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The Marvelous Spatuletail certainly lived up to its name for us! We were able get our fill of the males with their amazing tail feathers as they came to the feeders set up at Huembo. Photo by guide Dave Stejskal.
I'd been hearing about 'Abra Patricia' in n. Peru ever since I was in high school in Phoenix back in the '70's, and I can't believe that it's taken me 40-some years to get there! Despite the long wait, I think that the timing was pretty darned good, given how successful this short tour to this exciting region of Peru turned out to be for our group! Weather on this tour really couldn't have been any better for us, with a minimal amount of rain that didn't really hamper us. The one 'curve ball' that we were thrown was the highway strike that forced our hand to tweak our itinerary for this year's tour. We ended up cutting a couple of nights from Owlet Lodge, staying a couple of extra nights back at Waqanki - and it all worked out great!
This itinerary had us visiting a wide variety of habitats, all of which held their unique avian prizes for us. After a great stop along the road to Moyobamba that brought us all unforgettable looks at numbers of strange Oilbirds roosting on dark stone ledges below our perch on the highway, we got our first taste of the hummingbird bounty that was to unfold on this tour. A late afternoon vigil at the Waqanki Lodge feeders that first day got us our first 13 species of an eventual tour total of 46 hummers! What a start! Waqanki and nearby areas produced more than just hummers, though. Between our two visits here (the latter unplanned...), we tallied an impressive list of birds, including such stars as the new Painted Manakin, the recently described Varzea Thrush, the local Black-bellied Tanager, Fiery-throated Fruiteater (for some), Chestnut-throated Spinetail, Foothill Screech- and Band-bellied owls, Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, the recently-described Mishana Tyrannulet, and so many others.
Our next stope was the famed Owlet Lodge near the San Martín/Amazonas border. Foremost among the many fantastic birds that we recorded while based there were the incomparable Marvelous Spatuletail at the feeding station at Huembo in the nearby Utcubamba Valley, and the namesake of our lodge, the Long-whiskered Owlet at nearby Fundo Alto Nieva! The poorly known Ochre-fronted Antpitta wasn't a very distant third place finisher, either.
Visits to the Arena Blanca Reserve near Aguas Verdes and to the rich rice fields near Rioja after our stay at Owlet Lodge were both in habitats that were new to us on this tour and they both really produced! The feeding stations at Arena Blanca gave us unforgettable looks of both Cinereous and Little tinamous, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, and several new hummers. And our morning in the rice fields brought us scope studies of both Pale-eyed Blackbird and Black-billed Seed-Finch (both scarce and very local) and multiple (!) Spotted Rails, among others. I could have easily spent a couple of days at both spots!
Our last full day was spent in the beautiful Cordillera Escalera near Tarapoto, which added a good number of new birds to our triplist. It was good to add a couple of new hummers to the list – Gould's Jewelfront and the endemic Koepcke's Hermit – and that day-roosting Long-tailed Potoo on the trails behind the feeding station was a nice surprise to end the tour with!
Thanks to all of you for joining Dan and me on this short and very 'birdy' tour to one of the richest areas in Northern Peru! We had a blast traveling and birding with all of you, and we especially enjoyed being able to share with you that Spatuletail and Owlet! All the best for the remainder of 2019! Dave
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
These Brazilian Teal were a surprise find. These ducks are not known from this part of Peru, and they would be a rare find anywhere in the country. Photo by participant Lois Wood.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HOODED TINAMOU (Nothocercus nigrocapillus cadwaladeri) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) – Likely one of the best looks that any of us has ever had at a Crypturellus tinamou! What a great set-up at Arena Blancas for this one!
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – This one kept its distance from the above Cinereous at Arena Blanca, but we wound up with super views of this shy species anyway
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis sylvicola) – A couple of birds spotted in a tree just above the edge of the rice fields near Rioja.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Those rice fields in the Alto Mayo really attract a lot of waterbirds, including a few of these forest ducks on the morning that we visited.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – The rarest duck of them all, on this tour, was an amazing trio of birds on a small pond near Moyobamba. There are very few records at all from Peru, and this was likely the first for San Martín.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Seen from the bus as we drove up to Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – Several in the flooded pasture adjacent to Laguna Pomacochas.
MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus) – I think our high count for this one near Moyobamba got up to 13 individuals.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) [*]
Tinamous are generally very hard to see, so we were thrilled to get such good looks at this Cinereous Tinamou at the feeding station at Arena Blanca. Photo by participant Myles McNally.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – A couple of birds were seen frequenting the platform fruit feeder at Huembo.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) – This rarely-seen species - a terribly shy one - was watched for several minutes from the blind at Arena Blanca.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) [*]
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Just flyby looks for some.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) – This one sounds quite a bit different than the typical brasiliensis-type White-tipped Dove that we heard away from the Owlet Lodge & Huembo areas.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (BRASILIENSIS GROUP) (Leptotila verreauxi decipiens)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – A reliable and confiding female at the Owlet Lodge buildings.
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) [*]
SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata) [*]
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) [*]
Participant Jan Wood got a nice shot of this Black-banded Woodcreeper, showing the projecting shafts on the tail feathers that the birds use a prop.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) – Brief looks for most near Morro Calzada early one morning
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
LONG-TAILED POTOO (Nyctibius aethereus) – Our local guide at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve pointed out a roosting bird to those who went on the trail hike.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – It was an incredible scene peering into the dark, rocky gorge next to the highway as dozens of these nocturnal frugivores roosted on the ledges below us.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – Just a couple of birds below Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – A few birds in the Santa Elena Reserve near Rioja. We recorded a number of species here that are primarily Amazonian in distribution.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – On our final day at the Yurimaguas Tunnel in the Cordillera Escalera.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – A pair nesting under the gazebo at Waqanki Lodge. [N]
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
We got wonderful views of the endemic Koepcke’s Hermit. Photo by participant Linda Smith.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) – One of the big surprises on our roadside birding morning below Owlet Lodge was finding this spectacular hummer feeding on some inconspicuous yellow Lobelia flowers while we waited for a Blue-fronted Lancebill to come back. I can probably count on one hand the number of times that I've stumbled upon this one!
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – A single bird frequented the Waqanki feeders during our stay.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – We had this one at the Llanteria feeders and at Arena Blanca.
KOEPCKE'S HERMIT (Phaethornis koepckeae) – It didn't take long before we saw this local endemic come in to the feeders at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve in the Cordillera Escalera on our final day. [E]
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – A regular at the Waqanki feeders.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – This was part of the old Little Hermit split back in the '90's. It replaces the Stripe-throated Hermit from west of the Andes.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – A few folks glimpsed this one next to the road near the Aguas Verdes bridge below Owlet Lodge, but it was mostly just heard only.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – A close bird working the imported Verbena flowers at the Arena Blanca feeders.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – A couple of us saw this one come to the Arena Blanca feeders during our visit there.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera johannae) – Most of the Lancebills at the above feeders were this species. If you can't see the color of the forecrown, the color of the uppertail coverts may be the best mark (gray in this species, blue in Green-fronted).
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – The recent split of Green Violetear yielded this species, which is mostly Andean in distribution, and the Mexican Violetear, which occurs throughout much of Middle America north of Costa Rica.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – The larger, showier cousin of the above species.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
ROYAL SUNANGEL (Heliangelus regalis) – We got lucky on our first visit to the 'Sunangel Cliffs' area below Owlet Lodge and had an adult male feeding next to the road. This very local near-endemic just barely crosses the border in s.e. Ecuador.
Guide Dave Stejskal lines up a bird in the scope, while the group waits in anticipation. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – Great views of an adult male feeding on the imported Verbena at Arena Blanca.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – This has got to be the best tour for this little guy that we offer! This gorgeous coquette was present, in pretty decent numbers, at the Verbena stands and feeding stations that we visited at Waqanki Lodge and at Arena Blanca.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – A few timid visits by this forest understory species at the feeders above the llanteria below Owlet Lodge.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – A gorgeous hummer that is widespread in northern S. America, but I never tire of looking at it!
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – A single bird at the buildings at Huembo was all that we found this year.
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae) – A few birds visiting the feeders at Fundo Alto Nieva. This is as far south as this one gets, being replaced by the related Buff-thighed Puffleg farther south.
EMERALD-BELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis aline) – An infrequent visitor to the feeders at Owlet Lodge.
MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL (Loddigesia mirabilis) – WOWWWW!!!! This bird, the namesake of our tour, was everything we were hoping that it would be, giving us repeated great views of full-tailed males at the feeders at Huembo. The tiny range of this remarkable hummingbird is confined to the Rio Utcubamba watershed in southernmost Amazonas Department. [E]
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
Johnson’s Tody-Tyrant is a colorful flycatcher restricted to the area near the Owlet Lodge. This one posed nicely for participant Myles McNally.
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – Seen by some at the Owlet Lodge.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Regular at the Fundo Alto Nieva feeders near Owlet Lodge.
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – Fabulous looks at this uncommon species at the feeders at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve on our final day.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – Replaced at higher elevations by the above species.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – Another regular at the Owlet Lodge feeders.
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – A single female-plumaged bird was spotted at Huembo just as we were leaving!
We had a good look at the Oilbirds that roost near the highway near Moyobamba. Photo by guide Dave Stejskal.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina) – Another one of our new hummers for the tour at Arena Blanca.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – A couple of brief appearances at the Verbena at Waqanki Lodge.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – Seen well at both the llanteria feeders and at Arena Blanca.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – Only at Huembo on this tour.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea) – A few gorgeous individuals, mostly at the Waqanki feeders.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) – A couple of eye-popping males at Waqanki.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Seen by some on our way back to Tarapoto.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus) – Who knew Spotted Rails liked rice? I can't think of any other place on the planet that has Spotted Rail densities like this place!
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – Called into view for most folks in the small patch of woods next to the rice fields.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) [N]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
OCELLATED CRAKE (Micropygia schomburgkii) – Just enough habitat for this one. Very local within Peru. [*]
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) – We found the perfect little spot to see this skulker near Morro Calzada.
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – The second try proved to be the winner when we watched these tiny rails emerge from the marsh vegetation.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus) – Our birds appeared to be intergrades between the northern 'Black-necked' Stilt and the southern 'White-backed' Stilt.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Only at Laguna Pomacochas.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – The last new bird of the trip as we drove through the streets of Tarapoto.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
We had to wait a bit for the star of the "Antpitta Show" to appear. Guide Dan Lane snapped this shot of the group.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – One at Pomacochas was unusual there.
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis) – A single soaring above Quebrada Mishquiyaquillo above Waqanki Lodge was our only sighting.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
FOOTHILL SCREECH-OWL (FOOTHILL) (Megascops roraimae napensis) – Great looks at arm's length one evening above Waqanki Lodge. This one used to be called Vermiculated Screech-Owl, until that one was split up into multiple species a few years back. The race that we saw is M. r. helleri, which is endemic to e. Peru.
This little Ochre-fronted Antpitta was worth the wait! You can't get a better look than this! Photo by participant Jan Wood.
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) – Right after we saw the above species, we called in this magnificent owl, a close relative of the Spectacled Owl. This one replaces Spectacled Owl at higher elevations on the e. slope of the Andes.
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) – Very similar visually and vocally to the closely related Andean Pygmy-Owl, which occurs north of the Marañon River. [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET (Xenoglaux loweryi) – YESSSS!!!! Dan and I had all but given up on this one on the first night that we tried for this enigmatic species. A little patience and a lot of luck produced good looks for all who tried for it that night! Virtually unknown in life until just a few short years ago. [E]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – Crippling views of an adult male on our first morning on the trails at Owlet Lodge.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Split from the White-tailed Trogon west of the Andes and in s. Central America.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – A single bird at Waqanki.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Nicely along the roadside below the llanteria.
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Blue-crowned Motmot was recently split up into several species, with this one occurring throughout the Amazon basin. [*]
And here is the Post-Antpitta celebration, captured by guide Dan Lane.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Good scope study at Morro Calzada.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – The waterway at Santa Elena Reserve near Rioja sure looked good for this species - and it was!
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) [*]
WESTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – A cooperative bird near Morro Calzada on our first full morning of the tour.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – We couldn't have asked for a more cooperative pair – though I never did see the monkey...
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – Great scope looks at a bird near Morro Calzada on our first morning.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus punctatus) – Split some time ago from the Black-spotted Barbet east of the Rio Negro in Brazil.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – That first full morning of the tour was full of great birds, including this one near Morro Calzada.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – Seen well just as we started up the trail at Waqanki on our first morning there. Quite widespread in w. Amazonia.
SPECKLE-CHESTED PICULET (Picumnus steindachneri) – We finally found a responsive bird at Pomacochas after whiffing on it at Huembo. The tiny range of this endemic isn't much larger than that of the Spatuletail. [E]
Barred Becards showed nicely for us at Fundo Alto Nieva, where participant Kirsten Tucker got this lovely portrait of the male.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus) – Similar to the next, but typically found in more marginal forested habitats.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Dryobates affinis)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) [*]
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) [*]
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – One bird at the edge of the rice fields near Rioja.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) [*]
This image of a Cliff Flycatcher shows how well the bird’s coloration matches its environment. We saw this one in the Cordillera Escalera just outside the tunnel. Photo by participant Lois Wood.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – A few high-flying birds near Owlet Lodge, which is the typical experience with this one.
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus) – A few flying over the rice fields. This is about as far west as this species occurs naturally.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) [*]
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – A couple of birds feeding on the Waqanki grounds on our first morning there.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) [*]
The checklist for this tour is chock-full of hummingbirds, and few are as spectacular as the Rufous-crested Coquette. We saw these little stunners at several places. Photo by participant Kirsten Tucker.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus) – The northern race here, T.r. jaczewskii, is quite disjunct from the next nearest race in s.e. Peru.
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) – It took a little patience before this one finally came in for us at Arena Blanca.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – A pair or two above Waqanki on our first morning there.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – One of the first birds that we saw when we started our first trail birding at Owlet Lodge. This one occurs at elevation here, but it's also a bird of lowland dry forest in s. Brazil and Argentina (if it's indeed the same species there).
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) [*]
FOOTHILL ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla spodionota) – Most folks happened to see this uncommon species on our second, unplanned visit to Waqanki.
Another special bird of the tour was the wonderful Long-whiskered Owlet. We had to work a bit, but we were eventually rewarded with a great look at this poorly known species. Photo by participant Myles McNally.
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla erythrura) – Nicely along the roadside in the Cordillera Escalera on our final morning.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – We called this tiny antbird in for some great looks at the Santa Elena Reserve near Rioja.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda) – A few of us got a look at this foothill species at Waqanki.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (WHITE-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris melaena)
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – Just enough scrubby habitat for this one near Moyobamba.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) – Long-tailed Antbird was recently split into several species, with this one being the southernmost representative of the group.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – The old Warbling Antbird was split into seven species several years ago, with this one being the expected species in n.w. Amazonia.
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides serva) – A pair along the steep roadside scrub on our final morning in the Cordillera Escalera.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – This one proved to be quite difficult to see well.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Seen by most on our final morning in the Cordillera Escalera.
Participant Linda Smith captured the acrobatics of a Chestnut-breasted Coronet at one of the feeders. We knew they could fly backwards, but upside-down?
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – Nicely at the Santa Elena Reserve.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – We found a responsive female on the other side of the channel at the Santa Elena Reserve.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma) – Good looks at Morro Calzada.
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax castanea castanea) – A fairly recent split from the very similar Chestnut-tailed Antbird. [*]
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) [*]
HAIRY-CRESTED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta) – The place where we heard this one was a little unexpected! [*]
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) [*]
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA (Grallaria przewalskii) – You all should be thanking Angel Paz for your seeing this one so well at Fundo Alto Nieva! His feeding technique - copied just about everywhere now in the Neotropics - has allowed birders to see far more antpittas than they would have normally. [E]
CHESTNUT ANTPITTA (Grallaria blakei) – Very brief looks for some on the Owlet Lodge trails. [E]
This roosting Long-tailed Potoo was located by the local guide at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve. Participant Kirsten Tucker's photo shows how the bird got its name.
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris) – We heard what was likely this species at the tunnel up in the Cordillera Escalera. I hope Dan's able to track it down to confirm next year! [*]
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) – The wait seemed interminable - but it was worth it in the end! Yip! Yip! Virtually unknown in life until a short while ago. [E]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus femoralis) – Fantastic looks in the stunted forest at Fundo Alto Nieva. [E]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Difficult to coax out of the understory for a look in the Cordillera Escalera.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus) – Keep track of where you see these...
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – Another write-in from the Santa Elena Reserve near Rioja.
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Seen by a few folks at Waqanki.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (TSCHUDI'S) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus chunchotambo) [*]
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – This one was with one of the flocks that we encountered on the trails behind the Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides)
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – This medium-sized woodcreeper was right where we found the Sicklebill.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Along the roadside near Owlet Lodge on our final afternoon there.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – Dan was able to get this one to cross the rice fields and land in the Moriche Palms on our side, giving all great views of this unique furnariid.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) [*]
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PALE-LEGGED) (Furnarius leucopus tricolor)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – Along the Owlet Lodge trails on our first morning there.
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata) [*]
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) – At least one bird foraging above the feeders at Huembo.
A male Wire-crested Thorntail feeding on verbena at Arena Blanca gave us a nice view. Photo by participant Jan Wood.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – Decent looks on our final morning in the Cordillera Escalera.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – This one was rather easy to see in the Moyobamba area. The population here, disjunct race peruvianus, has a tiny world range and barely makes it into far s.e. Ecuador. [N]
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (BARON'S) (Cranioleuca antisiensis baroni) – Now lumped with the smaller Line-cheeked Spinetail to the north of the Marañon. Nice looks at Pomacochas.
DUSKY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis moesta) – This one was a bit of a surprise along the roadside near Aguas Verdes below Owlet Lodge. A real pain to try to see, though!
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – We heard a lot more than we saw.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – Good looks along the Owlet Lodge trails on our first morning there.
CHESTNUT-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cherriei) – We had a couple of pairs of this scarce and very local spinetail along the trail at Waqanki, but it was a real pain to try and see!
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) [*]
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (NORTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum olivaceum)
An Orange-backed Troupial posed against a blue sky, giving a beautiful contrast in colors for participant Lois Wood.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum maranonicum) – This was the race that we encountered at Pomacochas.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) [*]
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (AMAZONIAN) (Phaeomyias murina wagae)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – On our first morning near Morro Calzada.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) [*]
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – A few birds around the Owlet Lodge area.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – At Laguna Pomacochas only.
Participant Myles McNally got this photo of the group looking for something in the canopy; wonder what we were looking at?
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – A pair just down the road from Owlet Lodge on our final afternoon there. [E]
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – One of the first birds that we found at the Aguas Verdes bridge.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
RED-BILLED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius cinereicapilla) – A pair at Arena Blanca was a nice surprise there.
MISHANA TYRANNULET (Zimmerius villarejoi) – We were able to find a cooperative bird along the trail above Waqanki. Described to science only in 2001. [E]
This Rusty-tinged Antpitta was another special bird that is usually difficult to see this well. This one came to a worm-feeding station at Fundo Alto Nieva. Photo by participant Linda Smith.
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius viridiflavus) – Now split from the similar Golden-faced Tyrannulet to the north. [E]
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A couple of birds in the foothill forest below Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-BELLIED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis albiventris) – Nice looks along the trail above Waqanki. This one doesn't get much farther north than this, but it does range into far s.e. Ecuador.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) – At least one of these showed up along the trail near Morro Calzada on our first full morning of the tour.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) [*]
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis) – Seen by a few near the start of the trail at Owlet Lodge on our first full morning there.
CINNAMON-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus) – Most, if not all, got a look at this distinctive range-restricted species along the trail at Fundo Alto Nieva near Owlet Lodge.
JOHNSON'S TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus luluae) – Our final attempt to see this local species paid off with some good looks at a pair of these tiny flycatchers in the roadside brush near Owlet Lodge. Perhaps better referred to as Lulu's Tody-Flycatcher. [E]
Guide Dan Lane caught a Spotted Rail in flight in the rice fields near Rioja.
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis) – This striking little flycatcher proved to be very reluctant to come out into the open, but the male finally got into a spot next to the trail above Waqanki where he was visible to all who were there.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – In the scope near Morro Calzada.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – Keep track of where you see your Yellow-olive Flycatchers - you're bound to get a number of 'armchair lifers' someday if you do.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) – Ours were the Amazonian "Olive-faced" Flycatcher.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – You couldn't beat the looks that we had on the other side of the tunnel on our final morning in the Cordillera Escalera!
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans) – One of the first birds that we called in on the Owlet Lodge trail the first morning we were there.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
At Pomacochas, we had a nice view of this Line-cheeked Spinetail (Baron's). Photo by participant Myles McNally.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – A single male at Pomacochas was a bit of a surprise there.
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus) – We saw a reliable pair of these at the "Royal Sunangel Cliffs" near Owlet Lodge.
JELSKI'S BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus signatus) – A female along the trails below Owlet Lodge was a nice surprise! This one was, until very recently, lumped with the more southern Plumbeous Black-Tyrant and called Andean Tyrant.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – Good looks right outside of the restaurant at Owlet Lodge.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
A gorgeous Golden-tailed Sapphire looks like a flying rainbow! Photo by guide Dave Stejskal.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – A few of us saw this one on the other side of the tunnel in the Cordillera Escalera on our final morning.
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti) – In the canopy next to the road near the Aguas Verdes bridge below Owlet Lodge.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – This one proved to be a little too shy along the Owlet Lodge trails to be seen by all.
FIERY-THROATED FRUITEATER (Pipreola chlorolepidota) – A couple of birds in Mishquiyaquillo Canyon above Waqanki Lodge for some. A bit of a surprise, but not unprecedented here.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – We all heard these calling in the forest across the gorge on the final morning, but only a couple of folks saw a silent female near the Aguas Verdes bridge on our morning of birding below Owlet Lodge.
Pipridae (Manakins)
PAINTED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus eckelberryi) – It took us a couple of tries for this one, but we ended up seeing this newly-described species extremely well along the trails above Waqanki Lodge.
One of many small flycatchers we saw was this cute Peruvian Tyrannulet, captured nicely by participant Myles McNally.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – Most folks got onto a furtive showy male along the trail near Morro Calzada.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Along the Morro Calzada trail.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Nicely from the Fundo Alto Nieva hummingbird feeders one morning.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – A nesting pair near the hummingbird feeders at Waqanki Lodge. [N]
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – A pair of these were with the big mixed flock that we found along the trails above the Koepcke's Hermit reserve feeders.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – We got this one in the scope, albeit briefly, on the other side of the tunnel in the Cordillera Escalera.
The Black-billed Thrush isn't colorful, but it's still a handsome bird! Photo by participant Lois Wood.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps) – Some got onto this one with an understory flock on the trails above Waqanki Lodge.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi) – Now split from the familiar Red-eyed Vireo (which wouldn't be here at this season).
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – This very different form in S. America is sometimes split from the birds of Central and N. America.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) [*]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – The single bird near the tunnel in the Cordillera Escalera was apparently not unusual there. I usually only see this one along lowland S. American waterways.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
One of the larger hummingbirds we saw was the Green Hermit. Photo by guide Dave Stejskal.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Microcerculus marginatus marginatus) – Excellent looks at a very responsive bird along the trail up Morro Calzada.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (MARANON) (Pheugopedius sclateri sclateri) – Nicely near the feeders at Huembo.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Difficult to pull out of the thick understory at Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucoptera) – It was often difficult to discern this one by voice from the more common and widespread Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, but this one seemed to be a little less shy, allowing for at least some sort of look for most folks.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Very difficult to see well.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Cyphorhinus thoracicus thoracicus) – Even more difficult to see well! I think that only one or two folks actually got a look at this one along the Owlet Lodge trails.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Nicely at our Masked Duck/Brazilian Teal pond.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – If we hadn't seen the bird on the nest along the Owlet Lodge entrance road, I doubt that we would have even detected this one on the tour! [N]
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) [*]
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – We had at least five species of Turdus thrushes at Waqanki, including this rather shy species.
VARZEA THRUSH (Turdus sanchezorum) – Despite the complete lack of varzea forest at Waqanki, this is a reliable site for this recently-described species.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus) – Most of these were heard in the upper-elevation forest.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – Great looks at the fruit feeder at the Waqanki restaurant.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
White-capped Tanagers showed nicely for us when we got to Owlet Lodge. Photo by participant Jan Wood.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – We managed decent looks at a mildly responsive bird at the side of the road near Huembo.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Sometimes called the White-lored Euphonia (the name that I prefer for this one!).
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) – We never really got a very good angle on this one along the trail above Waqanki Lodge.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – Along the Mishquiyaquillo Trail for some.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – A couple of birds at Pomacochas.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavigularis) – Nicely at the llanteria below Owlet Lodge.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – The race here (C.f. hiaticolus) sounds quite different from the birds that I know from the east slope of Ecuador. This species is one that you should probably keep good notes on where you see them – I suspect that there will be some splitting in the future.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Participant Linda Smith got this photo of a Black-capped Donacobius near the pond where we saw the Brazilian Teal.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (SPECTABILIS) (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – Great looks at the feeders at Arena Blanca.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus) – Briefly at Owlet Lodge for some.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Leistes bellicosus) – Super views of several males at Pomacochas.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus croconotus) – At the Santa Elena Reserve near Rioja for some.
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
PALE-EYED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus xanthophthalmus) – There are very few places to see this very local specialty, but the rice fields near Rioja seem to be one of the better spots.
White-necked Jacobins are familiar feeder birds in much of Central and South America, but they are gorgeous when you get a good look at them. This one was captured beautifully by participant Kirsten Tucker.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (THREE-STRIPED) (Basileuterus tristriatus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – A few of these in the riparian growth near Laguna Pomacochas.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – A pair or two of these reside along the creek above Waqanki Lodge.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata inaequalis) [*]
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – Surprisingly few of these in what looked like ideal habitat.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (YELLOW-LORED) (Chlorothraupis carmioli frenata) – A couple of noisy groups along the trails above the Koepcke's Hermit reserve feeders. Formerly called the Olive Tanager.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – A few of us got this one at the Huembo feeders. Sometimes called the Golden-bellied Grosbeak or the Southern Yellow-Grosbeak.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – A single bird in the rice fields near Rioja.
The Peruvian Meadowlark looks quite different from the yellow-breasted meadowlarks that many of us are familiar with, but you can still see the family resemblance. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – A few of us got to see a single bird on our hike into the Arena Blanca feeders.
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – We had a spectacular encounter with this strange social tanager in the afternoon of our first full day at Owlet Lodge.
BUFF-BELLIED TANAGER (Thlypopsis inornata) – We mostly struck out with this one on our day to see the Marvelous Spatuletail, but a few folks did see a distant bird down the road from the entrance just after we arrived.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufiventer) – With the mixed flocks in Mishquiyaquillo Canyon above Waqanki Lodge.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – Our one big mixed flock on the trails at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve held a pair of these loud tanagers.
BLACK-BELLIED TANAGER (Ramphocelus melanogaster) – Easily seen on the grounds of Waqanki Lodge. [E]
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) [*]
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus) – Glimpsed by a few folks in the Owlet Lodge area.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – If you could see through that tiny window in the roadside vegetation near Owlet Lodge, you may have seen this one.
This Golden-headed Quetzal posed nicely for us on our first morning at the Owlet Lodge. Photo by participant Myles McNally.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Ixothraupis xanthogastra) – On the final morning for some.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – The fruit feeders at Huembo was the place to see this distinctive tanager, though we had decent looks on our first full day at Owlet Lodge, too.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (BLUE-AND-BLACK) (Tangara vassorii branickii) – This one was only up at the highest elevations on this tour.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – This one seems to be relatively a little more scarce than the others, and was only seen near Owlet Lodge on our first full day there.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – Fabulous looks near Owlet Lodge on our first full day there!
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (PULCHRA GROUP) (Tangara arthus pulchra)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Up the hill on the other side of the tunnel in the Cordillera Escalera on our final day of the tour.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
Participant Jan Wood got a nice photo of the group on the trail.
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – Woody was the only one who got a look at this one (the rest of us heard it).
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) [I]
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – Common at the edge of the marsh vegetation at Laguna Pomacochas.
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola) – A rare and local bird here in eastern Peru.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
This sleepy little White-bellied Woodstar was taking a break from the feeders at Owlet Lodge when participant Kirsten Tucker spotted her and got this great photo.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
BLACK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila atrirostris) – Another uncommon species with a very patchy distribution, we saw this one well in the scopes at the Rioja rice fields.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – Only around the Moyobamba region
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (RIO MAYO) (Callicebus moloch oenanthe) – The population here is sometimes split from Dusky Titi Monkey (they did sound a little different from what I'm used to in other parts of their range).
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – It was quite surprising to hear them from the trails at Owlet Lodge! [*]
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 415 bird taxa and 4 mammal taxa