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Eye-level views of a handsome Gilded Barbet were among the highlights of our visit to the Posada Amazonas canopy tower. Photo by participant Dana Little.
Our 2015 Peruvian Rainforests of the Tambopata tour was a great experience, with a fine sampling of the birds, mammals and other creatures that one can expect to see in the tropical rainforests of the New World.
Our adventure began not far away from Puerto Maldonado, on our drive to the river port where we were going to meet our boat. A stop by a roadside creek gave us a very nice, quick introduction to the diversity of the tropics: some Speckled Chachalacas with chicks, a Roadside Hawk sitting (patiently vigilant) by the side of the road waiting for prey, Smooth-billed Anis foraging around the vegetation in front of us, a number of flycatchers (Boat-billed, Rusty-margined, Social, and Piratic, plus a Tropical Kingbird) a Black-tailed Tityra, a Black-billed Thrush and several other birds all in this spot -- and we didn't walk more than 20 feet! While it's true that many of these are common and widespread species, it was great to see how diverse this habitat is!
Once we'd boarded our boat, on our way to the Posada Amazonas Lodge, we encountered species that occur at riverine habitats. We heard our first Undulated Tinamou, saw our first Snowy Egret, had three (out of a possible four) species of vultures soaring together with Plumbeous Kites and a Short-tailed Hawk, and even spotted a Sungrebe! Wow, what a nice way to start the trip! When we'd settled in at the lodge, we did a quick exploration at one of the trails.
We spent the following days birding the lodge's vast, diverse trail system, including a visit to an oxbow lake looking for some of the area's specialties. Perhaps one of the tour's best moments was at the canopy tower. When we reached the top, it was foggy and bird activity was slow. It felt sort of sleepy, as if the forest wasn't fully awake. The first sound that struck me was the call of the rare Blue-headed Macaw, and I played the tape as the birds were flying away. My concern was that those birds were going to keep on flying, and we were not going to see them. Well, I was wrong. Not only did the birds respond to the tape, they flew straight to one of the trees in front of us and perched! Although they didn't stay long, we got views of them. Later, when the fog had burned off, these macaws (which are almost endemic) flew around us, giving us dynamite views. WOW!
Along the lake and trail system, we scored great views of the species we hoped to find there: species typical of oxbow lakes and various forest habitats. We had far too many species to list individually, but Horned Screamer, Double-toothed Kite and Striolated Puffbird were among the highlights, as was an Ornate Hawk-Eagle that soared overhead, vocalizing and diving, dropping closer to where we were standing to check us out after I played my tape. A Gray-breasted Crake also responded amazingly, almost coming onto our catamaran in response of the tape! Of course, the odd-looking Hoatzins were, as usual, a crowd pleaser. We even had some nightbirds, such as Ladder-tailed Nightjar and Common Pauraque, but it was the Common Potoo perched by the trail in broad daylight that proved particularly special. A number of parrots, macaws and parakeets flew by the lake as a preamble of what would come later at other places we visited. We scored views of several understory species, especially antbirds, including Yellow-breasted Warbling-Antbird, White-browed, White-lined, Chestnut-tailed and Goeldi's’s antbirds, plus Silvered Antbird, a species specialized to oxbow lake habitats in Peru. It was just a great outing, and one that reached its max with a Buckley’s Forest-Falcon!
Along the TRC's trail system and surrounding areas, we were immersed in a most pristine and untouched habitat. Nobody has done anything but tourism in the area, so the wildlife is pretty tame. As proof, I can mention some of the highlights we had there, including a lot of non-birding sights, such as the herd of 400+ White-lipped Peccaries that roamed the trails (including the clay lick), and groups of Red Howler and Black Spider monkeys foraging and resting, completely unfazed by our presence and ignoring our moves. Here, we also had great views of another responsive bird, a Barred Forest-Falcon that was even seen in the scope! Seeing Pale-winged Trumpeters and Razor-billed Curassows as often -- and as well -- as we did was also pretty unique. Then there were the four species of antthrush we found, including the rare Rufous-fronted at the island. White-throated and Purus jacamars, and Scarlet-hooded Barbets were among some of the specialties of Southeastern Peru that we saw well.
And how could I fail to mention the clay licks?! We had two visits to a two different licks. The first was at TRC, and we scored 12 species in less than two hours -- and I mean species that we saw very well, including scope views. I don’t know many places that offer this kind of diversity, not even in the famous Manu area. On our way to Refugio Amazonas, we stopped at another clay lick, where we enjoyed another great show -- but this time it ONLY large macaws!
Finally, at Refugio Amazonas, our last two days were spent looking for a young Harpy Eagle that had just left the nest but was still lingering in the area. We were very lucky; before we arrived, the chick had not been seen for a week! What a nice way to end the tour.
It was indeed a great tour, and I'm happy that I had the chance to share this particular place with you -- a place that I am very fond of -- indeed, a place that was, once upon a time, home for me. I really enjoyed your company, and have great memories that I will always carry with me.
I hope to cross paths with you again, somewhere else in the world. In the meantime, stay healthy, be happy and positive, and bird a lot!
Love, peace and joy,
-- Pepe
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)
The Tambopata Research Center (TRC) proved to be a good spot for seeing Blue-throated Piping-Guans. Photo by participant Dana Little.
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Mostly heard, but some of the group managed to get looks at one on the island trail. [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – We had our first encounter with these beasts at Tres Chimbadas Lake. Later in the tour, when we came back from TRC, we had great views of three birds on the river shore.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ORINOCO GOOSE (Neochen jubata) – We came across these birds four times during the trip, which is great considering how rare they are. Unfortunately, the population is declining due human pressure over their whole range. Luckily, they are common in this area.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Our first encounter was the best (in my humble opinion) since we had the chance to see a group with chicks.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – We saw this species several times during the trip, at different locations.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – All of our sightings were around TRC.
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – Of the three sightings we had, the first was (by far) my favorite. We were coming back from our morning outing when I bumped into a pair that started walking away very quietly -- which was actually good because it gave us the chance to gather everybody. Once we were all together, I was able to lure them back; the pair walked around us, allowing excellent looks!
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STARRED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus stellatus) – While hiking to the Harpy Eagle's nest, we encountered a pair that sneaked out of view too quickly. Although they responded well vocally to the tape, they didn't come out.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
A confiding Rufescent Tiger-Heron checked out the fish pond near TRC. Photo by participant Dana Little.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – We had great looks at one at the fish pond near TRC.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – This is quite a handsome bird; we saw good numbers during the tour.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Our best looks were from the tower at Posada Amazonas.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We saw some of these birds, already at their wintering grounds. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – These lovely, elegant birds were seen twice during the tour.
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – YES!!! This is an example of how persistence and patience, with the addition of the right skills and technique, pays off. Our first visit to the nest wasn't what we expected. Later that night, I learned that the Harpy hadn't been seen in the area for few days, which added a bit to your guide's concern, believe me! The following day we went earlier, and this time we succeeded. The thing that amazed me the most was how such a large bird sneaked in without being noticed by a group of birders! It was Dana who found the bird perched in a tree in front us. Needless to say, this was one of the favorite moments -- and birds -- of the trip!
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – While birding around the oxbow lake, we heard one calling as it soared above us. I caught its attention with the tape, and the bird flew above us, allowing good looks.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – As we were heading down the river, Jim spotted a well-hidden bird atop a tree by the river. It was a beautiful adult and the light on it enhanced the views. Thank you, Jim!
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – We saw an individual soaring on the third day of the tour.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – One of the most common birds during the tour, seen almost every day.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – One adult was spotted from the tower.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Or should I say "riverside hawk"?
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – We saw this bird twice during the tour - the first around the lower Tambopata River and the second time close to TRC.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – This bird is known to feed on other birds. In Florida, for instance, their diet is almost exclusively Red-winged Blackbirds. It would be interesting to know what they feed on in the rainforest.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – While birding along one of the trails at TRC, we bumped into an individual sitting by the creek. After we flushed it, we played the tape with the intention of luring it into the open. Though it responded, it did not show up....darn it!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – WOW! We had an amazing display at the lake. We heard one and decided to give it a try. The bird not only responded very well (getting close to the catamaran and allowing dynamite views), but at some point, I thought it was going to come on board with us!
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Together with the African Finfoot (Africa) and the Masked Finfoot (Eastern India and Southeast Asia), the Sungrebe is the third member of the Heliornithidae family. It ranges from southern Mexico well into South America. On this trip, we enjoyed great looks of this species several times.
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
The widespread Periander Metalmark (Rhetus periander) is found throughout much of Central and South America, from Mexico south to Brazil and Argentina. Photo by participant Ian Resnick.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – We saw two on the last day of our tour; I was surprised that we did not encounter them before that.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – We saw quite a few early arrivals from North America, already in the area along the Tambopata River. [b]
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda) – We didn't get a positive ID until we were going upriver and saw an individual sitting on a pebbled beach. What an odd place for this species! Those we found were definitively taking a rest on their way to their wintering grounds on the pampas of Argentina and Uruguay.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – This small, graceful tern was seen several times along the river.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – This larger tern was also seen along the Tambopata River.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – To catch prey, these birds have an amazing tactile adaptation. When a skimmer feeds, it flies very low, slicing the water with its mandible. As soon as the mandible touches something, the maxilla snaps shut and catches the fish. No sight is involved in the process, which enables them to catch fish even at night!
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – This species likes forest edges, and is common along river courses and oxbow lakes shores as we saw while birding at the lake.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Despite the abundance of this species, little is known about its ecology or reproduction.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Ditto.
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
We found plenty of Hoatzins along the edges of the oxbow lake at Posada Amazonas Lodge. Photo by participant Dana Little.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Pretty common during our trip.
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – This species is usually hard to find and see, but, to our good fortune, we were able to score one on this tour.
PHEASANT CUCKOO (Dromococcyx phasianellus) [*]
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – This is another species we saw during our visit to the oxbow lake. They're pretty cool-looking birds with a bizarre vocalization.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) – We found a responsive bird during our tour around the trails in TRC.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) – We saw this little owl pretty well at Refugio Amazonas, while trying to lure some Opal-crowned Tanagers. They came to the tape and then the real owl came too!
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Jim spotted an individual during daylight hours, sitting in the open during our visit to the island.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – I knew the spot where these bird roosted but this time they weren't there, so I walked along the sand bank while the group waited in the boat. At some point, I got close enough to flush them and we enjoyed great views in daylight.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – As its name suggests, it was indeed very common.
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – During the boat ride to TRC one was spotted sitting on the rocks. What camouflage!
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) – But, if I have to choose a best camouflaged bird, this one takes the prize. During one of our hikes, we found a female, which seemed nearly invisible, sitting on a ground nest. [N]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – Our local guide, Fernando, mentioned that he had seen one roosting along the Tambopata river -- and he found it again. Excellent.
What's cooler than finding a potoo on a day roost? Finding a potoo with a CHICK on a day roost! Here, a couple of Long-tailed Potoos snuggle; the youngster doesn't know yet to keep its eye shut. Photo by participant Ian Resnick.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – And this one was also a nice bird to come across during daylight, while following a tip from one of the local guides, who shared with us the location of a roosting bird.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – Hermits are the "quintessential pollinators" of many understory plants. This species likes mostly secondary growth.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – And this species likes more the "terra firme" forest.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – This species has the widest distribution of its genus, occurring from Panama south throughout much of South America.
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – This was one of the visitors to the Heliconias around the lodge.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) [N]
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
PAVONINE QUETZAL (Pharomachrus pavoninus) – We had a male that did not behave very well. Some folks got views but not everybody. Sorry!
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus striolatus)
SEMICOLLARED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila semicincta) – During our hike to the Harpy Eagle nest at Refugio Amazonas, we saw one that came from the ground, where it was (most likely) nesting. It perched for a while, allowing great looks for everybody.
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET (Nonnula ruficapilla)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – The common nunbird of the secondary growth and riverine habitats we explored during the tour.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – The nunbird of the terra firme forest.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
PURUS JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus purusianus) – We got very lucky with this one; we found a very cooperative pair around TRC.
WHITE-THROATED JACAMAR (Brachygalba albogularis) – Jim spotted these little beauties during our hike on the trail above the clay lick. It's another southeastern Peru specialty.
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – The commonest of the jacamars in the area, seen at various times and places during our trip.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea) – Great looks at this canopy dweller at Refugio Amazonas.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – Another canopy jacamar, unfortunately seen only by a few during our hike from the Posada Amazonas lodge to the river port.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
A handsome male Fork-tailed Woodnymph, one of many seen during the tour. Photo by participant Dana Little.
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – We also scored this bird.
SCARLET-HOODED BARBET (Eubucco tucinkae) – And had wonderful views of this southeastern Peru specialty at the island.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus atrogularis) – We saw this species from the tower as they fed on some Cecropia tree fruits.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – The most common of the toucans.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (BROWN-BILLED) (Pteroglossus azara mariae) – The subspecies we saw during our tour has a brown, rather than ivory, mandible. It used to be given the full species status; before it was lumped again, it was known as Brown-mandibled Aracari.
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) – This is one of my favorite aracaris due its weird-looking "curls".
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – It was too bad that this bird wan't more cooperative on our last morning. [*]
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – Remember the yelper? This was the largest of the toucans we saw on this trip.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – This croaker took second prize in the "size" competition, smaller only than the previous species -- and amazingly similar to it. In any case, we saw these birds very well.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RUFOUS-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus rufiventris) – This small bamboo specialist was heard only. Unfortunately, it didn't respond well to my efforts to lure it into view. [*]
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – This close relative of the Acorn Woodpecker was nicely seen several times.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – This and the following species are very similar. Fortunately, one can rely on habitat preference, calls, and -- of course -- years of experience to tell them apart!
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – This small woodpecker prefers terra firme forest, while the previous species likes second growth habitats.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – We scored great looks at this flicker at the river island we visited.
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) – We saw this species around the Harpy Eagle nest.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – By some strange coincidence, we saw this species at the same spot -- and at the same time -- as we did the previous species.
The yellow facial skin and brown flight feathers mark this Black Caracara as a youngster. Photo by participant Ian Resnick.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – This relative of the Pileated Woodpecker was seen nicely several times.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – One morning on our way to the forest from the lobby at TRC, I heard this bird -- and after playing the tape got an amazing response. We even had great scope views!
BUCKLEY'S FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur buckleyi) – WOW! I got the first record of this bird in the Tambopata area back in 2003. Since then, sightings have become more common. This is a great example of how knowledge of bird vocalizations in the tropics can enhance the tour experience.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – These noisy birds were seen around TRC.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Besides its great vocalization, this bird is quite handsome. Steve Hilty, in the description of the species in his Colombia field guide, calls it "the panda bear" of birds.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – It may be a common species, but it's also a very good looking bird -- nobody can argue otherwise! In my humble opinion, the genus Falco has some of the most beautiful (and fascinating) raptors of the world.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – We had some flybys but also scored scope views of these little psittacids.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Among the most handsome of the parrots that we saw on the morning we visited the TRC clay lick.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – These were also present at the area; we had our best looks at them at the clay lick.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – One of the large Amazona parrots that we saw well, also at the clay lick.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – These are the largest parrots in the area, and we had great studies of them side by side with the previous species, allowing comparison of their features. Special attention was given to their "whitish green" plumage.
WHITE-BELLIED PARROT (Pionites leucogaster) – Without any doubt, these little parrots are also very good-looking, and we enjoyed great scope views of them.
BLACK-CAPPED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura rupicola) – At the Posada Amazonas tower, we had some come to investigate the Amazonian Pygmy-Owl vocalizations that I played.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – These also were seen at the TRC clay lick.
We had great looks at Blue-headed Macaws from the canopy tower -- despite the fog! Photo by Ian Resnick.
BLUE-HEADED MACAW (Primolius couloni) – When we climbed to the tower, it was foggy and we couldn't really see much in the distance. However, I heard a pair of these birds flying by and decided to play the tape anyway. To our surprise and delight, not only did they respond, they perched in front of us in a tree for few moments before taking off again! To our good fortune, they remained at the area, and when the fog lifted and I played the tape again, they came straight towards us and circled around the tower. I don't think anybody could have asked for a better view than that. It was JUST GREAT!!!!
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – Great studies throughout the trip, with the best looks coming at the other clay lick we visited on our way back to Refugio Amazonas at the end of the tour.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – Ditto.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – Ditto.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Our best looks were at the TRC clay lick.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – Ditto.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BAMBOO ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae) – A very uncooperative bamboo specialist, which did not show itself. [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – The best looks at this bird were around the clay lick.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – A rather common bird during the trip, seen several times during our hikes in the forest.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops kapouni) – Heard first, but on our last day, we finally caught up with it.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus) – This species is a regular member of mixed understory flocks and we saw it very well every time we encountered such a flock.
BLUISH-SLATE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes schistogynus) – This, the sentinel species of mixed flocks, was also seen very well.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli) – During our hike after the rain, this was one of the species we saw.
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma) – Ditto.
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata meridionalis) – We found this facultative bamboo user along the bamboo trail before the front hit the area, thanks to Dana, who spotted it.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Another nuclear species of the mixed flocks we encountered, also saw very well.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Ditto.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii menetriesii) – Ditto.
It's always a treat to see a potoo during the day, and thanks to information from a local guide, we had nice views of a Common Potoo on its dayroost as well. Photo by participant Ian Resnick.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis albicauda) – Another bamboo specialist conveniently seen at the bamboo trail.
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei) – Another bamboo specialist -- an obligate bamboo user to be more precise -- seen well on the bamboo trail near TRC. Actually, we saw a pair!
YELLOW-BREASTED WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis subflava collinsi) – This species was also seen at the bamboo area, though it isn't a bamboo specialist; it's complicated!
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) – I did not expect to see this species at Posada Amazonas. As the matter of fact, it was the first time this species has ever been recorded there -- kind of a lifer!
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – A very common species, seen once very well, but heard almost every day.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) [*]
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – This is an antbird associated with bodies of water. We saw a pair at one of those bodies of water near TRC.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – This antbird also is associated with bodies of water; we saw a pair at Tres Chimbadas Lake.
WHITE-LINED ANTBIRD (Percnostola lophotes) – We saw this bamboo specialist along the bamboo trail around Tres Chimbadas Lake.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hemimelaena) – This is one of the most common antbirds in the area.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) – In another great example of the high degree of specialization of tropical birds, this antbird is always associated with secondary vegetation along river shores and islands.
GOELDI'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza goeldii) – This large antbird, another bamboo specialist, was seen well along the bamboo trail around the lake.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) – This was seen at the same pond where we saw the Band-tailed Antbird.
WHITE-THROATED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys salvini) – The best looks we had of this ant-following antbird came as we returned from the Harpy Eagle's nest. There was a pair foraging along the trail, at plain sight!
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
AMAZONIAN ANTPITTA (Hylopezus berlepschi) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – We saw a pair engaged on what it seemed to be a courtship display around TRC on our first hike.
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – A common Formicarius of the area forests, seen well during our tour.
RUFOUS-FRONTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufifrons) – Another of the southeastern Peru specialties, seen pretty well. This species was rediscovered by the late Ted Parker in the 1980's around Manu National Park; after he recorded its vocalization, it was found in more areas in Madre de Dios. It's almost an endemic, which barely reaches adjacent Brazil and Bolivia.
STRIATED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza nobilis) – We scored all the formicarids of the area. This one put up an incredible show, parading around us for a long time and allowing great looks.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – This bird was seen (and heard) a few times on the trip. Stay tuned, because there is sure to be some splitting in the future.
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) – Our last hike around TRC produced this bird.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – This smallest of woodcreepers was seen several times too.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – While hiking the bamboo trail at TRC, we saw this bird.
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – We heard this bird the day we went to Tres Chimbadas Lake, but it wasn't until we visited the island at TRC that we got some views of it.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (JURUA) (Dendrocolaptes certhia juruanus) [*]
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans juruanus) – Seen at least twice during the tour. The subspecies juruanus, which is what we get in this part of Peru, differs from the ornatus of the northern Amazon by having smaller dots and a darker head.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) – This is the most common woodcreeper in the area.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – We scored a nice bird at TRC's bamboo trail.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – Around TRC's trail, we scored a responsive and well-behaved individual.
If I had to choose a best camouflaged bird, this Ocellated Poorwill would take the prize! It was very nearly invisible as it sat on its nest. Photo by participant Ian Resnick.
DUSKY-CHEEKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops dorsalis) – This bamboo specialist did not respond well to our efforts to lure it into view. Bummer. [*]
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum) – We saw this furnariid during our hike in the forest.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – This other furnariid was seen on the same day as the previous species -- but on the island, in the habitat it prefers.
PERUVIAN RECURVEBILL (Syndactyla ucayalae) – Heard by some, seen by others. Not my favorite moment of the tour, but that's birding!
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) – We encountered this arboreal furnariid after we saw the Harpy Eagle.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) – One seen at Tres Chimbadas Lake.
BROWN-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus melanopezus) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (OLIVE-BACKED) (Automolus infuscatus infuscatus) [*]
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) [*]
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – The morning we were at the TRC clay lick, this bird was calling from the other side of the river. Knowing it was a long shot, I tried the tape anyway. To my surprise, the bird responded by flying across the river and perching very close to where we were, then flying back to cover -- but allowing great views of it. I love birding!
CABANIS'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cabanisi) – This bamboo specialist was only heard at the island we visited one afternoon. [*]
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) – This skulker was seen and heard several times.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) [*]
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – Across from the spot where we went to watch the macaw activity at TRC, we saw this rather large elaenia, which has a very prominent crest.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER (Mionectes macconnelli)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) – We had great views of this terrestrial flycatcher at TRC. We actually saw an individual (presumably a female) carrying nesting material. Later on our trip, we saw another individual around Refugio Amazonas. [N]
WHITE-BELLIED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus griseipectus) [*]
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – This little gem was seen at the river port while we waited to board our boat to Posada Amazonas lodge.
A pair of Purus Jacamars at TRC proved nicely cooperative. Photo by participant Dana Little.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – We enjoyed great looks at this bird in the clearing around TRC.
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) [*]
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – I really like this little flycatcher. Do you remember its big eyes?
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – On our way back to the boat after visiting the large macaw clay lick, we found this species perched in some grass.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Very common along the river.
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis) – This bird likes rocky shores and that's precisely where we found it on the trip.
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum) – One of the bamboo specialists that we expected to find on this trip -- and we did! There was one responsive individual on the bamboo trail at TRC.
DUSKY-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
WHITE-RUMPED SIRYSTES (Sirystes albocinereus) – One seen along the trail system at Posada Amazonas on our first morning in the rainforest.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – It is indeed gray!!!
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – One of the first birds we saw at our second stop by the creek on our way to the port.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Ditto.
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Ditto.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) – This is one of those common flycatchers of open secondary growth areas, but it took a while before we were able to find one on the island we visited near TRC.
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – On our last morning, we had this bird at Refugio Amazonas.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – Ditto.
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes luteiventris) – This boreal migrant was seen twice on this, its wintering grounds. [b]
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Not a pirate because of its face pattern, but because of its habit of taking over an oropendola or cacique's nest for its own use.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) [a]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) – This might have been one of the earliest migrants to arrive in the area, where they are not uncommon at all during the boreal winter. [b]
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – What a nice show these birds put up for us. Always a crowd pleaser.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – Though we did not see these birds, their piercing calls were a constant reminder of their presence. [*]
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – We saw several during the tour. The flight pattern of this species strongly resembles that of woodpeckers.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – This is a species that always amazes me. At the hottest time of the day in the rainforest, when the only other creatures making any sound are the cicadas, this bird is always actively vocalizing. We saw it around TRC.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – Only a female was seen during our trip.
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) – Great views of colorful males on a lek. Later, we saw several females along the trails.
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla) – This bird was one of those "seen by some and heard by others".
ROUND-TAILED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra chloromeros) – Another great show from these little gems.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – On our first morning on the canopy tower, this bird was one of the first we saw in the tree with the oropendola nests.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – We saw this species several times during the tour. It normally replaces the previous species in more disturbed habitats.
The White-throated Jacamar is one of the specialties of southwestern Peru. Photo by participant Dana Little.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – We scored these birds twice during the tour.
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – At the Round-tailed Manakin's lek, there was a male vocalizing, but it didn't come into view. Bummer! [*]
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – This becard was nicely seen as part of a mixed flock. Great views of a male showing off his pink throat.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – The bird we saw is the resident form. Some taxonomic authorities call it the Chivi Vireo.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – This species likes to be closer to the hills, and TRC is a great place to see them.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – On the other hand, its cousin has a more widespread distribution, and tends to be more common elsewhere.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Always along rivers and other bodies of water.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Also a common bird near water.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – This close relative of the Cactus Wren was seen twice on the trip. [*]
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – We had nice views of these birds along the bamboo trail by the lake.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Hearing the song of this species would be enough to amaze anybody, but seeing it as we did must be on another level. Well done!
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Our best looks were by the grassy spot at Tres Chimbadas Lake, where one individual had a pretty close encounter with our catamaran. It was actually one of those situations where binoculars are not necessary.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
Finding this young Harpy Eagle, just fledged from its nest, was a real treat -- and quite lucky, considering it hadn't been seen for nearly a week before our visit! Photo by participant Dana Little.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – This is a common bird in secondary growth areas, such as farms -- and even city gardens. We scored one at our first stop by the creek on our way to the river port.
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – During our hikes in the forest, we saw this bird foraging on the ground. Apparently, it wasn't worried about our presence, which was nice, because we had the chance to study it very well.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – We saw this bird in its favorite habitat -- near water.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – I didn't grow up seeing magpies -- not even close! So it was hard to understand how this species got its name. Then I moved to California and saw my first magpie, and it made perfect sense as to why this species is named as it is.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – Seen several times with mixed flocks we encountered.
WHITE-WINGED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio versicolor) – This bird is the sentinel species in canopy-level mixed flocks.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – A common bird but beautiful, and always nice to watch.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Ditto.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – One of the common tanagers of the trip.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Ditto.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – It had been a while since I had seen this species, so it was pretty cool to see one from the tower on the morning we were getting ready to go to TRC.
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra) – Always a crowd pleaser.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Eye candy.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) – A family group around the lobby in Refugio Amazonas came to mob an Amazonian Pygmy-Owl.
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – A single bird came with the Opal-rumped Tanagers to mob the pygmy-owl -- briefly.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Another of those birds that fits into the eye candy category.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Our first looks were of a male perched in a tree at the river port, seen while we waited for our boat. Later, around TRC, we enjoyed scope views of a female.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – This bird was in the same flock as the Green-and-Gold and White-shouldered tanagers.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Seen around the Puerto Maldonado area. These birds were introduced a few years ago by a bird trapper who released them to avoid being by the authorities. With no exposure to predators or diseases, they have done very well and are now well established in the area. [I]
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Seen pretty well around the clay lick.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) – One of the first birds we saw on the trip, seen at our second stop on the road to Infierno.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – This bird seen around TRC.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – And this one seen at our second stop on the road to Infierno.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – The vocalization of this species reminds me of the song of the Grasshopper Sparrow.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – We saw these birds as part of an understory mixed flock.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – A common bird on this tour. These birds are obligate nest parasites which target oropendolas. Their strategy is to lay an egg in an unattended oropendola nest when the female leaves the colony to forage.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – Another parasitic bird, though with a different strategy from that of the cowbirds. Instead of leaving its eggs to the care of the oropendolas, the troupial takes a completed nest and defends it fiercely as its own against the female oropendola. Despite their smaller size, they always prevail.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Another common bird, seen almost every day.
A number of male Band-tailed Manakins dazzled on their lek. I don't know about the females, but we were certainly impressed! Photo by participant Dana Little.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Another common bird for the trip.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – I can't remember the last time I saw so many of these birds during a tour.
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus) – This, the largest oropendola in the area, was also seen several times.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) [*]
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – Seen around the lake; their outstanding camouflaged pelage mimics tree bark, so they blend into their surroundings where they perch for the day.
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – This must be the most common and widespread species of monkey in southeastern Peru. They can be found in a number of habitats, even in the city of Puerto Maldonado. It's a species that seems to tolerate forest fragmentation better than other primates do.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – Normally, we encounter more groups than we did this trip. In any case, I'm glad we had the opportunity to see these little monkeys.
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus) – This is the only species of night monkey in South America. They may have evolved their nocturnal habits either to avoid competition with other, larger diurnal species of primates or to avoid predation -- or both!
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) – There are eight subspecies of Dusky Titi Monkeys; we saw C. m. brunneus.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – This is one of the largest primates in South America; it's very slow due to its low-energy, leaf-based diet. The sound they produce (thanks to an extraordinarily well-developed hyoid bone, which acts like a resonance box in their throat) carries a long way in the forest.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – It's not uncommon to find troops of this species with smaller squirrel monkeys; however, that wasn't the case on this tour.
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus) – Seeing this species on multiple days during a tour is a very rare event elsewhere in South America. However, this area is one of South America's best preserved forests, so it's more common here.
Troops of Brown Capuchins are a regular feature on this tour; they're often in association with smaller squirrel monkeys. -- but not this year. Photo by participant Dana Little.
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – The largest rodent of the world.
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – Agoutis are responsible for dispersing the seeds of many tree species in the tropical rainforest. In this particular area, they are a key species for the successful dispersal of Brazil nut trees.
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis) – We saw one on our way downriver from TRC. It was rolling over the mud on the river bank, possibly to get rid of parasites.
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – The largest otter of the world! We saw a pair (including a pregnant female) at Tres Chimbadas Lake.
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari) – Large numbers of these pig relatives were seen around TRC, including at the clay lick.
BROWN BROCKET DEER (Mazama gouazoubira) – A very rare mammal, seen by Bob and I on our hike from the boat to the lodge at Refugio Amazonas.
Herps
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other creatures seen during the tour:
We had other animal sights during the tour, which were no part of the checklist so I am including those here.
Yellow-footed Tortoise (Geochelone denticulata)
Yellow-spotted Side-necked Turtle (Podoecnimis unifilis)
Amazonian Racerunner Lizard (Ameiva ameiva)
Tree Runner Lizard (Trpidurus plica)
Anole Lizard (Anolis sps)
Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)
Chicken Spider (Pamphobetus sps)
Totals for the tour: 309 bird taxa and 15 mammal taxa