing bird seen a couple of times.
BAHIA ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus pileatus)
Restricted to the forest near to the coast, we saw it well near Catu.
BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus)
Nice looks at Guaramiranga.
PECTORAL ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus pectoralis) [E]
Rarely seen nowadays, but we had a great moment near Jeremoabo with this beautiful bird.
RUSTY-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus frater)
NARROW-BILLED ANTWREN (Formicivora iheringi)
Nice bird and great looks near Mucugê.
SOUTHERN WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster)
Both male and female of this fantastic Caatinga endemic were seen along the trail at Pedra dos Ventos hotel.
SINCORA ANTWREN (Formicivora grantsaui) [E]
One of the greatest targets for this tour; we saw a male on a rainy morning near Mucugê and later, on the way to Lençóis, we found a very responsive pair on a side road.
ORANGE-BELLIED ANTWREN (Terenura sicki) [E]
All the birds in the Pernambuco Endemism Center are hard to see due to habitat loss, so we need to celebrate when we see all of the possible ones as we did this year. A male was seen very very well on the Frei Caneca reserve entrance road.
WILLIS'S ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides laeta sabinoi) [E]
An isolated subspecies seen well at Frei Caneca reserve.
EAST AMAZONIAN FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota pernambucensis) [E*]
FRINGE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena atra) [E]
We only had a couple of hours to see this bird on this tour and we did it again. We found a family foraging through the understory near to the road for a few minutes.
SCALLOPED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus ruficauda) [E]
This one is always tough; the bird likes to walk on the ground through the roots and leaves.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata)
One of the most beautiful birds in the Cerrado habitat, for sure.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
BLACK-CHEEKED GNATEATER (Conopophaga melanops nigrifrons) [E]
Fantastic looks at Frei Caneca reserve.
CEARA GNATEATER (Conopophaga cearae) [E]
A bird with a restricted range, endemic to the NE Brazil, seen well in Guaramiranga.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
WHITE-BROWED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus ochroleucus) [E]
We had to walk into the forest to get closer to this elusive bird and it worked. The bird walked right in front of us for a couple of minutes.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
DIAMANTINA TAPACULO (Scytalopus diamantinensis) [E]
Another huge target seen amazingly well near Mucugê. Two birds responded to the recording and one of them came in by the road and remained for a couple of minutes close to the group.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) [I]
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona)
This race, endemic to NE Brazil, is one of the most endangered birds in Brazil and, according the researchers, there's only about 30 birds left on the Baturité Mountains. We saw 3 different individuals on that morning near Guaramiranga.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
RUFOUS-BREASTED LEAFTOSSER (CEARA) (Sclerurus scansor cearensis) [E]
Great looks along the Remanso Hotel entrance road.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (REISER'S) (Sittasomus griseicapillus reiseri) [E]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (OLIVACEOUS) (Sittasomus griseicapillus olivaceus)
PLAIN-WINGED WOODCREEPER (PERNAMBUCO) (Dendrocincla turdina taunayi) [E]
This "Pernambuco" Woodcreeper might be elevated to a full species soon.
CEARA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus atlanticus) [E]
Nice looks in the Remanso Hotel, at Guaramiranga.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus gracilirostris)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris major)
A couple of brief looks in Guaramiranga.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
GREAT XENOPS (Megaxenops parnaguae) [E]
Fantastic Caatinga endemic seen well a few times during the tour.
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
A couple of birds were seen near Petrolina.
GRAY-HEADED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca semicinerea) [E]
Nice looking bird seen a couple of times.
CAATINGA CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura cristata) [E]
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata)
This one is always a challenge to get. We saw it moving through the dense vegetation near Mucugê and also Crato.
RED-SHOULDERED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hellmayri) [E]
A big Spinetail who likes to be near to the ground along the Caatinga habitat.
PINTO'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis infuscata) [E]
Nice looks near Pedra D'Anta private reserve.
SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)
Pipridae (Manakins)
PALE-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma pallescens)
ARARIPE MANAKIN (Antilophia bokermanni) [E]
What a bird!! Only described to science in the 90's, this gorgeous Manakin is a precious jewel of NE Brazil which always gives us a great show on the Chapada do Araripe.
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda)
The "Guaramiranga", as the local people know it. The city was named because of this bird.
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BEARDED BELLBIRD (Procnias averano) [*]
It's been a while since we heard this bird on the Chapada do Araripe, and this year we heard at least 4 birds singing in the afternoon.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
GREENISH SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis virescens)
WHITE-NAPED XENOPSARIS (Xenopsaris albinucha)
A single bird came in attracted by the Pygmy-Owl recording and Phyllis was the only one able to see it.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus)
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius barbatus)
BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (BLACK-TAILED) (Myiobius atricaudus snethlagei) [E]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
ALAGOAS TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ceciliae) [E]
A big target; due to habitat loss it is getting harder and harder to see this bird and the Frei Caneca reserve is the best place to see it.
EARED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis auricularis)
Seen well near Catu.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
BUFF-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus mirandae) [E]
A shy species, usually found by itself or in pairs. We saw a few while birding on the Baturité Mountains.
SMOKY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus fumifrons)
A pair of birds seen on the very first day of the tour, near Palmares.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
EASTERN OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus) [*]
GRAY-CROWNED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
A bird typically found in the Amazon, with a population also found in NE Brazil.
OCHRE-LORED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri bahiae)
The subspecies "bahiae" is endemic to the Caatinga habitat.
SOUTHERN MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Nesotriccus murinus)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
GRAY-BACKED TACHURI (Polystictus superciliaris) [E]
A bird mainly found on the Cerrado habitat; we saw a couple of individuals near Mucugê.
SHARP-TAILED TYRANT (Culicivora caudacuta)
A great surprise; we haven't seen this bird in many years on the tour. We were lucky to find a single one near Mucugê.
GRAY-HEADED ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
Seen in a tall Caatinga near Lençóis.
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
SMALL-HEADED ELAENIA (Elaenia sordida)
A few birds seen along the trail Pai Inácio-Lençóis.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
The 6000th bird for Steve!!
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer)
FULVOUS-CROWNED SCRUB-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
RUFOUS-SIDED SCRUB-TYRANT (Euscarthmus rufomarginatus)
A little special one, easy to miss everywhere.
BAHIA WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura bahiae) [E]
A recent split from Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant; this one was seen a couple of times this year.
GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (CAATINGA) (Stigmatura budytoides gracilis) [E]
Similar to the previous one but a little bigger and brighter on the belly; we saw it very well near Petrolina.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
SOUTHERN TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus)
Seen only once this year, near Mucugê.
VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus) [E]
Fantastic looks on the top of Pai Inácio mountain.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
ASH-THROATED CASIORNIS (Casiornis fuscus) [E]
A good year for this bird that likes more rain and green on the Caatinga.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
GRAY-EYED GREENLET (Hylophilus amaurocephalus) [E]
A few great looks on the tour.
CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-NAPED JAY (Cyanocorax cyanopogon) [E]
Gorgeous bird seen eating corn with the White-browed Guan at Pedra dos Ventos hotel.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
LONG-BILLED WREN (Cantorchilus longirostris bahiae) [E]
A few nice looks on the Caatinga habitat.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)
YELLOW-FACED SISKIN (Spinus yarrellii) [E]
A bit easier than usual; we saw male and female at the entrance of Saltinho Biological Reserve, near Tamandaré, and later, in another forest fragment we saw another male briefly.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Leistes superciliaris)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
Seen a couple of times from our hotel in Lençóis.
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
CAMPO TROUPIAL (Icterus jamacaii)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
FORBES'S BLACKBIRD (Anumara forbesi) [E]
Another Caatinga bird, only found in the marshes, we saw a group of 4 birds near Tamandaré.
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
PALE BAYWING (Agelaioides fringillarius)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
SOUTHERN YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis velata)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
Another nice surprise. A few days before we arrived, some birders spotted a male at the water park where the Araripe Manakin lives. While we were enjoying the manakin, the Redstart showed up a couple of times.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia brissonii)
Great looks in the Chapada do Araripe National Forest.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-COWLED CARDINAL (Paroaria dominicana) [E]
CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus)
WHITE-BANDED TANAGER (Neothraupis fasciata)
A few adults and immature individuals seen near Mucugê.
SCARLET-THROATED TANAGER (Compsothraupis loricata) [E]
Only two individuals seen this year.
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
BRAZILIAN TANAGER (Ramphocelus bresilius) [E]
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Stilpnia cayana)
WHITE-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara brasiliensis)
A small group seen in Catu.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (SILVER-BREASTED) (Tangara velia cyanomelas)
Another nice surprise! We've not seen this bird in Tamandaré in many years!
SEVEN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara fastuosa) [E]
Gorgeous bird! After a few hours looking for it in the forest, we went to a small property next to Pedra D'Anta with a nice fellow who's feeding the birds, and about 10 minutes later, two birds came in to feed and remained close to the group for several minutes.
RED-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanocephala cearensis) [E]
GILT-EDGED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoventris) [E]
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
Male and female seen on the Remanso da Serra Hotel.
RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
STRIPE-TAILED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis citrina)
Two individuals flew out from the trail near Lençóis.
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana)
A female was seen moving along with an immature bird in Petrolina.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
PALE-THROATED PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra longicauda) [E]
A couple of birds seen, impossible to be better, along the Pai Inácio-Lençóis trail on the last morning of the tour.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
COPPER SEEDEATER (Sporophila bouvreuil)
A gorgeous adult male seen singing near Mucugê.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
WHITE-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila albogularis) [E]
A few great looks on the tour.
PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)
MAMMALS
BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis)
TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus) [E]
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
ROCK CAVY (Kerodon rupestris) [E]
Totals for the tour: 333 bird taxa and 4 mammal taxa