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A fantastic Olive Oropendola gives us a nice fly-by at Posada Amazonas. (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
It had been a while since either Pepe or I had been back to Tambopata to savor the riches the beautiful primary forest here holds. Boy, was it great to get back! We timed it just right in terms of weather this year, not missing a minute to rain and avoiding any of the cold weather that can affect this region of Amazonia at this season. Instead, we had day after day of sun and reasonable temperatures while boating the waterways and walking the numerous trails of both Tambopata and Posada Amazonas. Just perfect!
Our first venue, Posada Amazonas, eased us into the southwestern Amazonian avifauna quite nicely, with excellent terra firme trails, bamboo patches (our most productive bamboo of the trip), a productive metal tower, and the varzea and watery habitats of Tres Chimbadas. Food and accommodation were excellent, and our local guides were top notch. The birds and mammals were pretty wonderful, too, and we enjoyed the likes of Sungrebe, Pale-winged Trumpeter, the strange Hoatzin, nesting Rufous Motmots, stunning Lemon-throated Barbet, White-lined and Goeldi's antbirds, the shy Amazonian Antpitta, the rare and local Rufous-fronted Antthrush, Peruvian Recurvebill, the cute little White-cheeked Tody-Tyrant, gaudy Band-tailed and Round-tailed manakins, six species of primates, Southern Tamandua, Giant Otter, and so many others. A few of us even got great looks at a rare Gray-bellied Hawk from the tower and a near mythical Short-eared Dog on the tower trail! It was hard to leave here, but the best was yet to come!
We could really see that we were leaving the influence of humans on our boat ride up the Tambopata, as we headed for Tambopata Research Center deep in the richest rainforest on the planet on the border between Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja Sonene NP. After passing the confluence of the Rio Tambopata and the Rio Malinowsky, we saw no hint of development or clearing. During our five days at the "new" TRC (moved just a bit more inland to avoid rare floodwaters) we enjoyed the main attraction here, Collpa Colorado, the fabulous red-clay mineral lick visited by so many psittacids at this season, for nearly two full mornings. Seeing the parade of macaws of all sizes and colors, and all of the other parrots and parakeets, was truly breathtaking! But there was so much more to see here than the parrots.
When we weren't watching parrots at the collpa, we were thrilling at the discovery of the wealth of species on the trail system at TRC. Prizes here were many, but it's worth mentioning a few, like that Little Tinamou in the open at our feet at the base of the Bamboo Trail, the very close and confiding female Ocellated Poorwill sitting on eggs, scope looks of Semicollared Puffbird for all, the local White-throated Jacamar and Scarlet-hooded Barbet at the overlook on the Bamboo Trail, a seldom-seen pair of White-throated Woodpeckers at an occupied nest above the trail, a breathtaking encounter with a beautiful Rufous-headed Woodpecker, and scarce skulkers like Bamboo Antshrike, the diminutive Banded Antbird, and the unexpected Ash-throated Gnateater. Off the forest trails, our best encounters included multiple Orinoco Geese on the Rio Tambopata, several Razor-billed Curassows along the river edge, the local Purus Jacamar in Puerto Maldonado, and, of course, two fabulous Jaguars on the banks of the Rio Tambopata on our boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado from TRC on our last full day of the tour! Read on for more of our discoveries on this fabulous tour.
This trip wouldn't have been at all the same without our strong supporting cast in Peru. The staffs at both lodges were terrific and accommodated our "birding schedule" well, ensuring that we were out in the field when we needed to be and comfortable back at the lodges when we weren't in the field. We're especially thankful to our local guides Oscar and Rodolfo, without whom we would surely have missed countless species. And, of course, thanks to all of you for joining Pepe and me on this rich, exciting tour to the birdiest region on the planet! We hope that 2014 brings more adventure and life birds to you all! Until we meet again on another trail in the forest...
--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
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
Any Sunbittern sighting is great, but one displaying? Definitely a highlight! (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – We were all astounded to watch one of these foraging right next to the trail just before we ascended into the bamboo. It's certainly a bird that's heard often on Neotropical tours, but it's one of the toughest of the tinamous to actually see.
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Great views on the island!
BARTLETT'S TINAMOU (Crypturellus bartletti) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ORINOCO GOOSE (Neochen jubata) – A group of seven on our way to Tambopata from Posada Amazonas, and then another few birds on the river near the parrot lick.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – A single bird on the day we boated to Tambopata from Posada Amazonas.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Just a few around Posada Amazonas.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – Recorded every day away from Pto. Maldonado.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Daily in the Tambopata area, and often seen gliding across the river there.
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – YESSSSSS!!!!! The first two that we found at the parrot lick took our breath away, then three more on the return boat trip to Pto. Maldonado were icing on the cake!
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – A single bird on the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – The bird that some of us saw from the tower was really something!
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – A couple of birds, an adult and an immature, at the Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
One of the Razor-billed Curassows we saw so well (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Two on the boat ride to Tambopata were a little bit of a surprise.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Several sightings of this gorgeous heron.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Fantastic views from the Posada Amazonas tower.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – We had quite a few soaring birds throughout the tour.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – A single juvenile bird in the pastures just outside of Pto. Maldonado.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Great views on the Bi trail as it perched in the tower ceiba tree.
CRESTED EAGLE (Morphnus guianensis) – Some of us saw this one flying across the little pond at the parrot lick, picking it up just before it vanished over the trees.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Pepe and Jack were the only ones to see this one.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Very Accipiter-like.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
GRAY-BELLIED HAWK (Accipiter poliogaster) – WOWWWW!!!! This one was a real surprise from the tower at Posada Amazonas on our final morning there. This poorly-known species is rarely seen, but canopy towers are usually where you see them. [a]
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus) – A couple of looks at this shy raptor.
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – We watched one eat a fish right in front of the parrot lick, then some of us enjoyed a very confiding bird hamming it up for the cameras near the lodge.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Excellent views of couple of swimming birds right in front of our boat on the Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
PALE-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia leucoptera) – We were all very lucky with this one at Tambopata and at Posada Amazonas, seeing groups as large as eighteen birds.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – Daily on the river at Tambopata.
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) – A scan of the receding pond near the parrot lick produced a couple of these migrants from the north, as well as a few other migrating shorebirds. [b]
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – Regular along the river on the mudflats.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
This certainly got our attention -- what a fantastic experience we had with the Jaguars! (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – This and the next species were spied from the boat on our way back to Pto. Maldonado. [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) [b]
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) – A new bird for the Tambopata checklist! [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Some of us saw a big flock of these riding a thermal above the Cusco airport.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – Great views of both this and the Large-billed Tern on the river.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – This seemed to be the most common pigeon in the canopy in this region.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Not at all vocal at this season.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – A couple of birds seen briefly by some.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Fantastic views of this bizarre bird along the treed edges of the Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus) [*]
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) – Infuriating! [*]
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) [*]
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – On our final morning near Pto. Maldonado.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – Nice looks of birds on the sandbars and in flight along the river.
It was a great trip for parrots and macaws: here's a White-bellied Parrot resting atop a tree. (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) – The female sitting on eggs right next to the trail was UNBELIEVABLE! [N]
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – A couple of nice perched looks.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – I was impressed with the numbers of these along the Tambopata.
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia) – A couple of birds only from the tower on that first morning at Posada Amazonas.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A couple of females feeding on Inga flowers next to Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – Mostly brief looks at Tambopata.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – Seen briefly by some at Tres Chimbadas.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Surprisingly few of these birds.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
PAVONINE QUETZAL (Pharomachrus pavoninus) [*]
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – Heard almost daily and seen well from the tower.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – A split from White-tailed Trogon and heard almost daily as well.
This Ocellated Poorwill was nesting right beside the trail! (Video by guide Dave Stejskal)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – A female nesting right next to the restaurant at Posada Amazonas gave us good looks during a few of our lunches.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – A recent split from Blue-crowned Motmot.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – We enjoyed superb views of this striking species from the blind at Posada Amazonas. [N]
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Not very evident on this trip.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – Not many seen, despite miles and miles of river.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – Great views, especially the one sunning itself in front of the parrot lick.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – A couple of good scope looks at both Posada Amazonas and at Tambopata.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) – Steve got the best (only?) look at this retiring puffbird.
STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus striolatus) – We called a couple of these up from the tower for some great looks. These birds in w. Amazonia are now split from the birds farther east and are called Western Puffbird (N. obamai).
SEMICOLLARED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila semicincta) – I think most, if not all, eventually got a great look at this shy species at Tambopata.
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET (Nonnula ruficapilla) [*]
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Not nearly as common as the Black-fronted Nunbird.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) – Only about half of the group got a look at this one in the clearing around the lodge at Posada Amazonas.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Along the river.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
PURUS JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus purusianus) – Sometimes called the Chestnut Jacamar (and sometimes lumped with White-eared Jacamar), we all had super views of this distinctive bird on our final morning in Pto. Maldonado.
WHITE-THROATED JACAMAR (Brachygalba albogularis) – This local specialty was seen well on a couple of occasions at Tambopata and again at Pto. Maldonado.
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – Nicely along the Tres Chimbadas trail.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – Good views at both Posada Amazonas and at Tambopata.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Our most common barbet on the tour, with some super looks from the tower at Posada Amazonas.
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – The singing male in the scope along the Tres Chimbadas trail was really memorable.
SCARLET-HOODED BARBET (Eubucco tucinkae) – Fantastic looks at an adult male from one of the overlooks along the bamboo trail (Trail A).
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus atrogularis) – A single bird along the main trail to the river at Posada Amazonas.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – A tower bird at Posada Amazonas.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Our most common aracari.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (BROWN-BILLED) (Pteroglossus azara mariae) – A relatively recent lump, this one was formerly known as Brown-mandibled Aracari.
Classic Amazonia: Hoatzins! (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – We finally found a pair of these gaudy birds on our last full day at Tambopata. They certainly weren't very vocal this trip!
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – We used to call this one Cuvier's Toucan not too long ago.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – This and the above species were seen very well from the tower at Posada Amazonas. This one used to be known as Yellow-ridged Toucan before it was lumped.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RUFOUS-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus rufiventris) – Another infuriating little bird! [*]
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – We never detected these after we left Posada Amazonas.
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus) – A reliable nest hole at Tambopata gave us all looks in the scopes.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – Ellen spotted this beauty while we were searching for the bamboo specialists at Posada Amazonas.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – This one was working a new nest hole in front of the parrot lick at Tambopata.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – Half of the group got on this one at Posada Amazonas one afternoon.
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – Don got us onto a perched bird in the bamboo patch at Posada Amazonas.
RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) – After our frustrating experience with this scarce bird at Posada Amazonas, we all scored great views at the start of the bamboo trail at Tambopata.
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – Trying to see this one from the boat on Tres Chimbadas oxbow proved to be pretty difficult, but I think everyone got a look at this uncommon woodpecker.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – A few good looks at this big one throughout the tour.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Don't get 'em goin'!!
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – On our final morning outside of Pto. Maldonado.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – Not quite daily, but pretty close.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
BLACK-CAPPED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura rupicola) – We barely saw these guys perched and most of our detections were just hearing a small flock of these blasting through the canopy.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma) – Our best flyby looks were at Tambopata.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – I think it took until our final morning at Tambopata until we actually got these in the scope.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – This and the Red-bellied Macaws were the common small macaws at the parrot lick at Tambopata.
Sunrise boarding at the TRC (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – This and the Blue-and-yellow Macaw were the most common of the big macaws on this tour, and we saw good numbers of each on our visits to the parrot lick. Of course, we got very intimate visits from the hand-reared Scarlet Macaws (Los Chicos) at the lodge on a daily basis at Tambopata.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – It was quite a sight to see these big blue & yellow parrots settle onto the red clay of the mineral lick. Lots of memorable looks and seeing so many of these and other macaws is a real testament to the wildness of the area.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata) – Probably the most common small macaw in the Tambopata area. It was surprisingly absent from the Posada Amazonas area, though.
BLUE-HEADED MACAW (Primolius couloni) – We were all really fortunate to not only see this scarce macaw, but to see it perched and on the mineral lick itself during our stay at Tambopata! It's really got a tiny range in s.w. Amazonia.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – The only parrot that we saw every day on this tour.
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED PARROT (Pionites leucogaster) – Fantastic looks at this close Black-headed Parrot relative both from the tower at Posada Amazonas and at the parrot lick at Tambopata.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Rarely do you get the kind of looks that we enjoyed at Tambopata!
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
BAMBOO ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae) – This Fasciated Antshrike look-alike was seen pretty well in the scope after it climbed to the top of the canopy and started to sing.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – A difficult bird to see here - they were a lot more shy here than they are typically elsewhere.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops kapouni) [*]
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus) – Only at Tambopata on this tour.
BLUISH-SLATE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes schistogynus) – This one, along with the Dusky-throated Antshrike above, is one of the understory flock leaders in this region of Amazonia. A close relative of the Saturnine and Cinereous antshrikes
Rufous Motmot, by guide Dave Stejskal
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris)
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma) – Only about half of the group got this one on our first full afternoon at Posada Amazonas.
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata meridionalis) – We had only one encounter with this one on the tour and only half of the group got on it.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – A couple of birds singing from the canopy at Tambopata, with one coming down low enough to check us out.
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) – One of our mixed canopy flocks had one of these unobtrusive birds, and a few folks were able to get on it as it bounced from branch to branch in the canopy.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – A few singing males at both Posada Amazonas and at Tambopata.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii menetriesii) – This little guy was with most of the mixed canopy flocks that we encountered.
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) – We finally got a cooperative bird right outside the clearing at Tambopata. Great looks!
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei) – In the Guadua bamboo only.
CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED ANTWREN (Terenura humeralis) – Most folks got some sort of look at this one with one of the mixed canopy flocks near Trail A. Note that this, and most of the other Terenura antwrens, have been removed from Terenura and placed in the new genus Euchrepornis.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – A couple of birds singing from the canopy at Posada Amazonas. One near the tower was actually scoped one afternoon!
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (FUSCICAUDA) (Cercomacra nigrescens fuscicauda) – For some at Tambopata.
MANU ANTBIRD (Cercomacra manu) – This was a toughie this year in the bamboo patch at Posada Amazonas. Most folks saw a bird, but it wasn't a great look.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Fabulous views, especially at Tambopata.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – We had a very cooperative bird at the start of Trail A.
YELLOW-BREASTED WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis subflava collinsi) – All of the "Warbling Antbirds" that we encountered on this tour were this newly-split species in the bamboo at both locations.
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – Strangely quiet during our tour.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) [*]
WHITE-LINED ANTBIRD (Percnostola lophotes) – Another bamboo specialist that we saw quite well both at Posada Amazonas and at Tambopata.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hemimelaena) – We encountered this beautiful little antbird almost daily, but only saw it a handful of times.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax)
GOELDI'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza goeldii) – This close relative of the White-shouldered Antbird n. of the Amazon was seen well a couple of times at both venues.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) – Good looks along the Bi Trail at Posada Amazonas.
WHITE-THROATED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys salvini) – A couple of sightings of this one at Posada Amazonas. Normally found associated with raiding army ants.
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – A nice find on our first morning hike at Posada Amazonas after spending a few hours in the tower there.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
ASH-THROATED GNATEATER (Conopophaga peruviana) – I think everyone eventually got some sort of look late in the afternoon at the oxbows along Trail C.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
AMAZONIAN ANTPITTA (Hylopezus berlepschi) – Lots of careful scanning through the bamboo yielded a remarkable scope view of this extreme skulker at Posada Amazonas.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – Most folks got a look eventually of this handsome forest floor species.
Purus Jacamar, by guide Dave Stejskal
RUFOUS-FRONTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufifrons) – After a lot of work on this very local specialty at Posada Amazonas, most of us saw it walk right by us on the trail through the bamboo there. There are just a few known sites in the world for this one.
STRIATED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza nobilis) – This one was a real pain in the neck to try and see!
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
BLACK-TAILED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus caudacutus) [*]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) – We had a couple of late afternoon encounters with this uncommon woodcreeper at both venues.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (LINE-THROATED) (Dendrocincla fuliginosa atrirostris) [*]
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – Our looks at Tres Chimbadas oxbow were pretty darned good, for the most part. Always an amazing bird to see!
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia juruanus) – The race here has very little barring and a dark red bill, and it's often confused with Bar-bellied Woodcreeper (which has a very different structure and plumage).
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – We had one excellent look of this one next to the river at Tambopata.
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans juruanus) – This taxon was long known as Spix's Woodcreeper, but after the recent taxonomic revision within this species and Elegant, this group is now aligned with Elegant.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) – This race was formerly split off and was called the Lafresnaye's Woodcreeper.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – Only in the young river island growth here.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – Very flighty and difficult to see on this tour.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – Nicely at the 'fish pond' at Tambopata.
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum) – One of the 'regulars' with the mixed species canopy flocks.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – The briefest of looks at the bamboo trail overlook.
PERUVIAN RECURVEBILL (Simoxenops ucayalae) – Everybody got on this local bamboo specialty, but not everyone got a look at the bill, darn it! This, and the closely related Bolivian Recurvebill, have now been placed in the genus Syndactyla.
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) – A couple of birds in mixed species canopy flocks at Posada Amazonas.
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (Hyloctistes subulatus) – A pair with one of our last mixed canopy flocks at Tambopata.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus)
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus infuscatus) – This one came flying in for a good group look at Tambopata.
BROWN-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus melanopezus) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) – Patience (and restraint) paid off with excellent views of this shy species in the bamboo at Posada Amazonas.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – This and the next were very uncooperative for the group on the river island one afternoon at Tambopata.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – Nicely from the tower and on our final morning near Pto. Maldonado.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – A few birds wintering in the river island scrub near the parrot lick. [a]
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) [a]
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – Great views of that bifurcated crest! Maybe a better name is Horned Elaenia?
A Greater Yellow-headed Vulture shows its distinctive white primary shafts while sunning at Posada Amazonas. (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) – We scoped a couple of birds wintering in the remnant forest patch near Pto. Maldonado on the final morning. [a]
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata) – Wintering here from the Chaco. [a]
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) – Some got on this aberrant terrestrial forest flycatcher.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – Like a tiny cotton ball with wings & legs up in the canopy.
FLAMMULATED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus flammulatus) – The folks who went back to the Tres Chimbadas trail on our last morning at Posada Amazonas got a look at this bamboo specialist.
WHITE-BELLIED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus griseipectus) – Heard daily at Posada Amazonas, but infrequently thereafter.
WHITE-CHEEKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus albifacies) – Nice looks at a responsive male along the Tres Chimbadas trail.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Difficult to see such a tiny bird high in the canopy.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (ZIMMER'S) (Tolmomyias assimilis clarus) – With most of the mixed canopy flocks.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) – More of an edge species not typically associated with mixed flocks.
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – Our second try with this tiny flycatcher was much more successful!
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos) – Everybody caught up with this one at Posada Amazonas.
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (AMAZONIAN) (Onychorhynchus coronatus castelnaui) – Likewise, it took a few tries, but all eventually caught up with great looks at Tambopata.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) [*]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – Likely wintering in the river island scrub near the 'fish pond' from farther south. [a]
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Always fun to see! [a]
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis) – A few birds on the mudflats and sandbars of the river.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – One of our first birds from the boat on our way to Posada Amazonas.
The lovely White-winged Shrike-Tanager is a core species in mid-story mixed flocks. (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
DUSKY-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda) – This bamboo specialist gave us fits at Posada Amazonas, but most folks got a look of some kind.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator) – A decent look from the tower on our first morning at Posada Amazonas. A close relative of the Myiarchus flycatchers.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – Decent looks at these austral migrants in the river island scrub near the 'fish pond'. [a]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – A common voice in the river edge habitats.
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Nicely at the Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – A few at the Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – I'm surprised we only had one from the tower. [a]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Excellent views from the tower at Posada Amazonas.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – It took a little work, but we all eventually positioned ourselves for good looks along the Bi Trail at Posada Amazonas.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – A few flyby birds only.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – Tracked down at Tambopata on our first full day there.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) [*]
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – It was great to see one of these southern Amazonian green-bodied adult males!
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) – Including several stunning adult males both at Posada Amazonas and at Tambopata.
ROUND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra chloromeros) – Good scope looks on our first full day at Posada Amazonas. This one has recently been removed from Pipra and placed in the new genus Ceratopipra.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Along the trail to the Posada Amazonas dock.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra) – Fabulous looks at a few very excited males on the Tambopata trails.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – We finally caught up with this one at Tambopata.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – A lone female for some of us at Tambopata.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – These were southern migrant 'Chivi' Vireos. [a]
A White-throated Woodpecker peeks out of its cavity. (Photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – Just a few of these among the much more common Violaceous Jays.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Restricted to the waterways.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – I guess we were looking the wrong way...
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – Recorded daily - except for our first day.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – These were mostly confined to the bamboo patches and they proved to be a real challenge to see well, but most everyone got a look of some sort.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – For some folks at Tambopata.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Easy to see at the Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – Most had a decent look at this shy thrush at the 'fish pond' at Tambopata.
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – We were very lucky to be able to scope this shy thrush on our first full day at Posada Amazonas. We heard it daily at Tambopata, enjoying its wide repertoire of perfectly imitated songs and calls.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – Migrants from the south. [a]
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – If you got an identifiable look, consider yourself fortunate!
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – Like so many other Neotropical 'finches', this one is now classified as a tanager (whatever that is).
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – Unmistakable!
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata) – For some at Tambopata.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-WINGED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio versicolor) – These flock leaders were much more common and conspicuous on this tour than on any other tour within its range that I've done.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – A big 'ol piece of eye candy!
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
Red Howler Monkey, by guide Dave Stejskal
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – Seen by a few folks at Tambopata.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – This seemed to be our most common and widespread Tangara on the tour.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – A few scope looks at this beauty.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Not at all common here.
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum) – On our final morning at Pto. Maldonado.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – A single male at the Pto. Maldonado airport upon arrival there at the start of the tour.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) – We didn't get decent looks at this migrant species until our final morning around Pto. Maldonado. [a]
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – A couple of males on our final morning.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis) – Our single adult male distracted us from the parrot lick one morning.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) [*]
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus) – For a few of us right outside our cabins at Posada Amazonas.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – Just a few in the understory at both venues.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Pretty common with all of those oropendolas around to parasitize.
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis) – These birds that we saw from the tower were the genuine article, not the "Moriche" Oriole that was just recently lumped with it, or the Variable Oriole to the south of here that was recently split.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) [N]
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – The most common of the four oropendolas on the tour. [N]
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus) [N]
CASQUED OROPENDOLA (Clypicterus oseryi) – We had a pretty good flyby at the Tres Chimbadas oxbow.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Formerly known as the White-lored Euphonia.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) [*]
MAMMALS
WHITE-BELLIED SLENDER OPOSSUM (Marmosops noctivagus) – This was the tiny opossum that was stealing bananas from the dining room at Posada Amazonas.
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – A few good sightings at Posada Amazonas, but curiously absent from Tambopata.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus) – A few of these had gotten displaced by a troop of capuchins during the daytime at Posada Amazonas for some of us. I think that was the first time that I've seen this one moving around in the canopy during daylight hours!
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) – Dead easy around the cabins at Posada Amazonas.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – A few really memorable looks at these.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus) – Just a few at Tambopata.
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla) – Outside the dining area at Posada Amazonas on the first night of the tour.
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus) – The only big red squirrel in the area.
BICOLOR-SPINED PORCUPINE (Coendou bicolor) – This one gets a big "S" for smelled only at Posada Amazonas.
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Pretty common around Tambopata.
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – We had a few of these daily in the clearing around the buildings at Posada Amazonas.
AMAZON BAMBOO RAT (Dactylomys dactylinus) – After hearing it a couple of times at the same time from the dining room, we came prepared one night during our checklist and actually saw the little beast!
SHORT-EARED DOG (Atelocynus microtis) – I was trying to squeak in a forest-falcon that had just flown off near the tower one afternoon when someone behind me asked "What's this thing?" I turned around and was looking eye-to-eye with this super rare canid mere feet away from the group! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – We were lucky to see the family group that lives at the Tres Chimbadas oxbow, and then we found another pair of these declining otters across the river from Tambopata! What a great trip for this lovely animal!
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – Well, this sure spiced up that long boat trip from Tambopata back to Pto. Maldonado!! Like the rest of you, I'm sure, I just couldn't believe my eyes when the boatman spotted TWO of these incredible cats on the shore behind some driftwood. To me, it looked like an adult female with a young female - almost certainly a mother with her still-dependent daughter. And they sure took their time wandering off into the vegetation, thankfully. What a way to wind up this tour! WOWWWW!!!!
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari) – After seeing lots of fresh sign of these, we all eventually got a look at some of these right in front of the buildings at Tambopata.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 344 bird taxa and 18 mammal taxa