This tour is often touted as an introductory tour to Brazil but with a list of approximately 400 bird species recorded on each tour, many of which are endemic, endangered or simply very hard to see. One can say that this is a lovely way to experience many of the great birds of Brazil without having to go through the hardships of some more strenuous tours.
Don’t get me wrong! I love birding from dawn to dusk and beyond with some owling but there is something to be said about waking up where the birds are and seeing a plethora of endemics right from the garden of the lodging at Intervales, or waking up in one of the best hotels in the world and having breakfast with Plush-crested Jays and Green-headed Tanagers that are trying to steal your food before you go walking to the falls to look at the largest population of Great Dusky Swifts in the world while looking for the ultra rare Black-fronted Piping-guan and lastly but not least enjoying boat trips in the Pantanal that produce a variety of birds that include the rarely seen Zigzag Heron, all five species of kingfisher from South America and a variety of Antbirds and Spinetails.
In 2023 we tallied 379 species of birds, we enjoyed good food, we got wet from the spray of the falls and we marveled in the beauty of Hyacinth Macaws crossing the skies. I guess you can say this Brazil in a Nutshell and I loved sharing it with you.
I hope we can do it again someday in some other wonderful part of the world!
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
GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana)
Seen well in the Pantanal.
SOLITARY TINAMOU (Tinamus solitarius)
Often a very hard species to find but our local guide at Intervales had one coming to a feeder. What a memorable experience.
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)
Excellent views of these sharp looking birds in the Pantanal. There are only three species of screamers in the world and all of them are found in South America.
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
Abundant in the Pantanal.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Always a treat to see this species flying and displayiing its blue speculum.
CHACO CHACHALACA (Ortalis canicollis)
An omnipresent species in the pantanal where they are heard from sunrise to sunset.
RUSTY-MARGINED GUAN (Penelope superciliaris)
Seen at Iguazu.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED GUAN (Penelope ochrogaster)
A common species in the Pantanal and they were a common sight around our lodge at Rio Claro.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
This species is now being treated as White-throated Piping Guan.
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi)
BLACK-FRONTED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile jacutinga) [E]
Becca and Dennis spotted this one for us. Seeing them near the falls at dusk was one of the highlights of the tour.
BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata)
Another species that graced the grounds of Rio Claro Lodge in the Pantanal.
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
Seen in good numbers in the Pantanal.
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
This is a the "standard" large pigeon on our tour.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
Common throughout the tour.
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
LONG-TAILED GROUND DOVE (Uropelia campestris)
We had great looks at this ornate Ground Dove in the Pantanal.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
These tiny dinosaurs are always amusing to watch and we had several looks at them.
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
This species is only present in the Pantanal in the wet season.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Seen at each of our stops.
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (NATTERERI) (Lurocalis semitorquatus nattereri)
Seen near the restaurant where we ate our meals at Intervales.
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
Seen flying over the river at dawn in the Pantanal.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Multiple views around our lodge at Intervales.
GREAT DUSKY SWIFT (Cypseloides senex) [E]
Always one of the most fascinating experiences at Iguazu. We watched thousands of them circling over the falls and plunging to roost behind the falls.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Seen often flying around at Intervales.
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca) [E]
A couple of brief views at Intervales but we later saw it really well at the hummingbird feeders at Iguazu.
DUSKY-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis squalidus)
Seen at Intervales.
BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis subochraceus)
We found this very range restricted species in the Pantanal.
SCALE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis eurynome) [E]
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
Seen at each of our stops but seen remakably well at the feeders in Iguazu.
FESTIVE COQUETTE (Lophornis chalybeus)
Seen feeding on some bottlebrush at Intervales.
BRAZILIAN RUBY (Clytolaema rubricauda) [E]
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)
PURPLE-CROWNED PLOVERCREST (Stephanoxis loddigesii)
This species was simply treated as Plovercrest but was split into two species a few years ago. The Green-crowned Plovercrest that occurs further north and the Purple-crowned Plovercrest which we saw at Intervales.
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis) [E]
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
A true bully at the hummingbird feeders at Iguazu, spending more time trying to drive away other species than actually feeding.
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Chrysuronia versicolor)
WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Chionomesa fimbriata)
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Chionomesa lactea)
GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)
Several individuals seen at the feeders at Iguazu.
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
Formerly known as Gray-necked Wood-Rail.
SLATY-BREASTED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides saracura) [E]
Multiple sightings around Intervales.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Several individuals around a pond at Intervales.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
Nicely seen in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius)
Our local guide at Intervales has a feeding station where these otherwise shy birds come out for amazing views.
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Common in the Pantanal.
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Seen every day in the Pantanal.
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
Found in the Pantanal.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Seen almost every day on our tour.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
We found a pair of birds with a nest with three eggs in the Pantanal.
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus)
A scarce species in the Pantanal but we had an excellent year for waders.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)
The smallest peeps we saw in the pond in front of Piuval Lodge.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
The most common species in the Pantanal.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
After a series of dry years it was nice to find a good number of waders in the pond near Piuval lodge.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Becca spotted this iconic species for us in the Pantanal.
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria)
This enormous stork is the symbol of the Pantanal for Brazilians. We saw them very well in the Pantanal.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Seen nicely along the river in the Pantanal.
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus)
This is one of the hardest herons to see in South America and we saw it twice on our tour.
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis)
Another secretive species that we saw well in the Pantanal.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
A common species in the Pantanal.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
A close relative of the Great Blue Heron from North America.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
Since our tour the Cattle Egret has been split and the bird we saw is now called Western Cattle Egret.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
At first it was just seen by Bob, but later we all saw this handsome species of heron that favors grasslands over wet areas.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)
A scarce species in the Pantanal that is sometimes found among the similar looking Bare-faced Ibis in the Pantanal. We found a few of them in the Pantanal at Piuval Lodge.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
This species prefers forested areas and we saw them at Intervales and in the Pantanal.
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)
Restricted in Brazil to the western portion of the country. We saw them repeatedly in the Pantanal.
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
Common in the Pantanal but this species is becoming more abundant in the Atlantic Forest as they move into areas where the forest has been cleared.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
This species migrates back into the Pantanal in the dry season. The birds we saw must have been the first ones of the season.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
A very scarce species in the areas we visited but we saw them both at Intervales and in the Pantanal.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Common in the Pantanal.
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
A North American migrant that spends its winter in South America. We saw them along the Rio Claro in the Pantanal.
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
Seen flying over the falls at Iguazu.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
Scope views of this scarce species at Intervales.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
A gorgeous hawk that is seen often along bodies of water in the Pantanal.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Common in the Pantanal during the wet season.
CRANE HAWK (BANDED) (Geranospiza caerulescens flexipes)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
Pretty common in the Pantanal, but nevertheless a very striking species, especially when it flies showing its rufous wings.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
We saw this common species at each of the three stops we made on our tour.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
The welcoming committee at Intervales with a pair of birds roosting by the reception building at the Park.
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Multiple looks at this feroucious miniature owl.
RUSTY-BARRED OWL (Strix hylophila)
We made a trip outside of Intervales to look for this handsome owl species and were rewarded with great looks at this handsome owl.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
Bob spotted this one for us in the Pantanal.
SURUCUA TROGON (Trogon surrucura) [E]
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
This species has now been split and is currently called Atlantic Black-throated Trogon.
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
Great looks at this handsome motmot at the boat dock at Rio Claro.
RUFOUS-CAPPED MOTMOT (Baryphthengus ruficapillus) [E]
Scope views of this Atlantic Forest endemic.
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
The largest kingfisher in the Americas and one that we saw multiple times in the Pantanal.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
It is always a treat to see this tiny, colorful kingfisher. We found one on the last day of our tour at on the Bento Gomes river in the Pantanal.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Seen both at Intervales and in the Pantanal.
BUFF-BELLIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus swainsoni) [E]
A very scarce canopy puffbird that we saw extremely well through the scope at Iguazu.
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
We found this species along the road to Intervales on the first day of the tour.
RUSTY-BREASTED NUNLET (Nonnula rubecula)
This minute puffbird is quite discreet and can be pretty hard to find but we managed to see one at Intervales.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) [*]
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
Great looks at this handsome species both at Iguazu and in the Pantanal.
SPOT-BILLED TOUCANET (Selenidera maculirostris) [E]
This species stands out for its beauty even in a family full of ornate, colorful birds.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
Seeing lots of these handsome birds at Iguazu is always a treat.
RED-BREASTED TOUCAN (Ramphastos dicolorus) [E]
OCHRE-COLLARED PICULET (Picumnus temminckii) [E]
Seen at Intervales and in the Pantanal.
WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus)
This species replaces the Ochre-collared Piculet in the Pantanal and we saw it well a couple of times.
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)
Seen on our last day in the Pantanal.
YELLOW-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes flavifrons) [E]
This gorgeous woodpecker was seen right outside our hotel at Iguazu.
WHITE-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates spilogaster) [E]
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
ROBUST WOODPECKER (Campephilus robustus) [E]
This huge woodpecker is far more often heard than seen but we found one at Iguazu and brought it in for good views.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
The largest woodpecker we saw in the Pantanal.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
We had a great time watching this beutiful species foraging at Piuval lodge.
PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris)
BLOND-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavescens) [E]
Seen both at Intervales and at Iguazu.
WHITE-BROWED WOODPECKER (Piculus aurulentus)
CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
Another iconic species that Becca spotted for us in the Pantanal.
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)
This species used to be considered a separate species from the North American birds, but the two species were lumped together recently.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
This handsome falcon specializes on hunting snakes. We saw one at Piuval Lodge on the last full day of the tour.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)
A species that has been introduced to many places but is native in the Pantanal.
PLAIN PARAKEET (Brotogeris tirica) [E]
A common species around Intervales.
YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri)
This species replaces the Plain Parakeet in the Pantanal.
PILEATED PARROT (Pionopsitta pileata) [E*]
BLUE-BELLIED PARROT (Triclaria malachitacea) [*]
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani siy)
This is the subspecies we saw in the Pantanal with the diagnostic white eye ring.
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani melanoblepharus)
This is the subspecies we found at Iguazu.
TURQUOISE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva)
A common species in the Pantanal.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
Less numerous than the Turquoise-fronted Parrot but we had excellent looks at one through the scope in the Pantanal.
MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura frontalis)
Seen at intervales where they are often heard, and seen flying by like torpedos shooting through the sky.
HYACINTH MACAW (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Pantanal. This is the largest of the macaws and we enjoyed beautiful looks at them around Piuval lodge.
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Eupsittula aurea)
NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday)
Somewhat scarce in the area of the Pantanal we visited, but they are regular visitors of the feeders at Rio Claro lodge.
YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis)
What this macaw lacks in size it makes up in beauty! We had lovely views of this handsome species at Piuval Lodge.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
Not a species we see very often on this tour, as they are only seen flying over the Pantanal en route to different areas, but we found them on the last day of the tour.
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
After seeing them flying over many times at Iguazu we saw some perched birds in the Pantanal.
SPOT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Hypoedaleus guttatus) [E]
We saw this canopy specialist both at Intervales and Iguazu.
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea)
Giant indeed. We saw this massive species at Intervales.
LARGE-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena leachii) [E]
We had such close scope views of this species that we could only see its head in the scope.
TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa) [E]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
WHITE-BEARDED ANTSHRIKE (Biatas nigropectus) [E]
A bamboo specialist that we saw at Intervales.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
We first saw a female at Iguazu and later on saw a male through the scope in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)
We saw one individual on our way out of Intervales towards Sao Paulo.
PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni)
Seen at Piuval Lodge towards the end of the tour.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
STAR-THROATED ANTWREN (Rhopias gularis) [E]
This is one of my favorite antwren species, not only because it is a gorgeous species but also because it lives close to the ground and we don't have to strain our necks to see it.
SPOT-BREASTED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus stictothorax) [E]
We found this Atlantic Forest Endemic at Intervales.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
Far more common and widespread than the Spot-breasted Antvireo.
UNICOLORED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula unicolor)
LARGE-BILLED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus longirostris) [*]
RUFOUS-MARGINED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)
Formerly known as Rufous-winged Antwren but the birds from the Atlantic forest have recently been split from the Amazonian birds.
BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster)
A scarce species in the Pantanal but we saw them at Piuval Lodge.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) [*]
FERRUGINOUS ANTBIRD (Drymophila ferruginea) [E]
One of several Drymophila antbirds we saw at Intervales.
BERTONI'S ANTBIRD (Drymophila rubricollis) [E]
OCHRE-RUMPED ANTBIRD (Drymophila ochropyga) [E]
DUSKY-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila malura)
STREAK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Terenura maculata) [E]
A tiny antwren that inhabits the highest branches of the trees, making it very hard to see but we had pretty decent looks at them.
MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra melanaria)
WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera) [E]
Seen at Intervales and in the Pantanal. This species likes to follow army ants through the forest.
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda)
A small antbird that is always found close to water in the Pantanal. We saw one at Rio Claro lodge during a boat outing.
SQUAMATE ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus squamosus)
An intricately patterned antbird that forages on the forest floor. We found one at Intervales!
RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata)
Multiple looks at this charismatic species around Intervales.
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) [*]
SLATY BRISTLEFRONT (Merulaxis ater) [E]
The birds found at Intevales belong to an unnamed population and have distictive vocalizations.
WHITE-BREASTED TAPACULO (Eleoscytalopus indigoticus)
This tiny species is always very tricky to see but we had excellent looks at one around Intevales.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma)
While we waited for the Solitary Tinamou to show up, we called one of these shy antthrushes for good viewing.
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus scansor) [E]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (OLIVACEOUS) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylviellus) [E]
This is the subspecies that occurs in the Pantanal.
PLAIN-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla turdina) [E]
A good view at this Atlantic Forest endemic at Intervales.
WHITE-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes albicollis) [E]
A massive species of woodcreeper that we saw at Intervales.
GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major)
Placed in the same genus as the White-throated and equally large but we found this one in the Pantanal.
LESSER WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus fuscus fuscus) [E]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
The birds we saw in the Pantanal belong to the Lafresnaye's subspecies that has a light colored bill, unlike the Amazonian birds that have a dark bill.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
Dennis found this fascinating species for us. The long, curved bill is used to probe cracks and crevices in trees to look for insects and spiders that are not accecible to other birds.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)
One of the most easily recognizable species with a very disitictive white eyebrow.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
We had a bird sitting still for a very long time allowing us to see it extremely well.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
Seen along the rivers in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
Seen every day on our tour.
WHITE-COLLARED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops fuscus) [E]
A striking foliage-gleaner that favors bamboo habitat. We found them twice at Intervales.
BLACK-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor atricapillus) [E]
Seen both at Intervales and Iguazu. Always with mixed species flocks.
WHITE-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia amaurotis) [E]
OCHRE-BREASTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia lichtensteini) [E]
We saw this species around Iguazu with a mixed species flock.
WHITE-EYED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus leucophthalmus) [E]
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber)
ORANGE-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ferrugineigula) [*]
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
We found this species in the Pantanal and had a great time watching it build a nest.
PALLID SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pallida) [E]
An arboreal species of spinetail that we saw well around Intervales.
RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
The most common and widespread of the spinetails we saw at Intervales.
CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)
Placed in its own genus, the Chotoy spinetail is a very distinctive species with a black and yellow throat that readily distinguishes it from other spinetails.
WHITE-LORED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albilora)
A classic case of creative bird naming, as the bird has no obvious white lores, but nevertheless it is an important species that we saw well in the Pantanal.
RUFOUS-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis ruficapilla)
HELMETED MANAKIN (Antilophia galeata)
SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata) [E]
Formerly known as Blue Manakin. This species is always wonderful to see as it is a colorful and charismatic species.
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris) [E*]
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda)
HOODED BERRYEATER (Carpornis cucullata)
Heard many times but eventually we had nice views of this beautiful Cotinga around Intervales.
BARE-THROATED BELLBIRD (Procnias nudicollis)
A female seen at Intervales.
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
GREENISH SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis virescens) [E]
Its melodious song echoes through the forest at Intervales, but the bird itself is not as striking as its song. We saw them twice at Intervales.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
A very handsome becard that we saw well at Intervales.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
Fairly common around Intervales.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
SHARPBILL (Oxyruncus cristatus) [*]
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
Seen on the very first day of our tour at Intervales.
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
One of my favorite flycatchers. This minute bird is so cute with its unique face pattern and wide bill.
GRAY-HOODED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes rufiventris) [E]
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SOUTHERN BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes eximius) [E]
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)
SAO PAULO TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes paulista) [E]
This species is now placed in the same genus as the Southern Bristle-tyrant.
OUSTALET'S TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes oustaleti)
Easily recognizable by its charateristic behaviour of jiggling its tail.
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi)
Not a bird you see in the scope very often but we had wonderful scope views of one at Intervales.
EARED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis auricularis) [E]
EYE-RINGED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus orbitatus)
Seen very well on the Poço Preto trail at Iguazu.
HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus) [E]
We found this one right around the gardens of our lodge at Intervales.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
Seen a couple of times in the Pantanal.
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps)
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum) [E]
Seen a couple of times around Intervales.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
We found this one in the Pantanal.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (MATO GROSSO) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens pallescens)
This is the subspecies we saw in the Pantanal.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (SOORETAMA) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens sulphurescens)
This is the one we saw around Intervales.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
Another species of tyrannulet that is easily recognizable by its behavior. It constantly rocks its body from side to side.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
A bamboo specialist that we saw well at route 101 in Iguazu.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
This species is now called Gray-headed Elaenia.
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)
We found this one in the Pantanal where it showed up in response to a Ferruginous Pygmy-owl recording.
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
GRAY-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseocapilla) [E]
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (EULER'S) (Lathrotriccus euleri euleri)
Seen near the house of one of the workers from the park at Intervales.
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) [*]
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus)
Commonly seen perched on fence and electrical wires in the Pantanal.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
Seen every day at Intevales as they like to hang out by the pool of our lodge.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
Scope views at Intervales.
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum)
RUFOUS-TAILED ATTILA (Attila phoenicurus)
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus)
Seen just by Bob.
GRAY-HOODED ATTILA (Attila rufus) [E]
Much more handsome than it apears in the book. This species has a velvety quality to it that is incredible.
SIBILANT SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator sibilator)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
This is the all rufous flycatcher that resembles a Myiarchus flycatcher that we saw in the Pantanal.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
We had an individual that had a territory right at the gardens of our lodge at Intervales so we saw him almost daily while we were there.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
Common in the Pantanal.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
Always a pleasure to see these birds associated with the horses and capybara in the Pantanal.
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
Seen multiple times in the Pantanal where it is always found close to water.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Seen every day on our tour.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
THREE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Conopias trivirgatus)
This is a species that can be hard to see because they always sit at the very top of the trees, but we managed to see some of them from a road at Intervales.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Heard very oftent at Intervales but only seen at Iguazu.
RUFOUS-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus poicilotis) [E]
Seen multiple times at Intervales where it is often found with canopy flocks.
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
This is the greenlet we saw at Piuval lodge in the Pantanal.
CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)
One of the most charismatic species of Iguazu.
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
I simply love to watch these birds displaying as the perform their little dance.
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
A pretty common sight around intervales but completely absent from the other places we visited.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
A common species in the Pantanal.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Sitting on the boat dock at Rio Claro lodge in the Pantanal.
MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola)
The first responder every time we played a pygmy-owl tape in the Pantanal.
CREAMY-BELLIED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila lactea) [E]
It was wonderful to connect with this range restricted gnatcatcher at Iguazu.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
Seen both at Iguazu and the Pantanal.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
We managed to lay eyes on this secretive wren during a boat tour at Rio Claro Lodge.
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
COCOA THRUSH (Turdus fumigatus)
This was a bit of a surprise. We found one on the Poço Preto trail at Iguazu.
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
Seen every day on our tour.
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
Despite being the most widespread of the Euphonias on this tour we only saw it once in Iguazu.
GREEN-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chalybea)
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)
Seen in Iguazu where we even had it visiting the feeders.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia pectoralis) [E]
Multiple good looks at Iguazu.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
Seen repeatedly at Intervales.
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
A common species both around Intervales and Iguazu.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
Seen a few times around Iguazu.
VARIABLE ORIOLE (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED) (Icterus pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus)
This is the subspecies we saw around Iguazu.
VARIABLE ORIOLE (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED) (Icterus pyrrhopterus periporphyrus)
This is the subspecies we saw in the Pantanal.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
A close relative of the North American Orioles.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
Several individuals seen around the feeders at Rio Claro lodge. This species parasitizes the nests of Crested Oropendolas.
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
Hundreds of them roost every day at Piuval lodge.
GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)
UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus)
A common species in the wetlands of the Pantanal.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)
Seen in the wetlands around the little village near Intervales.
YELLOW-RUMPED MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes guirahuro)
We found this species on the drive from Intervales back to Sao Paulo.
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
This species has now been split and is called Southern Yellowthroat.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Myiothlypis flaveola)
We saw this species at Piuval lodge on the last full day of our tour.
WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara) [E]
A nice looking warbler with a very melodious song that we saw very well at Intervales.
RIVERBANK WARBLER (Myiothlypis rivularis)
OLIVE-GREEN TANAGER (Orthogonys chloricterus) [E]
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
A leader of understory flocks that we saw around Intervales.
BROWN TANAGER (Orchesticus abeillei) [E]
RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)
YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL (Paroaria capitata)
A common species in the Pantanal and particularly common around the feeders at Rio Claro Lodge.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
Great views of this sharp looking tanager at Iguazu.
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
GRAY-THROATED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus cabanisi)
Seen near the restaurant where we had our meals at Intervales.
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
Seen multiple times with mixed species flocks.
RUBY-CROWNED TANAGER (Tachyphonus coronatus) [E]
Despite having a very hard time seeing the ruby crown we had multiple good looks at them.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
Dennis spotted this one for us in the Pantanal.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
AZURE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanoptera)
GREEN-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara seledon) [E]
It was such a pleasure to have these colorful gems adorn the tables at breakfast at Iguazu.
BRASSY-BREASTED TANAGER (Tangara desmaresti)
Another colorful tanager that we found moving with the mixed species flocks at Intervales.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
Seen in the Pantanal towards the end of our tour.
UNIFORM FINCH (Haplospiza unicolor) [E]
A very discreet species that favors bamboo. We found on at Intervales.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
Common throughout the trip.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
LINED SEEDEATER (Sporophila lineola)
Multiple sightings around the open grassy areas of Intervales.
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera)
Easily located in the Pantanal by its repetitive song.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)
This heavily patterned species is somewhat common in the Pantanal.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
Seen both at Iguazu and the Pantanal.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
Common and somewhat irritating around the hummingbird feeders at Iguazu.
BLACK-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltatricula atricollis)
BLUE-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Formerly known as Grayish Saltator.
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)
WHITE-LINED SAC-WINGED BAT SP. (Saccopteryx sp.)
BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya)
YELLOW-TOOTHED CAVY SP. (Galea flavidens)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
AZARA'S AGOUTI (Dasyprocta azarae)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
MARSH DEER (Blastocerus dichotomus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin)
PARAGUAYAN CAIMAN (Caiman yacare)
Totals for the tour: 379 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa