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The tiny Long-whiskered Owlet took silver in the tour's "Bird of the TRip" competition. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
This year’s tour was a great one for many reasons: being able to co-lead with my good buddy Jesse, the Motmot; having some great food supplied by the chef and crew brought along by Cajamarca Travel; a great group of folks; and some fantastic birding! This tour simply can’t be beat for the diversity of birds -- and perhaps has more species which were described in the last 40 years than any other tour we run! The tour spawned a lot of favorites from the group, with two predictable species topping the list: our flagship species, Marvelous Spatuletail, was number one (although, it was pointed out, only referring to “Spat” and not to the slightly less impressive “No-spat”), with the other very special bird, Long-whiskered Owlet as a very close silver medalist. Enjoying a view of a very patient owlet just before the rain started was a great way to end the day! Bronze medalists were the Oilbird, which we enjoyed viewing in their slot canyon along the highway as we drove back to Tarapoto. After that, the list of favorites tails off slowly…
Hummingbirds figured large in the list of favorites, with the ornate Rufous-crested Coquette and the attractive Gould’s Jewelfront heading the list. Our brief view of Royal Sunangel made someone’s list, as did the various female woodstars, whose quiet bumblebee-like flight allowed them to get to feeders without being harassed. The handsome Andean Emerald was another favorite, with its gleaming white belly and the violet glint in its crown. The more muted colors of the nevertheless special Koepcke’s Hermit also gave it 15 minutes of glory. The tour graced us with no fewer than 47 species of hummingbirds! Many thanks to all those dedicated souls out there who have been manning the hummer feeders for us!
Less glittery species also made the list, including the wonderful song duetting antics of Black-capped Donacobius, the sluggish Black-streaked Puffbird, the noble Laughing Falcon, the boldly patterned "Moriche Oriole" (now part of Variable Oriole), the little ball of spitfire called Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, the large and impressive Strong-billed Woodcreepers we watched tearing moss off the tree trunks, the nightjar morning, the massive group of Comb Ducks, and the tame Chestnut Antpitta that allowed us to view it beside the trail. More colorful birds such as the lovely Green-and-black Fruiteater, colorful Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Emerald Toucanet, “Striped” Manakin, and impossibly-colored Grass-green Tanager also captivated our imaginations. Even the “homely” Tropical Kingbird piqued someone’s fancy! And finally, the antics of the Tayra that came to the fruit feeder kept us entertained.
Motmot and I thank you all for joining us on this fine tour. We hope you all enjoyed this little piece of heaven (which it was, as long as you didn’t try to shower!), and we hope to see you out there again with binoculars strapped to your body and a sense of adventure in your hearts! Keep them eyes on the skies!
-- Dan (aka the Barbet)
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
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
Chestnut-breasted Coronet was one of the dominant hummers at the Owlet Lodge feeders. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – A bird fed fearlessly in front of us at Arenas Blancas.
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
COMB DUCK (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Sarkidiornis melanotos sylvicola) – Wow, what a treat! somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 birds swirled around in that pond (Lagartococha) beside the road between Tarapoto and the Rio Huallaga!
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – At least two individuals were with the concentration of the previous species at Lagartococha.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – Well, I'll be! After complaining that I hadn't seen this species at Pomacochas for nearly a decade... a group of 15 landed in wet fields near the lake! My wet boots were worth confirming their identity!
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Mostly heard, but Rick spotted a few crossing the road at breakfast at Aguas Verdes.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – After a brief view of a bird on the roadside, two were seen well at the fruit feeder at Huembo.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – Jesse pointed out this small grebe to some folks at the "No Masked Duck Today" pond.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – A bit of a surprise was one bird along the shore of Pomacochas.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Large numbers in the rice country, among other places.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – A few mixed in with the last in the rice country.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Huge roost on Pomacochas as well as good numbers in the rice country.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – First at Pomacochas, but a few in the rice country as well.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – One of two "everyday" birds.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – A couple were seen well over the rice paddies.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Seen on five days. Very elegant bird!
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – A probable juvenile flew over the hill above the road our last day in the Escalera.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – A couple seen in the rice country.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Those who remained at the hummingbird feeders at the Koepcke's Hermit site saw a pair of these lovely raptors.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – Quite a few around Morro de Calzada.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – A bird flew over the feeders at Alto Nieva carrying a bird that looked suspiciously like an antpitta.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – The most common raptor of the tour, and it lived up to its name.
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – A lovely adult landed near us at Alto Nieva and called for about 10 minutes.
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – After the rain on our second day birding around Owlet Lodge, a bird flew right over us. Presumably, this species is an austral migrant, wintering from Patagonia.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) – Heard at close quarters at Morro de Calzada. [*]
SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus) – After hearing a good number, one bird showed briefly along a opening in the rice in the Mayo valley.
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Good looks at two birds on the edge of Pomacochas.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – A couple of birds seen in the rice country of the Mayo valley.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Don got us onto this snail-eating crane in the rice fields.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
The wonderfully named Yellow-scarfed Tanager was part of a mixed flock we enjoyed on a rainy day at Owlet Lodge. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – Fairly common in the rice country.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – Several small snipe flushed up in the fields near Laguna Pomacochas. A specimen from this site suggests that they are the lowland South American Snipe, not the higher-elevation Puna Snipe.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Happily, only noted on two days. [I]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Seen at Morro de Calzada.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – Only one or two individuals seen on two days in the mountains.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – A singing bird was seen well as we returned from our after-breakfast visit to Arenas Blancas.
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina minuta) – Don saw this small dove as we drove out of Upaquihua.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Mostly heard at Morro de Calzada, but seen by a few folks there and in the rice country.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) – This was the form we heard, and some saw, at Huembo.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (BRASILIENSIS GROUP) (Leptotila verreauxi decipiens) – Heard and seen at Upaquihua and Morro de Calzada.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – The ole' weird dove was seen around Tarapoto.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis) – Mostly heard at Owlet Lodge, but some folks caught glimpses when we climbed the tower there.
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) – Heard on several days and evenings at Owlet Lodge, but seen well by those who walked the Mono trail at dusk.
Booted Racket-tails were among the 47 species of hummingbird we saw on the trip. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET (Xenoglaux loweryi) – Woo hoo! A fine view of this incredible little owl at Alto Nieva! Thanks to Wilmer for spotting it through the trees! [E]
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Heard by most folks at Los Huingos, but it didn't show.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – Seen over the canopy the first attempt for owlet at Owlet Lodge.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Setopagis parvula) – Wow! After learning where it is last year, the bird responded to playback well this year and showed briefly, with Jesse getting it in the light.
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) – A couple of birds in an open field predawn at Morro de Calzada.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) – A fine show put on by a bird at Morro de Calzada, where it sang, then flew by us.
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – Our last bird the day we drove from Pomacochas to Tarapoto, we stopped at Quiscarumi bridge and enjoyed several as they roosted in their slot canyon.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Some large flocks seen low on the Abra Patricia road and into the Mayo valley.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – Mostly seen at the sunangel ridge and again in the Escalera.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A common feeder visitor.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – A brief view at Arenas Blancas.
KOEPCKE'S HERMIT (Phaethornis koepckeae) – Seen well at the feeders of the same name! [E]
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – Seen at Waqanki and again at Koepcke's Hermit feeders.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – Seen at the Waqanki and Arenas Blancas feeders.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – First seen at their lekking area along the road near Aguas Verdes bridge, then at least one at the Arenas Blancas feeders.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Seen best at Huembo.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera johannae) – Several showed well at Arenas Blancas.
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi) – One stealing nectar from flowers on the owlet trail was a treat!
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – Seen at Waqanki, Arenas Blancas, and Koepcke's Hermit feeders.
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Recently split by the AOU, and the birds from Costa Rica to Bolivia are now called "Lesser Violetear" so keep that in mind...
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – A male came in at the Koepcke's Hermit feeders.
ROYAL SUNANGEL (Heliangelus regalis) – Not the best or longest look, but a male zipped by on Sunangel Ridge.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – After a female was seen along the road at Aguas Verdes bridge, a fine male perched up high at the Arenas Blancas feeders. Thanks to Jean for spotting the latter!
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei)
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – A fine view of a bird feeding at roadside flowers below the Aguas Verdes bridge was a great experience with a hard-to-see bird!
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – A few at Puerto Pumas hotel and Huembo.
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae) – Common at the feeders at Alto Nieva.
EMERALD-BELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis aline) – A lovely species that we enjoyed at the Owlet Lodge feeders.
MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL (Loddigesia mirabilis) – Hard to overstate the awe this little bird inspires. And this year, we had exquisite views of three birds: a male with spatules (Spat), a male without (Nospat), and a female. Fantastic! [E]
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Did you see it, Max? :)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) – A lovely inca that flashed its white tail at the feeders at Owlet Lodge.
The Bronzy Inca is certainly well named! Photo by participant Max Rodel.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – One of the dominant hummers at the Owlet Lodge feeders, less so at Huembo and Alto Nieva.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Mostly at the Alto Nieva feeders.
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – A pair coming in to the Koepcke's Hermit feeders.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) – The feeder-clinger at Owlet Lodge.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – Mostly at Alto Nieva.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – A brief visitor to the Waqanki and Arenas Blancas feeders.
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – A female was at the buildings at Huembo, and a male displaying (but unseen) there.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – The Jettson's scooter birds at Owlet Lodge Alto Nieva, and Huembo, with a young male at Arenas Blancas.
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – Miniscule! A female came in regularly to the feeders at Huembo.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina) – A fine male at the Arenas Blancas feeders.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – Seen at Aguas Verdes and Arenas Blancas.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – A bird seen by some at Arenas Blancas.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis) – The largest lowland hummer of the tour, seen at Waqanki, Arenas Blancas, and Koepcke's Hermit.
NAPO SABREWING (Campylopterus villaviscensio) – A female perched for us in the mist and rain near the tunnel on the Escalera road.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Handsome birds at most lowland feeders.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – A bird came in while we visited Arenas Blancas.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – At the feeders at Huembo. White in tail and green crown separated it from the next species.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae cyanocollis) – Several at Huembo.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – The dominant hummer at Waqanki, Arenas Blancas, and Koepcke's Hermit.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) – Seen first singing ("wild") at Morro de Calzada, then at Waqanki.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – A bird, seen through heavy foliage, was on the owlet trail at Owlet Lodge.
Our only Crested Quetzal was a youngster sporting a rarely-seen plumage. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly called "White-tailed Trogon", we saw it well at Morro de Calzada.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – Formerly called "Violaceous Trogon", we saw one on the forest trail at Koepcke's Hermit.
Momotidae (Motmots)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – A great view of this small motmot at Morro de Calzada.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – One seen as it flew by our prebreakfast birding spot at Morro de Calzada, and another along the drive back into Tarapoto after our morning on the Escalera.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – All right! A great view of this retiring puffbird near the Llantaria at Afluente.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – Several seen fairly well below the Aguas Verdes bridge.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – A few seen well at Upaquihua.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – Fine views at Morro de Calzada.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus punctatus) – Seen well at Morro de Calzada and again on the Escalera.
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor steerii) – A family group was seen in the big flock at the Llantaria.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus cyanolaemus) – A pair showed well at Huembo, even coming to the fruit feeders.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Flybys at breakfast at Morro de Calzada.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – A misty view of a male at the tunnel near Tarapoto.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Seen and heard at Morro de Calzada.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – Several seen, first at Upaquihua, then at Morro de Calzada, and finally Aguas Verdes.
SPECKLE-CHESTED PICULET (Picumnus steindachneri) – Seen just upslope from the last at the Llantaria and again in flocks near Venceremos. [E]
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – A bird at Morro de Calzada showed well.
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus) – Don spotted this fine woodpecker below the tunnel in the Escalera.
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – A really lovely flicker we enjoyed on our morning hike down the owlet trail.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) [*]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Heard before lunch at Koepcke's Hermit. [*]
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Two seen the day we drove back to Tarapoto from Pomacochas.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Seen by some near Pomacochas.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – A bird flew over the Owlet Lodge entrance road.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – Mostly dots in the sky, but heard on four days at least.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Seen in the Mayo valley at both ends of the tour. This is the yellow-winged form gustavi.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – A pair seen flying over Aguas Verdes bridge.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) – Mostly high-flying birds seen and heard in the mountains.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Mostly heard at Huembo.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis callinota) – One in a flock our last morning in the Abra Patricia area showed for some.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
We saw the handsome Cinnamon Flycatcher around cliffs. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) – A handsome couple showed well for us at the Llantaria.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) [*]
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (MARANON) (Thamnophilus punctatus huallagae) – A pair or two showed well at Upaquihua. This species may be split up a bit more, so stay tuned!
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A pair around the lower buildings at Owlet Lodge.
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor) – A male showed well on the owlet trail at Owlet lodge.
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla erythrura) – A bird in the big flock on the forest trail at the Escalera was nice.
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura) [*]
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda) – A pair uncharacteristically high in the subcanopy at Upaquihua.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (HUALLAGA VALLEY) (Myrmotherula axillaris ssp) – The rufous-female form at Upaquihua showed well for us our first day.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) [*]
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – Briefly seen at Upaquihua by some.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – Fine views of this lovely antwren in the field outside Moyobamba the day we drove back to Tarapoto.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) – Called "Long-tailed Antbird" in most books, that species has been split into four, and this is the one now found from eastern Colombia to Bolivia.
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) [*]
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Seen well at Upaquihua. The form there is one named by John O'Neill for friends of his in Lima: koenigorum.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – After mediocre views by the tunnel, some folks had far better views on the forest trail at the Koepcke's Hermit spot.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla leucostigma) – A male showed well for those who walked the forest trail in the Escalera.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (HEMIMELAENA) (Myrmeciza hemimelaena hemimelaena) – Heard at Upaquihua. [*]
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza castanea castanea) – A male showed quite well near the Aguas Verdes bridge. Cool bird with a cool story!
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) [*]
The Long-tailed Slyph is common at middle elevations in the Central and Eastern Andes. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED GNATEATER (Conopophaga castaneiceps) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA (Grallaria przewalskii) [E*]
CHESTNUT ANTPITTA (Grallaria blakei) – Wow! No playback, no worming, just a tame bird on the side of the trail that let all present see it well! Incredible! [E]
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) – Don and Jesse saw this endemic, the rest of us heard it (on several occasions!). [E]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (LEIMEBAMBA) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus leymebambae) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus femoralis) – Heard a great deal, but none that we played back to wanted to play fair. [E*]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) – Although identified here as "atratus," this population is actually an undescribed species that is endemic to Peru. A few folks saw it as it sang along the roadside at the Llantaria.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus)
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina) – One along the road near the Owlet Lodge gave us brief views. We heard several others.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) [*]
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Seen by some at Morro de Calzada.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) [*]
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – One seen by a few as we hiked up to the Arenas Blancas entrance.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus crassirostris) – Wow, what a great set of views of a family group right around the yard of Owlet Lodge!
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans insignis) – A bird that was part of the big flock on the forest trail in the Escalera showed well.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) [*]
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – Seen overhead at Upaquihua.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – The canopy woodcreeper on the owlet trail at Owlet Lodge.
INAMBARI WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae) – This is one of the forms split from Lineated Woodcreeper (the name used in the Peru book). We had good views of a pair at Arenas Blancas.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – One in the flock at Venceremos.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – Great views of this unusual furnariid in its Mauritia palm home the day we drove to Tarapoto.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – A large foliage gleaner that figured in flocks around Owlet Lodge.
RUSTY-WINGED BARBTAIL (Premnornis guttuliger) – Nice! A rather rare bird that showed well for us on the owlet trail.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – Seen well in the flock at the Llantaria.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – Same as the last.
RUFOUS-BACKED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes scrutator) [*]
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) [*]
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – Mostly heard, but folks who joined the first owlet attempt saw it at dusk.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – A lovely furnariid that was in the flock at Owlet Lodge.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – Seen in the Moyobamba area, as well as many, many nests.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – In mid-elevation flocks, where we saw it near Venceremos.
BARON'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca baroni) – A pair at Puerto Pumas showed well.
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – A family group showed well for those who walked the forest trail at the Escalera.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia) – A pair eventually showed up at Morro de Calzada.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – A bird on the trail to Owlet Lodge showed well one afternoon.
A duetting pair of Black-capped Donacobius also made the tour's highlight list. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (AMAZONIAN) (Camptostoma obsoletum olivaceum) – This was the tyrannulet we saw at Morro de Calzada first thing in the morning.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum maranonicum) – This was the tyrannulet we saw at Puerto Pumas.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (MOUSE-COLORED) (Phaeomyias murina wagae) – Folks saw this near the Palmcreeper spot.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – Mostly a silhouette, we had this at dawn at Morro de Calzada.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Seen at Morro de Calzada and also at Puerto Pumas.
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) – An individual was near the previous species at Morro de Calzada.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – Several seen near the Aguas Verdes bridge. [a]
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) – A couple seen at Morro de Calzada.
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura) – Mostly heard at Huembo.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – The common elaenia in humid cloudforest.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – A bird was seen in odd habitat along the edge of Laguna Pomacochas.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – An occasional member of flocks at higher elevations.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – Jesse and a couple of others got on this species.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – At Morro de Calzada.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – An endemic that was a main member of higher elevation flocks. [E]
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes poecilotis) – A bird was in the first roadside flock the morning we drove from Pomacochas to Tarapoto.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – In the Owlet Lodge area.
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – A bird eventually showed well at the Aguas Verdes bridge.
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Seen as a silhouette, but heard well, the morning we drove from
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps) – Same as last.
At the Owlet Lodge, Tayras (weasel relatives) have become accustomed to the fruit feeders. Their table manners, however, leave a bit to be desired! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius viridiflavus) – For a while lumped with Golden-faced Tyrannulet (the named used in Birds of Peru), but since split. Although birds at Abra Patricia look like Golden-faced, they sound like Peruvian, and a recent molecular phylogeny shows that that is the form to which they belong. [E]
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A fine-lookin' bird we enjoyed at the Llantaria.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – Seen by several folks as we first hiked the owlet trail.
WHITE-BELLIED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis albiventris) – One or two high overhead at Upaquihua.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Traffic officer with a whistle.
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops) [*]
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) – At dawn at Morro de Calzada.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) [*]
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis) – Seen on many occasions around Owlet Lodge. What a cutie!
CINNAMON-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus) – A tough bird that we saw moderately well at Alto Nieva.
JOHNSON'S TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus luluae) – Also called "Lulu's Tody-Flycatcher" (a name I prefer, frankly). Very attractive bird that was only described to science about 2001. [E]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Seen well at Morro de Calzada.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – At the Tarapoto tunnel.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – One at Morro de Calzada.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – One along the forest trail at the Escalera.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – A handsome little tyrant we saw around cliffs.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – Another tyrant we saw around cliffs!
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans) – Great response from this yellow tyrant at Alto Nieva.
OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes olivaceus) – A mini-pewee along the owlet trail.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus) – A couple of folks saw this at Alto Nieva near the feeders.
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis) – Max photographed this terrestrial tyrant at the edge of the pool at Puerto Pumas.
Yet another of the amazing hummingbirds we enjoy on the tour is the stellar Rufous-crested Coquette. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) – A few folks caught a glimpse of this all-rufous tyrant at Upaquihua.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – Seen at the rice fields.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – Seen well around the grounds of Owlet Lodge.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) [*]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – A pair seen well at our first stop the day we drove back to Tarapoto.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – At Morro de Calzada.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – It took more work than it should have, but we finally got pretty good looks at this species.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Mostly females!
Pipridae (Manakins)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma sulphureiventer) – A nice show by that one bird at Upaquihua.
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda saturata) – Beverly got a pretty good look at this one at Upaquihua.
STRIPED MANAKIN (AUREOPECTUS) (Machaeropterus regulus aureopectus) – Actually an undescribed species! Most folks got a view at Morro de Calzada.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – Very handsome little manakin at Morro de Calzada.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Nice looks above the road at the Aguas Verdes bridge.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Part of a flock on the entrance road to the Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – A male at Morro de Calzada.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Present in most flocks at higher elevations.
The Peruvian Tyrannulet was recently split from the Golden-faced Tyrannulet, based on vocal and plumage differences. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – Great views of this lovely species at the Tarapoto tunnel.
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – A bird showed well around Owlet Lodge, with another at Huembo.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus) – Nice views of a flock on the owlet trail.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – The South American group is sometimes split off as "Inca Jay".
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – A few folks saw this at our last birding spot in the Escalera before the rain started.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Seen at the Escalera and a few spots near Aguas Verdes.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Microcerculus marginatus marginatus) – Also called Southern Nightingale Wren, we saw this terrestrial walking wren on the trail at Morro de Calzada.
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – Great views of this canopy wren that behaves like a Black-and-white Warbler!
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – In mixed flocks at higher elevations.
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya)
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (MARANON) (Pheugopedius sclateri sclateri) – Nice views of this species at Huembo.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Formerly part of Sepia-brown Wren, but that was split into three species. We had this on two occasions around the Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – One seen fairly well at the Tarapoto tunnel.
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucoptera) – Those who walked the long trail at Alto Nieva saw this near-endemic.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
One of the duller species near the Waqanki hummingbird feeders was this Mishana Tyrannulet, a species only described to science in the past 15 years by our own Bret Whitney. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (TROPICAL) (Polioptila plumbea parvirostris) – A complex that is, no doubt, made up of several species. Here, we enjoyed the western Amazonian form parvirostris.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Scott got us on a bird wayyyy down on the rushing river below the Sunangel corner. Thanks Scott!
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – One of the favorites of the tour, that song duet is very entertaining!
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – After hearing it a few times, one showed as we waited for the owlet at Alto Nieva.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) – On our first owlet outing, Jesse got several folks on this sharp thrush!
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – A few folks got a view of this very lovely thrush at Owlet Lodge and again near the Llantaria.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Seen pretty well at Arenas Blancas.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes) – Great thrush, or the Greatest thrush?
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus) – A female along the road at Owlet Lodge.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (THREE-STRIPED) (Basileuterus tristriatus tristriatus) – Mostly at middle elevations.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – A sneaky pair never gave us good looks along the road at Owlet Lodge.
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – Nice looks at Puerto Pumas.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata inaequalis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Lower elevations than the next.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
Is it Great Thrush, or Greater Thrush? Photo by guide Max Rodel.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – Well named!
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – A loud jay-tanager that we saw our first morning at Owlet Lodge.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis) – In mixed flocks at Owlet Lodge.
BUFF-BELLIED TANAGER (Thlypopsis inornata) – A bird at Puerto Pumas was nice!
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufiventer) – Several were in the mixed flock on the Escalera forest trail.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – Several seen at Upaquihua and again at Arenas Blancas.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – A family group at the Escalera forest trail.
BLACK-BELLIED TANAGER (Ramphocelus melanogaster) – Also called Huallaga Tanager, we saw it near the Llantaria. [E]
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Replacing the last at the Escalera.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana) – A small family group along the highway near the Owlet Lodge.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – What a strange, yet tasteful, color combo!
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus) – Dry them tears!
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis)
YELLOW-SCARFED TANAGER (Iridosornis reinhardti) – A sharp bird that showed in the flock at Owlet Lodge on that rainy day. [E]
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea bourcieri) – The bottle green tanager in mixed flocks at middle and lower elevations.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Also called Silver-backed Tanager, it was common at Huembo.
GREEN-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara argyrofenges) – Also called Straw-colored Tanager, we had four at Arenas Blancas.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – At Morro de Calzada.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii branickii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
The Silvery Tanager was common at Huembo. Photo by participant Max Rodel.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – Seen briefly at the hummer feeders in the Escalera.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – One of the sharpest of the tanagers!
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus pulchra)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes nitidus) – A pair at the powerline spot in the Escalera was one of our last new birds.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – The blackish warbler-like bird in mixed flocks by Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) – We enjoyed watching several puncturing flowers to steal nectar.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) [*]
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Introduced from the Pacific coast to the Tarapoto area, they've really exploded in the past decade or so! [I]
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
BLACK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila atrirostris) – Several birds in the rice country put on a good show.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa) – A pair at Huembo.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – I hear that quitting Bananas is not so easy... so kudos, little bird!
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Mostly heard.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus) [*]
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
The cute little Black-throated Tody-Tyrant was common around Owlet Lodge. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – A regular member of mixed flocks around the Owlet Lodge.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – Wow, usually a bird we really have to work for, but now with the Arenas Blancas feeders, we had great views with no cleanup! Uh, I mean, with no work...
OLIVE FINCH (Arremon castaneiceps) [*]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Not as common on this tour as it can be in the Andes, but still quite a few seen. Rather a sharp little sparrow!
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus) – Also called "Cloudforest Brush-Finch" in some books and formerly "Rufous-naped Brush-Finch" in older works.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-HOODED TANAGER (Piranga rubriceps) – At least a pair of these lovely cardinal-tanagers showed well around the lodge clearing at Owlet Lodge.
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (YELLOW-LORED) (Chlorothraupis carmioli frenata) – Also called Olive Tanager, those who hiked the Escalera trail saw this in the flock.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – Called "Golden-bellied Grosbeak" or "Southern Yellow Grosbeak" in older books.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – A population around Pomacochas that we saw best near the lakeshore.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – Moriche Oriole has been absorbed into Epaulet Oriole. We saw them foraging on Mauritia (=Moriche or Aguaje) palms in the Mayo valley.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus croconotus) – Nice view of this handsome looker in the rice fields.
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) [*]
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – Poor views of a few silhouettes as they passed over us our last morning in the Abra Patricia area.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Common at lower elevations in the Mayo valley.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
It seems fitting that the colorful Flame-faced Tanager would eat flowers, doesn't it? Presumably, such red flowers are what provide the pigments that give that red face its color! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – Similar to the next, but with narrower yellow frontlet and (surprise surprise!) white vent! Seen at Koepcke's Hermit feeders.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – A female and begging young at Huembo, near the species' southernmost point of occurrence.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – The siskin around Pomacochas.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – Jesse got us on a pair around the Owlet Lodge on our rainy morning.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – A few around Tarapoto airport just to get it on the list! [I]
MAMMALS
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis)
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (RIO MAYO) (Callicebus moloch oenanthe) [*]
YELLOW-TAILED WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix flavicauda) [E*]
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
TAYRA (Eira barbara)
Herps
GREEN-STRIPED POISON DART FROG (Phyllobates trivirgatus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 403 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa